Lake County

Where Is Lake County?

Lake County is located northwest of Orange County and north of Polk County. It covers approximately 1,157 square miles. The county is named for its abundance of lakes, with over 1,000 named lakes within its borders.

Lake County is bordered by Orange and Seminole counties to the east, Volusia County to the north and northeast, Sumter County to the northwest, and Polk County to the south and southwest. The Harris Chain of Lakes connects to the St. Johns River system.

Major Communities

• Clermont is the largest city in southern Lake County, known for its rolling terrain, lakes, and growing residential communities. It is one of the more popular relocation destinations for buyers looking for new construction with lake access.
• Mount Dora is known for its charming historic downtown, antique shops, festivals, and a walkable Main Street. The city sits on a ridge with some of the higher elevations in Central Florida.
• Minneola sits along the SR 50 corridor, offering a mix of newer developments and established neighborhoods with easy access to both Clermont and the I-4 corridor.
• Tavares is the county seat and is known as "America's Seaplane City" due to its seaplane base on Lake Dora. The city has an active downtown area along the lakefront.
• The Villages (Lake County portion) is one of the largest 55+ communities in the country, extending from Sumter County into Lake County.
• Leesburg is one of the older cities in the county, located near the Harris Chain of Lakes.

Terrain and Geography

Lake County has some of the most varied terrain in Central Florida. The Clermont area features rolling hills, some of the highest elevations in peninsular Florida (the Citrus Tower in Clermont sits at approximately 250 feet above sea level), and a landscape that feels different from the flatter terrain found in most of the region.

The county's namesake lakes range from small ponds to large recreational lakes. The Harris Chain of Lakes, the Clermont Chain, and numerous other lake systems provide boating, fishing, and waterfront living opportunities.

Housing and New Construction

Lake County has become a significant new-construction market. The Clermont area, the Minneola corridor, and communities along the SR 50 and US 27 corridors have active building from multiple builders. Price points in Lake County are generally lower than comparable communities in Orange County, which has attracted many relocating buyers.

Things to Consider

• Commute times to Orlando employment centers are generally longer from Lake County communities. A drive from Clermont to downtown Orlando typically takes 35 to 55 minutes depending on traffic.
• Some Lake County communities are on well and septic systems rather than municipal water and sewer. Verify utility infrastructure for any property.
• The rolling terrain in the Clermont area can mean some properties have steeper grades than typical Florida lots.
• Lake County's northern areas (Mount Dora, Tavares, Eustis) have a different character and longer commutes than the southern communities near the I-4 corridor.