Quick Facts
- County
- Lake
- Entity type
- Unincorporated community (CDP, ZIP 34797)
- Major roads
- CR 48, US 27 (to the west), CR 565
- Housing types
- Lakefront, rural lots, single-family
- Lake access
- Lake Harris and the Harris Chain
- Golf
- Courses nearby in Howey-in-the-Hills and Leesburg
- New construction
- Limited
Yalaha Map
Quick Overview
Yalaha is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in the central part of Lake County, on the south shore of Lake Harris. The community borders Leesburg's city limits to the west and Howey-in-the-Hills to the southeast, and its center sits roughly 9 miles southeast of Leesburg. About 1,500 people live in the Yalaha CDP per the 2020 U.S. Census.
The area is part of Lake County's hill country, with rolling terrain that stands out in flat Central Florida. Citrus has been grown here since the late 1800s, when the community's first permanent resident planted groves along the lakeshore, and local newspapers have noted Yalaha's history of citrus shipping and, at one point, asparagus fern production.
For relocation buyers, Yalaha offers lake-adjacent countryside without suburban development: quiet county roads, lakefront lots on the Harris Chain, and a pace that draws visitors more than residents. Leesburg and Mount Dora provide the services.
Neighborhoods
Yalaha does not have a conventional downtown or a master-planned layout. Homes line CR 48, the community's main road, and the side routes that weave through the hills: Yalaha Road, Lakeshore Drive along Lake Harris, and smaller farm lanes. The character is rural, with groves, pastures, and conservation parcels between homes.
Lakefront streets along Lake Harris hold some of the more established waterfront homes in central Lake County, while inland lots range from modest rural tracts to larger acreage parcels. Howey-in-the-Hills, with Mission Inn and its golf resort, sits just to the southeast.
Housing
Housing in Yalaha is mostly single-family resale on rural lots. Buyers can choose between older lakefront homes, ranch houses on acreage, and a limited number of newer homes on larger parcels. Manufactured homes also appear on rural tracts, so the price range is wide.
Well and septic systems are the norm on most parcels, and lakefront properties carry flood zone, seawall, and dock considerations. There is very little new construction, so inventory turns over slowly.
Transportation
CR 48 is the main road through Yalaha, running from the Leesburg area east into the countryside and toward Howey-in-the-Hills. US 27 lies to the west, providing the region's main north-south route through Leesburg and Lady Lake, and CR 565 (Villa City Road) connects toward Tavares. The Florida Turnpike is a longer drive to the south and is not the practical route from central Lake County.
Commutes are long by Greater Orlando standards. Depending on traffic, Leesburg is about 15 to 20 minutes away, Mount Dora about 25 to 35 minutes, and Downtown Orlando roughly 55 to 70 minutes via US 27 to the Turnpike or US 441 south. The Villages and Lady Lake are about 25 to 35 minutes away.
Daily Life
Daily life in Yalaha is outdoors- and community-oriented. Lake Harris and the rest of the Harris Chain provide boating, fishing, and water skiing, and the Ocala National Forest is within reach to the north for deeper recreation. The rolling hills and quiet roads make the area popular with cyclists and equestrians.
Yalaha is perhaps best known to visitors for the Yalaha Bakery, a German-style bakery on CR 48 founded in the 1960s that draws customers from across Central Florida for European breads and pastries. Beyond that, services in the community are minimal, and grocery, dining, and medical needs are met in Leesburg, Tavares, and Mount Dora.
Schools
Yalaha is served by Lake County Schools, with assignments varying by address across the community and nearby towns. Because the CDP boundary sits close to Leesburg city limits, check the exact district assignment for any property.
Verify the assignment for any specific address with the Lake County Schools school locator before buying.
Things to Consider Before Moving to Yalaha
Long commutes
Downtown Orlando is roughly 55 to 70 minutes away. Yalaha is a reasonable base mainly for remote workers or north Lake County employment.
Waterfront due diligence
Lake Harris frontage may sit in flood zones and can carry seawall, dock, and shoreline maintenance obligations. Verify with FEMA maps and the property.
Well and septic
Most parcels run on wells and septic systems rather than municipal utility. Confirm the setup and any required upgrades.
Minimal services
There is no full-service grocery or major medical facility in Yalaha. Plan for drives to Leesburg, Tavares, or Mount Dora.
Nearby Communities to Explore
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yalaha a city?
No. Yalaha is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in central Lake County, with a Yalaha mailing address and the ZIP code 34797.
What is Yalaha known for?
Yalaha is known for its rolling hillside countryside, citrus history, lakefront along Lake Harris, and the Yalaha Bakery, a German-style bakery on CR 48 that draws visitors from across the region.
Does Yalaha have lake access?
Yes. The community sits on the south shore of Lake Harris, part of the Harris Chain of Lakes, with boating, fishing, and waterfront homes.
How far is Yalaha from Leesburg?
The center of Yalaha is roughly 9 miles southeast of Leesburg, about a 15 to 20 minute drive depending on traffic and route.
What schools serve Yalaha?
Lake County Schools serves Yalaha, with assignments varying by address. Verify address-level zoning with the district locator.
Last updated: October 22, 2026. Published by Moving to Orlando Guide with Tyler Gibson.
