If you're considering retiring or relocating to Central Florida, there's one community in Mount Dora that I think deserves a spot on your list: Lakes of Mount Dora.
With beautiful waterfront views, resort-style amenities, golf-cart-friendly streets, and a convenient location just minutes from downtown Mount Dora, it's easy to understand why this 55+ community is so popular.
But what is it actually like to live here? What do the homes look like? How much are the HOA fees? And is Lakes of Mount Dora the right fit for your lifestyle?
I'm Riley, a local Mount Dora Realtor, and I'm taking you through everything you need to know about living in Lakes of Mount Dora, Florida.
Prefer to watch? Take a tour of Lakes of Mount Dora with me below!
Watch my Lakes of Mount Dora Community Tour on YouTube
Where Is Lakes of Mount Dora Located?
One of my favorite things about Lakes of Mount Dora is its location.
The community is tucked away in a peaceful part of Mount Dora, but you're only about seven minutes from historic downtown Mount Dora.
That means you're close to all the locally owned restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, festivals, and small-town charm that make this area so special.
And if you're relocating from somewhere a little busier, you might appreciate having all of that nearby without necessarily being in the middle of it.
How Far Is Lakes of Mount Dora From Orlando?
If you're planning to spend time exploring Central Florida, the location is pretty convenient.
Here are some approximate driving times:
Downtown Mount Dora: 7 minutes
Downtown Orlando: 45 minutes
Disney World and Universal Orlando: 45–60 minutes
Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach: About 1 hour
Clearwater and St. Petersburg: Around 2 hours
Of course, travel times depend on traffic and your destination, but it's nice to have so many options for day trips, visiting family, or exploring Florida.
Shopping and Everyday Conveniences
Despite its tucked-away location, Lakes of Mount Dora is close to everyday essentials.
Publix is approximately five minutes away, while Target, Walmart, and Winn-Dixie are generally less than ten minutes away.
So whether you're running errands, picking up groceries, or heading downtown for dinner, you don't have to go far.
What Is Lakes of Mount Dora?
Lakes of Mount Dora is a guard-gated, age-restricted 55+ community originally developed by Pringle Homebuilding Group in 2006.
The original community included approximately 950 homesites, and newer phases have introduced additional homes built by D.R. Horton.
This means buyers can explore both established resale homes and newer construction within the same neighborhood.
But what really makes Lakes of Mount Dora unique is its layout.
The neighborhood was designed around a series of interconnected, man-made lakes, with the original development designed to provide water views or access to more than 75% of residents.
Rather than having just one central lake, you'll find water winding throughout the community.
Residents can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding in designated areas, and many homes have beautiful water views right from their backyards.
It's one of those neighborhoods where the surroundings really contribute to the lifestyle.
A Walkable, Golf-Cart-Friendly Community
Another thing I love about Lakes of Mount Dora is how connected the neighborhood feels.
You'll see residents walking their dogs, riding bicycles, taking their golf carts around the community, or simply enjoying the walking paths.
There's a relaxed atmosphere that I think a lot of people are looking for when they decide to move to Florida.
And because Lakes of Mount Dora is a gated neighborhood with its own amenities, there's plenty to enjoy without having to leave the community.
Lakes of Mount Dora Amenities
If an active lifestyle is important to you, this is where Lakes of Mount Dora really shines.
The community has an amenity center with an approximately 18,000-square-foot clubhouse, offering plenty of space for residents to gather, socialize, and enjoy their hobbies.
Inside the Clubhouse
Residents have access to amenities including:
Fitness center
Library
Card rooms
Billiards room
Arts and crafts studio
Community gathering spaces
Whether you enjoy working out, playing cards with friends, or finding a new hobby, there's something for a variety of interests.
Outdoor Amenities
Outside, the amenities continue with:
Resort-style swimming pool
Hot tub
Two tennis courts
Eight pickleball courts
Bocce ball
Shuffleboard
Walking trails around the lakes
Dedicated RV and boat storage area
The outdoor spaces are a big part of what makes this community special.
You can spend your mornings walking along the water, meet friends for pickleball, or enjoy an afternoon by the pool.
Clubs, Activities, and Social Events
One of the biggest advantages of living in a 55+ community is having opportunities to meet people and stay involved.
Lakes of Mount Dora has offered a full calendar of activities, including fitness classes, travel groups, line dancing, photography, and other social clubs.
For someone relocating from out of state, I think this can be especially valuable.
Moving somewhere new means building new routines and friendships, and having activities right in your neighborhood can make that transition a little easier.
But here's what I also appreciate: you don't have to participate in everything.
If you'd rather spend your afternoon relaxing on your screened lanai with a good book, you can absolutely do that too.
How Much Are the HOA Fees in Lakes of Mount Dora?
This is usually one of the first questions buyers ask me when they're considering a 55+ community.
When I originally filmed my Lakes of Mount Dora tour in 2025, the HOA fee was approximately $280 per month.
At that time, the fee included access to the community amenities, lawn irrigation, and internet/cable services.
Considering the clubhouse, recreational facilities, and community features, I think it's important to look at what you're receiving for the monthly fee rather than comparing HOA costs alone.
However, HOA fees, included services, and community rules can change, so you'll want to review the current HOA documents and budget before purchasing.
I always recommend confirming exactly what's included, along with any applicable assessments or additional fees.
What Are the Homes Like in Lakes of Mount Dora?
All of the homes in Lakes of Mount Dora are single-family residences.
Most offer one-story floor plans, which is something many buyers specifically look for when downsizing or planning their next chapter.
You'll also find some homes with bonus rooms or lofts.
Home Sizes and Floor Plans
Homes generally range from approximately 1,500 to more than 3,000 square feet.
Common floor plans include:
Two or three bedrooms
Two or more bathrooms
Dens or flex spaces
Open-concept living areas
Attached garages
Screened lanais and outdoor living spaces
I particularly like that many floor plans offer a den or flex space.
If you're downsizing from a larger home, that extra room can make a big difference, especially if you want a home office, hobby room, or space for visiting family.
Architectural Styles and Waterfront Homes
Architecturally, Lakes of Mount Dora has a nice mix of traditional Florida, Mediterranean-inspired, and more contemporary home designs.
You'll find established homes with mature landscaping alongside newer properties with updated finishes.
Some of the most appealing homes are situated along the community's lakes, offering peaceful water views and beautifully landscaped backyards.
Of course, not every property is waterfront, and the location of the home within the neighborhood can make a significant difference in both price and lifestyle.
Resale Homes vs. New Construction in Lakes of Mount Dora
One of the advantages of this community is that buyers may have options between resale properties and newer construction.
And there are benefits to both.
Buying a Resale Home
Established resale homes often offer features that buyers appreciate, such as:
Mature landscaping
Screened-in lanais
Established lakefront settings
Custom closets and built-ins
Whole-home generators
Previous owner upgrades
Depending on the property, you may find a home where many of the improvements you'd want have already been completed.
I also think there's something to be said for seeing an established neighborhood and knowing exactly what your surroundings look like.
Buying New Construction
D.R. Horton has developed newer homes within Lakes of Mount Dora, providing another option for buyers who prefer a more recently built property.
Depending on construction status and builder offerings, buyers may find opportunities to select available floor plans, finishes, or upgrades.
Newer construction may also appeal to buyers looking for modern layouts and less immediate maintenance.
However, the availability of new homes, customization options, and builder incentives can change.
If you're deciding between new construction and resale, I'd encourage you to explore both.
Sometimes the resale home with a beautiful lake view is the better fit. Other times, a newer floor plan with updated finishes makes more sense.
It really depends on your priorities.
How Much Do Homes Cost in Lakes of Mount Dora?
Home prices in Lakes of Mount Dora can vary significantly.
Factors that influence pricing include:
Square footage and floor plan
Age and condition of the property
Waterfront location or water views
Interior upgrades
Outdoor living features
New construction versus resale
To give you some historical perspective, when I filmed my community tour in June 2025, homes were listed from approximately $395,000 to $883,000.
The median sold price was approximately $415,000 in May 2025 and $627,500 in June 2025.
That's a pretty significant difference from one month to the next!
And it illustrates why I don't recommend looking at just one neighborhood statistic when deciding what a home is worth.
A smaller interior-lot home and a larger lakefront property can have very different values, even within the same community.
How Long Do Homes Stay on the Market?
In that same 2025 market snapshot, the median time on market was approximately 42 days in May and 121 days in June.
Again, that variation shows how much individual property characteristics and market conditions matter.
Important: These figures are historical statistics from my 2025 video, not current home prices or inventory. If you're actively considering buying in Lakes of Mount Dora, you'll want to review the latest available listings and recent comparable sales.
Is Lakes of Mount Dora a Good Place to Retire?
If you're looking for an active 55+ community in Central Florida, I think Lakes of Mount Dora is absolutely worth exploring.
What makes it appealing isn't just the number of amenities. It's the combination of location, housing options, water views, and opportunities to connect with neighbors.
Lakes of Mount Dora May Be a Great Fit If You Want:
A gated 55+ neighborhood
Mostly single-story homes
Waterfront views and outdoor recreation
Pickleball, tennis, fitness, and social activities
A golf-cart-friendly community
Easy access to downtown Mount Dora
Both established homes and newer construction options
A Few Things to Consider Before Buying
As much as I love showing buyers this neighborhood, there are a few things I'd encourage you to think about before deciding if it's right for you.
First, this is an HOA community, so you'll want to be comfortable with the fees, rules, and architectural restrictions.
Second, while downtown Mount Dora is just a short drive away, the community itself isn't within walking distance of downtown restaurants and boutiques.
And finally, if you're specifically looking for a waterfront home, keep in mind that not every property has a water view or direct water access.
Those are all things we can consider when comparing individual homes.
Lakes of Mount Dora vs. Other 55+ Communities in Central Florida
If you're researching retirement communities in Mount Dora, I always recommend comparing more than one neighborhood before making a decision.
Some buyers prioritize golf courses, others want smaller communities with fewer amenities, and some are looking for newer homes with lower-maintenance living.
Lakes of Mount Dora stands out for its extensive amenity package, water-oriented design, and proximity to downtown Mount Dora.
But the right community is ultimately the one that fits how you want to spend your days.
If you're still getting familiar with the area, you can also explore my guide to the best neighborhoods in Mount Dora.
And if you're considering a move from another part of Florida or out of state, my Mount Dora relocation resources are a great place to start.
Thinking About Moving to Lakes of Mount Dora?
At the end of the day, I think Lakes of Mount Dora captures so much of what people are looking for when they picture their next chapter in Florida.
Beautiful surroundings, plenty of opportunities to stay active, a welcoming community atmosphere, and easy access to one of Central Florida's most charming downtowns.
You can spend the morning walking along the water, enjoy lunch with friends, and head downtown for dinner or a festival.
And when you're ready for a quiet afternoon at home, you've got that too.
I'm Riley, your local Mount Dora Realtor, and I help buyers relocate throughout Mount Dora and the surrounding Lake County area.
Whether you're interested in a waterfront resale home or exploring newer construction, I'd love to help you get to know Lakes of Mount Dora and find a home that fits your lifestyle.