Every year thousands of seaplanes splash land in Tavares, which proclaims itself America’s Seaplane City. Seaplane takeoffs and landings are common sites in the community tucked between three lakes 40 miles northwest of Orlando. But pilots aren’t the only ones who call the city of 20,000 people home. In fact, the city appeals to a wide range of residents, says Arrow Realty & Investments Realtor Rena MacPhee, who grew up in Tavares. The small city’s offerings vary from lively bars downtown to 55-plus communities on the edges of town.
The Tavares welcome sign recognizes its status as a seaplane destination.
Thousands of seaplanes land in Tavares every year.
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Nightlife scene includes submarine bar
MacPhee says Tavares hosts one of the best nightlife scenes in Lake County. Near Main Street, The Argonaut mixes craft cocktails in a lounge designed to look like a submarine. Patrons play cornhole on the lawn at The Dog House, a sports bar that’s open until 1 a.m. on the weekends. Locals may also chill with their dogs on the patio of Puddle Jumpers Lakeside Restaurant, catching sites of seaplanes landing in Lake Dora. “Tavares probably has the most restaurants in Lake County that are pet friendly,” MacPhee says. Residents head north of downtown to do shopping at Village Market Place of Tavares, a shopping center with a Winn-Dixie and Dollar General. AdventHealth Waterman provides emergency care and other medical services on the northeast side of the city.
The Mixologist at the Argonaut Bar and Lounge gives the patrons a show in Tavares.
Bands from all around come to play at The Dog House in Tavares.
A couple dances to the live music at one of the many restaurant bars in Tavares.
Come and eat out on the patio at Puddle Jumpers Lakeside Restaurant in Tavares.
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Seaplane-themed play area at Wooton Park
The city’s dozen parks and recreation centers include Wooton Park, where kids run through a seaplane-themed splash park in view of where the aircraft take off and land. Boaters put their vessels in Lake Dora at West Wooton Park Boat Ramp nearby. Boats and seaplanes park at the marinas that extend from the shore into the lake. Residents can wait out Florida’s frequent rain showers inside Woodlea Sports Complex, where boarders and skaters glide along the concrete terrain.
Families love to take their kids on hot days to the Splash Pad in Wooten Park in Tavares.
Boating is a popular past time in Tavares on Lake Dora.
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Kayakers and parachuters head to Lake Dora
Community events often make use of the town’s waterfront. During April’s Kayakathon, adults, kids and even dogs hop into kayaks and paddle nearly 4 miles through Lake Dora and Lake Eustis, stopping along the way for food and drink. In the summer, locals gather at Wooton Park to watch dozens of members of Phantom Airborne, a veterans group, leap out of a World War II-era aircraft and parachute into Lake Dora.
Tavares hosts beach volleyball tournaments on the weekends.
The Dora Queen paddle boat docks in Tavares.
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Midlevel homes prices for Lake County
Tavares is predominantly a city of homeowners. House styles include manufactured homes, ranch-style houses that sometimes come with backyard pools and lakeside Mediterranean estates. A few subdivisions are restricted to seniors. Condo complexes are scattered around town for those who need less space. Prices for two-bedroom mobile homes start at $55,000, while two-bedroom condo prices begin around $90,000. A five-bedroom waterfront house can cost as much as $2 million. However, the median price is around $275,000. Tavares isn’t the cheapest real estate market in Lake County, but prices tend to be lower than in the nearby communities of Mount Dora and Howey-in-the-Hills, MacPhee says. “Tavares is right in the middle of Lake County in terms of pricing.” Some residential areas along Lake Dora are in federally designated flood zones, so homebuyers may need to purchase flood insurance.
Some of the homes on the waterfront in Tavares have spacious floor plans.
A row of modern ranch style homes with attached garages sit in Lake Frances Estates, a 55+ community.
A row of mobile homes sit at Lake Point 55 Plus Mobile Homes in Vista del Largo, Tavares.
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Tavares High School operates business program
Children attending Lake County Schools are zoned to Tavares Elementary School and Tavares Middle School, both graded B-minus by Niche. Students can progress to Tavares High School, a B-rated school that participates in the national INCubatoredu program. Teens in this program learn business skills by developing products and services with real-world applications. Kids can get a private education at Liberty Christian Preparatory School, a B-rated school in Tavares for kindergarteners through 12th graders.
Built in 1926, Tavares High School is one of seven public high schools in Lake County.
Tavares Middle School was built in 1991 and hosts 975 students in grades 6-8.
Tavares Elementary School has 800 students in grades PK-5.
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A long drive to Orlando, airport
Most residents have cars and use them to drive to work. The commute to and from Orlando can take more than an hour during rush hour. Locals also zip between downtown Tavares businesses on golf carts, which are legal on city streets. Those who want to catch a flight on something other than a seaplane must drive 50 miles to Orlando International Airport.
The Florida city of Tavares borders three lakes.
Tavares locals have acess to Orlando on Highway 441.
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Written By
Sara Huffman
Photography Contributed By
Stephen Flint
Video By
Michael Voyack
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 Tavares, FL sell after 80 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Tavares, FL over the last 12 months is $351,199, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to one of the newest homes available in the highly desirable Lake Frances Estates, a vibrant 55+ community where you own the land—NO LOT RENT!This meticulously maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath residence offers comfortable Florida living with a spacious front sunroom that serves as the perfect dining or relaxation area. The updated kitchen features a cozy breakfast nook, creating an
Virtually Staged. No HOA and over 100 feet of private shoreline on Lake Eustis, one of the largest lakes on Central Florida's famed Harris Chain of Lakes. Set on a half-acre homesite, this lakefront home pairs everyday comfort with the kind of big-water access most Florida buyers only dream about.Inside, cedar beams and a striking stone fireplace anchor the dining room, while timeless Chicago
Under contract-accepting backup offers. Virtually Staged. Wake up every morning to the first rays of sunshine fill your home with warmth and natural light. Imagine sipping your morning coffee in the bright Florida room while listening to birds sing and watching the tranquil beauty of the nature. This is more than a home—it’s the lifestyle you’ve been dreaming about.A Rare Opportunity to Own
As the morning sun filters through the windows, you pour a cup of coffee and settle into the bright Florida room, where birdsong and gentle breezes welcome the day. Later, a short golf cart ride takes you to downtown Tavares for lunch by the lake, boutique shopping, or a breathtaking sunset over the water. Returning home, you enjoy the comfort of an updated kitchen, spacious living areas, and the
Step through the double glass doors and the home opens straight to the water. The great room sits beneath a coffered ceiling with an inlaid hardwood medallion underfoot, and through the French doors the pool is the first thing you see. It's the view that greets you every time you walk in. The kitchen is built for the way people actually gather. Espresso cabinetry with glass-front uppers, deep
Welcome to this spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offering over 1,800 square feet of comfortable living in the established Vista Del Largo community—with NO HOA! Designed with generous room sizes and an abundance of natural light, this home features multiple living areas, a bright Florida room, and a flexible floor plan ready for your personal touch. Major updates include a 2015 roof, approximately
Welcome to one of the newest homes available in the highly desirable Lake Frances Estates, a vibrant 55+ community where you own the land—NO LOT RENT!This meticulously maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath residence offers comfortable Florida living with a spacious front sunroom that serves as the perfect dining or relaxation area. The updated kitchen features a cozy breakfast nook, creating an
Discover comfort, convenience, and true Florida living in this beautifully designed Ammolite floor plan by Richmond American Homes. Situated in a community that offers serene lake views, peaceful walking paths, and walking-distance access to a public boat ramp on Lake Harris, this home combines natural beauty with everyday practicality. You’re also just minutes from shopping, dining, and major
Start your mornings on the screened lanai overlooking the tranquil waters of Lake Eustis, where breathtaking sunrises set the tone for the day. This beautifully updated home features fresh interior paint, new bedroom carpeting, luxury vinyl plank flooring in the living areas, a 2024 rubber roof-over, copper plumbing, and a 2020 HVAC system for peace of mind. The spacious primary suite offers a
Mid-Century Modern Lakefront Living in TavaresWelcome to your opportunity to own a beautifully updated lakefront home in the heart of Tavares, America’s Seaplane City.This 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers nearly 2,500 sq. ft. of thoughtfully renovated living space. Completely updated in 2020, the home features an open-concept layout with oversized bay windows that capture stunning lake views
You will absolutely love this beautiful single-family home located on an oversized corner lot in a small enclave of homes in the lakefront community of Dora Lake Estates. This two-story home with a modern open floor concept offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths with an oversized 2 car garage. A comfortable living room connects with the dining area and kitchen, perfect for gatherings or entertaining. The
The Ana floorplan offers 2-Bedrooms, 2-Baths, a Flex Room, and a 2-Car Garage in a gated community with direct access to Lake Harris. The great room features tray ceilings and an open-concept layout with a 12x8 sliding glass doors designed for elegant indoor-outdoor living. The gourmet kitchen boasts frameless Cuero cabinets and quartz countertops. Laminate wood plank flooring enhances the main
Opportunity Awaits – Bring Your Vision to Life!Discover the potential in this solid block home located in a desirable 55+ community. Situated on a spacious corner lot, this property offers an excellent opportunity for buyers looking to customize and create their ideal Florida retreat.Key improvements have already been started, including a new roof and A/C system installed in 2023.
Welcome to this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath home located in the highly sought-after Lake Frances Estates, a vibrant 55+ community where you own the land and enjoy an active Florida lifestyle.Step inside to discover a bright and inviting floor plan featuring a spacious living room and dining area, perfect for entertaining family and friends. The updated kitchen offers newer
Low lot rent of $629 and includes w/s/t! This well maintained home is a single wide but has a nice addition that gives it a spacious feeling at a budget friendly price! You enter the home right from the large carport through the shed, which acts like a mudroom/laundry area. The eat in kitchen features nice wood cabinetry and is adjacent to the Florida room for morning coffee. You have a nice size
Studio apartment located between Mount Dora and Tavares just south of Eustis Tavadora has New Owners studio apartments conveniently located just outside of downtown Tavares and minutes away from restaurants, grocery stores and shopping! Neat and Clean! $200/month Resident Utilities Package includes electricity, basic cable and Wi-Fi, water, sewer, and trash! Plenty of parking! On site laundry
Nestled off of US-441, Atwater Apartments is a luxury two-story upscale community located in the heart of Tavares, adjacent to Advent Health Waterman Hospital, Pinecrest Academy Tavares, Aesop Park, and Lake Eustis and close proximity to Downtown Lakefront Tavares and Golden Triangle YMCA. Take in all of what Tavares has to offer from its charming downtown to its waterfront entertainment
Studio apartment conveniently located just outside of downtown Tavares and minutes away from restaurants, grocery stores and shopping! Neat and Clean! $200/month Resident Utilities Package includes electricity, basic cable, WiFi, water, sewer, and trash. Plenty of parking! On site laundry facility with coin machines and Amazon Locker! Renter's insurance required
Learn more about our current specials! Elevate your expectations and embrace a peaceful lifestyle at Club at Eustis. Perfectly situated in scenic Lake County, Florida, our welcoming community blends small-town charm and rich local history with easy access to modern daily conveniences. Located just off David Walker Drive near Lake
NOW OPEN - Lake Tavares is an exciting brand new gated residential rental apartment community nestled in the heart of Tavares/Lake County offering maintenance free living, residents will enjoy close proximity to downtown lake front Tavares, Golden Triangle YMCA, Lake Dora, Advent Health Waterman, Fred Stover Park Sports Complex, Aesops Park, Wooton Park, local shops, dining, and recreational
Now offering 20-month leases. Sign today and lock in today’s low rate for the next 20 months! Offer valid for new applicants who sign a 20-month lease by July 31st, 2026. Base rent will remain at the 12-month lease rate for the duration of the 20-month term. Offer is contingent on application approval and execution of a lease agreement. Other terms and conditions may apply. This property is
Now offering 20-month leases. Sign today and lock in today’s low rate for the next 20 months! Offer valid for new applicants who sign a 20-month lease by July 31st, 2026. Base rent will remain at the 12-month lease rate for the duration of the 20-month term. Offer is contingent on application approval and execution of a lease agreement. Other terms and conditions may apply. Be the first to live
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
Now offering 20-month leases. Sign today and lock in today’s low rate for the next 20 months! Offer valid for new applicants who sign a 20-month lease by July 31st, 2026. Base rent will remain at the 12-month lease rate for the duration of the 20-month term. Offer is contingent on application approval and execution of a lease agreement. Other terms and conditions may apply. Live in this
Welcome to this charming property located in the heart of Eustis, FL. This rental offers a great opportunity to enjoy comfortable living in a vibrant community. With several fantastic restaurants and department stores just moments away, you'll have everything you need right at your fingertips. AdventHealth Waterman is conveniently located just 4 minutes from your new home, adding to the appeal of
Please note, our homes are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and are not reserved until the lease is signed by all applicants and security deposits are collected.Interested in this home? You clearly have exceptional taste. This charming 4.0-bedroom, 2.0-bathroom home is not only pet-friendly, but also equipped with smart home features to make everyday life more convenient and
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