Recognized as “the best place to find antiques in Florida” and the “friendliest small town in Florida” Mount Dora’s reputation precedes it. Located along the serene waters of Lake Dora and with convenient access to the Harris Chain of Lakes, Mount Dora is a romantic destination with picturesque scenes around every corner.
Lake Dora was named in 1846 in honor of Ms. Dora Ann Drawdy who lived here and made friends with federal surveyors; in 1883 the town was named for the lake. Mount Dora is situated upon a plateau that is 184 feet above sea level which is unusual in Florida.
A favorite tourist destination, Mount Dora is renowned for its antique shops that line the beautiful city streets. Amidst the alluring treasures of yesterday are amazing gift shops, fashion boutiques, art galleries, and delectable treats including bakeries, coffee shops, restaurants, and wineries all perfectly placed within walking distance of each other and Lake Dora. One-of-a-kind stores are just the beginning of the endless entertainment that Mount Dora offers its more than 10,000 residents and tourists.
Under the canopies of oak, cypress, and palm trees, Mount Dora plays hosts to eight major yearly events including the Mount Dora Arts Festival, an antique boat show, antique car show, a sailing regatta, bicycle festival, crafts fair, golf tournament, and a Christmas lighting festival. Offering activities for all ages, the city of Mount Dora’s Recreation Department has adult dances and daytrips, mommy and me classes, summer camps for kids, and free movies in the park for everyone. Mount Dora also has numerous sports activities for kids and teens such as soccer, golf, swimming, martial arts, and more.
Conveniently located, Mount Dora is sited about 45 minutes from the Orlando metropolis where you will find Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Sea World, Universal Studios, Pleasure Island, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Camp Ground. Mount Dora is also about one hour from the Orlando International Airport and using the Interstate 4 corridor will have you in Daytona Beach in approximately a little over one hour. Local roads in the Mount Dora area include County Roads 44B, 452, and U.S. 441. Enjoy site seeing your new hometown from the comfort of the Lake Express public bus, with routes throughout Mount Dora and much of Lake County.
Mount Dora offers all types of housing including condos, townhomes, waterfront homes, golf course communities, single-family homes, and luxury estates. Victorian and single-story Florida-style homes are the most common types of homes in this gorgeous town.
There are ten schools in the Mount Dora area, including elementary, middle, and high schools. These ten schools are a combination of both public and private institutions that educate the young minds of Mount Dora. Rollins College and Stetson University are both located about 25 minutes from Mount Dora in Winter Park and Deland; the University of Central Florida in Orlando is approximately 32 miles away.
In June 2008, the average sales price of a single family home or condo in Mount Dora, FL was $247,995. While this data is collected from the MLS and deemed reliable, it is not guaranteed.
