Tavares Real Estate: Neighborhoods, Home Styles, and Lakefront Living

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Known as “America’s Seaplane City,” Tavares is situated on the shores of Lake Dora in Central Florida. Tavares provides an idyllic setting for both residents and visitors. It is also the county seat with iconic government buildings scattered throughout. Like the neighboring town of Mount Dora, Tavares real estate opportunities are endless.

This article will delve into the diverse home styles that can be found throughout Tavares, highlight some of the city’s most appealing neighborhoods, and offer a glimpse into the small downtown area that serves as a hub of activity.

Home Styles in Tavares

Tavares showcases an eclectic mix of home styles, ranging from classic Florida architecture to contemporary designs. Some of the most popular home styles in Tavares include:

Ranch-style Homes

Ranch-style homes are a common sight in Tavares, reflecting the city’s laid-back atmosphere and penchant for indoor-outdoor living. These single-story homes typically feature open floor plans, low-pitched roofs, and large windows, providing a comfortable and functional living space for residents.

Traditional Florida Homes

Traditional Florida homes, characterized by their stucco exteriors, clay tile roofs, and wide porches, can be found throughout Tavares. These homes seamlessly blend with the city’s natural surroundings and often feature lush, tropical landscaping.

Custom-built Homes

For those seeking a one-of-a-kind living experience, Tavares also offers custom-built homes designed to suit individual tastes and preferences. From sprawling estates to quaint cottages, these properties showcase a diverse range of architectural styles and features, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.

Waterfront Properties

With its prime lakeside location, it’s no surprise that Tavares is home to a variety of waterfront properties. These homes often boast private docks, expansive lake views, and easy access to water-based activities like boating, fishing, and seaplane excursions.

Exploring Tavares’ Neighborhoods

Tavares is home to a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character and atmosphere. Some of the most notable neighborhoods within Tavares include:

Downtown Tavares

Downtown Tavares offers a vibrant mix of historic homes, county government, parks, and delightful eateries. You can also enjoy a drag show at The Dog House. Residents of this neighborhood enjoy convenient access to the bustling downtown area and the beautiful waterfront park, which hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, like the antique boat festival and seaplane festival.

Royal Harbor

Royal Harbor is a gated, 55+ active adult community situated on the shores of Little Lake Harris. This neighborhood offers a range of amenities, including a clubhouse, fitness center, swimming pool, and walking trails. Homes in Royal Harbor include both single-family residences and villas, with styles ranging from traditional Florida designs to contemporary builds.

Lake Elsie Reserve

Lake Elsie Reserve is a family-friendly neighborhood located near the city’s center. This community features newer construction homes with modern designs and a variety of floor plans, making it an attractive option for those seeking contemporary living in Tavares.

Deer Island

Deer Island is an exclusive, gated community situated on a 400-acre island surrounded by Lake Dora and Lake Beauclaire. This neighborhood offers a serene, natural setting and is home to the Deer Island Country Club, which features an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, and a clubhouse. Homes in Deer Island range from custom estates to cozy villas, with many properties boasting waterfront views and private docks.

Etowah: A Master-Planned Community

Etowah is an attractive, master-planned community located in Tavares, Florida. This well-planned, gated neighborhood offers a range of modern, single-family homes designed to suit the needs of diverse families and individuals. Etowah boasts a variety of amenities, including a community clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis courts, and playgrounds, providing residents with ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation. With its convenient location near shopping centers, schools, and healthcare facilities, Etowah is an ideal choice for those seeking a comfortable and well-connected lifestyle in Tavares. Furthermore, its close proximity to the city’s bustling downtown area and Lake Dora makes Etowah an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy the best of Central Florida living.

Downtown Tavares: A Bustling Hub of Activity

Downtown Tavares serves as a lively gathering place for residents and visitors alike. Enjoy an array of unique dining options, the railroad museum and engaging cultural events throughout the year. Some of the highlights of downtown Tavares include:

Dining

Food enthusiasts will delight in the diverse culinary offerings of downtown Tavares. From casual cafes and pizzerias to upscale restaurants, the town’s dining scene caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Be sure to try some local favorites, such as fresh seafood dishes or indulgent desserts.

Arts, Culture and Events

Tavares is home to a few arts and culture venues, including the Lake County Museum of Art, along with performance spaces scattered throughout the downtown area. The Tavares Pavilion on the Lake offers a stunning waterfront event venue and hosts art exhibitions, festivals and community events. The historic train station offers a glimpse into the city’s rich past. Art enthusiasts can also enjoy the city’s public art installations and murals, which add a touch of color and creativity to the downtown landscape.

Nearby Shopping

Head to nearby Mount Dora for a mix of locally-owned boutiques, antique shops, and specialty stores. Whether you’re searching for unique home décor, stylish clothing, or the perfect gift, you’ll find plenty of treasures to discover as you meander through the charming streets of Mount Dora. While Tavares isn’t known for shopping, seaplane lovers can pick up souvenirs at the Jones Brothers & Co or The Prop Shop at Woodlea House.

Seaplane Adventures

One of Tavares’ most unique attractions is its seaplane base, which offers visitors the chance to explore the area’s stunning lakes and waterways from the sky. Seaplane tours, available through several local operators, provide a thrilling way to experience the natural beauty of Central Florida and create lasting memories.

Parks and Recreation

Downtown Tavares is home to several parks and green spaces that provide residents and visitors with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Wooton Park, located on the shores of Lake Dora, features a playground, splash pad, and picnic areas, making it the perfect spot for family outings. For those looking to enjoy the area’s natural beauty, the nearby Hickory Point Recreation Park offers hiking trails, fishing spots, and picturesque views of Lake Harris.

Is Tavares Safe for LGBTQ People?

While we can’t speak for everyone’s experience, although Tavares leans red at the polls, you’ll find plenty of welcoming and inclusive people and businesses, especially with Mount Dora nearby.

Real Estate In Tavares

Tavares is a scenic city that combines the best of small-town living with modern conveniences and attractions. With its diverse home styles, appealing neighborhoods, and bustling downtown area, Tavares offers a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re considering a move to Tavares or planning a weekend getaway, this Central Florida gem promises a warm welcome, a strong sense of community, and a wealth of unforgettable experiences.

**Disclaimer: There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate or sponsor links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you (for which we are extremely grateful).

Also, while we do our best to highlight LGBTQ-friendly destinations and businesses, info provided is based solely on personal experience and recommendations by community partners. We hope that nobody experiences discrimination or homophobia while visiting Florida, but we make no guarantees. Please inform us if you experience discrimination or homophobia while visiting any destination so we can make updates to our recommendations.

Rachel Covello

Rachel Covello is an award-winning speaker, writer, diversity consultant, and LGBT advocate. She was the Founder of LGBT Equality Alliance, a Chester County, PA nonprofit organization. She is currently the Publisher of OutCoast.com and Producer of the OutCoast TV YouTube Channel, both of which highlight LGBTQ welcoming destinations in Florida.

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