Clermont is one of the fastest-growing cities in Florida — an inland Lake County city that offers something genuinely unusual for Central Florida: rolling hills, spectacular lake views, and increasing affordability relative to neighboring Orange County. Here’s what living there is actually like.
What Is Clermont?
Clermont is a city of roughly 50,000 people in Lake County, located about 25 miles west of downtown Orlando. Built on a series of rolling hills — unusual for flat Central Florida — Clermont overlooks the Clermont Chain of Lakes and has positioned itself as both an outdoor recreation destination and a growing bedroom community for west Orlando workers.
The Case For Clermont
The hills and scenery: Clermont’s rolling topography is genuinely distinctive in Central Florida. The views from Citrus Tower and over the chain of lakes provide a scenic quality that flat suburban communities simply cannot offer. Residents consistently cite the landscape as one of their favorite things about living there.
Outdoor recreation: The Clermont Chain of Lakes, the Withlacoochee State Trail, and Clermont’s cycling and triathlon infrastructure make it one of the best outdoor recreation communities in the state. Clermont has become a hub for triathletes and cyclists at the professional and amateur levels.
Affordability: Clermont offers meaningfully lower home prices than neighboring Orange County communities. Median home prices run $350,000–$480,000 — a significant discount versus Horizon West or Winter Garden for comparable square footage.
Growth and investment: Clermont has been investing heavily in downtown revitalization, waterfront development, and commercial expansion.
The Honest Downsides
Commute to Orlando: Clermont’s western position means commutes to most Orlando employment centers are 30–50 minutes under normal conditions — and SR-50, the primary east-west corridor, is heavily congested during peak hours.
Lake County schools: Lake County schools have historically underperformed relative to Seminole and parts of Orange County. Research specific schools carefully.
Still developing: Some areas of Clermont feel unfinished, with retail and restaurant options that don’t yet match the population growth.
Who Is Clermont Right For?
Clermont is an excellent fit for outdoor enthusiasts, remote workers, buyers seeking affordability relative to Orange County, and those who work in west Orlando or Disney. The commute east is the primary trade-off.
How Does It Compare?
Compare Clermont to other west Orlando communities with our Orlando Neighborhood Comparison Tool.
The Bottom Line
Clermont offers a genuinely distinctive lifestyle — rolling hills, lakes, outdoor recreation, and lower prices than its Orange County neighbors. The commute east requires honest evaluation, but for the right buyer it represents excellent value.