If you want to settle down near Orlando but seek a quieter, suburban life, living in Lake Mary, Florida, is the perfect place to call your paradise. Developed by tightrope walker and chemist Frank Evan and incorporated on August 7th, 1973, the small-town agricultural community has quickly transformed into a safe, vibrant city. Aptly nicknamed “the city of lakes,” moving to Lake Mary offers an enticing blend of beautiful neighborhoods, abundant parks, and rich professional opportunities, all within a short drive to the Orlando metropolis.
Living in Lake Mary, FL, is a top choice for families seeking the warmth, recreation, and amenities of Central Florida. But what exactly is Lake Mary known for? Boasting ample shopping, fine dining, and a diverse demographic of all ages, there are endless fun things to do in Lake Mary, FL, that make it an all-too-attractive place to call home.
Lake Mary offers accessible trails, plentiful boating, and fantastic fishing combined with an attractive urban convenience. It’s also known for its superlative golf courses and the weather to play all year long. Aside from entertainment, the schools in Lake Mary are top-rated, the tech-centered economy is flourishing, and the diverse population would agree that Lake Mary Florida is a good place to live.
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Where Is Lake Mary Florida?
An esteemed city near Orlando, the city of Lake Mary is located in Central Florida, just north of Orlando and south of Sanford, conveniently accessible via exit 98 on Interstate 4. The suburban city is situated between two beautiful bodies of water, its namesake, Lake Mary, and Crystal Lake.
What county is Lake Mary Florida in? Part of the greater Orlando metropolitan area, the city of Lake Mary is in Seminole County. It isn’t just close to the tourist attractions and amenities of the major Orlando metro, but you can reach the famed Daytona beaches and other Atlantic coastlines in under an hour, too! If you need accessible public transportation in Lake Mary, the SunRail is a viable option.
Lake Mary, FL to Orlando, FL is a short 25-minute drive, just 19 miles south on I-4. Other major cities and points of interest close to Lake Mary, Florida, with their approximate drive times, include:
- Lake Mary to Daytona Beach: 43 miles, 50-minute drive
- Lake Mary to Tampa: 103 miles, 1 hour 45-minute drive
- Lake Mary to Jacksonville, FL: 127 miles, 1 hour 55-minute drive
Lake Mary FL Population & Demographics
What is the population of Lake Mary, FL? It’s about 16,798 people, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. Lake Mary’s population has grown by an impressive 17.6% from the April 2010 U.S. Census population count of 13,822.
Lake Mary is part of the greater Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford Metropolitan area, with a total population of 2,764,182 people. There are about 1,851 residents per square mile in the City of Lake Mary. Compared to living in Orlando and the 2780 people per square mile, you can see how the population of Lake Mary, FL, enjoys a bit more breathing room!
What famous people live in Lake Mary, Florida, or used to call it their home? Quite a few, actually! There’s Stan Van Gundy, the five-season (2007-2012) head coach of the Orlando Magic. Or maybe you’ve heard of Dwight Howard, the renowned NBA player first drafted by the Orlando Magic and who played under Stan Van Gundy from 2004-2012. To keep on the sports trend, Lee Corso, a famous sports broadcaster and football analyst for ESPN, also enjoyed living in Lake Mary, FL.
Additional Lake Mary Demographics:
- Sex ratio: 56.1% women & 43.9% men
- Median age: 43.4 years
- Racial & ethnic composition: 71.6% White alone (66.7% White, non-Hispanic), 10.8% Black/African American, 0.2% American Indian/Alaska Native, 8.1% Asian, 11.3% Hispanic/Latino.
- Lake Mary median household income: $94,770/year, an impressive 34.8% higher than Florida’s median household income of $61,777/year
- Education: 97% of Lake Mary residents 25+ years old have a high school diploma, while 51.1% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 15.0%
Is Lake Mary, FL, safe? Overall, the Lake Mary population is diverse, and it’s a safe place to live. According to the FBI, the Lake Mary crime rate is 1,276 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 40.7% lower than the state average and 45.6% lower than the national average.
The violent crime rate in Lake Mary is very low, with just 167 violent crimes per 100,000 people. That’s 56.5% lower than the state and 56.9% lower than the national average! Property crime is the most prominent, with 1,109 incidents for every 100,000 people, but still 37.3% lower than the state average and 43.4% lower than the national average.
Residents enjoy a low crime rate in Lake Mary FL thanks to the 48 officers of the Lake Mary Police Department, located at 165 E Crystal Lake Avenue, Lake Mary, FL 32746. If you’re moving to Lake Mary with a family, rest assured of their safety, thanks to these and other brave first responders.
Cost of Living in Lake Mary FL
The cost of living in Lake Mary FL, is 17% higher than the national average, making it a relatively expensive place to live versus other cities in the United States. That said, Lake Mary boasts one of the highest median household incomes ($94,770) in Seminole County, well over the 2021 national median of $70,784, and over 25% of residents make $75k+ per year.
Is Lake Mary FL a wealthy area? Overall, It is an affluent area, but one with opportunity and a successful community promoting growth.
According to the Economic Policy Institute’s Family Budget Calculator, a family of 2 adults and 2 children requires a household income of $86,279 to live comfortably in Seminole County, and it’s important to note that Lake Mary is one of the more expensive cities in the county. However, the City of Lake Mary Utilities are cheaper than the Florida average.
Here’s a quick breakdown of these typical living expenses in Lake Mary:
- Loaf of bread: $4.00
- A gallon of milk: $2.50
- Hamburger: $5.28
- Utilities in Lake Mary per month: $164.44/month
- Phone bill: $176.90/month
- Gas: $3.42/gallon
- Doctor’s visit: $114.54
- Dentist visit: $98.83
- Rx drug: $422.03
- Vet visit: $63.75
Home Prices in Lake Mary, FL
In Lake Mary FL real estate is competitive and expensive, and much of the higher cost of living in Lake Mary is due to higher home prices. Despite this, an impressive 68.1% of Lake Mary residents own their homes.
As of August 2023, the median sale price of homes for sale in Lake Mary is $447,000, 10% more than Florida’s median sale price of $404,300. The cost of houses for sale in Lake Mary, FL, is down -17.5% year-over-year, while the $237 average price per square foot is up +0.9% in the year.
Houses for sale in Lake Mary FL, move quickly. You can expect to sell your home within 18 days of listing it, while a plethora of beautiful, palm tree-lined neighborhoods and modern townhouses + condos for sale in Lake Mary FL await.
Fun fact: Many of the people moving to Lake Mary, Florida, are from New York!
Apartments in Lake Mary FL
Are you on the hunt for apartments for rent in Lake Mary FL? Average rent in Lake Mary costs $1,893/month, slightly less than Orlando’s average of $1,940/month but more than the national average of $1,702/month.
Popular apartment complexes include:
Floor plans start at $1,585+/month.
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Floor plans start at $1,410+/month.
Floor plans start at $1,466+/month.
Lake Mary Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Lake Mary
From classic Florida-style subdivisions to modern, new construction, Lake Mary neighborhoods often feature luxurious amenities and proximity to plentiful recreation, like tennis, golf, parks, and more. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Lake Mary, FL, sure to pique your interest.
The Neighborhoods of Timacuan
With over 550 homes and a total of 9 neighborhoods, residents of the often custom-built homes of this significant golf community enjoy access to the 18-hole championship golf course, 6 miles of walking paths, and an 18-acre common area.
The Hills of Lake Mary
Founded in 1982, this established Lake Mary neighborhood boasts 321 single-family homes managed by the engaged HOA. With scenic views of rolling hills and a trail system to walk, bike, or skate, this active community promotes a healthy and family-oriented lifestyle.
Oakmonte Village
One of the most sought-after 55 plus retirement communities in Lake Mary, FL, Oakmonte Village spans 25 stunning acres just off the I-4 corridor at Lake Mary Boulevard. Residents delight in peaceful surroundings while remaining moments away from medical facilities, retail establishments, and various amenities.
Lake Mary Weather & Climate
If it’s sunshine and warm temperatures you seek, the weather in Lake Mary provides. Although summers are quite hot and rainy, with average daily temperatures of 87 degrees and 5.6-5.8 inches of average rainfall, the winters are paradise.
During Florida’s cool season (December 4th to February 26th), the weather for Lake Mary Florida is mild, and the skies are clear. The average daily high is just 74 degrees, and the lows rarely fall below 50 degrees, met by a less than 20% chance of rainfall. The beautiful Lake Mary Florida weather year round equates to beach days in winter and non-stop outside time.
When considering an ideal temperature and the least rainfall, the best months to visit or enjoy Lake Mary’s weather include April, November, and March. If you’re moving to Lake Mary, FL, these are the perfect months to take care of renovations, upgrades, or landscaping goals!
Things to Do in Lake Mary FL
While Orlando is renowned for its amusement parks, living in Lake Mary, FL, is a mellower alternative. Not only is outdoor recreation plentiful, but Downtown Lake Mary and centers like the Colonial Town Park are bustling with restaurants and shopping.
From outdoor recreation to family-friendly attractions suited for any age range, there are plentiful fun things to do in Lake Mary, Florida.
The Lake Mary Farmers Market
Open every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the farmers market in Lake Mary is a joyous place to spend a day shopping outside for local produce, plants, artisan goods, and other tasty treats! Bring your whole family and dog, as this farmers market is pet-friendly! It’s an easy answer for free things to do in Lake Mary on the weekend, as no purchase is required, and the family can simply enjoy the community.
100 N Country Club Rd, Lake Mary, FL 32746 (407-585-1421)
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Top Golf Lake Mary (And Other Golfing)
Looking for fun things to do in Lake Mary at night? An evening of golf, food, and drinks will fuel laughter and smiles at Top Golf in Lake Mary, FL. Climate-controlled, it is one of the best ways to escape the central Florida heat while practicing your swing game during the day, too!
Top Golf, 1010 Greenwood Blvd, Lake Mary, FL 32746 (407-543-9138)
And don’t worry, avid golfers! There’s more than enough pristine golfing to enjoy when living in Lake Mary. A few notable golf courses near Lake Mary include:
- The Timacuan Golf Club (Lake Mary, FL)
- The Legacy Club at Aqua Lakes (Longwood, FL)
- Mayfair Country Club (Sanford, FL)
- The Casselberry Golf Club (Casselberry, Fl)
Painting With a Twist
For a truly creative, fun thing to do in Lake Mary, Painting with a Twist will bring out the artist in anyone – or at least the wine will! This is a well-adored social establishment with a unique take on an evening out, blending painting sessions with chatting and sipping a red.
101 N Country Club Rd #130, Lake Mary, FL 32746 (407-878-5245)
Additional Attractions in Lake Mary
- The Lake Mary Museum
- The Mystique Escape Room
- The Lake Mary Sports Complex (Skate park, tennis/basketball courts, fields, etc.)
The Lake Mary Sports Complex is one of the seven parks in Lake Mary, FL, managed by the Lake Mary Parks and Recreation. Keep up with the community calendar for a constant supply of fun happenings in Lake Mary.
Restaurants in Lake Mary FL
Scattered along downtown Lake Mary is a plethora of restaurants with flavors for any palate. With no shortage of places to eat in Lake Mary, here are a few top choices:
FishBones
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If you seek sensational seafood, FishBones is the place to find it. With fresh caught fish flown in daily and prime USDA meats, hormone-free and sustainable, locals often consider FishBones one of the best restaurants in Lake Mary, FL.
7005 Co Rd 46A, Lake Mary, FL 32746 (407-581-2399)
Don Julio’s Lake Mary
Hungry for Mexican restaurants in Lake Mary, FL? The authentic Mexican cuisine, a lively tequila bar, and the famous ceviche bar of Don Juilos are a top choice for Lake Mary residents and those passing through.
4275 W Lake Mary Blvd, Lake Mary, FL 32746 (321-363-0025)
Jimmy Hula’s
Located in the Lake Mary Centre, delicious tacos and a surf-inspired atmosphere transport you straight to the ocean’s edge, a super fun place for a quick, casual lunch or a fun night out.
3837 Lake Emma Rd, Lake Mary, FL 32746 (407-805-0700)
Jobs in Lake Mary FL
The employment landscape is prosperous and varied for individuals and families considering moving to Lake Mary, FL, with impressive average Lake Mary salaries of $72,000/year.
Since expanding well beyond its agricultural roots, Lake Mary is now a center for technology and finance, located directly in Central Florida’s high-tech corridor. Healthcare and insurance jobs in Lake Mary are also very prominent.
Multitudes of dominant companies have set up shop in the City of Lake Mary, some notable corporate offices including:
- AdventHealth
- AT&T
- Central Square
- Health First
- CNA Insurance
- Crescent Communities
- Deloitte Consulting
- And more
There are many City of Lake Mary jobs to discover, and feel free to browse Indeed and apply to the over 50,000 other jobs in Lake Mary, FL hiring now! And if that’s not enough, nearby work epicenters like Orlando are a short, realistic commute away.
Lake Mary FL Schools
Overseen by the Seminole County Public School District (SCPS), schools in Lake Mary FL, are “A” rated and highly esteemed.
Public schools In Lake Mary FL: Lake Mary Elementary, Greenwood Lakes Middle School, and the well-regarded Lake Mary High School.
Private schools in Lake Mary FL: If you seek an alternative to public education, the esteemed private schools in Lake Mary offer specialized curriculums and more intimate class sizes. Prominent private schools include Lake Mary Preparatory School and St. Peter’s Episcopal Preschool & Kindergarten.
Higher education: While there isn’t a major university located in the City of Lake Mary, its strategic location ensures residents have easy access to higher education institutions in the broader Central Florida region, including the University of Central Florida (UCF), Seminole State College, Rollins College, and Full Sail University.
The library closest to Lake Mary is the Seminole County Public Library-Northwest Branch, where endless reading and engaging events await students + residents.
Lake Mary Facts & Other Info
- County: Seminole
- Total area: 9.08 square miles (includes about 1 square mile of water!)
- Lake Mary, FL zip code: 6 zip codes between 32745-32799
- Lake Mary, FL area code: 407
- Lake Mary Elevation: 52 ft with an elevation range of 21-104 ft
- Time zone: Eastern Daylight Time (GMT-4)
- Closest airport(s) to Lake Mary: The Orlando Sanford International Airport is the closest airport to Lake Mary, Florida, only 6.7 miles (15-minute drive) away. The Orlando International Airport is a close second, just 33 miles (35-minute drive) away.
Lake Mary Florida Map
Whether you’re hungry, eager to shop, or itching to get outside, here’s a map of Lake Mary, FL, with all the city has to offer:
Are you planning on moving to Lake Mary and the growing community brimming with professional opportunities and thriving with quality of life? The best Lake Mary movers at 2 College Brothers will get you there stress-free so you can focus on exploring your home and less on the hassles of moving. Give us a call at 813-922-1529 to discuss your plans and schedule your upcoming move to Lake Mary!
