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.
Start With What Matters Most to You
There isn't one Lake County 55+ community that works best for everyone. A buyer who wants golf and a large amenity package may land on a completely different shortlist than someone who wants waterfront surroundings, RV storage, a smaller community or easy access to downtown Mount Dora.
Use the comparison below to narrow the field, then follow the community links for more detailed information and current homes for sale.
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.
Swipe to compare communities →
| Community | City | Known For | Golf | Water / Lakes | Community Style | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakes of Mount Dora | Mount Dora | Scenic waterways, large clubhouse, trails and proximity to Mount Dora | No | Community lakes and canals | Single-family homes | Explore Lakes of Mount Dora |
| Plantation at Leesburg | Leesburg | Large community, two golf courses and extensive amenities | Yes | Ponds and nearby Harris Chain | Single-family homes across multiple villages | Explore Plantation |
| Arlington Ridge | Leesburg | Golf, community theater, pools and on-site amenities | Yes | Ponds and water features | Single-family homes | Explore Arlington Ridge |
| Royal Highlands | Leesburg | Golf, conservation areas, lakes and extensive recreation | Yes | Four community lakes | Single-family homes | Explore Royal Highlands |
| Highland Lakes | Leesburg | Established community with indoor and outdoor recreation | No | Community water features | Single-family homes | Explore Highland Lakes |
| Legacy of Leesburg | Leesburg | Nature, trails and established active-adult living | No | Community ponds and natural areas | Single-family homes | Explore Legacy |
| Pennbrooke Fairways | Leesburg | Golf and a variety of home styles | Yes | Community ponds | Homes and villas | Explore Pennbrooke |
| Royal Harbor | Tavares | Little Lake Harris setting, waterfront clubhouse and storage options | No | Little Lake Harris | Single-family homes | Explore Royal Harbor |
Want to See What's Actually for Sale?
The separate Life in Lake 55+ home-search page lets you 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
Instead of trying to compare every community at once, start with the feature or lifestyle that's most important to you.
If Golf Is a Priority
These communities are among the first places to compare if you want golf within or directly associated with the neighborhood.
If Water Matters
These communities stand out when lake surroundings, boating access or waterfront amenities are high on your list.
If You Want Lots of Amenities
For buyers who want a large clubhouse, recreation facilities and an active calendar, start with the larger communities.
If Mount Dora Is the Goal
Lakes of Mount Dora is the area's largest single-family active-adult community, while Mount Dora also has smaller condo and manufactured-home options.
If Leesburg Is the Goal
Leesburg has one of the largest concentrations of major 55+ communities in Lake County, including golf-focused and nature-oriented neighborhoods.
If Tavares Is the Goal
Tavares has a mix of single-family, villa, condo and manufactured-home 55+ options, including communities close to the Harris Chain of Lakes.
Featured 55+ Communities
These communities tend to come up frequently in conversations with buyers because each offers a distinct combination of location, amenities and housing.
Lakes of Mount Dora
Lakes of Mount Dora is 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.
This is 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
Plantation at Leesburg is 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
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 are among the features that help distinguish Arlington Ridge from many other Lake County communities.
Explore Arlington Ridge →Royal Highlands
Royal Highlands is a gated 55+ community with golf, lakes, conservation areas and a substantial recreation package that includes pools, sports courts, fitness facilities and trails.
It deserves a closer look if golf and recreation matter but you also value natural surroundings.
Explore Royal Highlands →Royal Harbor
Royal Harbor is 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, Royal Harbor stands apart from many inland active-adult communities.
Explore Royal Harbor →Highland Lakes
Highland Lakes is an established Leesburg 55+ community with clubhouse activities, swimming, sports facilities and a variety of recreational options.
It can be 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
The larger communities get most of the attention, but Lake County also has many smaller condo, villa, manufactured-home and single-family 55+ neighborhoods. Click any community below to explore more details.
Mount Dora
Tavares
What to Compare Before Buying in a 55+ Community
Amenities are only part of the decision. These are the details worth comparing before narrowing your list to one or two communities.
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.
Not Sure Which Communities to Tour?
Tell me what matters most to you: golf, waterfront, HOA budget, home size, amenities, location, RV or boat storage, or simply how active you want the community to be.
I can help you narrow the list before you spend days driving from one community to another.
ASK STACY BROWSE 55+ HOMES