Quick Facts
- County
- Lake
- Entity type
- Incorporated town
- Major roads
- CR 48, SR 19, US 27 access
- Housing types
- Single-family, lakefront, golf community homes
- Lake access
- Lake Harris and the Harris chain
- Golf
- Mission Inn Resort, two courses
- New construction
- Limited
Howey-in-the-Hills Map
Quick Overview
Howey-in-the-Hills was founded in the 1920s by citrus magnate William J. Howey, who planted thousands of acres of oranges in the hills of central Lake County. The town's character still reflects that heritage, with groves, rolling terrain, and a small historic core.
The town sits on the western shore of Lake Harris, part of the Harris chain of lakes, and is home to the Mission Inn Resort and Club, a destination golf resort with two courses and a long resort history.
For relocation buyers, Howey-in-the-Hills offers an unhurried, lakeside and golf-oriented setting in the middle of Lake County's lake country, well outside the Orlando commuter rush.
Neighborhoods
Howey-in-the-Hills is a compact town of homes on larger lots, lakefront sections along Lake Harris, and neighborhoods tied to the Mission Inn golf courses. The surrounding area is a mix of groves, pastures, and rural residential land.
The town's historic center has a few local businesses, and the larger commercial areas of Leesburg, Tavares, and Mount Dora are a short drive.
Housing
Housing in Howey-in-the-Hills is predominantly single-family, with lakefront properties along Lake Harris, golf-course homes near the resort, and country homes on acreage. The stock is mainly mid-century through newer, with some historic properties near the core.
New construction is limited. Many properties use wells and septic, and lakefront homes carry flood zone and waterfront considerations.
Transportation
CR 48 and SR 19 connect Howey to the surrounding lake country, and US 27 is a short drive west through Leesburg. The nearest expressway access is the Turnpike area to the south via SR 429, roughly 30 to 40 minutes away.
Local roads are rural and two lanes, and traffic is light except around resort events.
Drive times depend on traffic, route, and exact address. Depending on conditions, trips to downtown Orlando typically take about 50 to 60 minutes. The Walt Disney World area is roughly 55 to 65 minutes away, and Orlando International Airport (MCO) usually runs about 60 to 70 minutes.
Daily Life
Mission Inn anchors recreation with its two golf courses, resort pools, and dining, and Lake Harris provides boating and fishing as part of the chain. The town's quiet streets and rural setting define daily life.
Leesburg, Tavares, and Mount Dora provide shopping, dining, and events a short drive away.
Schools
Howey-in-the-Hills is served by Lake County Schools, with elementary, middle, and high school assignments varying by address, generally in the Leesburg and Tavares attendance areas.
School zones are address-based and can change. Verify the assignment for any specific address with the Lake County Schools school locator before buying.
Things to Consider Before Moving to Howey-in-the-Hills
Distance from Orlando
Downtown Orlando is roughly 50 to 60 minutes away. This is a lake-country community, not a commuter suburb.
Well and septic
Many homes rely on private wells and septic systems. Confirm utilities for any property.
Lake flood zones
Lakefront properties on Lake Harris may sit in flood zones. Check designations before buying.
Limited local services
Groceries, medical care, and most services involve a drive to Leesburg, Tavares, or Mount Dora.
Nearby Communities to Explore
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Howey-in-the-Hills in?
Howey-in-the-Hills is an incorporated town in Lake County, Florida, on Lake Harris in the central lake country.
What is Mission Inn?
Mission Inn Resort and Club is a golf resort in the Howey area with two courses, lodging, dining, and recreation, with a long local history as a destination resort.
Is Howey-in-the-Hills close to Orlando?
Downtown Orlando is roughly 50 to 60 minutes away by car depending on traffic and route.
Does Howey-in-the-Hills have lake access?
Yes. The town sits on Lake Harris, part of the Harris chain of lakes, offering boating, fishing, and waterfront living.
What schools serve Howey-in-the-Hills?
Lake County Schools serves the town, with assignments generally in the Leesburg and Tavares attendance areas. Verify address-level zoning.
Last updated: August 27, 2026. Published by Moving to Orlando Guide with Tyler Gibson.
