If you're thinking about moving to Lake County, Florida, chances are you've come across two towns: Mount Dora and Tavares.
They're less than 10 minutes apart, share access to the beautiful Harris Chain of Lakes, and offer convenient access to the greater Orlando area. But despite their proximity, living in Mount Dora versus Tavares can feel surprisingly different.
Mount Dora is known for its historic charm, walkable downtown, and year-round festivals. Tavares, on the other hand, offers a more laid-back waterfront lifestyle, often with more home for your money.
I'm Riley, a local Mount Dora Realtor, and I help people buy, sell, and relocate throughout Lake County. Let's compare these two towns so you can decide which one might be the better fit for you.
Watch my full Mount Dora vs. Tavares video here:
Mount Dora vs. Tavares: Which Florida Town Suits Your Lifestyle?
1. Mount Dora vs. Tavares: The Lifestyle
Living in Mount Dora, Florida
There's a reason people fall in love with Mount Dora.
Downtown Mount Dora is filled with historic buildings, brick streets, independent boutiques, coffee shops, wine bars, and locally owned restaurants. It's charming, walkable, and has a personality that's difficult to replicate.
Mount Dora is also known as the Festival City, and it certainly lives up to its name. Throughout the year, you'll find art festivals, craft fairs, garden shows, holiday celebrations, and plenty of opportunities to get involved in the community.
One thing I always tell buyers, though, is that this energy is primarily concentrated around downtown.
Drive just a few minutes outside the historic district, and you'll find quieter residential neighborhoods, established communities, newer construction, and even larger properties with a little more breathing room.
Mount Dora is a great fit for someone who loves small-town charm, local businesses, and having things to do right outside their front door.
Living in Tavares, Florida
Tavares has a completely different personality.
Known as America's Seaplane City, Tavares is centered around Lake Dora and its waterfront lifestyle.
Downtown Tavares is home to Wooton Park, waterfront restaurants, public docks, and, of course, seaplanes taking off and landing on the lake.
You'll find live music, community events, outdoor dining, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water.
Compared to Mount Dora, Tavares feels a little more casual and residential. It's less focused on tourism and boutique shopping and more focused on everyday lake life.
If your ideal weekend involves getting out on the boat, grabbing lunch by the water, or relaxing with friends, Tavares might be right up your alley.
2. Home Prices and Real Estate in Mount Dora vs. Tavares
For many buyers, this is where the decision becomes especially interesting.
While these towns are geographically close, there can be a significant difference in what your budget will buy.
Mount Dora Real Estate
Mount Dora is generally one of the more expensive housing markets in Lake County, particularly if you're hoping to live near its historic downtown.
You'll find a variety of housing options, including:
Historic cottages and bungalows near downtown
Established neighborhoods with mature landscaping
Golf course and gated communities
New construction on the outskirts of town
Popular 55+ communities
In the market snapshot discussed in my video, Mount Dora had a median sold price of approximately $429,990, with homes spending a median of 34 days on the market.
Buyers are often willing to pay a premium for the location, character, and lifestyle Mount Dora offers.
Tavares Real Estate
Tavares generally offers more affordable housing options, especially for buyers who aren't necessarily looking for a historic home or a walkable downtown location.
You'll find:
Established neighborhoods with homes built in the 1970s through the 1990s
Larger residential lots in certain areas
New construction communities
Waterfront and water-access properties
55+ communities
In that same market snapshot, the median sold price in Tavares was approximately $325,995, with homes spending a median of 53 days on the market.
That's a difference of roughly $104,000 between the two median sold prices.
Of course, the specific neighborhood, age of the home, condition, and proximity to the water can make a big difference in either town.
My take: If your priority is being close to downtown Mount Dora, the additional cost may be worth it. But if you'd rather put that money toward a larger home, a bigger lot, or additional upgrades, I would absolutely encourage you to explore Tavares.
Note: These figures reflect the market snapshot used in the accompanying video, not current live market statistics. Home prices and inventory change regularly.
3. Location and Commuting to Orlando
One of the nice things about comparing Mount Dora and Tavares is that you don't have to sacrifice much in terms of location.
Both towns are approximately:
45 minutes from downtown Orlando
Under an hour from Orlando International Airport
A short drive from shopping, dining, and major roadways
The Wekiva Parkway has improved connectivity between this part of Lake County and the greater Orlando area.
However, I always recommend testing your actual commute during the hours you'd be traveling. A drive that takes 45 minutes on a weekend can look very different during rush hour.
For everyday shopping, both towns are close to the US-441 corridor, where you'll find grocery stores, big-box retailers, restaurants, and other essentials.
And because Mount Dora and Tavares are so close together, you're likely to frequent many of the same businesses regardless of which town you call home.
4. Restaurants, Shopping, and Entertainment
Mount Dora: Boutique Shopping and Downtown Dining
If you love exploring local restaurants, coffee shops, and independent businesses, Mount Dora has a lot to offer.
Downtown is filled with places to grab coffee, enjoy a nice dinner, browse antique shops, or spend an afternoon wandering through boutiques.
There's also something happening throughout much of the year, whether it's a festival, live music, or a holiday celebration.
Personally, I think one of Mount Dora's biggest selling points is that going downtown feels like an experience in itself.
Tavares: Waterfront Dining and Casual Entertainment
Tavares offers a more relaxed approach to dining and entertainment.
The waterfront is the focal point, with restaurants overlooking Lake Dora, outdoor seating, live music, and community gatherings.
Rather than spending an afternoon browsing boutiques, you might find yourself watching seaplanes, enjoying a waterfront lunch, or heading out on the boat.
And remember, downtown Mount Dora is only a short drive away, so living in Tavares doesn't mean giving up everything Mount Dora has to offer.
5. Outdoor Recreation and Lake Life
Both towns offer wonderful opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, especially if you love being near the water.
Mount Dora and Tavares are part of the Harris Chain of Lakes, a connected system of lakes popular for boating, fishing, kayaking, and other water activities.
In Mount Dora, you'll find scenic lakefront views, walking areas, and opportunities to enjoy Lake Dora from the shoreline or on a boat tour.
Tavares leans more heavily into boating and waterfront recreation, with its public docks, marina access, and seaplane activity.
If boating is a major part of your lifestyle, I'd spend some extra time exploring Tavares.
But if you prefer a scenic morning walk followed by coffee and shopping downtown, Mount Dora may be more your speed.
6. Schools and Everyday Conveniences
Both Mount Dora and Tavares are served by Lake County Schools.
Public school assignments depend on the specific property address, so it's important to verify zoning directly with the school district before purchasing a home.
There are also private, charter, and other educational options throughout the surrounding area.
For healthcare, Tavares is home to AdventHealth Waterman, a major medical facility serving Lake County.
Both towns offer convenient access to grocery stores, pharmacies, medical offices, and everyday shopping.
7. Growth and Future Development
Both Mount Dora and Tavares are growing, but they're doing so in different ways.
Mount Dora
Mount Dora is already well-established, particularly around its historic downtown.
Much of its newer residential and commercial development is happening farther from the historic district.
The US-441 corridor has also seen additional restaurants and commercial development, bringing more everyday conveniences to the area.
Tavares
Tavares has opportunities for additional residential and commercial growth, including planned developments such as Avalon Park Tavares.
While these projects may bring additional shopping, dining, and housing opportunities, development timelines can change.
I wouldn't recommend buying a home solely because of a proposed future development. Instead, focus on whether the town and neighborhood meet your needs today.
8. So, Is Mount Dora or Tavares Better?
The answer really comes down to the lifestyle you're looking for.
I'd recommend exploring Mount Dora if you want:
A charming, historic downtown
Walkable restaurants and boutique shopping
Arts, festivals, and community events
Established neighborhoods with character
A small-town atmosphere with plenty of activity
I'd recommend exploring Tavares if you want:
More housing options at lower price points
A relaxed, waterfront-centered lifestyle
Boating and lake access
Established residential neighborhoods
Convenient access to Mount Dora without necessarily paying Mount Dora prices
And here's the best part: you don't necessarily have to choose between the two lifestyles.
Because Mount Dora and Tavares are so close together, you can live in one and regularly enjoy the other.
That's one of the things I love most about this area of Lake County.
Thinking About Moving to Mount Dora or Tavares?
Choosing the right town is about more than comparing home prices or looking at houses online.
It's about finding a community that fits how you actually want to spend your days.
I'm Riley, your local Mount Dora Realtor, and I help buyers relocate throughout Mount Dora, Tavares, Eustis, and the surrounding Lake County area.
If you're considering a move, I'd love to help you explore both towns, compare neighborhoods, and find a home that fits your lifestyle.
Reach out anytime, and let's talk about your move to Lake County, Florida.