Clermont vs Winter Garden: How Do They Compare?

By Roger Jimenez

Finding direction on the journey for the ideal place to call home can be both exciting and daunting. In the scenic expanse of Central Florida, two cities stand out as contenders: Clermont and Winter Garden. Each showing off its own unique charm, amenities, and lifestyle offerings, these colorful communities have much to offer prospective residents with promises of a fulfilling and enriching living experience. Read ahead as we deep dive into a comparative exploration of Clermont and Winter Garden, uncovering the factors that define their appeal and ultimately determining which city reigns supreme as the best place to live.

Keep reading to see how each city compares, or watch one of our recent YouTube videos below!

Clermont 

Clermont embodies the essence of small-town charm with a touch of modern allure. Known as the "Gem of the Hills," this picturesque city offers residents a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life while providing easy access to an array of recreational opportunities. From its scenic waterfront parks and championship golf courses to its thriving downtown district and vibrant community events, the city captivates with its inviting atmosphere and laid-back lifestyle. Clermont stands as a beloved destination for those seeking a perfect blend of natural beauty, leisurely living, and Southern hospitality.

Location

Clermont is a part of Lake County, just 20 miles west of Orlando. Clermont offers a natural escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Accessible via Route 27 or one of the nearby toll roads, this charming county is conveniently located just a short 25-minute drive from the enchanting world of Disney and all its neighboring entertainment. 

Hosting a picturesque downtown area brimming with charm and character, Clermont's up-and-coming urban landscape is a jewel just waiting to be discovered. Dotted with rolling hills and sparkling lakes such as Lake Minneola and Lake Susan, the city’s natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or a quiet community to call home, Clermont beckons with its idyllic setting and potential.

Clermont Community - Heritage Hills

Housing

A wide array of rental options are available in Clermont, from stylish apartments to production-style homes, offering an affordable alternative to neighboring cities. With rental prices averaging 10% lower than surrounding areas, Clermont presents an enticing opportunity for those seeking value without compromising on quality. 

Spanning approximately 19 miles in length, Clermont boasts expansive room for growth, providing ample space and estates for new residents to call home. Despite its affordability, Clermont rivals upscale locales like Windermere in terms of housing options, offering a diverse range of housing styles and amenities.

With homeownership rates soaring to 70% in the area, Clermont embodies a sense of community and stability, making it an ideal destination for those looking to settle down and invest in their future.

Clermont Community - Heritage Hills

Lifestyle

The Clermont lifestyle embodies a harmonious blend of laid-back charm and active living. Settled among the rolling hills and clear lakes of Central Florida, Clermont offers residents a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Here, residents enjoy a relaxed pace of life, surrounded by natural beauty and an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities. 

From hiking and biking along scenic trails to boating and fishing on the area's picturesque lakes, Clermont encourages an active and healthy lifestyle. The community's close-knit atmosphere fosters a sense of belonging, with residents coming together to celebrate local events, festivals, and cultural gatherings. With its welcoming vibe, scenic landscapes, and strong sense of community, Clermont offers a lifestyle that is both serene and fulfilling.

Want to live in Clermont? Check out the homes for sale below!

Search Clermont Real Estate Listings

Winter Garden

Winter Garden is a dense city renowned for its rich history, stunning spaces, and strong sense of community. With an active landscape, scenic parks, and family-friendly neighborhoods, Winter Garden offers residents a high quality of life with access to top-rated schools, recreational opportunities, and cultural attractions. With its convenient location near major highways and attractions, Winter Garden provides a great balance of suburban tranquility and urban convenience.

Location 

Winter Garden is a part of Orange County, and with its bustling population, the city stands in stark contrast to the quieter allure of Clermont. However, within the Horizon West zip code lies a burgeoning landscape ripe with residential opportunities, rapidly transforming into a vibrant community. 

Renowned for boasting one of Orlando's most captivating downtown districts, Winter Garden offers a blend of cosmopolitan charm and urban sophistication. Additionally, the presence of Lake Apopka adds to the county's allure, providing residents with a serene oasis amidst the bustling cityscape. 

As development continues to unfold, Winter Garden stands as a beacon of growth, showing newcomers how to partake in its dynamic offerings and promising future.

Winter Garden Community - West Lake Hancock Estates

Housing

From historic bungalows to modern estates, Winter Garden offers a diverse range of residential options to suit every lifestyle and preference. Explore family-friendly neighborhoods with top-rated schools, scenic waterfront properties, or luxury homes among lush landscapes. With access to high-end amenities as well as shopping, and dining, Winter Garden can be the ideal place for living the Florida lifestyle.

When it comes to housing in Winter Garden, taxes may be slightly higher compared to neighboring areas, but this calls for consideration, especially given the generally elevated home prices in the region. Despite this, Winter Garden boasts an impressive 65% homeownership rate among its population, reflecting the strong sense of community and investment in real estate within the area. As prospective residents weigh their options, the balance between taxes, home prices, and the allure of homeownership in Winter Garden presents a compelling narrative for those seeking to establish roots in this blossoming community.

Lifestyle

The Winter Garden lifestyle is characterized by a blend of historic charm, modern amenities, and a strong sense of community. Winter Garden exudes a welcoming atmosphere, inviting residents to immerse themselves in its rich culture and recreation. 

In Winter Garden, the lifestyle is one of warmth, vitality, and endless possibilities. Residents enjoy leisurely strolls along the quaint streets of downtown, dotted with charming boutiques, cozy cafes, and cultural attractions. The city's scenic parks and waterfront areas provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities, from picnics and family gatherings to jogging and cycling along the West Orange Trail. 

With a calendar full of community events, farmers markets, and festivals, Winter Garden fosters a close-knit community spirit, where neighbors become friends and every day brings new opportunities for connection and enjoyment. 

Niche Ratings

According to Niche.com, in Clermont, residents enjoy a solid education system with a B+ rating for schools, while housing affordability receives a B-. With family-friendly amenities earning a B+ and a respectable crime rating of C+, Clermont earns an overall A- rating, securing its position as the #4 best place to live in Central Florida.

Meanwhile, Winter Garden also shines with an impressive A- rating for schools and similar housing affordability, earning a B-. With family-centric features garnering an A- and a crime rating of C+, Winter Garden claims the #2 spot as the best place to live in Central Florida, boasting an overall A rating.

Given their comparable amenities and ratings, it's no surprise that both of these remarkable cities garner considerable interest from prospective residents!

Want to live in Winter Garden? Check out the homes for sale!

Overall

The pros and cons of Clermont and Winter Garden unveil two captivating living environments, each with its own distinctive allure. While Clermont captivates with its scenic landscapes and outdoor pursuits, Winter Garden enchants with its historic charm and modern amenities. Whether one is drawn to the tranquility of lakeside living or the vibrancy of a bustling downtown, residents of both cities find fulfillment in their unique lifestyles. Ultimately, the decision between Clermont and Winter Garden hinges on individual preferences and priorities, but both communities provide the essence of Central Florida living at its finest.