Once called Taylorville, Groveland is a community of change: its main industries have shifted from perfume to lumber to citrus and now -- tourism. Things still smell sweet in Florida's fastest growing community -- it experienced 189 percent growth between 2000 and 2010.
The community of Groveland is a small city in the county of Lake, Florida, aptly named for its many lakes. The town is also a part of the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford Metropolitan Statistical Area, and is located between State Road 19 and State Road 33/55, not far from Orlando. At the time of the last major census, the total population was at about 8,700 people and this busy community continues to grow.
Moving to Groveland
Groveland, Florida's rental homes are varied, from Rose Street to Westwood, when you're ready to look for townhouses, apartment rentals or single-family homes, there are plenty to choose from in this sun-sational community. There are often vacancies in Groveland, so you should be able to find a property fairly quickly, particularly in the spring or summer months. Three weeks to a month should be ample time to search for the spot you want to live in. Check online listings and local papers such as the Lake County News and Southlake Press.
Snowbirds Flock In
Winter and autumn bring an influx of snowbirds from colder regions, looking for rentals. So this may be a more difficult season to find the apartment or home you desire. You'll find many recently built single-family homes, both large and small. Apartment complexes such as Lakeview Villas are a little more scarce than rental houses.
Ready to Move In
Rental properties here can be quickly rented, so don't hesitate when you find the home you want to call your own. Landlords will require information on your work and credit, so come prepared, with your identification, work history, and credit report, although many Florida landlords will want to run a credit check themselves. If you're self-employed, don't be surprised if your tax returns or recent bank statements are requested.
Groveland Neighborhoods
If you've ever wanted to live in a place that felt like a vacation spot, then moving to Groveland might just be a great choice for you. Lovely lakes and plenty of outdoor recreation spots are the ticket here. Just grab your bathing suit and get ready to dive into fun all year 'round.
Westwood: On the shore of Lake Summer, this modern neighborhood is the perfect spot to enjoy beautiful single family homes and townhouses. Close to Route 50 and the Florida Turnpike, this area is commuter convenient.
Rose Street / Lake Emma Road: This north end neighborhood offers easy access to Lake Apopka recreation area, Sugarloaf Mountain Golf and Town Club, Schoolhouse Lake, and the Little Lake Harris recreation area.
Eagle Point: A community of new homes just 15 minutes from SR 429 and the Florida Turnpike, the community is green and hilly, and close to Cherry Lake. More owners than renters here, but look closely - rentals do pop up.
Lexington Estates: Close to Bird Lake and Church Lake, between Villa City Road and Hwy 19, this quiet community has more owners than renters, but it too offers rentals to those willing to watch for them.
City Center: Residents love easy access to downtown Groveland shops, restaurants, and cafes, Lake Apopka recreation area, the Cineplex, community center, and Lake Minneola. The southern end of the City Center neighborhood is also adjacent to Lake Louisa State Park, one of the most expansive parks in the state of Florida, with ten small lakes and dozens of miles of trails for biking, walking, or jogging.
Life in Groveland, Florida
Have you ever wished you could spend a beautiful summer day on the shore of a picturesque lake? Well, in Groveland, you can choose to spend the day at one of over two-dozen lakes. Some are also attached to beautiful green spaces and parks. Having a "staycation" takes on a whole new meaning here, when every day feels like a vacation. Just don't forget you still have to go to work in the morning!
This community is truly a Floridian paradise for nature lovers, home to many nearby outdoor recreation areas including the stunning Lake Minneola, adjoining Lake Minnehaha. Yes, those names were given by Native American tribes. There are also expansive Lake Apopka, post card-perfect John's Lake, curvy Lake Lucy and Big Bluff Lake. Like your body of water a little smaller - try Grassy Lake, whose banks are, guess what, grassy. In fact, you can't travel more than a mile without running into some sort of body of water here.
Want to go clubbing? There are also quite a few great places to enjoy a good, old-fashioned round of golf in Groveland. The Sugarloaf Mountain Golf and Town Club just off of Florida's Turnpike is the ideal spot for an 18-hole game, a tennis match with a friend, a refreshing swim or hot tub soak. You'll also find Green Valley Golf Club located near Route 50, and the Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge located just outside of Groveland is yet another nice place to golf. Lake Hancock and Lake Speer are only a couple of minutes off the property so beware of the potential for rather large water traps!
Like cuddly critters and unusual wildlife? Get ready to channel your inner beast. Animal lovers will enjoy checking out over 300 species at the Amazing Exotics Education Center or getting to hug a farm animal at Uncle Donald's Farm. There are also wetland tours offered at the Wildcat Super Truck Tour Showcase of Citrus, where bird watchers will have a fine time looking skyward.
Don't forget to raise a glass when the day is done. Wine lovers will be pleased with the fine selection of tasting options at the nearby Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards. If you're a history lover, check out the Florida Carriage Museum and Resort, which holds the largest collection of antique horse-drawn carriages in the nation today. If you're looking to drive a little further afield, Groveland is close to Orlando, making you neighbors to Mickey and Minnie in their Disney World digs.
Lost your mittens? No worries. Weather here is wonderful all year round -- you'll never find a flake of snow, although it can rain in the winter time. The spring and summer months are warm, sunny, and humid. Get ready to have curly hair.
Public transportation is good in Groveland - you can get along either with or without a car of your own. Commute times are relatively short, under thirty minutes, and with the Florida Turnpike close by, you can zip around to other fine Florida sun spots with ease. "Orange" you glad you're considering a move to Groveland?