Mera at East Shore is a new 55+ active adult rental community at 2317 Ocoee Apopka Road in Apopka, managed by Sparrow Living. Its community manager told us it will have 196 homes, from studios to three-bedroom apartments plus eight single-level cottages, and two to three resident events every day. Pre-leasing is open ahead of a planned spring 2027 opening.
Updated October 10, 2026 · Now with our video interview
FL Homes Magazine's Ray Nadeau talks with Mera's community manager about the homes, the location, and what daily life there is designed to look like. About 10 minutes.
Recorded in September 2026, before opening. Plans described may change; confirm details with the leasing team.
Six questions about Mera, answered in Maried's own words.
Maried pointed to management and programming more than the buildings. Sparrow Living, which will manage Mera, plans two to three resident events every day, organized by a dedicated Lifestyle and Engagement team. The range runs from water aerobics, Zumba, and chair yoga to crafts, painting, and poker.
"We are focusing on the needs and wants of our residents. We actually want to hear from them."Maried Yavorosky, Community Manager
Residents can also lead their own groups. Her examples: someone who plays guitar or bocce can start a group, and the staff will support it.
Maried said Mera will have 196 homes. The four-story main building holds studios through three-bedroom apartments. Eight cottages sit apart from the main building, each on one level, so your neighbors are beside you instead of above you. That total lines up with GrowthSpotter's earlier report of 188 homes in the main building.
She described granite countertops, vinyl flooring, walk-in showers, and lighting under the cabinets in both the kitchen and the bathroom. Mera's published materials add stainless steel appliances, an in-home washer and dryer, and a private terrace or balcony.
Mera sits at the edge of Ocoee and Apopka, close to Winter Garden and downtown Apopka, with less traffic and fewer tourists. A new Publix is right next door, a hospital is catty-corner to the property, and State Road 429 is less than half a mile away.
"We're only about 20 to 25 minutes drive from the heart of Orlando."Maried Yavorosky, Community Manager
She put the drive to the airport at about the same, plus roughly five minutes.
No more AC, roof, plumbing, or lawn care, and no surprise repair bills. Maintenance is handled by the community, and the grounds and landscaping are kept up for you.
"You will have someone on call 24-7 for any kind of emergencies."Maried Yavorosky, Community Manager
It depends on the resident. Some will fill their week from the events calendar. Others will use the amenities on their own schedule: the fitness center, lap pool, pickleball, gas grills, raised garden boxes, media room, library, game room, and craft room. Maried framed the smaller square footage as a choice. You downsize and stop cleaning a four- or five-bedroom house.
"It kind of gives them that freedom to choose what they want to do."Maried Yavorosky, Community Manager
Quotes are lightly edited for clarity (filler words removed). Watch the full interview above for complete context.
| Type | 55+ active adult rental community (apartments and cottages) |
|---|---|
| Address | 2317 Ocoee Apopka Road, Apopka, FL 32703 (Orange County) |
| Pre-leasing office | 2222 Ocoee Apopka Road, Suite 114, Apopka |
| Managed by | Sparrow Living |
| Community manager | Maried Yavorosky |
| Homes | 196 total, per the community manager: studio, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments in a four-story main building, plus eight single-level cottages; 18 floor plans, about 510 to 1,341 sq ft |
| Lifestyle | Two to three resident events per day, run by a Lifestyle and Engagement team |
| Lease terms | Leases up to 24 months available |
| Pets | Pet friendly with breed and weight restrictions; on-site dog park |
| Opening | Spring 2027, per the community manager |
Eighteen floor plans across the main building and standalone cottages. Several one- and two-bedroom plans include a study.
| Home type | Plans | Approx. size | Starting rent* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 1 | 510 sq ft | $1,599 |
| 1 bedroom | 9 (3 with study) | 620–1,069 sq ft | $1,772 |
| 2 bedroom | 4 (2 with study) | 1,066–1,341 sq ft | $2,299 |
| 3 bedroom | 1 | 1,291 sq ft | $2,889 |
| Cottages | 3 (1 and 3 bedroom) | 914–1,304 sq ft | $2,570 |
*Starting base rents as published by the community on October 7, 2026. Rents, specials, and availability change, and additional fees (such as utilities, trash, water, and amenities) may apply. Confirm current pricing before you apply.
Open-concept layouts with walk-in closets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, luxury vinyl plank flooring, an in-home washer and dryer, and a private terrace or balcony. Select homes add 9-foot ceilings, walk-in glass showers, dual vanities, extra storage, or a private fenced yard with gate access.
A resort-style pool with sun deck and grilling stations, a courtyard with bocce, pickleball, and a fire table, a 24-hour fitness studio with weekly classes, a community garden with raised beds, and a dog park. The clubhouse includes a community kitchen and lounge, game room, media room, craft room, library, and business center. The grounds are smoke-free with controlled-access gates, detached garages and reserved parking, EV charging, and bike storage.
Mera sits beside the Publix-anchored Shoppes at East Shore, near AdventHealth Apopka and State Road 429. Mera's community manager puts the drive to the heart of Orlando at about 20 to 25 minutes. Lake Apopka and Magnolia Park are close by for walking and the outdoors.
Mera is built for people 55 and older who want to stop maintaining a house without giving up space or independence. It's an especially natural fit for West Orange and Apopka homeowners who want to stay close to family, doctors, and familiar routines. It is a housing community, not a care provider, so it suits residents who live independently.
Yes. Mera is a 55+ active adult community. Ask the leasing team how age is verified and whether a younger spouse or partner can live with you.
196, according to community manager Maried Yavorosky: apartments from studios to three bedrooms in the main building, plus eight single-level cottages.
Mera's community manager told us the community plans to open in spring 2027. Pre-leasing is already underway.
Yes. Pre-leasing is underway from the leasing office at 2222 Ocoee Apopka Road, Suite 114. Leasing early typically means first choice of floor plan and location.
Yes, with breed and weight restrictions. Pets are registered with the office, and a one-time pet deposit and/or pet rent applies.
The community publishes a fee guide covering items such as utilities, trash, water, and amenities. Ask for the full monthly total, not just base rent, so you can compare it fairly against staying in your current home.
No. Like most 55+ communities, Mera is independent living without personal care services. Our 55+ Living guide explains the difference between 55+, independent living, and assisted living.
Guides for selling the family home and right-sizing in Central Florida.
Sources: on-camera interview with Maried Yavorosky, community manager, recorded September 2026; Mera at East Shore published amenities and floor plans (meraateastshore.com), reviewed October 7, 2026; developer and unit details as reported by GrowthSpotter.
We can walk you through floor plans and current availability, and set up your visit with the Mera leasing team.
Call (407) 544-4704