One Of Florida's Prettiest Downtowns Is On The Coast With Below-Average Housing Costs

Florida's housing market has cooled off in 2025. According to Zillow, the statewide median home value dropped to $386,556, down 3.8% from last year. That's opened the door for buyers who want a nice community without paying luxury prices. Florida cities like Miami and Naples will still cost you, with typical home values at $589,241 and $569,988. But if you look inland, you'll find towns with more charm and lower price tags.

Mount Dora is one of those places. Florida ranked first for its economy, and Mount Dora sits right in the middle of it. World Atlas put it on their list of Florida's prettiest downtown strips. The historic architecture, walkable streets, and views over Lake Dora earned it that spot.

Even with all the recognition and scenery, Mount Dora hasn't priced itself out of reach. Zillow shows the median home value at $391,119 as of May 2025. That's not just cheaper than Miami and Naples—it's also less than major Florida markets like Fort Lauderdale ($515,879) and Jacksonville Beach ($637,798).

Mount Dora keeps housing affordable by working with local groups to fix up existing homes instead of letting them fall apart. The Mount Dora Community Trust gave $30,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter for home repairs in town. That money covers 2-3 major repair projects for low-income families. The city matches those funds dollar for dollar, so the money goes twice as far. These repairs make homes safer and more accessible while keeping them looking good — and that directly affects what houses cost.

The city runs affordable housing programs through its Northeast Community Redevelopment Agency. If you buy an affordable single-family home and live in it yourself, the city will reimburse you up to $25,000 for building fees and impact costs. There's also an Owner-Occupied Home Repair Program that pays back 50% of repair costs, up to $15,000. That covers electrical work, new roofs, and fixes required by building codes.

Florida's homestead exemption saves Mount Dora residents money on property taxes. The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser explains how it works: you get $25,000 knocked off the first $50,000 of your home's assessed value as of 2025. This applies to all property taxes, including what you pay to the school district. If your home is worth at least $50,000, you get an additional exemption that goes up with inflation each year. It's one of the better tax breaks out there and gives people more money to spend on housing.

Mount Dora's downtown is built around its historic district. That whole area made it onto the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service back in October 2009. It covers more than 200 acres and 62 city blocks, with 565 historic buildings inside. You'll find mainly single-family homes, a few churches, and community spots laid out on the street grid first drawn in the 1880s. Styles range from simple bungalows to Colonial Revival and even touches of Italian Renaissance.

Mount Dora stays busy year-round with events. The city puts on over 30 annual events that pull in tens of thousands of people. The Arts Festival is huge — according to Mount Dora's Public Arts Commission, it typically draws about 200,000 people each year, making it one of the biggest gatherings the city sees.

Donnelly Park sits right in the center of downtown. It has benches, pickleball courts, and a community building for public events. Just a few minutes away, the Mount Dora Center for the Arts has changing gallery shows and art classes for everyone. You can also check out the Mount Dora History Museum, set up in an old fire station, for a look at the city's past. If you want to get outside, Gilbert Park has lakefront walking paths — great for a stroll or even for anyone looking to earn a little extra with outdoor side gigs.