Although Eustis dropped the word “Lake” from its name when it was officially incorporated in 1883, the Florida city is still defined by the body of water that carries its name. The Orlando suburb is about 40 miles northwest of the theme park mecca and serves as a center for several smaller surrounding communities. A popular vacation spot since the early 1900s, Eustis hosts a year-round population of 25,000, many of whom are senior citizens taking life at a slower pace. “I moved up here because it has less traffic, but it’s still an easy drive to Orlando,” says Lois Benaglio, a Realtor and broker with Hickory Hill Realty & Management. “And we have the most amazing sunsets over the lake.”
Fishing and boating on Lake Eustis
Lake Eustis forms the town’s western border and invites boaters and anglers to launch from the ramp off Lakeshore Drive. The Eustis Lake Walk is a scenic waterside trail that follows the old railroad tracks past Ferran Park, the town’s primary gathering spot. “As soon as school lets out, families bring their kids down to the park. You see people fishing out here all afternoon,” Benaglio says. Nature preserves threaded with hiking trails can be found amongst the several smaller lakes throughout the area, and hunting and ATV riding are also popular activities.
Kids of all ages climb and play at the newly built playground in Ferran Park in Eustis.
Kids love to play in the splash park at the Eustis Aquatic Center.
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GeorgeFest is the longest-running celebration in Florida
The city pays tribute to the nation’s first president in February with GeorgeFest. The celebration, the longest-running festival in Florida, features a carnival, live entertainment and a bass-fishing tournament. The Eustis First Friday Street Party brings food trucks, vendors and live music to the historic downtown once a week. Visitors to Lake Eustis Historical Museum and Preservation Society can tour one of the city’s oldest homes while learning the local lore. The Bay Street Players, a performing arts organization, presents several stage productions at the State Theatre throughout the year.
Lower median home price than nearby Orlando
The median home price in Eustis is around $350,000, well below the national median and lower than Orlando's median price. Many houses feature stucco walls, arched entries and low-pitched roofs characteristic of Spanish Mission-style architecture. Small condos and single-family starter homes might cost $225,000 to $325,000, but larger and newer builds fetch prices from $350,000 to $500,000. Lakefront properties in upscale neighborhoods on Grand Island start around $550,000 and can cost over $1 million.
Find a ranch-style home in Park Place on Lake Joanna in Eustis.
A beautiful brick 19th-century home located in the heart of Eustis.
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Lakefront restaurants and brick-paved streets
A checkerboard of brick-paved streets branches off Lake Eustis in the historic downtown area. Boutiques, breweries, specialty markets and ice cream shops peek out from beneath the shade of palm and magnolia trees. Lakefront restaurants focus on seafood, but other options range from Thai to Mexican to American gastropub fare. The Eustis in Bloom committee, an affiliate chapter of the nationwide America in Bloom organization, is beautifying the downtown and improving its walkability. Shopaholics can venture to the malls about 5 miles away in Mount Dora, which also boasts a charming downtown brimming with wine and gift shops and antique stores.
Publix at Eustis Village is conveniently located for shoppers' needs in Eustis.
Devor classic dishes like coconut shrimp, fried haddock and crab cakes at the Crazy Gator.
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Commuting to medical centers and Orlando
The nearest major airport is 40 miles away in Orlando, via Route 441. Most residents commute to Orlando, but those who work in Eustis can find jobs in healthcare, retail or social assistance. The closest hospitals are UF Health Leesburg Hospital and AdventHealth Waterman, a healthcare facility affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church in nearby Tavares. Buses on the LakeXpress public transit system make several stops along U.S. Routes 441 and 19, including at the medical centers, Lake Square Mall and Main Street.
Home of Lake Tech
Students attend schools in the Lake County Schools district, which earns a Niche grade of B. Following graduation, students can attend classes at Lake Technical College, which offers programs in disciplines like architecture, auto technology and health sciences. Nearby, the Fly Umatilla flight school trains budding aviators at Umatilla Municipal Airport.
Eustis Middle School is a public school serving grades 6-8 in Eustis.
Eustis Elementary School welcomes the Eustis community.
Eustis Memorial Library is where locals go to check out the latest books.
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Environmental concerns and crime risk
Central Florida summers are hot and humid, ushering in a hurricane season that lasts through November. In addition to wind damage and flooding, hurricanes create stormwater runoff that carries pollutants into lakes and canals. The city website has tips on best management practices to combat the issue.
No recent crime statistics are available for Eustis. However, data from 2019 showed that instances of violent crime occurred at about one-third of Orlando’s rate, while property-related incidents were roughly half as common as in the larger city.
Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Video By
Rebecca Askin
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Eustis, FL sell after 64 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Eustis, FL over the last 12 months is $340,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Your DREAM HOME Awaits in PARK PLACE ON LAKE JOANNA: Spacious 4 Bed/3 Bath with Bonus Flex Space & NEW ROOF (2024)! Nestled in a serene setting, this meticulously maintained home offers a lush, majestic curb appeal surrounded by oak and magnolia trees leading to a gorgeous and CHARMING FRONT PORCH perfect for enjoying peaceful mornings while listening to birds sing. This thoughtful floor plan
Welcome to this immaculately maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom pool home located in the desirable community of Park Place on Lake Joanna with access to Lake Joanna. It has a very large master bedroom with separate his & her closets. The master bedroom is large enough for your king size bedroom set and a sitting area to relax and read a book. The master bathroom has a separate shower & jacuzzi
Charming Single Story Home in Exclusive Golf Community!Welcome to this beautifully maintained 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home nestled in the heart of a premier 18 hole golf course community in Eustis, Florida. Spanning over 2,100 sq. ft., this residence offers scenic golf course views and a spacious layout perfect for entertaining and family gatherings.Inside, you’ll find a formal dining room, a
Spacious home with private pool for sale in the established 44 Gables neighborhood! Step into the huge living room with beautiful hardwood floors and french doors leading to the pool deck. The kitchen has custom cabinets with plenty of storage, stainless steel appliances, and cozy breakfast nook surrounded by windows. The master suite has double closets, access to the pool, and a gorgeous custom
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. Welcome to the Portland home designed with a spacious living area, great for entertaining family and friends with upgrades throughout. Meticulously maintained, this home also serves as a “safe space” for those facing Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS), and kept as chemical-free, smoke free, pet free and fragrance free, along with air purifiers
Welcome to 36607 E Eldorado Lake Drive, a one-of-a-kind lakefront escape in Eustis, Florida—offered by the current homeowner, who is also a local REALTOR and has lovingly curated every upgrade to perfection. This striking two-story round home features 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 2,240 square feet of heated living space. With newly installed mini-split systems on both the upper and lower enclosed
ceramic tile blinds washer/dryer end unit lawn service water trash and sewer included refrigerator with icemaker lakefront property private parking . Call today! Credit, Criminal and Rental History will be verified. Minimum 625 Credit Score, We Accept VA vouchers. references are required
Welcome Home to this clean, open and beautiful 1 bedroom 1.5 bathroom home. New roof, HVAC, New kitchen, New Counters, New Matching Stainless Appliances, New Tiled master bathroom, New Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring throughout. New Sherwin-Williams Paint did we say it was new and fresh!!! Open floor plan, with an eat in counter in the kitchen, 1 Car garage, Large Master bathroom with double closets.
Valencia Grove Apartments 551 Huffstetler Drive Eustis, FL 32726 Professionally Managed by HTG Management Bedrooms/Baths Square Footage Pricing* 1 Bedroom/1 Bath 673 square feet $624 2 Bedroom/2 Bath 916 square feet $743 3 Bedroom/2 Bath 1,150 square feet $849 *Pricing includes washers and dryers. Community Amenities • Swimming Pool with Sunning Areas • Business Center with Computers and Printer
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