Lake County has dozens of 55+ communities, but they can be surprisingly different from one another. Some are built around golf, others around lakes and recreation, and some focus more on low-maintenance living and an active social calendar.
This guide is designed to help you compare the options around Mount Dora, Leesburg, Tavares and the surrounding area before you start touring homes. If you already know which communities interest you and simply want to see what is currently for sale, visit the Lake County 55+ Homes for Sale page.
Community fees, rules and amenities can change. Always verify current information before purchasing.
Compare Popular Lake County 55+ Communities
These are some of the communities buyers ask about most often. The table focuses on the characteristics that help distinguish one community from another rather than temporary price ranges or HOA amounts.
| Community | City | Known For | Golf | Water / Lakes | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakes of Mount Dora | Mount Dora | Scenic waterways, large clubhouse, trails | No | Community lakes and canals | Explore → |
| Plantation at Leesburg | Leesburg | Large community, two golf courses | Yes | Ponds and nearby Harris Chain | Explore → |
| Arlington Ridge | Leesburg | Golf, community theater, pools | Yes | Ponds and water features | Explore → |
| Royal Highlands | Leesburg | Golf, conservation areas, lakes | Yes | Four community lakes | Explore → |
| Highland Lakes | Leesburg | Established, indoor/outdoor recreation | No | Community water features | Explore → |
| Legacy of Leesburg | Leesburg | Nature, trails, active-adult living | No | Community ponds and natural areas | Explore → |
| Pennbrooke Fairways | Leesburg | Golf and a variety of home styles | Yes | Community ponds | Explore → |
| Royal Harbor | Tavares | Little Lake Harris setting, waterfront clubhouse | No | Little Lake Harris | Explore → |
Want to See What's Actually for Sale?
Browse current listings throughout Lake County and explore communities by city.
See 55+ Homes for Sale Get Listing UpdatesFind Communities by What Matters to You
If Golf Is a Priority
Plantation at Leesburg · Arlington Ridge · Royal Highlands · Pennbrooke Fairways
If Water Matters
Lakes of Mount Dora · Royal Harbor
If You Want Lots of Amenities
Plantation at Leesburg · Arlington Ridge · Royal Highlands · Lakes of Mount Dora
If Mount Dora Is the Goal
Lakes of Mount Dora · Dora Pines · Park South · Hillhouse Condos
If Leesburg Is the Goal
Plantation at Leesburg · Arlington Ridge · Royal Highlands · Highland Lakes · Legacy of Leesburg
If Tavares Is the Goal
Royal Harbor · Baytree · Fox Run · Imperial Terrace
Featured 55+ Communities
Lakes of Mount Dora
A gated 55+ community just east of downtown Mount Dora known for its lakes and canals, walking and biking paths, clubhouse, pool, fitness facilities and pickleball. One of the first communities to consider if being near Mount Dora is important but you still want a substantial active-adult amenity package.
Explore Lakes of Mount Dora →Plantation at Leesburg
One of Lake County's larger active-adult communities, with multiple neighborhoods, golf, clubhouses, pools, fitness facilities and sports courts. Its size gives buyers a broad selection of home styles and locations within the same overall community.
Explore Plantation at Leesburg →Arlington Ridge
Combines an 18-hole golf course with pools, fitness facilities, pickleball and tennis, community entertainment and on-site amenities. The theater and on-site dining options help distinguish it from many other Lake County communities.
Explore Arlington Ridge →Royal Highlands
A gated 55+ community with golf, lakes, conservation areas and a substantial recreation package that includes pools, sports courts, fitness facilities and trails. Worth a closer look if golf and recreation matter but you also value natural surroundings.
Explore Royal Highlands →Royal Harbor
A gated Tavares community on Little Lake Harris with single-family homes, a waterfront clubhouse, recreation facilities and storage options. For buyers who want Tavares and a stronger connection to the lake, this stands apart from many inland active-adult communities.
Explore Royal Harbor →Highland Lakes
An established Leesburg 55+ community with clubhouse activities, swimming, sports facilities and a variety of recreational options. A useful comparison point for buyers who want an active community without making golf the center of the decision.
Explore Highland Lakes →More 55+ Communities to Explore
Mount Dora
Lakes of Mount Dora · Dora Pines · Hillhouse Condos · Park South · Southern Oaks · Villa Dora · See all Mount Dora 55+ communities →
Tavares
Royal Harbor · Baytree · Fox Run · Imperial Terrace · Lake Frances Estates · La Dora Manor · Shantiniketan · Summit Chase Villas · Tavares Mobile Home Estates · Three Lakes · See all Tavares 55+ communities →
Leesburg
Plantation at Leesburg · Arlington Ridge · Royal Highlands · Highland Lakes · Legacy of Leesburg · Pennbrooke Fairways · Hawthorne at Leesburg · Scottish Highlands · Brittany Estates · Western Shores · See all Leesburg 55+ communities →
Eustis
Country Club Manor · Lake Ridge / Haselton Village Area · Explore Eustis 55+ communities →
Fruitland Park
Harbor Oaks · Griffwood · Lake Griffin Isles · Explore Fruitland Park 55+ communities →
Other Lake County Areas
Twin Lakes — Umatilla · Cascades / Trilogy — Groveland · Highlands Area — Clermont · Browse all Lake County 55+ homes →
What to Compare Before Buying in a 55+ Community
HOA Fees & What's Included: Compare the current fee as well as what it covers. Lawn maintenance, cable or internet, gates, recreational facilities and other services vary considerably from community to community.
Golf Costs: Living in a golf community does not necessarily mean golf is included in the HOA fee. Ask whether membership is optional, separate or tied to the property.
CDD, Bonds & Other Assessments: Some communities or individual homes may have additional district assessments, bonds or other costs. These should be reviewed property by property.
Home Type & Ownership: Lake County's 55+ market includes single-family homes, villas, condos, manufactured homes, resident-owned communities and land-lease communities. Those ownership structures are not interchangeable.
Pet, Leasing & Guest Rules: Pet limits, minimum lease periods, rental restrictions and guest policies can differ even among communities that otherwise look very similar.
RV, Boat & Golf Cart Storage: If you own an RV or boat, don't assume storage is available simply because a community advertises it. Ask about availability, fees and waitlists.
Location: Consider how often you'll actually drive to healthcare, groceries, restaurants, airports, family or favorite activities. Two communities with similar amenities may feel very different depending on location.
Community Size & Activity Level: Some buyers want dozens of clubs and a busy clubhouse calendar. Others prefer a smaller neighborhood and fewer organized activities. Neither is inherently better.