Real places, real neighborhoods and current market numbers, verified by broker Ryan C. Winslow.
What Clermont is known for
Clermont sits in the rolling hills of South Lake County, between Lake Minneola and Lake Minnehaha, about 25 miles west of Orlando. It is known for its chain of lakes, the 1956 Citrus Tower, and a deep endurance sports culture built around triathlons at Waterfront Park and the South Lake Trail. It is the largest city in Lake County.
Clermont was founded in 1884 and named after the French birthplace of A.F. Wrotniski, manager of the Clermont Improvement Company. It incorporated as a city in 1916, and citrus was its main industry well into the 1960s. Freezes in the 1980s wiped out the groves around the Citrus Tower, and the city has since grown into a commuter and recreation hub. A mix of Orlando commuters, young families in newer subdivisions, and retirees in established 55+ golf communities. Weekends center on the lakefront, the Sunday farmers market downtown, and early morning rides and runs on the trail.
Where to live
Established gated golf-course community with a wide range of home sizes and prices. (source)
Clermont's original gated 55+ community on Highway 27 south of State Road 50. Fifteen neighborhoods, two 18-hole golf courses, and a large clubhouse. Older homes at a lower price point than newer 55+ options. (source)
Lake-oriented community with amenities, larger homesites in some sections, and a wide mix of home ages, from modest homes to luxury lake properties. (source)
Planned community where certain properties have larger lots. Covers a wide range of home sizes and values and sits near the Highway 50 shopping corridor. (source)
Mix of townhomes, villas, and single-family homes, including newer Mattamy construction, close to Highway 50 retail. (source)
Newer community with homes largely built between 2022 and 2024. (source)
New-construction community with two sides: all-ages Lakehaven and 55+ Del Webb Lakehaven. Much of the inventory is builder quick move-in homes. (source)
Lake-side community within walking distance of Historic Downtown Clermont and Waterfront Park, on the older, lake-oriented side of Highway 27. (source)
Local favorites
Wild-caught seafood with sunset views over Lake Minneola. Known for grouper tacos, the shrimp basket, and Key lime pie. (source)
Downtown fixture since 2006, voted Best Breakfast in Lake County. Waffles, mimosas, and shrimp and grits. (source)
Started in 2011 as one of Central Florida's first food trucks. Now a gastropub next to the Citrus Tower known for burgers with house kettle chips. (source)
Modern scratch-kitchen steakhouse with Sunday brunch and The Club at Crafted lounge on weekend nights. (source)
Scratch-made steaks and seafood from owners Jason and Casey Baruch, who have deep farming roots. (source)
Chef Uday Kadam's fine dining Indian restaurant, open since 2014 and a Gem of the Hills Award winner from the South Lake Chamber. (source)
Downtown food hall with local vendors under one roof, good when a group wants different cuisines. (source)
Local favorite for breakfast and lunch on the main downtown street. (source)
After hours
Clermont's first craft brewery, in Historic Downtown at 790 W Minneola Ave. (source)
Craft cocktail bar with the largest selection of sipping spirits in Clermont, scratch tapas, live music, and Sunday brunch. 756 W Montrose St. (source)
Spooky, fantasy-themed cafe with handmade coffee and tea drinks and a curated shelf of horror, dark sci-fi, and mystery books. 650 7th St. (source)
Downtown wine bar at 719 West Ave, open late on Friday and Saturday. (source)
Splash pad inside Waterfront Park on Lake Minneola, a go-to for families on hot afternoons. (source)
Shopping
Family-owned independent bookstore in the downtown historic district, with book clubs and events. 647 Lake Ave. (source)
Family-owned tea room and gift shop open since July 2014, known for scones and teas from around the world. Reservations required. 787 W Montrose St. (source)
Downtown tackle shop with rods, reels, kayaks, and fishing camps and clinics. 786 W Montrose St. (source)
Old-time country store at a family citrus farm, with u-pick citrus in season. 15051 Frank Jarrell Rd. (source)
Buy Lakeridge's Muscadine and Vinifera wines at the source after a tour and tasting. (source)
Outdoors
Lakefront park on Lake Minneola between East Avenue and Eighth Street with a beach, pavilions, Champions Splash Park, and a fitness trail. Home base for triathlons and festivals. (source)
$9.5 million, 10-acre downtown park that ties recreation to community events and festivals. (source)
25.1-mile paved trail that connects to Lake Minneola and the future Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail. Clermont is a designated Bicycle and Runner Friendly Community. (source)
State park on Lake Louisa with swimming, kayaking, camping, cabins, and horse trails. Deer, bobcat, gopher tortoises, and bald eagles live here, on the edge of the Green Swamp. (source)
State wildlife management area run by the FWC, with its main unit south of Clermont. (source)
19,730-acre water district property in Lake and Orange counties with the 11-mile Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, open to cars Friday through Sunday, and the Lake Apopka Loop Trail. (source)
The nearest national forest, with more than 600 lakes and rivers and springs such as Alexander Springs and Juniper Springs. (source)
Things to do
Built in 1956 as a citrus trading hub, this tower has an observation deck with views over Lake County's hills and lakes, plus a coffee shop. 141 S Hwy 27. (source)
Family citrus farm open daily with u-pick citrus, monster truck tours through groves and forest, animals, and gem mining. (source)
Opened in February 1989 on a 127-acre estate, it ranks as Florida's largest premium winery and specializes in Muscadine grape wines. (source)
Clermont Historical Society museum campus with the Townsend and Kern houses, Cooper Memorial Library, a train depot, a World War II museum, and Hooks Schoolhouse. 490 West Ave. (source)
U-pick farm for blueberries, peaches, strawberries, sunflowers, and zinnias. Its fall festival runs select Thursdays and every Friday through Sunday in fall. (source)
On the calendar
Produce, artisan foods, handmade goods, and live local music in Historic Downtown. (source)
Wine tastings at about 25 downtown businesses. Check in at the Art Walk on W Montrose St. Must be 21 or older. (source)
Three-day community festival at Waterfront Park with BBQ, live music, and carnival rides. It raises money for the Project Scholars scholarship program. 2026 was the 27th year. (source)
Florida's traditional triathlon season opener, an Olympic distance race with a 1.5K swim, 40K bike, and 10K run. (source)
Multisport weekend staged at Clermont Waterfront Park, held October 17 to 18 in 2026. (source)
Schools
Cypress Ridge Elementary School, Lost Lake Elementary School, Pine Ridge Elementary School, Sawgrass Bay Elementary School, Grassy Lake Elementary School (Minneola)
East Ridge Middle School, Windy Hill Middle School, Gray Middle School (Groveland)
East Ridge High School, Lake Minneola High School (Minneola), South Lake High School (Groveland)
Wesley Christian Academy, South Lake Montessori School
Listed for reference, not ranked. Confirm school zoning for any address with the district. (source)
Broker notes
Florida's Turnpike, US Highway 27, and State Road 50
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the main airport, reached east via SR 50 or the Turnpike. Orlando Sanford (SFB) is a second option.
Ryan C. Winslow, broker/owner of Winslow Homes. REALTOR® since 2009, 3,000+ homes sold, broker in FL, MA, CT and RI, U.S. Army Retired.
Researched and verified 2026-09-28. Businesses change; call ahead.