Just outside Ocala National Forest, Paisley offers rustic country living
Paisley is a rural community in northern Lake County on the edge of Ocala National Forest, surrounded by pine forests rich with wildlife. “The first time I saw a bear was when we moved there in ’95,” says Timothy Condron, a retired Realtor who sold in Paisley for 15 years. “I saw this big black thing going from one side of the road. My first thought was, ‘That’s the biggest dog I’ve ever seen.’” According to Condron, outside of homes, there are just a few establishments in the area, including a post office, a Dollar General and a gas station.
Lake County pinelands surround Paisley with hiking trails and wildlife
Deep in Lake County’s subtropical pinelands, Paisley is surrounded by hiking trails, natural springs, campgrounds and more. Clearwater Lake on the south side has campgrounds and a trailhead. The Clearwater Lake Nature Trail begins just off the lakeshore and ends 10 miles north of Paisley in Alexander Springs, one of Ocala National Forest’s most popular natural pools. Conservation area Ellis Acres Reserve spans more than 400 acres on the neighborhood’s north side. It hedges the shores of Lake Akron. “That’s the biggest lake,” Condron says. “No motor boats are allowed on any of the lakes. Just kayaks, canoes and johnboats.” Open between dusk and dawn, the neighborhood reserve invites hikers and bikers to enjoy its trails and observe native wildlife like Sandhill cranes, though Condron says these birds are spotted all over Paisley. “They’re all over, all those legs,” he says with a laugh. “Did you know they mate for life? We used to have a mating pair behind our house, and they’d bring their babies into the yard. They look like little chickens.”
From manufactured houses to ranch-style homes to country estates
Paisley is home to a mix of manufactured and site-built homes on spacious lots, many of which are lakeside. Though sales data is limited, prices range from around $90,000 to $400,000, with ranch-style block homes on the higher end. The neighborhood is also home to classic Old Florida farmhouses on multiacre lots. Rarely for sale, the estates can cost up to $1.2 million. Because Paisley has so many lakes – and a lower elevation – most properties require flood insurance. Hurricane season in Central Florida ranges from the beginning of June to the end of November.
Paisley’s neighborhood hangouts and conveniences, plus options in Umatilla
The local mainstays are along County Road 42. Palermo Pizza and Italian Restaurant became a fast favorite after opening in 2019. Paisley Mart and Dollar General offer necessities down the road from The Paisley Church and the local library. Pirate’s Pub is a locals-only kind of hangout where there’s usually at least one motorcycle parked out front, if not a few dozen. The closest supermarket is Save A Lot in Umatilla, 10 miles away, and the nearest urgent care center is in Mount Dora, 16 miles away.
Paisley is at least a 10-mile drive from each of its zone schools
Paisley is served by Lake County Public Schools. Seminole Springs Elementary earns a B from Niche and is just over 15 miles south of Paisley. For middle and high school, kids go to Umatilla, 10 miles west. Umatilla Middle and Umatilla High are graded B-minus. The high school offers the Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education, a popular college preparatory program that allows successful students to graduate with up to 45 hours of college credit.
Roughly 10 miles to Florida state roads 44 and 40, about 40 to the airport
County Road 42 is the main route to, from and through Paisley. It intersects Florida State Road 19, about 10 miles away in Umatilla, and Florida State Road 44, roughly 10 miles east, just outside DeLand. The closest major airport is Orlando Sanford International Airport, around 40 miles away.
Written By
Micaela Willoughby
