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If you enjoy balmy weather and a friendly
small-town ambiance mixed with New England charm, then Mount Dora,
Florida may be the retirement spot for you. This Victorian
town of 10,000 people is nestled on the eastern edge of six-mile
long Lake Dora and is surrounded by rolling hills, lakes and
forests in central Florida (roughly 45 minutes northwest of
Orlando). While not specifically a retirement town, nearly
half of the town's residents are 45 years or older.
The name Mount Dora stems from the fact that the town sits 266
feet above sea level.
Also known as "Little New England,"
Mount Dora is one of three quaint, historic lake-front towns that
make up what is known as the "Golden Triangle."
Antique markets, century-old buildings, restaurants, boutiques and
art galleries dot the downtown lakefront setting and provide
residents with plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.
In fact, it is surprising how many restaurants there are in a town
of this size. Mount Dora has been named by Florida Living
Magazine as Florida’s "Friendliest Small Town" and
is noted as having the best antique shopping area in the state of
Florida. Money Magazine ranked it in the
"Top 10 Best Retirement Towns" in 1997.
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Mount Dora, Florida Cost-of-Living
Mount Dora, when it comes to the overall
cost-of-living, rates a 74, with 100 being the national average,
ranking it below the cost-of-living in many other areas of the
United States. This cost-of-living index takes into account
housing, food and groceries, transportation, utilities, health
care, and miscellaneous expenses such as clothing, services, and
entertainment. Taxes are not included, but Florida has no
state income tax.
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Real Estate and Housing in Mount Dora,
Florida
Upon arriving here, you might think you are in
Vermont or New Hampshire, except for the palm trees. The
train depot, now the Chamber of Commerce, dates from
1915. Tree lined streets wind around nine lakes, and
the occasional gingerbread house pops up on a corner. There
is quite a variety of housing choices. The average single
family 2-3 bedroom home in a nice, leafy neighborhood is
priced at about $150,000, and real estate prices range from
$80,000 to $400,000. Housing types include condominiums,
town homes, single family homes, luxury homes and residential lots
and land in family oriented neighborhoods. There are also
waterfront housing tracts and gated golf course communities.
Victorian painted ladies (houses, that is) intermingle with
traditional flat-roof, single-level Florida homes to create an
eclectic housing mix.
The median rent is $550 per month.
Lakeview Terrace is a continuing care retirement
community, as is Waterman Village.
Health Care in Mount Dora, Florida
There are two fully accredited general hospitals
nearby. One is Florida Hospital Waterman in Eustis, about 5
miles away (it has 182 beds and 125 physicians), and the other is
Leesburg Regional Medical Center, about 25 miles away. Air
ambulance service is provided to and from both. Standard
ambulance service is available county-wide. A new hospital
is being built in Tavares, just down the road. Orlando, with
all of its medical infrastructure, is 45 minutes away.
Events showcasing senior services are presented
throughout the year at the public library and at the Lake County
Fairgrounds.
Mount Dora, Florida Recreation and Leisure
Activities
For a town of 10,000 people, Mount Dora has an
abundance of recreational opportunities. Palm Island Park
has one of the longest and prettiest lake-side nature walks in
Florida. A stroll along the boardwalk offers views of blue
herons and ospreys and the occasional eagle. Lake Dora
itself offers all the usual lake activities, from swimming to
boating and fishing. Free concerts are offered in
Donnelly Park. There are a couple of local theaters,
including the Ice House and the Bay Street Players Community
Theater.
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Each year, the town hosts the Mount Dora
Arts Festival, which attracts 150,000 visitors.
Mount Dora Center for the Arts presents concerts and
recitals by international artists, gallery openings and
ongoing exhibitions. The local library hosts
quilting shows, classic film festivals, living history
presentations and more. The annual
Village Antique Fair brings out 150 antique vendors,
all in one place! |
The town presents a Christmas lighting
celebration, a bicycle festival and a crafts fair each year.
Residents can also indulge in sunset cruises around Lake Dora,
take in a sailing regatta or visit an antique boat
show. Golf facilities are found at the Mount
Dora Country Club, a semi-private 18 hole course, as well as at
public courses less than an hour away. In short, it is
nearly impossible to become bored here.
Climate in Mount Dora, Florida
Winters here are mild, with January temperatures
averaging in the 60s and 70s. Summers are hot and humid (it
is Florida, afterall), with July average temperatures reaching
into the 90s with 55% humidity and higher.
Is Mount Dora, Florida the Retirement Spot
for You?
It's hard to think of any drawbacks to retiring
in this elegant, historic town. It seems to have it all,
including a low cost-of-living, charm, friendly people,
excellent health care, affordable real estate and plenty to
do. It could just be the ideal retirement destination!
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