55+ new construction · Lake County, FL
Two of Central Florida's newest 55+ communities, about 25 minutes apart. Here's an honest, side-by-side look at prices, fees, floor plans and location — so you can decide which one fits.
The short version
Both Lakes of Mount Dora and Del Webb Minneola are gated, new-construction, active-adult communities in the hills and lakes of Lake County, roughly half an hour from Orlando. Both are genuinely good — so the right choice comes down to what you value: monthly cost, single-story living, and the feel of the town around you.
Del Webb Minneola is the larger, hillier community, built by Del Webb (Pulte) on one of Central Florida's highest points, with sweeping views and some two-story homes. Lakes of Mount Dora is D.R. Horton's gated community set among its own interconnected lakes beside the historic lakeside town of Mount Dora, with an all single-story lineup and a notably lower monthly HOA. Here's how they stack up.
Side by side
| Lakes of Mount Dora | Del Webb Minneola | |
|---|---|---|
| Builder | D.R. Horton | Del Webb (Pulte) |
| Location | Mount Dora, Lake County — beside historic downtown & lakes | Minneola / north Clermont — hilltop by Sugar Loaf Mountain |
| Drive to Orlando | ~35 minutes | ~30–40 minutes |
| Home styles | All single-story living | Single- and two-story options |
| Floor plans | 12 plans (Freedom Series) | 15 designs across 3 collections |
| Home sizes | 1,402–2,787 sq ft | ~1,400–3,500 sq ft |
| Starting price | From the $370s | From the high $300s (low $400s typical) |
| Monthly HOA | $290/mo — includes internet, cable & lawn irrigation | ~$384–394/mo — includes 1-gig internet, TV & lawn |
| Other fees | Ask Pete for the full breakdown | CDD (~$2,150/yr) + $3,000 capital contribution + $840/yr food & beverage |
| Clubhouse | 18,000 sq ft, open & in use | 17,000 sq ft (2-story); amenities still rolling out |
| Gated | Yes, gated community | Yes, manned gate + 24/7 security |
Figures are approximate and change often — Del Webb details are from public listings; confirm current numbers with each community. For Lakes of Mount Dora's exact pricing, incentives and complete fee picture, call or text Pete at 407-756-3303.
The honest read
The best way to decide is to walk both. Pete can show you Lakes of Mount Dora in person, share today's pricing and move-in-ready homes, and give you a straight answer on how it compares to Del Webb for your budget.
Common questions
Lakes of Mount Dora, by a meaningful margin: $290 per month versus roughly $384–394 at Del Webb Minneola. On top of its monthly HOA, Del Webb also carries a CDD assessment (around $2,150/year), a one-time $3,000 capital contribution, and an $840/year food-and-beverage assessment. Ask Pete for Lakes of Mount Dora's complete fee breakdown so you're comparing apples to apples.
Lakes of Mount Dora is all single-story — every one of its 12 Freedom Series plans is on one level, which many 55+ buyers specifically want. Del Webb Minneola offers both single- and two-story homes, including some very large plans up to about 3,500 square feet.
They're comparable — both sit roughly 30 to 40 minutes from Orlando in Lake County. Del Webb Minneola is a little closer to the Florida Turnpike corridor, while Lakes of Mount Dora puts you right next to the historic, walkable downtown of Mount Dora and its lakes.
Both are amenity-rich. Del Webb's clubhouse is a 17,000 sq ft two-story building, though some of its amenities are still rolling out as the community is newer. Lakes of Mount Dora's 18,000 sq ft clubhouse, resort pool, pickleball and lakes are open and in use now. Pete can walk you through everything that's available today.
The fastest way is to call or text Pete at 407-756-3303. He'll give you today's Lakes of Mount Dora pricing and incentives, lay out the full monthly cost next to Del Webb's, and set up a private showing so you can see the homes and community for yourself.
Pete knows both markets and will give you a straight comparison for your budget — then show you Lakes of Mount Dora in person.