Lake County, Florida is a unique community featuring a sought-after way of life among some of Florida's most beautiful, natural settings. It's also home to the sparkling Harris Chain of Lakes, boasting one of the top attractions of Lake County - the abundance of lakefront living.
Featuring several interconnected lakes, the chain offers great recreation, a serene backdrop, and helps make Lake County homes for sale some of the area's most desired Real Estate.
What to Know About the Chain of Lakes
The lakes of the Lake Harris Chain includes Lake Harris, Little Lake Harris, Lake Griffin, Lake Eustis, Lake Dora, Lake Beauclair, and Lake Carlton. These lakes are part of the Ocklawaha Basin draining through the St Johns River, and the chain's Lake Apopka makes up the headwaters. Lake Yale is also connected to chain, but the waterway connecting with Yale is not navigable by boat.
The chain lies just 30 miles northwest of Orlando, and 27 miles South West of the Ocala National Forest. There is a number of small towns bordering the lakes including the sought-after communities of Leesburg, Mount Dora, Tavares, Fruitland Park, Eustis, and Howey-in-the-Hills.
The lakes offers the perfect backdrop to the hometown cities in Florida and provide a life full of unique recreation, great beauty, and wonderful hotspots making these communities so popular in Central Florida. From unbeatable fishing to a relaxing way of life, here are some of the opportunities Lake County residents enjoy:
Escape the Ordinary
Get out and see a whole new side of Central Florida beyond the hustle and bustle of world-famous attractions. Lake County locals enjoy the great outdoors in a whole new way with the Chain of Lakes right in their own backyards - but you don't have to live directly on one of these lakes to enjoy the benefits of the area!
Enjoy beautiful parks along the water's edge including Leesburg's Venetian Gardens, Lake Griffin State Park, and Hickory Point Recreation Park to take in the great outdoors.
Enjoy hiking, bird watching, and some of the best nature the state has to offer along the chain of lakes and in popular nearby spots including the Palatlakaha Environmental and Agricultural Reserve (PEAR Park) and Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area in Leesburg, or Hidden Waters Preserve in Eustis! Calling all outdoor lovers - this is the hotspot for you.
One-of-a-Kind Hotspots
Many of the communities bordering the Harris Chain of Lakes offer waterside downtowns making for unique daily living for locals!
Enjoy out-of-the-ordinary dining experiences along the Chain of Lakes offering a relaxing backdrop and the perfect spot for your favorite meals with a side of watercolor sunsets or a sunshine-filled afternoon. A few favorites include Mount Dora's Pisces Rising and Olive Branch, Tavares' Puddle Jumpers, and JB Boondock's Bar & Grill in Howey-in-the-Hills.
For a walk throughout unique downtown spaces offering boutique shopping, delicious local cuisine, and the tranquil waterside location, Lake County's Harris Chain of Lakes communities are second to none.
Top Recreation
When it comes to a day on the water, the Harris Chain of Lakes tops the list of Central Florida locations.
Lake County offers a number of boat ramps, making the riches of lake cruising and fishing easily available throughout the lake system. Many of the launches are in parks and recreation sites with picnic facilities and other amenities that make for a full experience and the perfect place for an all-day adventure. With such a number of connected lakes, boaters can explore the system with ease and spend the day seeing Lake County by water.
The lakes not only offer a great place to cruise or enjoy all of your favorite watersports from paddling and canoeing to wakeboarding and skiing, it's also a top fishing spot known for catching bass.
These lakes attract bass anglers from all over, is home to a variety of fish, and hosts several major bass fishing tournaments every year. If you love to fish - this is the place for you!
Life Along the Lakes
Living nearby the Harris Chain of Lakes is truly a one-of-a-kind place to live. Offering unique communities tucked away from the 'city,' locals enjoy tranquility and some of the most beautiful scenery Central Florida has to offer.
Home options range from desired 55 Plus homes to classic Florida getaways, simple pool homes, and luxury estates. Whatever type of home you seek, you'll find it in Lake County.
Locals who choose a lakefront home situated right along the waters edge live a truly special lifestyle with the easiest access to the chain of lakes and a stunning backdrop for their every day life. Enjoying waterside picnics for every meal and the best recreation right at their fingertips, it's easy to see why lakeside living along the Harris Chain is some of the most sought-after Real Estate in the state.
Looking for your own piece of the Harris Chain of Lakes?
Browse homes for sale along the chain and nearby here!
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