Fruitland Park offers more than nearby The Villages
Fruitland Park can’t help but be eclipsed by its more popular neighbor to the north, The Villages, one of the state's largest and best known 55-plus communities. But this small city of about 8,000 offers many things that make it worthy of consideration, including a wider variety of home styles and HOAs that are more affordable and less restrictive. “Fruitland Park is a great alternative,” says Melissa Barnes, a Realtor with ERA Grizzard Real Estate and Fruitland Park resident. "It has a small-town feel, but we are surrounded by a lot of shopping and restaurants, so you have the best of both worlds.” And it’s not just ideal for those at or nearing retirement age; with its roomy yards and bounty of family-friendly events, residents of all ages enjoy living in Fruitland Park. "I raised my children here, and it's just been a wonderful experience,” Barnes says.
Fruitland Park's is a small city of 8,000 which offers more affordable housing prices.
Colorful Row of Homes in Fruitland Park's Overlook at Lake Griffin.
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A wide variety of homes available with low HOAs
Most homes in Fruitland Park are ranch-style and compact, featuring colorful exteriors and brick ornamentation. Midsized homes in contemporary and traditional styles are also available throughout the community. Most sit on roomy, landscaped lots, close enough to feel neighborly but far enough for privacy. Tall trees line backyards and dot roadways, which are wide and quiet. Prices range from $190,000 to $450,000. Fruitland Park also offers the occasional custom estate, featuring four or five bedrooms and a spacious yard or a smaller house on acres of land. Prices range from $500,000 to almost $2 million. Manufactured home communities near the Dead River offer two- and three-bedroom units that average around $150,000 for those looking for something with a bit less upkeep.
A beautiful ranch-style brick home in Fruitland Park.
A beautiful contemporary home with attached garages and expansive yards in Fruitlnd Park.
A row of large colorful contemporary homes in Fruitland Park.
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Leesburg High School offers dual enrollment with nearby colleges
Students can attend Beverly Shores Elementary School, which has a C-plus on Niche. From there, they often head to Carver Middle School and Leesburg High School, which score a B-minus and C-plus on Niche, respectively. Leesburg High serves about 1,600 students and has a student-teacher ratio of 21-to-1. It offers a dual enrollment program that allows students to earn credits at Lake Sumter State College, University of Florida and Lake Technical College. Several faith-based and preparatory schools serve the area for those interested in private education for their kids.
Leesburg’s Beverly Shores Elementary School's is a a C-plus on Niche in Lake County.
Leesburg’s Lake Carver Middle School is a public school serves grades 6-8 in Lake County.
Leesburg High School is a public high school established in 1927.
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Shopping is close by and dining out options are in the community
Shopping is limited in the community, so residents head west into The Villages to run errands. The Colony shopping center offers Walmart, Publix, and more niche stores selling clothing and car tires. There is also a Walmart location in nearby Leesburg, along with Aldi and Walgreens. For dining out, The Rose Plantation is a go-to for its atmosphere as much as its food. Diners enjoy its traditional American dishes like salads, seafood and sandwiches in the sunny indoor patio. A more laid-back option is Stavros and Sons, a local favorite that offers Italian classics like pizza, calzones, and pasta in a laid-back atmosphere. For a sweet treat, Mystic Ice Cream is a go-to for their so-called "adult ice cream" with an alcoholic kick from ingredients like Kahlua, amaretto and whiskey. The locally owned shop also serves non-alcoholic flavors, so there is something for everyone.
Fruitland Park's retail include many known brands: Walmart Super Center.
Fruitland Park's retail include many known brands: Aldi, Dollar Tree.
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Many residents head to Lake Griffin State Park for outdoor recreation
Lake Griffin State Park, located between the Harris Chain of Lakes is popular for hiking, kayaking canoeing and fishing. Gardenia Park Recreation Complex is another outdoor destination where visitors can practice their tricks at the skate park or challenge each other on the handball and racquetball courts. Veterans Memorial Park has tennis courts, a baseball field and a playground for kids.
Take boat tour with Epic Water Boat Tours on at Lake Griffin Park in Fruitland Park.
Veterans Memorial Park playground and gazeebo on Fountain Lake in Fruitland Park.
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The Derby Kart Race is one of many local events
The city hosts a variety of annual events. The Derby Kart Race takes place each June and challenges participants to create karts from spare parts to race at the Gardenia Center. Brews, Blues and BBQ also takes place in June and features barbecue food trucks and live music. Locals also enjoy the yearly game of laser tag with the police force known as Battle of the Badges, and in December, Hometown Christmas features Santa Claus riding into town on a fire truck.
Route 441 keeps residents moving
While LakeXpress bus stops line Route 441, which runs through the community, most residents use a car to get around. Route 441 connects to downtown Orlando, about 50 miles southeast. It also connects to Route 27 and Florida’s Turnpike, which gets residents to Orlando International Airport, about 65 miles southeast of the community.
For public transportation in Fruitland Park ride the Ride Lake Express.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
