Spacious lots and limited HOAs offer freedom in Astatula
Astatula has many things that can be challenging to find in Central Florida these days: homes on spacious lots, towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss shading rural streets, and for many living in the heart of town, “There are no HOAs,” says Josh Duclos, a real estate agent with Olympus Executive Realty who sells throughout Lake County. “That gives residents a lot of freedom.” Settled in the late 1800s, Astatula started as sugarcane and citrus fields, and bears outnumbered residents. The town grew over the years, attracting newcomers looking for waterfront property and proximity to Little Lake Harris, which sits on the town’s west side. While times have changed a bit—two newly-built subdivisions are filling with modern homes, and there are fewer bears than people—Astatula’s rural, Old Florida charm and proximity to the water remains the same.
Mix of home styles, new construction in Tula Parc and Stillwater Cove
Most homes are a mix of ranch-style, manufactured and New Traditional and sit on spacious lawns landscaped with grass and mature trees. On the north side, homes back up to canals connected to Little Lake Harris. “Many of the residents there have their own boat lifts and boathouses and spend their days fishing or soaking up the sun on the water,” Duclos says. Buyers looking for new homes look in the growing Tula Parc and Stillwater Cove neighborhoods. Both communities have new and under-construction houses with three to five bedrooms in various floor plans. Home prices throughout town typically range from $140,000 to almost $450,000. Those looking for land can find a small number of lots available, ranging from $50,000 for a quarter-acre to $300,000 for 10.
Zoned schools earn B-minus ratings, high school has career training
Lake County Schools serves the town, rates a B on Niche and offers Educational Choice Transfer (ECT), which allows students to attend any traditional school outside of their assigned attendance zone if the school is not at capacity, and the family can provide transportation. The schools zoned to the town are B-minus-rated Astatula Elementary, B-minus-rated Tavares Middle and B-rated Tavares High. Students at Tavares High can take Career & Technical Education courses, which provide job training and employment skills in fields like engineering, nursing and culinary arts. The town’s private school option is Astatula Christian, which serves kindergarten through 12th grade.
Boating and fishing are popular on Little Lake Harris
Little Lake Harris is a go-to for boating and connects to the larger Harris Chain of Lakes, which are popular for fishing, kayaking and jet skiing. Joe Swaffar Park is a 10-acre green space with a playground, tennis and basketball courts and ball fields. Kirkwood Park is a smaller spot that also has a playground and a picnic pavilion. Horseback riders can take lessons at Horse Feathers Farm, located on the town’s east side.
Essentials at Dollar General, two local spots for dining out
Astatula is mostly residential, and shopping is limited. However, there is a Dollar General location in the center of town where residents can pick up essentials. Astatula Mexican Meat Market also has a small selection of groceries. Dining out options include Race Car Diner, which serves classic diner dishes for breakfast and lunch; and Salsitas Mexican cuisine, a food truck operating on the north side loved for its service and street tacos. More shopping and dining options are in Clermont, less than 15 miles from town, and Taveres, about 9 miles away. The closest hospital, AdventHealth Waterman, is also in Tavares.
Fall festival and monthly gatherings bring residents together
Residents gather each November at Swaffar Park for the Astatula Fall Festival, which features live music, food trucks, a beer tent and bounce houses for kids. The Gathering takes place the first Tuesday of each month at the Astatula Community Center and is a social group for older residents.
Monroe Street connects the town to nearby cities and highways
There is no fixed route bus line in Astatula, so residents get around by car. Monroe Street runs through town and leads to Clermont, Tavares and Florida’s Turnpike. Orlando International Airport is about 45 miles away.
Flooding and strong winds during major storms are possible
Astatula is susceptible to flooding. While it doesn’t usually feel the full brunt of hurricanes, strong winds are possible during major storms.
