A name like Mount Dora might seem out of place in the country’s flattest state, but the moniker is a nod to the original settlement’s location on a lakefront plateau roughly 180 feet above sea level. Today, the city of around 18,000 sprawls across a beautiful landlocked waterfront in Lake County, Florida, roughly 40 miles northwest of Orlando. The elevated area has long since blossomed into a beloved downtown, where annual festivals are held, and family-owned restaurants like Pisces Rising overlook the 4,385-acre Lake Dora. “The lake is a big draw, and people spend a lot of time on it,” says longtime local Robin Costoplos, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty. “We have some of the best bass fishing in the state, and they host a lot of big-name tournaments like Bassmasters.” Blending rural fun and small-town charm, Mount Dora offers uniquely beautiful scenery and a close-knit community.
Mount Dora's Lake Dora is part of the Harris Chain of Lakes in Lake County.
Mount Dora's quaint down town shops are always bustling year-round with shoppers.
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Orange roots in the citrus industry
In its transition from homestead to town, Mount Dora put down roots in the citrus industry's orange groves. Today, the city’s leading industry is healthcare. Various medical facilities, including UF and HCA emergency care centers, are around the city, as well as several veterinarian practices. Education and construction are other leading industries, and tourism also stimulates the local economy.
Mount Dora's leading industry is health Care.
There are various medical facilities in Mount Dora including UF and HCA emergency care centers.
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Downtown Mount Dora
Downtown Mount Dora is the heartbeat of the city. The walkable, brick-accented streets are lined by mature live oaks, some towering high above with Spanish moss. The restaurants and shops are bustling year-round, though hot, muggy summers tend to slow the rush. Downtown holds dozens of festivals yearly, but none draw as big a crowd as the Mount Dora Arts Festival. Going into its 50th year, this creative celebration attracts more than 200,000 visitors annually and features artists from around the world. The only local event that rivals its popularity is the annual Antiques and Collectors Extravaganza, hosted by Renniger’s Flea Market and Antique Center. Over 800 vendors set up on the city’s east side with collectibles, vintage items, antiques and more.
Mount Dora's Art Festival is one of the biggest in the nation and draws huge crowds.
Renniger’s Flea Market and it's events also rivals the Mount Dora Art Festival.
Residents and visitors always visit the Mount Dora Village Market every Sunday.
Pisces Rising is an eclectic seafood and steak restaurant in Mount Dora.
Crowds of people come to shop the little unique stores in Mount Dora.
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Historic homes downtown in Mount Dora
The median home price in Mount Dora is just under $446,000, roughly $25,000 more than the national average. As a small city with a lot going on, Mount Dora’s historic downtown – full of vintage properties and hip restaurants – is one of the most sought-after places to live. The early-20th-century properties in this walkable lakeside area display a variety of styles, from classic Frame Vernacular, ranch-style and cottage homes to stucco-sided Spanish Revivals and cozy Craftsman bungalows. “Homes don’t sell much downtown, and when they do people snatch them up quick,” Costoplos says. Condos came in the late 1970s and ‘80s, and in the early 2000s and 2010s, the development of New Traditional master-planned subdivisions took over the far east side. New construction on that side of town is still going strong as the city prepares to create the Wolf Branch Innovation District, an 850-acre multiuse project. The development is slated to bring more multifamily housing as well as employment opportunities through a new hospital, flex office-industrial space and much more.
Despite Mount Dora’s central Florida location and uniquely high elevation, flood insurance is strongly recommended. Prospective homebuyers should be aware of their potential property’s flood zone and the risk of hurricane season, which ranges from early June to the end of November.
Mount Dora is one of the most sought-after places to live, especially for lakeside living.
There are many types of Spanish Revival homes scattered around Mount Dora.
Cozy Craftsman bungalows are very sought after in Mount Dora, it adds to the charm of the City.
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Palm Island Park
Mount Dora is home to many parks, from neighborhood playgrounds to sporty hubs like the 35-acre Lincoln Avenue Community Park. Palm Island Park is one of the city’s more unique green spaces. The lakefront nature preserve features tall cabbage palms and bald cypress trees, whisking visitors away to old Florida. From the boardwalk, folks often spy baby alligators and turtles sunning themselves on rocks or migratory birds soaring above. Even more options for outdoor fun are just outside the city, throughout surrounding conservation areas, waterways and state parks.
Palm Island park is full of trails and beautiful wildlife and and scenery.
Bald cypress trees line the shores of Mount Dora's Lake Dora.
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Lake County Schools and a popular private choice
The city is served by Lake County Schools, which Niche grades B and ranks as the third-best school district in the Orlando area. While students may start at one of several elementary schools, Mount Dora Middle, graded B-minus, and Mount Dora High, graded B, are the city’s zone schools. Mount Dora Christian Academy is a standout private option. The school is graded A-minus and is home to the Biomedical Sciences Institute, a four-year program for students interested in learning about professional healthcare.
Mount Dora Christian Academy currently serves more than 870 students from preschool - 12.
Mt. Dora High School is a B public school located in Mount Dora.
Mt. Dora Middle School is B- public school located in Mount Dora.
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Highway 441 and the LakeXpress
U.S. 441 is the main route in and out of Mount Dora. The highway leads straight into the heart of Orlando, about 30 miles southeast. It’s also the fastest way to the county seat, Taveras, just west of Mount Dora on the lake’s northern shores. Public transit is available through the county’s LakeXpress bus line.
Mount Dora Police Department is the First in the Nation
The title “First in the Nation” is printed on the sides of Mount Dora police vehicles, commemorating the department’s history as the country’s first fully accredited law enforcement agency. The Mount Dora Police Department holds Excelsior status, the highest level of accreditation in Florida. Crime in the city has steadily decreased since the turn of the century. While crime stats specific to the city are unavailable, Lake County has seen a significant decrease in violent crime.
Written By
Micaela Willoughby
Photography Contributed By
Stephen Flint
Video By
Adam Barkley
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Brent DeHoop,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Mount Dora, FL sell after 76 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Mount Dora, FL over the last 12 months is $440,745, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nestled in the exclusive Estates of Tremayne, and showing with a Pool Concept Photo, within the gated community of Stoneybrook Hills, this beautifully appointed estate home offers 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a formal living room, a spacious family room, and an exceptional kitchen designed for both everyday living and entertaining. From the moment you arrive, the elevated setting, mature landscaping,
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bath home, built in 2023, located in one of Mount Dora’s newest and most desirable communities. Designed for modern living, this home features a fully fenced backyard, offering privacy and the perfect space for pets, entertaining, or simply relaxing. Experience Florida living at its best in a community surrounded by natural beauty, featuring
Nestled on 11.01 private acres in Orange County with a Mount Dora mailing address, this one-of-a-kind custom home offers a rare opportunity to own a secluded estate just minutes from downtown Mount Dora, Apopka, the 429, and Northwest Orlando. Surrounded by majestic oak trees and natural Florida beauty, this property combines privacy, character, and endless potential. Built by the original owner,
NEW PRICE! Upgraded 3-Bedroom + DEN Built in 2023. Why wait for new construction when you can move right into this beautifully upgraded home in Summerbrooke, one of Mount Dora’s most desirable communities! Built in 2023, Margate model also includes a flexible den—ideal as a home OFFICE, bonus room, or guest space—and offers 1,966 square feet of well-designed living space. With GAS APPLIANCES, and
Just across the street from beautiful Lake Gertrude and only 1.8 miles from everything you love about Downtown Mount Dora, this updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath home with a bonus room sits on a big, oversized lot where two streets meet, and the lake is about a one-minute walk away.The hard work here is already done. Two completely redone bathrooms, and a kitchen with granite countertops,
Discover the perfect blend of mid-century character and modern luxury in this stunning 1950s-style home, situated at the very end of a quiet dead-end street for ultimate privacy. New addition and complete remodel, from the roof to the floors, completed in 2017. The interior offers a clean, refreshed aesthetic that complements its classic exterior charm. The spacious layout features three bedrooms
Welcome to this beautifully maintained Garden Home in the desirable 55+ section of Sullivan Ranch in Mount Dora, offering low-maintenance living with the privacy of a detached single-family home and no rear neighbors. This light-filled home features an open floor plan with 9'4" ceilings, neutral finishes, and a spacious kitchen with solid wood pantry shelving, pull-out cabinet drawers, and room
Is there a 4-bedroom home in Mount Dora with a private apartment and no HOA? Welcome to 5521 Oak Street, a fully renovated property offering rare flexibility with a separate 1-bedroom, 1-bath private apartment. With its own entrance, full kitchen, spacious living area, large custom closet, and beautifully designed bathroom, the apartment lives like an entirely independent home. This setup is
Virtually Staged. Built in 2022 and located in the quiet Dora Landings community, this beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers modern finishes and a spacious open-concept layout designed for comfortable living and entertaining. The kitchen features wood cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a large island overlooking the living and dining areas. There is a water
Welcome to your own slice of paradise in Sullivan Ranch! This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home sits quietly near the rear of the community with no rear neighbors and a lush tree canopy that offers shade, privacy, and the perfect backdrop for backyard fun. Enjoy mornings on the screened lanai, evenings under the stars, and weekends made for entertaining—all in your fully fenced-in yard. Inside,
Virtually Staged. *!!Price improvement!!* Discover refined Florida living in one of Mount Dora's most sought-after gated communities. This beautifully crafted custom home in Sullivan Ranch offers luxury finishes, thoughtful design, and an exceptional lifestyle surrounded by rolling hills, scenic trails, and the timeless charm of historic Mount Dora. Step inside to discover an expansive
Welcome to 1481 Kempas Dr, a beautifully upgraded 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home in Mount Dora offering 2,725 sq ft of thoughtfully designed living space, and only 3 years young. This one checks every box: a flexible multi-generational suite, an open-concept floor plan, high-end finishes throughout, and a private backyard with no rear neighbors. The show-stopping multi-generational suite is a rare
Virtually Staged. Welcome to this beautifully maintained two-story home ideally located just off scenic Lake Shore Drive in Mount Dora, offering a community dock to Lake Dora with NO HOA! This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence features soaring vaulted ceilings, warm wood flooring, and an inviting living area designed for both everyday living and entertaining. New Roof 2025 HVAC 2020 The bright,
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 3-bath residence tucked inside the sought-after Country Club of Mount Dora, where thoughtful updates, spacious living, and an unbeatable location come together. With a NEW ROOF (2022) and NEW HVAC (2023), many of the home's major systems have already been taken care of, allowing you to move in with confidence.Step inside to soaring ceilings,
*Offering interest rate buy-down or closing cost credit through preferred lender* Welcome to your slice of Florida paradise in the highly desirable Baywood Village community of Mount Dora. This beautifully maintained newer-construction 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers the perfect combination of modern comfort, thoughtful design, and peaceful waterfront living. From the moment you arrive, you'll
Welcome home to this charming 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom residence offering comfort, convenience, and excellent value! Freshly updated with brand-new kitchen cabinets and fresh interior paint, this inviting home is move-in ready. Enjoy relaxing mornings or peaceful evenings on the screened porch, take advantage of the one-car carport for covered parking, and enjoy the extra storage space provided by
Hammock Oaks is an established apartment community located in the heart of the ever-expanding area of Mount Dora, Florida. Nestled on Lake Center Drive, Hammock Oaks features amazing recreational facilities to fit your lifestyle. Discover your new home in one of the spacious 1, 2 or 3 bedroom floor plans!
Yardly® Mount Dora is an innovative community by Taylor Morrison that elevates apartment living through a thoughtful blend of form and function. In addition to attractive community amenities, we offer maintenance and repair services to our renters, which allows for a low-maintenance lifestyle. All pets are welcome at Yardly with no weight or breed restrictions, and each home comes with a
Located on the shores of beautiful Lake Saunders in Mount Dora, FL, Lake Saunders Reserve is the perfect combination of tranquility and convenience. Experience unrivaled, serene lakeside living at an affordable price. Lake Saunders Reserve is proud to provide apartment homes for those who are 55 and older*You've waited long enough for a modern apartment home with the finishes you expect
Learn more about our current specials! Discover the perfect blend of small-town charm and modern convenience at Eudora Reserve. Nestled in beautiful Lake County, Florida, our vibrant community puts you minutes away from the rich culture, eclectic boutiques, and lakeside dining of historic Downtown Mount Dora. Enjoy scenic outdoor
Welcome to Bristol Park, a BRAND NEW locally owned and operated Apartments in Mount Dora, known as the 'festival city'! Right off of US-441 right across from Mount Dora Country Club! We offer spacious thoughtfully designed 1 and 2-bedroom Gold Certified Smoke-Free apartment homes each equipped with full size side by side washers and dryers, walk-in closets, starting at 951 SQFT for the 1
Located on the shores of beautiful Lake Saunders in Mount Dora, FL, Lake Saunders Reserve is the perfect combination of tranquility and convenience. Experience unrivaled, serene lakeside living at an affordable price. Lake Saunders Reserve is proud to provide apartment homes for those who are 55 and older*You’ve waited long enough for a modern apartment home with the finishes you expect
Bristol Lakes Apartments is located in highly desirable Mount Dora right off of US-441 across from the Mount Dora Country Club; come experience lifestyle living and enjoy what all of Mount Dora has to offer from its antique shops in its historic downtown to its annual festivals and outdoor lifestyle. Our thoughtfully designed and spacious 1 and 2 bedroom apartments offer smooth flow and function
Welcome to Mount Dora Apartments, where small-town charm meets modern comfort in the heart of historic Downtown Mount Dora, FL. Our thoughtfully designed studio, 1, and 2 bedroom apartments showcase elegant hardwood floors and generous walk-in closets, creating the perfect space for your lifestyle. Step outside onto your private patio and embrace the serene atmosphere of our community surrounded
Welcome to your dream home! Step inside this pet-friendly home featuring modern finishings and a layout designed with functionality in mind. Enjoy the storage space found in the kitchen and closets as well as the spacious living areas and natural light throughout. Enjoy outdoor living in your yard, perfect for gathering, relaxing, or gardening!Take advantage of the incredible location,
Please note, our homes are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and are not reserved until the holding fee agreement is signed and the holding fee is paid by the primary applicant.Coming soon! This home is currently being enjoyed by another resident but will be available soon. Please respect their privacy and do not disturb. You can complete the application process and reserve
Coming soon - this home is currently being enjoyed by another resident but will be available soon. Pre-lease this home now with Tricon Pre-Lease Guarantee. This home is professionally managed by Tricon, dedicated to creating exceptional rental experiences. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 2.0 bathrooms, and approximately 1,801 square feet, this well-maintained home offers a high standard of rental living,
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