Florida's Regions, Counties, Cities and Towns:

LAKE COUNTY


Real Estate

2007 2008 4/2009
Median Price* Single Family Home $248,900 $201,500 $141,800
Median Price* Condominium $158,500 $117,700 $52,700

* Median Price of 101 homes sold would be that price which is lower than 50 of the prices and also higher than 50 of the prices. In other words, there are homes and condominiums available in every price range in Lake County. Median prices shown above are for the Orlando MSA. The statistics are meant to give you a feel for the area as compared to others you may be considering and to show the direction of the market.

Taxes

Visit Buy a Home in Florida for comprehensive property tax information.

Weather 

Average High/Low in January 72/49, in July  90/71


From the 1840s when Capt. Melton Haynes trekked through Central Florida to settle in the heart of Lake County, many of those who have visited Lake County since have decided to stay — and for good reason.

Lake County is known for its diverse landscape and terrain ranging from 0 to 315 feet above sea level. With rolling hills dotted by orange groves in the south to the pristine flora of “Old Florida” in the north, the striking physical beauty of Lake County has captured the hearts and imagination of many. With an array of dynamic features that includes more than 1,000 lakes and rivers, Lake County continues to attract visitors for many of the same reasons that captivated Capt. Haynes.

In Lake County's earliest beginnings, pioneers looked to the earth for their livelihood. It grew into a place rich in agriculture. The County was home to Florida's largest peach orchard in the 1920s and was second in the world for citrus production in the 1960s. Mother Nature took a toll on those citrus crops during a series of freezes in the 1980s. Because of the permanent damage to many citrus groves, the growers moved south.

Today, Lake County is a different place. Expansive parks and recreational facilities, and higher paying jobs are the key reasons. A booming population has led to a surge of new housing construction. Tourism is at an all-time high. Visitors flock to antique shopping areas and cruise on the many lakes. Sports enthusiasts experience the adrenaline rush found at several competition water-ski schools and a nationally recognized triathlon training center.

For all these reasons, Lake County is a different kind of community. County government working hand in hand with businesses, civic groups, organizations and city leaders resulted in these positive changes. Together, the leaders of the community and its citizens are continuously striving to make Lake County a wonderful place to live, work and play.

Events

Lake County publishes an extensive Event Guide that we highly recommend you take a look at here: http://www.lakecountyfl.gov/visitors/guides/events/index.html

Just to give you an idea of what awaits you in Lake County, here the events for one day, 7/25/09!

Arts & Culture

For the charm of “Old Florida” culture and history, Lake County provides a beautiful destination. Express yourself or appreciate the creations of others at Lake County's unique art centers, galleries and exhibits. Enjoy a theatrical performance, classical music concert, or jazz festival at a winery. Relive the past at Lake County's intriguing historical museums, libraries and monuments. Cultural and historical opportunities can be an enchanting, memorable part of your life in Lake County.

Parks & Recreation

With more than 1,000 lakes and rivers, there’s no surprise how Lake County got its name.

It is not only home to hundreds of waterways, but the quality of freshwater fishing and boating amenities are some of the best in the region.

The Parks & Trails Division maintains three dozen parks, recreation sites and boat ramps for the citizens of Lake County.  Click: all upcoming events  to see all of the activities hosted by the Parks & Trails division.

From Hickory Point Recreational Facility, a park that features 12 boat ramps with access to the eight-lake Harris Chain, to the tranquil and picturesque water trails, which offer canoeists and kayakers plenty of outdoor adventures, Lake County is the closest thing in the state to a freshwater boater’s paradise.

Largemouth bass and crappie are found in almost every body of water in the area. In fact, nationally televised fishing tournaments come to Lake County each year. With hundreds of lakes brimming with prize catches, anglers sometimes face a tough decision about where to cast a line.

The Great Florida Birding Trail is a bird watcher’s dream. The segmented trail of prominent and hidden bird-watching locations is marked with highway signs that ease the ability to locate these environmental wonders for bird watchers.

Of the 135 sites spread throughout the East Florida Section of the trail from Jacksonville to Cocoa Beach, eight are located in Lake County, though the Oklawaha Valley Audubon Society is working to get this expanded to include the Palatlakaha Environmental & Agricultural Reserve in South Lake County.

Use the Great Florida Birding Trail map to view the listed trail sites in Lake County:

  • Great Florida Birding Trail Map (518 KB)
  • Site 36 - Alexander Springs in the Ocala National Forest
  • Site 38 - Emeralda Island Road access to Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area
  • Site 39 - Treasure Island Road access to Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area
  • Site 40 - Hidden Waters Preserve
  • Site 49 - Rock Springs Run State Preserve
  • Site 50 - Seminole State Forest
  • Site 51 - Lower Wekiva River State Preserve (access from both Lake and Seminole counties)
  • Site 72 - Lake Louisa State Park

Visit Your Florida Lifestyle for more information on fishing and our Guide to Establishing Florida Residency for Florida fishing license information.

Golf

The diverse landscape of Lake County not only benefits outdoor adventurers but thrill-seeking golfers too. The 24 private, semi-private and public courses (not including the 33 courses in The Villages) boast scenic vistas of "Old Florida" as well as the natural rolling hills unique to only this Central Florida area.  With dramatic fairway elevation changes and spectacular lake views, experienced or beginning duffers can swing away on some challenging public links or top-rated championship layouts.

Visit Your Florida Lifestyle for additional golf information.

Hospitals

Visit Florida Medical Resources for comprehensive information including Florida hospital ratings.

Colleges

For information on Lifelong Learning, visit Your Florida Lifestyle.
Airports

Shopping

In addition to all major chains such as TJ Max, Bed Bath & Beyond and Best Buy and Florida department stores like Beall’s, for the basics, you can fill an entire day with pleasure shopping and treasure hunting in Lake County. Search for that special one-of-a-kind gem among the many quaint shops, charming boutiques or the huge mall of antiques on 117 acres housing 1,400 dealers. The farmer’s markets and flea markets overflow with everything from specialty orchids to imported antique weapons and farm-fresh strawberries. From vintage clothing and costumes, old south unique collectables, to exotic carousels, residents and visitors can find what they are looking for and more in Lake County.

Mount Dora, is known as the "The Antique Capital of Central Florida."  In addition to the above mentioned antique mall, downtown Mount Dora has art galleries and boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants. You can check out the  The Mount Dora Village Merchants Association here:  www.mtdora.org.

The Villages’ two Town Squares are a shopper’s delight with many local boutiques and interesting shops to explore. 

Lake County, Florida, Cities &Towns

Incorporated
  1. Town of Astatula
  2. City of Clermont
  3. City of Eustis
  4. City of Fruitland Park
  5. City of Groveland
  6. Town of Howey-in-the-Hills
  7. Town of Lady Lake
  8. City of Leesburg
  9. City of Mascotte
  10. City of Minneola
  11. Town of Montverde
  12. City of Mount Dora
  13. City of Tavares
  14. City of Umatilla

Unincorporated

Additional Resources

Lake County Government http://www.lakecountyfl.gov/visitors/

Featured Towns/Cities

The Villages

The Villages is an active retirement community like none other!  Conceived over 50 years ago, The Villages has flourished under the guidance of the family who created it, its dedicated employees, and most importantly the folks who call The Villages home.

The founder’s purpose always has, and always will be, “To create a retirement community where people’s dreams can come true.”  They continue to redefine retirement living by offering the best in homes, lifestyle and amenities for their residents each and every day.

Billed as “Florida’s Friendliest Hometown,” its town squares are where good friends and neighbors gather for a great time dancing to the rhythm of nightly entertainment, dining in a choice restaurant, or enjoying the latest movie at the theater.

There are endless opportunities to fine tune a lifelong passion, try something you’ve always wanted to try, or just pick up where you left off as a kid.

The Villages has 24 executive golf courses and 9 championship courses.  There are activities and clubs galore, fabulous community pools and recreation centers and extensive lifelong learning classes.  If you are staying at home, it is NOT because you can’t easily find something to do!

Housing ranges from small courtyard and patio homes in the low - high $100’s to large executive homes in the $500’s - $700’s.

If you would like to get a feel for home prices in The Villages, visit www.zillow.com and search for recent homes sold.

If you would prefer to save precious time and would like personalized assistance, call or email us today to take advantage of our free Florida Relocation Services.  We’ll answer all of your questions and if the timing is right for you, we’ll introduce you to one of the best real estate agents in The Villages who can provide detailed information and professional assistance.  

Mount Dora

Mount Dora evokes that quiet and comfortable “Southern” charm and hospitality of a lakefront community nestled amongst the gentle hills and orange groves of Central Florida.  At an elevation of 184 feet above sea level, Mount Dora is Florida’s equivalent of a mountain top town.   It sits up high overlooking 6 mile long Lake Dora and there are lovely views from many parts of town. The lake plays an important role as it’s popular with resident boaters as well as those who enjoy living along its shoreline.  Lake Dora is part of the chain of lakes leading ultimately to the Atlantic Ocean.

Mount Dora may remind you of a small, pretty New England town with its beautiful restored Victorian homes and oak shaded streets.  Whether you are looking for a respite from the pressures of life and seek solitude overlooking its beautiful vistas, or you desire active shopping and recreation to compliment the many festivals and community events, you can find it all in Mount Dora. 

Mount Dora’s reputation is that of an art community and its many festivals reflect that. Here is a sampling:

35th Annual Arts Festival
Mount Dora Music Festival
Mount Dora Library Association Series Presents: The New Rascals
Festival of Reading
Village Antique Festival
Sail Boat Regatta
9th Annual Taste of Mount Dora

Mount Dora offers an interesting mix of historic homes and newer to new construction. Town homes, condos and single family homes are available close to downtown or in the city’s surrounding areas.  Downtown locations command higher prices, of course.  Gated communities with various amenities are available as are waterfront and county club communities.

If you would like to get a feel for home prices in Mount Dora, visit www.zillow.com and search for recent homes sold.

If you would prefer to save precious time and would like personalized assistance, call or email us today to take advantage of our free Florida Relocation Services.  We’ll answer all of your questions and if the timing is right for you, we’ll introduce you to one of the best real estate agents in Mount Dora who can provide detailed information and professional assistance.  

 


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