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Mount Dora, FL

Frequently asked questions

Mount Dora, FL

Mount Dora is a city in Lake County, Florida. It is part of the Orlando-Kissimmee, Florida, metropolitan statistical area. Founded in 1880, Mount Dora is known for its small-town southern charm. It has many antique shops in the downtown area. The downtown area overlooks Lake Dora. Mount Dora is home to one of three freshwater lighthouses in Florida. It hosts many monthly festivals and is known as the "Festival City". As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 16,341.

Mount Dora is located in eastern Lake County. It is bordered to the south by Orange County. U.S. Route 441 passes through the city, leading west 5 miles (8 km) to Tavares, the Lake County seat, and southeast 25 miles (40 km) to Orlando.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.2 square miles (23.8 km²), of which 1.2 square miles (3.0 km²), or 12.51%, are covered by water. Overlooking Lakes Dora, Gertrude, and Beauclair, Mount Dora is situated on a plateau rising to 184 feet (56 m) above mean sea level, or slightly more than 100 feet (30 m) above the level of the lakes.

The town of Mount Dora began in 1874 when the area was settled by David Simpson, his wife, and two children. In 1880, Ross C. Tremain became the town's first postmaster, and later a major real-estate developer for the area. A post office called Mount Dora has been in operation since 1883. Tremain named the unincorporated village Royellou, after his children, Roy, Ella, and Louis. The community was renamed for Dora Ann Drawdy, who was an early settler of the town in the mid-1880s. In 1846, the surveyors named Lake Dora after her, and in 1883, the town was renamed after the lake. The Mount in Mount Dora reflects the fact that the town is on a plateau 184 feet above sea level. In addition to this, Dora is memorialized through Dora Drawdy Way, an alleyway located in the downtown area. The town’s original name is honored similarly through another alleyway simply named Royellou.

Health and wellness are integral to the lifestyle in Mount Dora. The city boasts several healthcare facilities, including AdventHealth Waterman, a leading medical center providing comprehensive services to residents. The Breakers Palm Beach is situated in Palm Beach, this historic resort features a lavish spa offering ocean-inspired treatments, wellness programs, and beauty services. Lapis Spa at Fontainebleau Miami Beach boasts a stunning design and a wide array of services such as massages, body scrubs, and hydrotherapy. Waldorf Astoria Spa, Boca Raton offers a tranquil setting with personalized treatments, relaxation lounges, and a full-service salon. The Spa at Naples Grande provides a peaceful atmosphere with services like massages, facials, and body wraps, along with a private outdoor meditation lounge. Orthopedic Center of Florida provides orthopedic-focused physical therapy, including joint replacement rehabilitation, spine therapy, sports medicine, and hand therapy.

Top sites in Mount Dora, FL are SeaWorld Orlando, Lake County Museum of Art, and The Donnelly House.

Population: 18,261 (2025). ZIP codes: 32756-32757. Area code: 352. Elevation: 167 ft (51 m). Area: 9.50 sq mi (24.60 km²).

FAQs

Has a hurricane ever hit Mount Dora, FL?

There have been 136 recorded wind events in Mount Dora. The most severe event was a hurricane, which occurred in 1944. It was recorded as a category 4 with 1-min sustained wind speeds up to 144 mph and 3-second wind gusts up to 184 mph.

Is Mount Dora, FL a great place?

Mount Dora is an extremely active community. It’s known as the Festival City since you will find the city has dozens of festivals each year. Mount Dora Weather is pretty much a dream during the spring, winter, and fall. But there’s no need to beat around the bush when discussing Florida summers. Mount Dora has fantastic restaurant options from gourmet to quick grab-and-go.

What is the cost of living in Mount Dora, FL?

Mount Dora, FL is known to be a much more affordable place to live compared to many other locations in the United States. According to Sperling's Best Places, the median home cost is $189,200 which is significantly lower than the national average of $231,200. In addition to low-cost real estate, Mount Dora also has a much lower cost of living with an index score of 94.8 compared to the US average of 100. This means that most goods and services tend to be relatively cheaper when compared with other places. For those looking for a more affordable lifestyle while still near urban amenities and entertainment options, Mount Dora could be an ideal location to consider.

Sources

City of Mount Dora

Wikipedia

Bestplaces

Lifeinlake

Riskfactor

AdventHealth Waterman

Breakers Palm Beach

Lapis Spa at Fontainebleau Miami Beach

Waldorf Astoria Spa, Boca Raton

Orthopedic Center of Florida 

The Spa at Naples Grande

SeaWorld Orlando

Lake County Museum of Art

The Donnelly House

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.