Clermont

Clermont, Florida, nestled about 20–35 miles west of Orlando in scenic Lake County, is celebrated as the “Gem of the Hills” owing to its distinctive rolling terrain uncommon in Florida’s flat landscape. Founded in 1884 and incorporated in 1916, it began as a center of citrus groves and remains symbolized by the iconic Florida Citrus Tower, built in 1956 atop a hill to showcase the vast orange industry of the era. Today it’s a thriving suburban city of roughly 44,000–48,000 residents, having grown more than 365% since 2000. Clermont offers a vibrant downtown along Lake Minneola, with boutique shops, restaurants, waterfront parks, a farmers’ market, and festivals like the Wine Stroll . It’s also a “Trail Town” known for biking, running, and triathlon training, connected via the South Lake Trail and West Orange Trail through picturesque lakes and hillsides. With Lake Louisa State Park, chain lakes ideal for kayaking or fishing, and local wineries such as Lakeridge, Clermont beautifully blends outdoor recreation, scenic charm, and small-town appeal just outside the bustle of Orlando.