Tavares, FL · 32778
Tavares wears its nickname proudly: as America's self-proclaimed Seaplane City, it has built one of the country's most active seaplane bases and turned its waterfront into a genuine destination. Lake County's seat combines government employment, affordable lakefront living, and a revitalized downtown that continues to attract investment and new residents.
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$310,000
Median Home Price
$175
Price / Sq Ft
47
Avg Days on Market
280
Active Listings
3.7%
YoY Appreciation
Active Listings · Stellar MLS
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Tavares offers lakefront Florida living at a price point that has become increasingly rare as metro Orlando expands westward. Its waterfront downtown, seaplane culture, and proximity to Mount Dora's retail and dining make it an attractive option for buyers who want lifestyle amenities without premium prices. The city's Lake County seat status provides a stable government employment backbone.
Tavares features a mix of older waterfront cottages, mid-century ranch homes, and newer subdivisions north of SR-19. Royal Harbor, an active adult community near the lake, provides resort-style amenities for 55-plus buyers. Waterfront properties on Lake Dora and Lake Eustis are the most coveted, while inland neighborhoods offer value-oriented single-family homes in the $250,000-$350,000 range.
Tavares' Wooton Park and Wooten Park boardwalk on Lake Dora are the social heart of the city, offering waterfront dining, a splash pad, boat launches, and the famous seaplane viewing dock. The Tavares Seaplane Base hosts national and international fly-ins, and the annual AirVenture seaplane event draws pilots from across the country. This aviation culture gives Tavares a quirky, enthusiastic identity unlike any other Central Florida city.
The Harris Chain of Lakes encompasses 13 interconnected lakes covering over 76,000 acres, making it one of Florida's premier freshwater boating and fishing systems. From Tavares, boaters can travel by water to Mount Dora, Eustis, Leesburg, and beyond. Bass fishing tournaments, sailing regattas, and annual boat parades are regular fixtures on the social calendar.
Tavares sits at the intersection of US-441 and SR-19, giving residents highway access to Orlando (45 minutes via US-441) and to the Florida Turnpike via SR-27. Leesburg Regional Medical Center and South Lake Hospital are both within 20 minutes, and the SR-429 Western Beltway provides access to Disney World in under an hour. Lake County's growth is also pushing retail and services closer.
The honest assessment
Tavares has cultivated a seaplane culture since the 1980s, building one of the country's most active commercial seaplane bases on Lake Dora. The city hosts major seaplane fly-ins and events, has a dedicated waterfront viewing area, and actively promotes its aviation identity as a tourism and community-building strategy.
The Harris Chain of Lakes is a system of 13 interconnected freshwater lakes in Lake County, spanning over 76,000 acres. It includes Lake Harris, Lake Eustis, Lake Dora, Lake Griffin, and others, all navigable by boat and renowned for bass fishing, waterskiing, and lakeside lifestyle.
Yes — Tavares offers some of Lake County's most affordable home prices with waterfront access, making it a value-oriented alternative to higher-priced lake communities in Orange County. The Lake County seat location also provides government job stability that supports the local economy.
Royal Harbor is Tavares' premier 55-plus community, featuring a marina with boat slips directly on the Harris Chain of Lakes, resort-style amenities, and organized social activities. It is a popular choice for retirees seeking an active waterfront lifestyle at attainable prices.
Recent Work
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Neighborhood
Mount Dora is one of Florida's most beloved small towns — a Victorian-era lakeside community with an award-winning downtown packed with antique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and year-round festivals. Its blend of historic charm, natural beauty, and genuine community spirit attracts buyers seeking an alternative to suburban sprawl.
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Neighborhood
Eustis anchors the 'Golden Triangle' of Lake County alongside Mount Dora and Tavares, three lakeside cities connected by the Harris Chain. Its historic downtown, access to Lake Eustis and Lake Harris, and affordable price points make it an attractive option for buyers seeking genuine lakeside Florida living outside the crowded metro.
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Neighborhood
Leesburg delivers exceptional value for buyers seeking affordable lakefront or near-lake living in Central Florida. Home to some of the region's most popular active adult communities — including the renowned Villages-adjacent Plantation at Leesburg — Leesburg combines low prices, outdoor recreation on the Harris Chain of Lakes, and a revitalizing downtown.
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Neighborhood
Lake County's premier 55-plus waterfront community — boat slips on the Harris Chain of Lakes, resort amenities, and golf-cart-friendly streets on the shores of Lake Harris.
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Before making an offer
All information on this page reflects market data and research as of April 2026. Markets change, HOA bylaws are updated, school assignments shift, and flood maps are revised. Before making an offer or relying on any of the following for a purchase decision, confirm directly with official sources:
MaxLife Realty is a boutique brokerage specializing in Tavares and the Butler Chain of Lakes. Let's talk about your next move.