Theme parks can be fun, but there is a lot more to Central Florida for those who
live here — and for those who are thinking about relocating to one of the area’s six
counties: Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole and Volusia.
While each county and its cities provide their residents with specific amenities
and character, they all share the qualities that have long attracted newcomers to Florida.
Here are a few highlights to make you feel at home.
LAKE COUNTY (LAKECOUNTYFL.GOV)
Population: 346,000
Number of housing units: 157,233
Median value of owner-occupied homes: $155,100
Mean travel time to work (in minutes): 28.8
Median household income: $49,734
Like much of Central Florida, Lake County has seen rapid
growth for the past several years. That’s not likely to change
anytime soon as more homebuyers and developers extend
their march north and west out of Orange County.
Forecasts predict Lake’s population to grow to more than
40 HOMEBUYER // CENTRAL FLORIDA EDITION
427,000 by 2030 and to more than 484,000 by 2040. County officials
cite two notable hot spots: South Lake, including Clermont,
Groveland and Minneola; and northeast Lake, east of Mount Dora.
Named for the abundance of lakes within its borders, the county
reaches south to Polk and Osceola counties, while the northeast
section touches Volusia. Florida’s Turnpike provides easy access
south to Orlando and Interstate 4 and north to Interstate 75.
Nature lovers find plenty of open spaces, including the Lake
Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, the Ocala National Forest
and Lake Louisa and Lake Griffin state parks. Those are in addition
to many city and county parks.
With 14 municipalities and more than 20 smaller communities,
Lake offers an array of choices for folks who relocate —
Lake County’s numerous lakes offer
opportunities for activities such
as kayaking as well as fishing and
other watersports. The Mount Dora
Arts Festival (facing page) packs the
historic downtown district every
year. But it’s always a busy and
scenic place, filled with intriguing
shops and restaurants, and looking
like a picture postcard.
STATISTICS: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, AS OF JULY 2017
/(LAKECOUNTYFL.GOV