111 W Seminole Ave Eustis, FL 32726

Although Eustis dropped the word “Lake” from its name when it was officially incorporated in 1883, the Florida city is still defined by the body of water that carries its name. The Orlando suburb is about 40 miles northwest of the theme park mecca and serves as a center for several smaller surrounding communities. A popular vacation spot since the early 1900s, Eustis hosts a year-round population of 25,000, many of whom are senior citizens taking life at a slower pace. “I moved up here because it has less traffic, but it’s still an easy drive to Orlando,” says Lois Benaglio, a Realtor and broker with Hickory Hill Realty & Management. “And we have the most amazing sunsets over the lake.” Lake Eustis forms the town’s western border and invites boaters and anglers to launch from the ramp off Lakeshore Drive. The Eustis Lake Walk is a scenic waterside trail that follows the old railroad tracks past Ferran Park, the town’s primary gathering spot. “As soon as school lets out, families bring their kids down to the park. You see people fishing out here all afternoon,” Benaglio says. Nature preserves threaded with hiking trails can be found amongst the several smaller lakes throughout the area, and hunting and ATV riding are also popular activities. The city pays tribute to the nation’s first president in February with GeorgeFest. The celebration, the longest-running festival in Florida, features a carnival, live entertainment and a bass-fishing tournament. The Eustis First Friday Street Party brings food trucks, vendors and live music to the historic downtown once a week. Visitors to Lake Eustis Historical Museum and Preservation Society can tour one of the city’s oldest homes while learning the local lore. The Bay Street Players, a performing arts organization, presents several stage productions at the State Theatre throughout the year. The median home price in Eustis is around $350,000, well below the national median and lower than Orlando's median price. Many houses feature stucco walls, arched entries and low-pitched roofs characteristic of Spanish Mission-style architecture. Small condos and single-family starter homes might cost $225,000 to $325,000, but larger and newer builds fetch prices from $350,000 to $500,000. Lakefront properties in upscale neighborhoods on Grand Island start around $550,000 and can cost over $1 million. A checkerboard of brick-paved streets branches off Lake Eustis in the historic downtown area. Boutiques, breweries, specialty markets and ice cream shops peek out from beneath the shade of palm and magnolia trees. Lakefront restaurants focus on seafood, but other options range from Thai to Mexican to American gastropub fare. The Eustis in Bloom committee, an affiliate chapter of the nationwide America in Bloom organization, is beautifying the downtown and improving its walkability. Shopaholics can venture to the malls about 5 miles away in Mount Dora, which also boasts a charming downtown brimming with wine and gift shops and antique stores. The nearest major airport is 40 miles away in Orlando, via Route 441. Most residents commute to Orlando, but those who work in Eustis can find jobs in healthcare, retail or social assistance. The closest hospitals are UF Health Leesburg Hospital and AdventHealth Waterman, a healthcare facility affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church in nearby Tavares. Buses on the LakeXpress public transit system make several stops along U.S. Routes 441 and 19, including at the medical centers, Lake Square Mall and Main Street. Students attend schools in the Lake County Schools district, which earns a Niche grade of B. Following graduation, students can attend classes at Lake Technical College, which offers programs in disciplines like architecture, auto technology and health sciences. Nearby, the Fly Umatilla flight school trains budding aviators at Umatilla Municipal Airport. Central Florida summers are hot and humid, ushering in a hurricane season that lasts through November. In addition to wind damage and flooding, hurricanes create stormwater runoff that carries pollutants into lakes and canals. The city website has tips on best management practices to combat the issue. No recent crime statistics are available for Eustis. However, data from 2019 showed that instances of violent crime occurred at about one-third of Orlando’s rate, while property-related incidents were roughly half as common as in the larger city. Eustis, Florida, located about 40 miles northwest of Orlando, is a small city known for its scenic lake views and relaxed pace of life. With a population of approximately 25,000, many residents are senior citizens who enjoy the lower traffic and easy access to Orlando. Lake Eustis, forming the city's western border, is a hub for fishing and boating, with a boat ramp off Lakeshore Drive and the Eustis Lake Walk offering a picturesque trail along the water. Ferran Park serves as a central gathering spot, especially popular with families. Eustis hosts GeorgeFest, Florida’s longest-running festival, celebrating George Washington with a carnival, live entertainment, and a bass-fishing tournament. The historic downtown area features brick-paved streets lined with boutiques, breweries, and diverse dining options, including lakefront seafood restaurants. The Bay Street Players perform at the State Theatre, adding to the cultural offerings. Housing in Eustis includes Spanish Mission-style architecture, with median home prices lower than in nearby Orlando. The city is also home to Lake Technical College, providing post-secondary education in various fields. Environmental concerns include hot, humid summers and hurricane-related issues such as stormwater runoff. Public transportation is available via the LakeXpress system, connecting residents to medical centers and shopping areas. While recent crime statistics are not available, past data indicated lower crime rates compared to Orlando. Eustis, FL, an Orlando suburb on Lake Eustis, offers scenic sunsets and water activities. The historic downtown features brick-paved streets and lakefront dining. Annual events include GeorgeFest. Lake Technical College is nearby. VO NOTE: The following script has annotations for our photography and post-production depts. {Text in brackets indicates to our editors this section will be used in the future as the photography dept. has not been able to film that section. Please read as if there were no brackets.} [File delivery: 32Bit float, 48000kHz,-2db (peak gain), Mono .wav file] [Maximum VO time: 3:00] [Tone/Mood: Relaxed, friendly Tier: 3 Persona: Outdoorsy] INTRO Eustis rests on the eastern shore of the central Florida lake that shares its name. About 40 miles northwest of Orlando, the suburban city balances a slower pace of life with a convenient commute. PARKS AND RECREATION Ferran Park draws families and fishermen to the Eustis Lake Walk along the shoreline. Nature preserves threaded with hiking trails surround the smaller lakes in the area. ARTS AND CULTURE/EVENTS {The city honors the nation’s first president every February with the GeorgeFest celebration, featuring a carnival and live music.} Lake Eustis Historical Museum preserves local lore in one of the city’s oldest homes. HOUSING The median home price of $350,000 is lower than the national median and significantly lower than Orlando’s. Small condos might cost $225,000 to $325,000, but lakefront properties in upscale neighborhoods can cost over $1 million. ENVIRONMENTAL Hurricane season poses a risk from June through November, and summers are hot and sticky. CRIME No recent crime statistics are available, but older data indicates that crime occurs at lower rates than in nearby Orlando. SHOPPING AND DINING Brick-paved streets lead past boutiques, breweries and seafood restaurants in the historic downtown. Shopping centers line up alongside the highway in Mount Dora, five miles away. INDUSTRY Most workers commute to Orlando, but jobs in healthcare and social assistance are available. TRANSPORTATION Buses on the LakeXpress system stop at medical centers like AdventHealth Waterman and UF Health Leesburg Hospital. U.S. Route 441 offers the quickest route for the 40-mile drive to Orlando and the nearest major airport. SCHOOLS The Lake County Schools District serves the area, earning a B from Niche. OUTRO Eustis residents enjoy an easy drive to Orlando during the day and stunning lakeside sunsets in the evening.