Mount Dora, Florida (FL) Real Estate, Homes, Lots, Communities and Property

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Centrally located on the Florida Peninsula, Mount Dora is the jewel of Lake County. For people seeking Florida investment property, the area is near the metropolis of Orlando with all its amenities, yet development maximizes the peace and tranquility of the rolling hills and lakes. With a population a little over 11,500, the community has a small town atmosphere while taking advantage of its abundance of natural resources. Those that enjoy an active lifestyle will relish the choices from water sports to championship gold to equestrian activities to hiking and biking miles of trails all located within an easy drive from Florida master-planned communities to meet individual needs.

Mount Dora was first settled in 1874 and named Royellou after the children of the postmaster. The town’s name was later changed to Mount Dora for Lake Dora named earlier by the surveyors. The town grew significantly in 1880 when Elfin River was widened to contain steamboats and the name changed to Dora Canal thus establishing the name “Dora” for the area. Once the railroad arrived in 1887, the economy thrived bringing tourists to the area as well as carrying freight. In 1893 the Alexander House became a popular winter retreat for hunting, fishing and boating because of the mild seasonal weather. The House was renamed the Lakeside Inn and remains in operation to this day. By 1891 R.C. Tremain and Son packing house was built providing the area’s first orange production company.

With its location on top of the Lake Wales Ridge, Lake County has 14 distinct municipalities that answer the demands of any potential real estate buyer with Mount Dora known for diverse activities. Easily accessible by Interstate 75 to the west and Interstate 4 to the east, residents enjoy the central location on the Florida peninsula. With the Leesburg International Airport and Orlando airports just a short drive, residents are able to travel virtually anywhere.

Visitors to downtown Mount Dora enjoy world-renowned antiquing, shopping and fine dining. The Inland Lakes Railway provides nostalgic train rides through the countryside while the mile-long Dora Canal is one of the most scenic areas in the county lined with Spanish moss hanging from Cyprus trees which results in a safe haven for nesting birds. And while shopping, residents enjoy the tranquil walks along the lakes that border the shopping districts.

Lake County, Florida with over 1000 lakes and rivers is not only home to hundreds of Florida waterways but to quality freshwater fishing and boating which is some of the best in the region. Also, birdwatching which has become one of the fastest growing outdoor sports in the nation thrives with more than 200 different identified species. The abundance of freshwater lakes and year-round temperate climate invites fishing competitions for the prized trout and crappie. Most recently, the 130 mile Blueway was opened. This “water highway” provides the largest collection of waterway trails for canoeists and kayakers in the state and includes an abundance of scenery and wildlife as well as easy access to eight trails within the areas of the St Johns River, Golden Triangle, Palatlakaha Basin and Oklawaha Basin. The hiking trail system is a combination of rural rail-trails through open prairies, ponds, extensive stands of longleaf pines and the Green Swamp landscapes. The area is the “crown jewel” of the Florida Trail system using endless acres of preserves to include access to three state parks, one state forest, one national wildlife refuge and one national forest. Whether one hikes through tropical wetland preserves, cruises the most beautiful mile of waterway, cave dives in ancient springs, kayaks along a Timucuan Indian Trail of explores the famous Green Swamp, outdoorsmen will find a multitude of opportunities in Mount Dora.

For those seeking more organized or specialized activities the area’s climate and geography have become idealic . The National Training Center located on 300 acres serves both national and international athletes in most all genres of sports providing state-of-the-art facilities. Triathletes have also chosen the area to train because of the ideal climate, hilly terrain and numerous lakes the perfect combination for training. The diverse landscape is excellent for equestrian training and eventing. Horseback riding ranges from serious preparation to leisurely riding along the extensive trail systems. Finally, golf is extremely popular offering challenging public links as well as top-rated championship layouts that utilize both the “Old Florida” design with scenic vistas and the natural rolling hills unique only to central Florida.

Mont Dora, a key small town in Lake County, Florida, has positioned itself to be an eclectic area desirable to those seeking real estate in a mild climate which boasts year-round activities for just about any taste. The area is ripe with cultural activities and embraces its rich history. Just a short drive to Orlando, residents can enjoy the amenities of a large metropolitan area without giving up the peace and tranquility that is synonymous with the area.