Sitting right in the heart of Central Florida, just 20 miles west of Orlando, is where you will find the impressive city of Clermont, Florida. It has been ranked in the past as one of the Top 25 Best Places to Retire by Forbes and Money Magazines and was also voted the #1 Florida Bicycle-Friendly Community.
As if that wasn’t enough already, around 20 athletes with ties to Clermont competed in the most recent Olympic Games, it is considered the center point of the impressive Coast-to-Coast Trail, and the city is still growing and developing at an incredible rate.
Clermont is clearly the place to be in Central Florida today!
Where to Retire in Clermont
Whether you are looking for a condo, townhouse, or single-family home, there's something for everyone in Clermont. There are even 55+ or otherwise “age-targeted” communities designed specifically for retirees.
Located in Clermont, Palms at Serenoa is a gated, active adult community of 570 attached villas and single-family homes that began construction in 2018. Residents here enjoy access to amenities like a community clubhouse, fitness center, resort-style pool, and more than 16 acres of parks and green spaces around the community.
The attached homes at Palms at Serenoa are a 1,608 square foot floorplan with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The single-family homes range in size from 1,402 to 2,034 square feet and come in six different models. Prices start in the $300k’s.
Some other popular 55+ communities around Clermont include:
- Kings Ridge
- Heritage Hills
- Esplanade at Highland Ranch
Here's a look at what's on the market right now:
Clermont History
The city of Clermont was founded in 1884, and incorporated in 1916. It was named after the French birthplace of A.F. Wrotniski, who was the manager of the Clermont Improvement Company.
You can observe plenty of Clermont’s rich history by simply strolling through the historic downtown area. It is here that you will find the iconic Florida Citrus tower. This famous landmark stands 226 feet tall and was constructed back in 1956.
Clermont Lifestyle
With its location at the center of Florida’s Coast-to-Coast Trail and the fact that 18 current olympians make their home in Clermont, the lifestyle here definitely revolves around staying active. Bicycling enthusiasts can jump on the trail and head east towards Titusville, or venture west and ride all the way to St. Petersburg.
There are also a number of outdoor attractions like Lake Louisa State Park, Crooked River Preserve, and Lake Minneola that each offer slightly different ways to experience and enjoy the great outdoors.
Clermont Culture
History is a big part of the culture in Clermont, so attractions like the Historic Village and the Presidents Hall of Fame are very popular locally. The Clermont Historic Villages offers a window into life in the area more than 100 years ago, and the Presidents Hall of Fame features wax statues of every president, as well as scale models of the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, and Mount Rushmore.
For the performing arts, there is the Clermont Performing Arts Center. Here you will find a wide range of plays, musicals, and other interesting events. The complex includes a 1,200 seat main stage and a smaller 250 seat venue as well.
Clermont Shopping
When it comes to shopping, Clermont offers residents the best of both worlds. A stroll through downtown Clermont will take you past all kinds of interesting shoppes and boutiques. You’ll definitely want to check out Rabbit’s Hole Bookstore & Coffee Shop, The Barn Yarn, and Tres Chic Boutique from time to time.
And when you are in the mood for the big box options, there are plenty of larger stores to provide a little retail therapy within a quick drive of the city. Of course, there is also a plethora of amazing shopping just 20 miles away in Orlando too!
Clermont Dining
It seems like just about every Florida town has their favorite barbecue joint, and in Clermont that joint is Uncle Kenny’s BBQ. Located right next to the Citrus Tower, they serve up all of the classics including brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and sausage. And don’t forget all of the sides, as well as those award winning sauces!
One of the more unique options for dining in Clermont is Guru Restaurant, which specializes in Indian cuisine. General Manager and Head Chef Uday Kadam and his wife, Pam, have traveled all over the world and they offer a menu that is influenced by their favorite dishes from those adventures.
Another local favorite is The Crooked Spoon, which you may remember as one of the most popular food trucks in Orlando. Chef Steve Sailg isn’t in the food truck business anymore because he has moved on to this amazing gastropub. The menu changes with the seasons, but always offers an outstandingly delicious experience.
With plenty of nearby communities to choose from, as well as lots of interesting things to do and amazing places to eat, it’s easy to see why Clermont is a popular choice among Boomers looking to enjoy themselves.
Like the city motto says, Clermont is the “Choice of Champions.”
