Should I Move to Mt. Dora or Eustis? A Lifestyle Comparison

What to know before moving to Mt. Dora or Eustis, Florida

Situated in Lake County, Central Florida, Mt. Dora and Eustis are just a few minutes apart from one another. While both communities remain connected by the Harris Chain of Lakes, they are vastly different in terms of housing, vibes, and overall lifestyle amenities.

If you’re relocating, it’s naturally important to know where you’ll feel most at home. Mt. Dora boasts many art galleries and festivals, as Eustis is treasured for its robust boating culture.

In this blog, we’ll do a deep dive, exploring the pros of moving to the city of Mount Dora, FL and the pros of moving to the city of Eustis, FL. We’ll also take a look at where both places differ in terms of real estate, employment, recreation, and more.

The Pros of Moving to Mt. Dora, Florida

Revered for its charm, history, and artsy culture, Mt. Dora, Florida holds an impressive reputation. The community is even nicknamed Festival City, owing to its monthly events, especially during the winter season. For those who enjoy socializing with others and indulging in live entertainment, Mt. Dora can make for a wonderful relocation.

 During the holidays, this community comes to life with Christmas lights, craft shows, and art fairs. Throughout the year, locals in the city of Mount Dora, FL are pleasantly greeted with Jane Austin festivals, plant and garden festivals, and so much more.

 Downtown Mt. Dora, Florida is equally as delightful. Here, residents enjoy Hallmark town vibes with brickline streets, coffee houses, boutiques, restaurants, and historic buildings.

 All in all? If you enjoy a slower pace of living with quaint properties, relocating to the city of Mount Dora, FL could be a great fit for you.

The Pros of Moving to Eustis, Florida

While Festival City has much to offer, so does the city of Eustis, Florida! Its laid back atmosphere is treasured by locals, as is the community’s overall charm and warmth.

Downtown Eustis, nestled around Faren Park and Lake Eustis, regularly hosts concerts, First Friday street parties, and other popular events. The Wednesday farmer’s market, along with the rising dining and brewery scene, has also picked up over the past few years.

In Eustis, Florida, day to day life centers around families and residents. Mt. Dora tends to attract tourists, especially during holiday seasons. On the other hand, the city of Eustis, FL focuses more on locals, outdoor recreation, and safe spaces for kids to run around on splash pads.

Housing and Real Estate in Mt. Dora vs. Eustis

In the world of housing and real estate, Mt. Dora and Eustis have some real differences that are worth understanding before you relocate.

As of September 2025, Mt. Dora, Florida’s median sold price for homes stands at about $420,490. This accounts for new construction homes and properties with close proximity to downtown. More often than not, you’ll see higher prices here, which also correlates with the city of Mount Dora, FL’s higher taxes.

If you prefer large lots and older properties, however, Eustis’ real estate scene could hold more appeal. Here, the median sold price for homes stands at about $350,200, allowing you to save a big chunk of money, compared to Mt. Dora.

In Eustis, Florida’s housing market, it’s more common to find properties spanning half an acre or more. While residents enjoy some homes with newer construction, the real estate scene primarily offers more venerable residences dating back to the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.

Neighborhoods throughout the city of Eustis, FL are also older and more residential, with some belonging to Homeowners Associations, while others don’t.

Overall, if you’re seeking spacious areas to spread out and enjoy amenities without being too far from Orlando, then Eustis, Florida is a great place to relocate.

Employment and Commuting in Mt. Dora vs. Eustis

If you’re relocating to either Mt. Dora or Eustis for work, you’ll be pleased to learn that both cities are within 45 minutes of downtown Orlando. This close proximity naturally opens up access to jobs across the tech, healthcare, hospitality, and finance sectors.

Locally, Mt. Dora, Florida’s economy is tied to tourism, small businesses, and the festival crowd. Eustis’ economy, on the other hand, is more rooted in healthcare.

Thanks to Central Florida’s Wakiva Parkway, commuting from either city is fairly easy. You can access downtown Orlando and the MCO airport without spending hours in traffic.

Ultimately, residents across Mt. Dora and Eustis generally find that making the commute is worth coming back home to cozy, small town life.

Schools and Education in Mt. Dora vs. Eustis

Before relocating to either Central Florida town, it’s important to know what its schools and education have to offer. This is especially relevant for families with young children.

Both Mt. Dora and Eustis are part of the Lake County School District; though your personal school zone will depend upon which neighborhood you live in.

The city of Mount Dora, FL is home to Mount Dora High School and Mount Dora Middle School, while the city of Eustis, FL offers Eustis High School and Eustis Middle School.

Charter and private schools are also available, with Christian academies and Montessori. If you’re interested in school ratings and reviewing, Niche.com is a great resource.

However, whether you live in Mt. Dora or Eustis, you’ll be only five minutes away from private schools, Montessori schools, and even homeschool co-ops. 

Dining and Entertainment in Mt. Dora vs. Eustis

Getting a feel of the social scene always makes sense before relocating to either Mt. Dora or Eustis.

When it comes to dining and entertainment, Mt. Dora, Florida is definitely the frontrunner, though Eustis is quickly picking up speed.

Small town dining remains a huge hit in the city of Mount Dora, FL. Here, you’ll be greeted with upscale waterfront restaurants, nice wine bars, and coffee shops. On the weekends, many establishments even offer live music.

Boutique style shopping is also all the rage in Mt. Dora, as are antique stores, art galleries, and unique finds that aren’t available in huge shopping malls.

In the city of Eustis, FL, dining and entertainment offer more casual vibes with great options. Breweries, pizza spots, and newer restaurants can be found downtown, offering hometown vibes without being too touristy.

Though if you’re wanting bigger box shopping or chain restaurants, both Eustis and Mt. Dora afford easy access to Highway 441. This leads to Target, Publix, Lowe’s, Chick-Fil-A, Tijuana Flats, Longhorn Steakhouse, and just about anything else you can think of.

Outdoor Life and Recreation in Mt. Dora vs. Eustis

One of Lake County’s strongest attributes is…you guessed it…lakes! The city of Mount Dora, FL is situated right on Lake Dora, where scenic boat tours, waterfront restaurants, and lakefront homes are readily available.

The Harris Chain of Lakes, spanning hundreds of acres, allows residents of both Mt. Dora and Eustis, Florida to enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking, and leisurely walks along the water.

Home to Faren Park, the city of Eustis, FL provides quick access to walking trails, fishing spots, and sites for festivals and fireworks. Public and private docks are also within close proximity to both Mt. Dora and Eustis.

Growth and Future Development in Mt. Dora vs. Eustis

Whenever you’re relocating somewhere, growth and future development are important things to consider.

The city of Mount Dora, FL is pretty well established, especially when it comes to the downtown area and amenities. Though most of the community’s growth exists on the edges and outside of downtown Mt. Dora. New communities, a few 55 and up developments, and continued town investments are significant here.

In Eustis, Florida, land is more readily available. This means you’ll see newer construction, along with more residential and commercial projects. Because of this, the city of Eustis, FL comes with more housing options and stronger potential for property value appreciation.

Something else to keep in mind…if you’re moving from New York, New Jersey, or a more walkable community, Mt. Dora, Florida may prove to be a better fit. Though if you’re craving peace, quiet, or a larger lot, you’ll probably lean more towards Eustis, Florida’s spread out spaces and home town vibes.

Which is Better?

At the end of the day, it really comes down to your lifestyle preferences.

Mt. Dora, Florida really gives residents historic charm, artsy vibes, and year round festivals. This city is great for retirees, second home buyers, or anyone wanting to live in a Hallmark storybook small town.

Eustis, Florida, on the other hand, boasts affordability, newer construction projects, and laid back local vibes. The city is fantastic for families, first time home buyers, or anyone who wants spacious living with close access to downtown Orlando.

The best part of all? You don’t have to choose just one lifestyle! Both Mt. Dora and Eustis are within five miles of one another.

If you live in Eustis, you can still enjoy Mt. Dora’s festivals, restaurants, and lakefront amenities. If you live in Mt. Dora, you’re just a short drive away from Eustis’ First Friday events and breweries.

All in all, both cities are exceptional options for small town living in Central Florida.

Contact Me to Discover Whether Mt. Dora, Florida or Eustis, Florida is the Right Fit For You

If you’re planning a move to Lake County, I would love to help you explore towns. As a realtor, I can assist with touring homes, figuring out which community really feels like home, and answering any questions you may have about Mt. Dora or Eustis.

Book a call with me here and let’s talk about your move!