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This is part of our Greater Orlando Pulse series. Also in this series: Orlando · Kissimmee · Davenport

Clermont does not look like the Florida most people picture. It has rolling hills, elevation changes you can actually feel on a bike, and lakes in every direction. Located in south Lake County, about 25 miles west of downtown Orlando, Clermont has grown from a small citrus town into one of the most sought-after suburban communities in Greater Orlando, especially for families and anyone who values outdoor recreation.

The city sits at the halfway point of the Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail and is a designated Trail Town by the state. Athletes train here because of the hills. Families move here because of the schools, the space, and the fact that it still feels like a town rather than a suburb.

What Homes Cost

The median home value in Clermont was approximately $420,000 to $450,000 in mid-2026, according to automated valuation data. That is slightly below Orlando proper, and you generally get more square footage and a larger lot for the price.

South Clermont, along the US-27 corridor, has the most new construction and tends to be the most affordable part of the city. Newer subdivisions there offer single family homes starting in the mid-$300,000s, with four-bedroom homes commonly priced in the $380,000 to $440,000 range.

North Clermont and the areas around the downtown historic core tend to be more established and more expensive. Lakefront homes and properties on larger lots in these areas can run $500,000 to well over $1 million, depending on the lot and lake access.

Waterfront homes are a real option in Clermont in a way they are not in Orlando proper. The city is surrounded by lakes, and many subdivisions offer lake views, lake access, or direct waterfront lots at prices that would be unthinkable on the coast.

Use our How Much House Can I Afford Calculator to see what you can afford in Clermont's market.

Getting Around

Clermont connects to Orlando primarily via US-27, State Road 50 (West Colonial Drive), and the Florida Turnpike. The drive to downtown Orlando is about 30 to 40 minutes outside of rush hour, but SR-50 and US-27 can get congested during peak commute times.

The 429 (Western Beltway) ends near the Clermont area and connects to I-4 and the theme parks without going through downtown. Walt Disney World is about 25 to 30 minutes south via US-27.

There is no commuter rail or meaningful public transit in Clermont. You need a car. Orlando International Airport is about 45 minutes to an hour away.

Things to Discover

Clermont's biggest draw is its outdoor lifestyle. This is the part of Greater Orlando where people come to hike, bike, paddle, and actually be outside.

Lake Louisa State Park covers more than 4,300 acres and includes three major lakes. You can kayak, canoe, paddleboard, hike, camp, or just spend a morning on the beach. It is one of the best state parks in Central Florida and it is right in Clermont's backyard.

Sugarloaf Mountain, at 312 feet above sea level, is one of the highest points in peninsular Florida. The scenic road up to it is a popular cycling route, and the views from the top are surprisingly dramatic for Florida. The surrounding area is part of the Green Mountain Scenic Byway, a designated cycling loop through the hills of south Lake County.

The South Lake Trail runs about 9 miles through Clermont and connects to the larger Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail, which will eventually span 250 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. Clermont is at its midpoint, and the trail infrastructure in town is excellent for walkers, runners, and cyclists.

Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards, Florida's largest premium winery, sits on a hilltop just outside downtown Clermont. Free tours and tastings are available daily, and the winery hosts seasonal festivals that draw visitors from across the region.

Showcase of Citrus, on US-27 south of town, lets you pick from more than 50 varieties of citrus right off the trees. They also have a monster truck eco-tour through their property and a gem mining station for kids. Southern Hills Farms, a few miles further south, is a popular blueberry U-pick farm in the spring.

Clermont's downtown is small but growing. The Clermont Farmer's Market runs on Sundays, and new restaurants and shops have been opening along Montrose Street as the city invests in its town center. Waterfront Park, on the shore of Lake Minneola, has a boardwalk, playground, and splash pad.

Theme Parks and Beaches

Walt Disney World is about 25 to 30 minutes south of Clermont via US-27, making it a closer drive than many Orlando suburbs offer. Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Epic Universe (opened May 2025) are about 35 to 40 minutes east via the 429 and I-4. SeaWorld is a similar distance. LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven is about 40 minutes south.

The nearest ocean beaches are roughly 85 to 90 miles away. Cocoa Beach on the Atlantic side is about an hour and a half east via SR-50 and the 528. New Smyrna Beach is a similar distance. Clearwater Beach on the Gulf Coast is about an hour and 45 minutes southwest via US-27 and I-4. Clermont families often choose between the Gulf and the Atlantic for beach day trips depending on the season and surf conditions.

Schools and Families

Clermont falls within the Lake County Schools district, which is generally well-regarded. Several schools in the Clermont area receive strong ratings, and the combination of good schools, safe neighborhoods, and outdoor recreation makes the city particularly popular with families relocating from out of state. As with any area, research the specific school zone for the neighborhood you are considering.

What to Watch Out For

The commute to Orlando is the main trade-off. If you work in downtown Orlando or the east side of the metro, the daily drive can be 40 to 60 minutes each way during peak hours. Remote and hybrid work arrangements make Clermont much more practical than it was five years ago.

Growth has been rapid, and infrastructure has not always kept up. Traffic on US-27 and SR-50 can be frustrating, and commercial development along the US-27 corridor is still catching up to the number of rooftops that have been built. Medical facilities, specialty shopping, and entertainment options are more limited than in Orlando proper, though a new hospital and retail centers have improved this in recent years.

Like all of Greater Orlando, homeowners insurance costs are high. Budget accordingly and get quotes before you commit. For a full breakdown of what goes into your monthly payment beyond principal and interest, see our True Cost of Your Mortgage guide.

Thinking about buying in Clermont? Use our free Mortgage Pre-Approval Readiness Calculator to see if your finances are ready for a Florida mortgage.

This article is for informational purposes only. Home prices, school ratings, and market conditions change frequently. Verify current data with a licensed real estate professional before making financial decisions.