Mount Dora, FL is a picturesque city in Lake County, a prime example of “small town charm,” complete with large rolling hills that are such a rare landscape feature in Florida. It's a famed antiquing destination with quiet residential areas, some amazing active-adult communities, and a quaint and quirky downtown with lots of shops, restaurants, and other fun. 

The city's central location in the state is perfect for 55+ folks looking for easy access to everything Florida has to offer. When you live there, beautiful Lake Dora is right at your doorstep, as are a few other large lakes. Plus, state parks, springs, campgrounds, other interesting large and small cities, Orlando's theme parks and resorts, gorgeous beaches, and so much more are only a short drive away. 

If you're starting to look at Central Florida as a possible location for your new or second home in a resort-style age-restricted community for active adults, take a little time to investigate Mount Dora. It has a lot going for it, and some great buying opportunities. Here's a quick overview to help you get a better feel for the city. 

  • Mount Dora is a little under 6 square miles and has a population of about 13,000 residents
  • A little over half the population is 45 and older
  • The median home value is $172,300 as of early 2016, representing a 5.6% increase over a one-year period
  • It's just about a 40-minute drive from Mount Dora to downtown Orlando, under an hour to The Villages, and less than 2 hours to Tampa
  • Other interesting nearby smaller cities include Tavares, Clermont, Sanford, Winter Garden, Winter Park, DeLand, Daytona Beach, Clearwater, Winter Haven, and Lakeland
  • The city maintains a number of scenic public parks, while Lake County maintains a few nature preserves in Mount Dora
  • This is a culturally oriented place, home to the Mount Dora History Museum, the Mount Dora Center for the Arts, the Modernism Museum Mount Dora, the Mount Dora Museum of Speed, as well as galleries, studios, and other cultural offerings
  • Mount Dora is nicknamed “Festival City” for its extensive year-round roster of special public events dedicated to arts, crafts, antiques and collectibles, gardening, music, seafood, and more
  • February's annual Mount Dora Arts Festival is a huge draw for fans of fine art
  • The Sailboat Regatta is held every April and is the oldest in Florida
  • The Mount Dora Fall Craft Fair is the city's largest annual event, held in October, bringing in more than 250,000 visitors
  • The 3-day Bicycle Festival in October is the state's oldest
  • There's also a Scottish Highland Festival in town every November
  • Mount Dora is home to Renninger's Twin Market, an antiques and flea market-lover's dream
  • There are more than 25 golf courses in the Mount Dora area
Article Feature Image Credits:  Mount Dora Official Website