Lake County, Florida is a beautiful area located northwest of Orlando. With its chain of lakes, rolling hills, and small towns, it provides a serene setting to live in while still being close to big city amenities. If you're considering moving to Florida, here are some of the best reasons to choose Lake County.
One of the biggest draws of Lake County is its abundance of natural beauty. There are over 1,100 lakes in the area, surrounded by lush greenery and wildlife. Popular bodies of water include the Harris Chain of Lakes, Lake Apopka, Lake Griffin, and Lake Yale. The Clermont Chain of Lakes is known for excellent fishing.
In addition to the lakes, there are many conservation areas and state parks that allow you to get out into nature. Some highlights include Lake Louisa State Park, Hickory Point Recreation Area, and Ferndale Preserve. There are dozens of trails for hiking and biking through these natural spaces.
With so many lakes and parks, Lake County makes it easy to spend time outdoors boating, fishing, camping, bird watching, and more. The pleasant climate means you can enjoy these activities year-round.
While Orlando and its theme parks are less than an hour away, Lake County retains a small-town charm in its communities. Towns like Mount Dora, Tavares, and Eustis have downtowns with local shops and restaurants. There's a quieter pace of life here than in bigger cities.
Mount Dora is known for its arts scene, antique shops, and annual festivals. The historical towns of Clermont, Leesburg, and Groveland have main streets with preserved architecture. Local farms offer u-pick fruits and vegetables. No matter which town you live in, you'll find that friendly neighborhood feel.
Compared to other parts of Florida, Lake County is very affordable. Housing prices are well below state and national averages. Newly built homes start in the low $200k range, while larger luxury homes average in the $300k-$400k range. Rentals, too, are reasonable, with nice 3-bedroom homes available for $1500-$1800 per month.
This affordability extends beyond housing to daily costs like groceries, utilities, gas, and other services when compared to big metro areas. Yet salaries are on par with state averages, making Lake County a place where your paycheck goes further.
Florida is already known for having no state income tax, but Lake County takes it a step further with low property taxes. Property tax rates are below both state and national averages here. The typical property tax bill ranges from $1000 to $3000 annually even for higher-value homes.
For retirees or remote workers moving from high-tax states, the savings are tremendous in Lake County. You get to keep more of your fixed retirement income or investment returns thanks to lower taxes across the board.
One of the best parts of living in Central Florida is getting to skip frigid northern winters. Lake County has an excellent climate with average winter temperatures in the 60s Fahrenheit and summer temperatures in the 80s. While inland areas don't get quite as hot and humid as the coasts, summers are still warm enough for plenty of pool and beach time.
The weather allows for comfortable outdoor living nearly year-round. You can golf, play tennis, dine alfresco, and generally stay active instead of being stuck inside. The sunny weather keeps attitudes positive as well. For those who want to escape harsh winters, Lake County is ideal.
Lake County provides easy access to desirable amenities, despite its small town appeal. It is within commuting distance to major employers in Orlando and Ocala via highways and toll roads. The area is a short drive from international airports, seaports, pro sports arenas, and major shopping destinations.
Beaches on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico are only 90 minutes away. Popular vacation spots like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and the Kennedy Space Center are less than an hour away. So while Lake County itself is quiet, nothing is really out of reach.
Access to quality healthcare is important when choosing a place to live. Lake County has award-winning hospitals and facilities that rival those in major metros. There are two major health systems operating hospitals in the county: AdventHealth and Orlando Health.
AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares was named one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedics and Spine Surgery. Orlando Health South Lake Hospital is a full-service facility with the latest technology and Centra Care urgent care clinics throughout the county. There are also highly-rated VA and specialty clinics for heart, cancer and women’s health.
Lake County has a diverse array of neighborhoods to match your lifestyle. Golf lovers have their pick of country club communities and courses designed by top pros. Those who want more land can find homes on 1+ acre lots with big porches and views. Families like areas with community pools, clubhouses, and playgrounds.
If you want to be close to downtown, there are walkable neighborhoods full of charm and renovated bungalows. And with so much shoreline, you’ll find plenty of waterfront communities and luxury homes with boat docks. Condos and active adult neighborhoods offer maintenance-free living. No matter what you’re looking for in a home, Lake County has appealing options in great locations.
The school districts in Lake County are highly ranked at both state and national levels. Lake County Schools have an A rating from Niche.com. The high school graduation rate is over 90%. Several high schools, including East Ridge High School in Clermont and Mount Dora High School, earned silver medal status from U.S. News & World Report.
Higher education options are plentiful as well. Lake-Sumter State College offers two-year degrees and certifications. Just over the county border, the University of Central Florida, ranked among the nation’s most innovative colleges by U.S. News, is about 40 minutes away. Whether you have young children or college-bound students, Lake County schools provide quality education.
Lake County has a prosperous and expanding economy. In the past decade, the population has grown over 20% as people and businesses move into the area. Many corporate offices and industrial parks have opened, bringing high-paying skilled jobs.
Top employers include grocery distribution centers, healthcare systems, retail chains, schools, and construction/engineering firms. The Tavares Seaplane Base has created an aviation economy as well. Tourism and retirement living also thrive here. Unemployment is low at just 3.4%. For those looking for job security and business opportunities, Lake County delivers.
With its affordability, safety, and abundance of amenities, Lake County is becoming one of Florida’s most popular places to retire. Over 30% of the population is age 65+, higher than state and national averages. Retirees enjoy the mild climate, low taxes, golf courses, and access to healthcare.
Planned 55+ communities have sprung up across the county, offering resort-style living. The Villages, which straddles Lake, Sumter and Marion counties, is one of America’s fastest growing cities due to retiree relocations. These communities make it easy to lead an active social lifestyle all while enjoying small-town charm. Lake County has secured its reputation as a premier retirement destination.
As you can see, Lake County offers tremendous advantages from natural beauty to quality of life and value. This hidden gem provides the best of small town living with big city conveniences just minutes away. It's the perfect place to put down roots or retire in comfort and serenity.
If you’re ready to make the move, the Loretta Maimone Team can help you find your dream home. Our deep knowledge of Lake County neighborhoods, communities, and housing inventory allows us to match you with the perfect property. We simplify the buying or selling process with our full-service approach.
Contact us today to start your home search or get a market analysis on your current home. We look forward to helping you settle into this beautiful, affordable Florida county we call home. You’ll be glad you chose Lake County and the Loretta Maimone Team to launch your next chapter!
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