Lakefront Living in Lake County, Florida
The Harris Chain of Lakes is one of Central Florida’s most desirable areas for waterfront living. Located in Lake County about 40 minutes northwest of Orlando, the Harris Chain is a network of interconnected lakes that allows residents to boat between multiple towns including Mount Dora, Tavares, Leesburg, and Eustis.
For buyers searching for waterfront homes near Orlando, the Harris Chain offers something unique in Central Florida: navigable lakes, scenic waterfront communities, and small historic towns with lakefront dining and parks.
This guide explains the lakes that make up the Harris Chain, the cities located along the shoreline, and what buyers should know when considering Harris Chain of Lakes waterfront homes.
What is the Harris Chain of Lakes?
The Harris Chain of Lakes is a group of eight interconnected lakes located in Lake County, Florida. These lakes are connected through canals and rivers, allowing boaters to travel between multiple lakes and towns without leaving the water.
The primary lakes in the Harris Chain include:
• Lake Harris & Little Lake Harris
• Lake Eustis
• Lake Dora
• Lake Beauclair
• Lake Griffin
• Lake Carlton
Because these lakes are connected, residents can spend an entire day boating across the chain, exploring waterfront towns and restaurants along the way.
One of the most scenic routes on the chain is the Dora Canal, a historic waterway lined with cypress trees that connects Lake Dora and Lake Eustis.
Living on the Harris Chain of Lakes
Many buyers are drawn to the Harris Chain because it offers a waterfront lifestyle that is difficult to find elsewhere in Central Florida.
Residents enjoy:
• boating between lakes and waterfront towns
• fishing on some of Florida’s best bass fishing lakes
• waterfront parks and marinas
• lakefront restaurants and dining by boat
• scenic views and wildlife
For people relocating to Florida, the Harris Chain often provides a quieter alternative to coastal areas while still offering access to boating and waterfront living.
Harris Chain of Lakes Waterfront Homes for Sale
Below you’ll find current Harris Chain of Lakes waterfront homes for sale throughout Lake County.
Homes for Sale on the Harris Chain of Lakes
Waterfront properties around the Harris Chain vary widely depending on the lake, location, and property size.
Buyers can find:
• lakefront homes with private docks
• canal-front homes with boat access
• luxury estate properties on large lots
• historic lakefront homes near downtown Mount Dora
Many homes include private boat docks, lifts, and direct access to the Harris Chain waterways.
Cities Located on the Harris Chain of Lakes
Several Lake County towns sit directly on the Harris Chain. Each offers its own unique character and waterfront lifestyle.
Mount Dora
Mount Dora sits along the northern shore of Lake Dora and is known for its historic downtown, festivals, and lakefront parks.
The town attracts buyers looking for a walkable downtown, waterfront homes, and charming neighborhoods.
Explore more here:
👉 Mount Dora Neighborhood Guide
👉 Mount Dora Waterfront Homes
Tavares
Tavares is known as “America’s Seaplane City.” The city sits on the shores of Lake Dora and Lake Eustis and features a lakefront downtown with restaurants, parks, and seaplane activity.
Explore more here:
👉 Tavares Waterfront Homes
Leesburg
Leesburg sits near Lake Harris and Lake Griffin and offers a mix of waterfront homes and well-known 55+ communities.
Explore more here:
👉 Leesburg Waterfront Homes
👉 Lake County 55+ Communities
Eustis
Eustis sits on Lake Eustis and features historic homes, waterfront parks, and easy boating access throughout the Harris Chain.
Explore more here:
👉 Eustis Waterfront Homes
Waterfront Communities on the Harris Chain
Several neighborhoods throughout Lake County offer convenient access to the Harris Chain.
Deer Island
Deer Island sits between Lake Dora and Lake Beauclair and offers golf course homes as well as lakefront properties with boating access.
Explore more here:
👉 Deer Island Homes for Sale
Popular Lakes on the Harris Chain
Lake Dora
Lake Dora sits between Mount Dora and Tavares and is known for its waterfront homes and boating access to the rest of the Harris Chain.
Many residents enjoy boating from Lake Dora through the scenic Dora Canal.
Lake Harris
Lake Harris is the largest lake in the Harris Chain, covering more than 13,000 acres. The lake is known for its bass fishing and larger waterfront properties.
Lake Eustis
Lake Eustis connects to Lake Harris through the Dead River and to Lake Dora through the Dora Canal, making it a central boating hub on the chain.
Lake Griffin
Lake Griffin sits near Leesburg and is part of the Lake Griffin State Park area, which provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Boating on the Harris Chain
Boating is one of the biggest lifestyle draws of living on the Harris Chain of Lakes.
Residents often travel between towns by boat and visit waterfront restaurants, parks, and marinas throughout Lake County.
The Dora Canal is one of the most scenic waterways in Florida and is frequently traveled by boaters moving between Lake Dora and Lake Eustis.
Explore More Lake County Communities
Frequently Asked Questions About the Harris Chain of Lakes
What lakes are in the Harris Chain of Lakes?
The Harris Chain includes eight lakes: Lake Harris, Little Lake Harris, Lake Eustis, Lake Dora, Lake Beauclair, Lake Griffin, Lake Yale, and Lake Carlton.
Can you boat between the lakes?
Yes. The lakes are connected through canals and rivers, allowing boaters to travel between towns throughout Lake County.
Which cities are located on the Harris Chain?
The main cities located on the Harris Chain include Mount Dora, Tavares, Leesburg, and Eustis.
Are there waterfront homes near Mount Dora?
Yes. Mount Dora offers several lakefront neighborhoods along Lake Dora, as well as nearby waterfront communities with access to the Harris Chain.
If you’re researching waterfront living in Lake County, you may also want to explore:
👉 Mount Dora Neighborhood Guide
👉 Mount Dora Waterfront Homes
👉 Lake County 55+ Communities
👉 Leesburg Waterfront Homes
👉 Tavares Waterfront Homes
👉 Eustis Waterfront Homes








