MOUNT DORA, Fla. — A city in Lake County is looking to attract more young adults to the area, and while buying real estate in the area for people in their 20s isn’t currently impossible, it takes a hefty down payment.

That’s why developers in Mount Dora — known as "Someplace Special" — have proposed a new apartment complex off U.S. 441.

What You Need To Know

  • Young adults say there are currently very few affordable housing options in Mount Dora

  • A Juniper Multifamily Townhomes property proposal is currently in the approval process with the city of Mount Dora

  • If approved, the development would bring a 266-unit apartment complex to the city

Q Wilson is a new Florida resident, having moved to Mount Dora from the Washington D.C. area earlier in the year.

"Honestly, when I first got here in April I was pretty underwhelmed," said Wilson.

The average age of Mount Dora residents, according to the U.S. Census, is currently 49. Neighboring towns like Tavares and Eustis have a similar average, but with more people moving to the area, officials say that could soon change.

But with the growth, residents say finding housing can be a challenge.

"When we first got here, looking for a place to rent out was near impossible," Wilson said. "Everything was just taken."

Wilson isn’t alone — Jeanette Bokland, with Century 21 Spouses with Houses Reality, said she knows the Mount Dora real estate market can be competitive. 

"We’re an art and music community, so we attract a lot of the younger people," she said. "We’re seeing more and more of that. But it’s still a retirement area too, but it’s getting to be a nice blend."

With the need for more housing, a developer is proposing a new apartment complex. And while the overall goal of the development is to give people another housing option, it may also bring a younger crowd to the Mount Dora area.

"I think it’s a good idea," Wilson said of the proposed development. "I don’t see why not, because there’s a lot here."

Wilson said he eventually found a place to live and got a job at Edge Coffee. It was there that he found friends and got more involved in the community, but Wilson said he is hoping to find more people his age.

"There is a very clear difference between the average age of someone that works here versus someone that’s just visiting," he said.

With the Mount Dora community growing, officials say there is more opportunity for local businesses to get creative with attracting the new demographic.

"I like to go out with my coworkers — there’s so many places to eat, it’s fun trying food or getting a drink," said Wilson.

The proposed 266-unit Juniper Multifamily Townhomes property is currently in the approval process with the city of Mount Dora.