Central Lake County: Where gratitude and good neighbors meet country charm

By Brooke Vermeulen
Local Realtor and and Mount Dora Buzz real estate contributor

November brings cooler air, glowing sunsets over Lake Dora, and a season of slowing down to appreciate the people and places that make life feel full.  In Central Lake County, home isn’t just an address—it’s a way of living. It’s waving to a neighbor from your front porch, grabbing coffee from someone who already knows your order, and watching the the quaint downtown's light up for the holidays.

The local community has a way of feeling both small and special. It’s where local business owners double as friends, artists capture lakefront scenes, and tight-knit musicians bring everyone together on weekend nights in vibrant venues. The song “Famous Friends” by Chris Young and Kane Brown could easily describe life here—because in this part of Lake County, everyone knows someone who makes a difference.  The area's real celebrities are the teachers, small-business owners, and community leaders who show up for parades, fundraisers, and Friday-night games.

Maybe that’s what makes people to stay. The scenery is beautiful, sure—but the sense of connection seems to draw people in and keeps them here.  The comfort of belonging, the pride of supporting everything local, and the joy of being part of something that still feels genuine is something that makes small-town life attractive. 

As Thanksgiving rolls in, gratitude often comes easy to residents in central Lake County, where home is more than an address—it’s a feeling. And for those who call the area home, that’s something to be thankful for all year.

​By Brooke Vermeulen
Local Realtor and and Mount Dora Buzz real estate contributor

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