Lakeside Estates

Welcome to Lakeside Estates, a 55+ mobile home community located in the charming and naturally beautiful area of Umatilla, Florida. This community offers a tranquil setting for active adults looking for a peaceful yet engaging lifestyle in Central Florida. While like any established community, Lakeside Estates has faced its share of challenges and ongoing improvements, it remains a place where many residents find genuine happiness, strong neighborly bonds, and a commitment from ownership to enhance the living experience.

Recent feedback from residents paints a nuanced but ultimately positive picture. While some acknowledge past concerns regarding amenities needing updates—such as the pool, clubhouse roof, and shuffleboard courts—there's a clear and vocal appreciation for the significant "improvement since I moved in." Residents highlight the "amazing" neighbors and the "very happy" living experience. The park managers are consistently praised as "great," "always ready to address a problem," and providing "excellent service with a smile." Moreover, despite some rent increases, many residents still find the lot rent "lower than the other communities that we looked at," underscoring its continued affordability. Lakeside Estates is a testament to the power of community spirit and ongoing dedication to creating a pleasant living environment for Florida's active seniors.

Lakeside Estates is ideally situated at 200 Devault St, Umatilla, FL 32784, USA. This address places the community in a prime spot within Lake County, Florida, offering residents the best of both peaceful country living and convenient access to essential amenities and vibrant local attractions. Umatilla is known for its natural beauty, including an abundance of lakes and lush landscapes, providing a serene backdrop for retirement.

A significant geographical highlight is Lakeside Estates' waterfront location on the 46-acre spring-fed Lake Enola. This direct access allows residents to enjoy fishing, boating, and simply relaxing by the water, adding a unique natural amenity to their daily lives. The "stress-free living in the country" ambiance is a strong draw for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of larger cities.

Despite its peaceful setting, Lakeside Estates boasts excellent accessibility. It's just minutes away from Mount Dora, a highly sought-after historic town known for its quaint downtown, unique shops, art festivals, and waterfront dining. Nearby towns like Eustis and Tavares (the "Seaplane City") also offer additional shopping, medical facilities, and entertainment options, all within a short, convenient drive.

For broader travel and entertainment, major highways are easily accessible, connecting residents to the wider Central Florida region. Orlando, with its world-famous theme parks (Walt Disney World, Universal Studios) and Orlando International Airport (MCO), is typically about an hour's drive, making family visits and travel plans straightforward. The Ocala National Forest, offering extensive opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and exploring natural springs, is also within easy reach. This blend of natural tranquility and practical accessibility makes Lakeside Estates a very suitable location for Florida locals seeking a balanced and fulfilling retirement.

Lakeside Estates is a 55+ community that provides a range of services aimed at fostering a comfortable, active, and supportive living environment for its residents.

• Dedicated Park Management: Residents consistently praise the "great" park managers who are described as "always ready to address a problem" and provide "excellent service with a smile." This hands-on management style ensures daily operations run smoothly and resident concerns are attended to.
• Community Amenities Maintenance: The management is actively engaged in "great improvements" and maintaining the park's shared facilities, including the pool, clubhouse, and shuffleboard courts. While some amenities have required work, there's a clear commitment to their upkeep and enhancement.
• Utilities Included in Lot Rent (Partially): Lot rent, which has varied but is generally competitive, often includes lawn maintenance and trash pickup. Some listings also indicate water and sewer may be included, simplifying residents' monthly budgeting.
• New Home Sales: The park offers a variety of new manufactured homes for sale from reputable manufacturers, including models from Homes of Merit (by Champion Homes) and Fleetwood Homes. This provides options for those looking for modern, move-in ready residences.
• Access to Lake Enola Water (historical / potential change): Historically, residents may have had free access to lake water for irrigation. While a recent review suggests a potential change to a monthly charge for this service, the access to the lake itself remains a significant amenity.
• Planned Activities and Social Engagement: The community offers planned activities and events, which are crucial for fostering social connections and an active lifestyle within a 55+ community.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Lakeside Estates is a pet-friendly community, welcoming residents with their furry companions (though specific restrictions should be verified).
• Security Measures: While not explicitly detailed, the active presence of managers who make "tours thru the park getting to know everyone & keeping an eye out for our safety" suggests a commitment to resident security and well-being.

Lakeside Estates boasts several attractive features and highlights that contribute to its appeal as a desirable 55+ community in Umatilla, Florida.

• Waterfront Community on Lake Enola: A premier feature is its location directly on the 46-acre spring-fed Lake Enola. This provides residents with beautiful views and direct access for fishing, boating, and other water-based activities, offering a true Florida lifestyle. Although the dock has been boarded up, the direct access to the lake from the community still provides a unique and desirable feature.
• 55+ Active Adult Community: Designed specifically for residents aged 55 and over, fostering a tranquil environment with peers and opportunities for social engagement.
• Community Clubhouse: The park features a clubhouse that serves as the heart of the community. While a review noted ceiling leaks, information suggests recent updates to the clubhouse have been made, offering a space for social gatherings, billiards, and other activities.
• Swimming Pool & Hot Tub: A key recreational amenity is the community swimming pool and an accompanying Jacuzzi/hot tub, providing residents with opportunities for relaxation and exercise. While one review mentioned the pool "needs work," other information suggests it is a valued amenity.
• Fitness Center and Library: The community boasts a fitness center for staying active and a library for quiet enjoyment and intellectual pursuits.
• Shuffleboard Courts and Horseshoes: These popular recreational courts offer residents fun and social ways to stay active and engaged within the community.
• Friendly Neighbors and Community Spirit: A significant highlight is the strong sense of community and the "amazing" and "wonderful neighbors" that residents frequently commend. This friendly atmosphere is invaluable.
• Ongoing Improvements: Despite past challenges mentioned in some reviews, the community is actively undergoing "great improvement" and "updates," indicating a commitment from the new ownership to enhance facilities and residents' experience.
• Affordable Living: Despite recent rent increases, residents still find the lot rent competitive and "lower than the other communities," offering an affordable pathway to quality 55+ living in Central Florida. Monthly lot rent is stated to be around $350-$450, including lawn and trash.
• Spacious Lots: Many homes appear to be on generous lots, offering comfortable outdoor living spaces.

For a community like Lakeside Estates, which is undergoing improvements and has an established base of residents, "promotions" may often revolve around the value proposition it offers for new residents and available homes. While specific, temporary discounts aren't extensively advertised, the inherent benefits serve as ongoing incentives.

One key "offer" is the competitive lot rent. Despite increases, residents confirm that it remains "lower than the other communities that we looked at," making it an attractive option for budget-conscious seniors. Lot rent generally ranges from $350-$450 per month, which typically includes lawn care and trash service, offering transparent and predictable living costs.

The availability of "new homes" for purchase from reputable manufacturers like Homes of Merit and Fleetwood Homes means prospective residents can acquire modern, well-built residences within an established community. While individual sales may have their own incentives, the park's commitment to bringing in new inventory, even if some have "been sitting for over two yrs," suggests opportunities for buyers to find a home that fits their needs. It is advisable to directly contact the park management or a sales representative to inquire about current home listings, pricing, and any specific move-in specials or financing options that might be available. The ongoing improvements to the park's amenities, such as the clubhouse updates, also add increasing value over time, serving as a long-term benefit for residents.

For those interested in exploring the welcoming and improving community of Lakeside Estates in Umatilla, Florida, or to inquire about available homes and lot rentals, please use the following contact details:

Address: 200 Devault St, Umatilla, FL 32784, USA

Phone: (352) 771-2080

Mobile Phone: +1 352-771-2080

You may also find more information on various real estate and manufactured home dealer websites that list properties within Lakeside Estates, such as Four Star Homes and ManufacturedHomes.com. It is highly recommended to call the park managers directly, as they are praised for their responsiveness and willingness to address questions and assist prospective residents. Arranging a personal tour is the best way to experience the community's friendly atmosphere, assess the ongoing improvements, and see the tranquil lakeside setting firsthand.

For Florida locals, Lakeside Estates in Umatilla offers a highly suitable and increasingly appealing option for 55+ living. Despite some past challenges, the current trajectory of "great improvement" and the strong positive sentiment from residents about their "amazing" neighbors and "great" managers make it a compelling choice.

The core suitability stems from its blend of affordability and attractive amenities. Lot rents, while subject to change, remain competitive compared to similar communities in the region, providing a cost-effective path to retirement living in Florida. The direct access to Lake Enola, even with changes to the dock, ensures a unique waterfront lifestyle that appeals to many Floridians seeking tranquil natural beauty for fishing and relaxation.

The commitment of the park's ownership and management to making "improvements to our community"—including updates to the clubhouse, pool area, and other facilities—demonstrates a clear investment in enhancing resident quality of life. This proactive approach, coupled with a genuine sense of community where neighbors genuinely support each other, fosters a welcoming and secure environment. For Florida locals looking for a 55+ community that values affordability, fosters strong social connections, and is actively striving for continuous improvement in a beautiful, natural setting, Lakeside Estates is well worth considering as their next home.