Clermont
A lakes-and-hills city west of Orlando, Clermont blends small-town charm with an active, outdoorsy lifestyle—and enough new development to offer choice for buyers. It’s a place where waterfront parks, good schools, and reasonable commutes meet in one Central Florida address.
Quick Snapshot
| Category | At-a-Glance |
|---|---|
| Region | Central Florida, Lake County — about 25–30 miles west of Downtown Orlando |
| Vibe | Lakefront, family-friendly, fitness-forward, suburban with a historic core |
| Housing Mix | Primarily single-family homes with growing townhome options; a mix of established neighborhoods and master-planned new builds |
| Commute | US-27, SR-50, Florida’s Turnpike; roughly 30–45 minutes to Downtown Orlando and 25–35 minutes to the Disney/Lake Buena Vista area in typical traffic |
Why Move to Clermont
- Balanced lifestyle: walkable lakefront parks and a revitalized downtown paired with newer master-planned communities and amenities.
- Access to jobs and healthcare: commutable to Orlando’s tech, healthcare, hospitality, and education hubs; home to Orlando Health South Lake Hospital and the National Training Center.
- Nature at your doorstep: the Clermont Chain of Lakes, Lake Louisa State Park, and miles of paved trails encourage daily time outside.
- Strong community feel: regular markets and festivals, recreation programs, and neighborhoods that support all ages—from growing families to active adults.
Neighborhoods & Entertainment Districts
Clermont’s identity is anchored by its historic downtown and waterfront on Lake Minneola, with rolling hills and newer communities stretching south and east along US-27 and SR-50. Mixed-use dining clusters, food halls, and neighborhood clubhouses create multiple hubs for everyday living and evening plans.
- Historic Downtown & Waterfront District — Centered on Montrose Street and the Lake Minneola shoreline, this walkable area offers coffee shops, restaurants, the Montrose Street Market food hall, a weekly farmers market, and frequent festivals. Townhomes and cottages near the water appeal to buyers who prioritize charm and convenience.
- Citrus Tower/SR-50 Corridor — Near the iconic Citrus Tower, you’ll find shopping centers, medical offices, and established subdivisions with larger lots. It suits buyers wanting quick access to everyday errands and commuter routes.
- Wellness Way & South Clermont — A fast-growing, master-planned area with new construction, community pools, and trail connections. Ongoing development, including the proposed Olympus sports-and-wellness district, signals future amenities and job growth. Ideal for buyers seeking newer floor plans and community features.
- Lake Louisa Corridor — Close to Lake Louisa State Park, this area emphasizes nature, with communities positioned for easy access to hiking, kayaking, and quiet, wooded streets. Expect a laid-back feel and a range of price points.
- Active-Adult Golf Villages — 55+ neighborhoods such as Kings Ridge and Heritage Hills focus on low-maintenance living, clubhouses, social programming, and golf. These draw retirees who want amenities and near-town convenience.
Schools & Education
Clermont is served by Lake County Schools, which generally earns solid marks for neighborhood elementary options and a breadth of electives, Advanced Placement, and career-technical education (CTE) pathways at the secondary level. Families find STEM and arts opportunities through district programs and select magnet/choice options, and dual-enrollment partnerships with Lake-Sumter State College help college-bound students get a jump on credits. Private and charter choices exist nearby as well, including the K–8 Minneola Charter School and independent schools in adjacent communities.
| Level | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary | Lost Lake, Clermont Elementary, Cypress Ridge (STEM focus), Sawgrass Bay (Four Corners area) | Neighborhood campuses with STEM and enrichment opportunities; Cypress Ridge is known for engineering/technology themes. |
| Middle | East Ridge Middle, Windy Hill Middle, Clermont Middle | Electives typically include arts, technology, and pre-CTE; athletics and clubs are active. |
| High | East Ridge High, Lake Minneola High, South Lake High | AP courses are widely available; many schools offer Cambridge AICE, CTE academies, and robust athletics. IB is offered within the district on a choice basis—availability varies by year. |
Note: School options and performance can vary by attendance zone; buyers should verify current zoning and ratings.
Cost of Living & Housing
Relative to Orlando’s closest west-side suburbs, Clermont often delivers slightly more space and value while keeping commutes manageable. Pricing varies by neighborhood, age of home, lot size, and proximity to lakes, schools, and commuter routes. New-construction communities continue to add inventory, while established subdivisions offer mature landscaping and, at times, lower HOA costs.
| Item | Typical Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Family Home | $350,000 – $800,000+ | New builds in master-planned communities often start in the high $300s to $500s; lakefront or custom properties can extend into the $1M+ range. |
| Townhome/Condo | $260,000 – $450,000 | Pricing depends on age, finishes, garage or waterfront proximity; HOA/condo fees vary by community amenities. |
| Rent (2–3 BR) | $1,900 – $2,800 /mo | Newer communities and waterfront-adjacent districts trend higher; older properties may fall below this range. |
| Overall Costs | Often on-par with, or slightly below, nearby Orlando suburbs | Utilities reflect year-round A/C needs; Florida homeowners insurance and wind coverage can be significant; driving is common, so transportation costs are typical of car-dependent areas. |
Insurance & HOA note: In Florida, homeowners insurance and HOA/condo fees can materially affect monthly costs; obtain current quotes.
Outdoors, Activities & Lifestyle
Clermont shines outside. Lakeside paths, state park trails, and an active events calendar give residents multiple ways to spend weekends close to home. Fitness is part of the culture, from rowing and triathlons to casual walks on the waterfront at sunset.
- Waterfront Park & South Lake Trail — A paved, lakefront trail that ties into the regional network, with beach areas, playgrounds, boat ramps, and a calendar of community races and triathlons.
- Lake Louisa State Park — A natural escape for hiking, kayaking, birding, horseback riding, camping, and cabin stays just minutes from town.
- National Training Center (NTC) — A destination for athletes with an Olympic-size pool, track, and performance facilities; also open to community fitness programs.
- Citrus Tower & Historic Village — A nod to the area’s citrus history, plus a small museum village by the lake; good for an afternoon with visiting family.
- Lakeridge Winery & Seasonal Festivals — A local winery hosting tastings and outdoor festivals throughout the year, from arts markets to harvest events.
- Downtown Events & Markets — Food hall bites at Montrose Street Market, coffee and craft beer spots, and a weekly farmers market create an easygoing social rhythm.
- Seasonal highlight — Summer triathlon series and Fourth of July waterfront fireworks draw crowds to the lakefront; fall brings community festivals and cooler trail time.
Getting Around & Commute
US-27 and SR-50 are the main north–south and east–west arteries, with quick access to Florida’s Turnpike and connections to SR-429 for Orlando’s western beltway. Typical drive times run 30–45 minutes to Downtown Orlando, 25–35 minutes to the Disney/Lake Buena Vista employment corridor, and around 35–50 minutes to Orlando International Airport, depending on time of day and route. LakeXpress provides limited regional bus service, but most residents rely on cars; cyclists and runners use the South Lake Trail for local trips and recreation.
Who It’s Ideal For
- Growing families seeking new builds, community amenities, and neighborhood schools.
- Professionals who want suburban breathing room with reasonable commutes to Orlando job centers.
- Retirees prioritizing low-maintenance living, golf, and social programming in active-adult communities.
- Outdoor and fitness enthusiasts drawn to lake access, trails, and the area’s training culture.
Tips for Homebuyers
- Plan for seasonality: spring and early summer often bring more listings; get pre-approved to move quickly on well-located homes near schools and lakes.
- Compare new construction vs. resale: builders may offer incentives, but factor in timelines, lot premiums, and future phases; established neighborhoods may have larger lots and mature trees.
- Understand HOA, condo, and potential CDD fees: amenities are a plus, but fees vary widely across communities and affect monthly costs.
- Do insurance due diligence: request quotes early, review wind mitigation features, and check any flood-zone overlays—especially for lake-adjacent properties.
- Check local rules on short-term rentals: policies differ by community and municipality; confirm whether rentals are allowed and under what conditions.
FAQ
Is Clermont a good place to raise a family?
Many families appreciate Clermont’s combination of neighborhood schools, parks, and lakefront recreation. The historic downtown and regular events help create a sense of community, while the housing stock ranges from starter-friendly to move-up homes. As with any market, experiences vary by neighborhood—visit at different times of day and verify school zones before you buy.
How does the cost of living compare to nearby areas?
Clermont is often competitive with—and in some pockets slightly more affordable than—west-side Orlando suburbs like Horizon West or Winter Garden, particularly for single-family homes. It tends to be pricier than rural Lake County but offers more amenities and shorter commutes. Insurance, utilities, and transportation costs should be included in your budget.
What’s the housing stock like?
You’ll find a broad mix: established subdivisions with mature landscaping, lakefront custom homes, townhomes near downtown, and an expanding supply of new-construction options in master-planned communities along US-27 and the Wellness Way corridor. Condos are less common than single-family homes and townhomes, but select waterfront and low-maintenance communities exist.
Bottom Line
Clermont offers the rare Florida trifecta: scenic hills, true lake access, and a growing but grounded community. Buyers come for space and value relative to closer-in Orlando suburbs, and stay for the active, outdoorsy lifestyle built around trails, parks, and a lively downtown. If you want suburban comfort with weekend adventures right out your door—and a commute that still works—Clermont is well worth a look.
