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Palms trees and imposing moss-draped hardwoods shade waterfront parks and line tidy streets that wind around nine shimmering lakes.  Leafy neighborhoods with manicured gardens boast an eclectic mix of housing, from traditional whitewashed homes, single-level, flat roof homes and Victorian painted ladies (houses, that is) to condominiums, planned waterfront residences and gated golf course communities.   The occasional gingerbread house even pops up here and there.   For those age 55+ or better, Lakes of Mount Dora is a community with homes from the mid-$200,000s.  

Foreclosures are a problem in Lake County where Mount  Dora is located, although new filings have been decreasing since early last autumn. As of November, 2009, Lake County had an average of 1 in every 116 homes in some state of foreclosure, whereas Mount Dora had one 1 in every 260 homes in foreclosure, a much better rate than the county overall.  While the town is doing better than other areas of the county, home prices in Mount Dora still declined by 25% during the last year.

Real estate is taxed at $22.44 per $1,000 assessed value, and homes are assessed at roughly 85% of market value.  There is a $50,000 homestead exemption for full-time owner-occupied residences.   With the exemption, the annual taxes on a $200,000 home would be roughly $2,800.   Those age 65 or better and on limited incomes may qualify for further exemptions.  There are no estate taxes and no state income tax.  The sales tax is 7% (no tax on food or drugs).  Retirement income is not taxed.

Mount Dora's genteel but up-to-date downtown, nestled along the waterfront, is completely charming with a good collection of unique shops and boutiques (no chain stores), art galleries, quaint inns, markets, New England architecture and some very good restaurants (in fact, it is surprising how many restaurants there are in a town of this size).   It's wonderful main street is authentic and lined with palm trees and old-fashioned street lamps.  This is a favorite spot for tourists out for a day of shopping fun, but Mount Dora is not generally overrun with out-of-towners.   

A casual but conservative, place, Mount Dora has the feel of old Florida, and the balmy weather entices residents to spend time lunching at colorful outdoor cafes (except during summer), hitting a few golf balls or sailing the afternoon away.   The symbol of its beginnings, the historic Lakeside Inn where the famous came to stay, is still the village’s preeminent landmark.   Many a Sunday afternoon may be enjoyed while rocking on its front porch overlooking the lake and enjoying a glass of lemonade and some cookies.   Mount Dora is also home to the largest lawn bowling club in the country (so they say).

 This is an interactive map.  Click on the arrows in the upper left hand corner to move the map to the East, West, North or South, and click on the +/- signs to zoom in and out.

A top claim to fame here may be that Mount Dora has the best antique shopping in the state of Florida.  The highlight is Renningers' Antique Center and Farmer's Market with hundreds of shops and booths open Saturday and Sunday (and a huge flea market on Saturdays).   During November, January and February, nearly 1,000 dealers attend Renningers' three day antique extravaganza held the third weekend of each month.  

Mount Dora, Florida, Continued....