12 Top Florida Lakes for Lakefront Living

Florida’s not just a Sunshine State; it’s a waterfront state. But don’t limit yourself to the beach for waterfront living. Florida flaunts an impressive count of 30,000-plus lakes scattered across its peninsula, covering over 3 million acres of land. Ranging from retention ponds to the colossal Lake Okeechobee, the largest freshwater lake, this state is truly a haven for those who long for the calm of lakeside living.

From spring-fed to dam-created, how do you decide which lakes are the best for lakefront living in Florida? No doubt it’s a tough choice, but here are a few at the top of the list. 

Lake Okeechobee

We can’t exclude the obvious choice, the state’s largest lake at 448,000 acres: Lake Okeechobee. With its sprawling size, clear water, and a glut of recreational activities, this lake is truly a boater’s paradise. 

Lake Okeechobee is a natural lake, although today, it’s surrounded by a manmade levee. It’s actually a shallow inland sea with an average depth of 12-15 feet. The Kissimmee River feeds the lake to the north, and its waters are released into the Indian River and Caloosahatchee.

The name is from the Seminole language, meaning “Big Water.” The earthen wall you see today was built after a 1928 hurricane flooded the lake and created a massive inland storm surge that covered around 75 miles and killed at least 2,500 people in the nation’s second-deadliest hurricane. 

The whole lake has prime fishing, with top catches including largemouth bass and speckled perch. It has some of the best bird-watching in the state. Other nearby lakes include Lake Istokpoga, Lake Placid, and Lake June in Winter. 

Much of the waterfront is still rustic because of the levee, which means actual lakefront living isn’t really a thing. But you can live nearby and have fast access to the lake waters for your day of fun. Towns on the lakefront include Pahokee, Canal Point, Taylor Creek, Okeechobee, and Lewiston. And you are still within a day’s drive of top Florida destinations, like the Atlantic seafront from Fort Lauderdale to Miami.

Lake George

Lake George is in northeast Florida, covering Putnam County and Volusia County. It is the second-largest lake in the state, spanning 46,000 acres. Although it was named after King George III of England, this expansive water body also goes by the name Lake Welaka. It’s part of the St. Johns River system.

Lake George’s extensive size and scenic beauty make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Its ecosystem supports a variety of wildlife, including manatees, alligators, and numerous bird species, making it a prime spot for wildlife observation.

Recreational opportunities abound at Lake George, with activities such as boating, fishing, paddling, and camping particularly popular. Anglers can expect to catch largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie, with a catch rate of .56 fish per hour. For those interested in exploring on foot, the surrounding Ocala National Forest offers numerous hiking trails and natural springs, perfect for a day trip or extended exploration.

The Lake George State Forest and Alexander Springs Recreation Area are other green areas nearby. 
The lake is also vital to the St. Johns River Water Management District, which works to preserve its natural state. Nearby towns such as Astor, Georgetown Cove, and Salt Springs offer a blend of rustic charm and essential amenities, providing visitors and residents with convenient access to supplies and services. Lake George is also a stone’s throw from DeLand, Deltona, and even Orlando, FL. 

Real estate around Lake George offers a range of properties, from rustic cabins and lakeside cottages to larger, more comfortable estates. The area’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities make it an attractive option for homebuyers seeking a serene lifestyle. Investing in property here promises a tranquil living environment and potential for appreciation due to the lake’s popularity and natural allure. 

Winter Haven Chain of Lakes

One unique Florida feature is how many lakes are interconnected, whether through natural or manmade canals and inlets. The Winter Haven Chain of Lakes is one such interconnected chain of lakes. 

Located–you guessed it– in the city of Winter Haven, seven lakes are part of the landscape, including lakes Rochelle, Echo, Hamilton, and Connie. The lakes are fed by the Florida Aquifer and are the headwaters for the Peace River.

Those who live on the waterfront can take their boat to a lakefront restaurant after a day at their favorite fishing hole. The chain includes two lakes suitable for skiing and tubing. The area has been called the “water skiing capital of Florida.”

For those who like to cast a reel, the prime fish species in the chain are largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. 

Whether looking for that perfect fishing spot or an evening sunset view from your backyard porch swing, you’ll have plenty of places to look for lakefront property in a peaceful yet urban setting. Winter Haven has many luxurious and unique homes in a community with highly rated-schools. And, as part of the Orlando metro, residents gain a thriving dining scene and many cultural attractions. Unsurprisingly, it’s one of the most desirable places to live in Florida. 

Lake Harris

Situated in Lake County, Lake Harris spans about 13,788 acres and is part of the Harris Chain of Lakes. The lake is named after Ebenezer J. Harris, a pioneer settler who played a pivotal role in the area’s development. This interconnected system of lakes provides extensive opportunities for water-based activities and exploration, making it a favorite spot for Florida residents and visitors.

Lake Harris is renowned for its bass fishing, with numerous annual fishing tournaments. Boating and bird watching are also popular here, thanks to the lake’s abundant vegetation and wildlife. Cypress trees, marshlands, and water lilies create a picturesque setting, perfect for photography and nature observation in Central Florida. The adjacent Hickory Point Recreational Facility offers additional amenities, including boat ramps, picnic areas, and sports facilities, enhancing the lake’s appeal.

The surrounding communities of Leesburg and Tavares complement Lake Harris’s natural beauty. These cities provide a vibrant blend of cultural events, dining, and shopping options, making the area around Lake Harris both lively and convenient. Residents and visitors can enjoy festivals, farmers’ markets, and various outdoor activities, contributing to a rich community life.

The Lake Harris area and most of Lake County feature many housing options, from cozy waterfront homes and stylish condos to spacious estates. The breathtaking views and ample outdoor recreation make this a perfect spot for those craving relaxation and a sense of community for a few months a year or permanently.

Living here feels like a perpetual retreat, with property values rising thanks to the lake’s ever-growing appeal. Plus, everything you need is just around the corner – top-notch schools, healthcare facilities, shopping centers, and even the Orlando parks are all within easy reach, making life here as convenient as it is serene. Other lakes near Lake Harris include Lake Eustis and Lake Yale.

Lake Tohopekaliga

Winter Haven isn’t the only central Florida area with great lakefront living. Just south of Orlando, near Kissimmee, lies Lake Tohopekaliga, or “Lake Toho” for short. The 23,000-acre lake is the seventh largest in Florida but is shallow, with an average depth of 13 feet.

The dam-controlled Lake Toho has been a popular fishing spot for years and is well-known for its monster bass. Field and Stream Magazine named it one of the top 10 best places to fish in North America in 2006. 

The lake is mostly surrounded by parkland and conservation areas, but the town of Kissimmee is directly lakefront on the northern end, and there are residential developments on the western side. This makes it easy for residents to explore nearby lakes and waterways without leaving their boats at home. 

In multiple areas along the lake are parks that include boating access, a scenic biking trail, and picnic areas. Other lakes offering recreation and wildlife abundance near Lake Toho include East Lake Tohopekaliga, Alligator Lake, Lake Gentry, Brick Lake, Lake Lizzie, Lake Conlin, and Cat Lake. 

Kissimmee has some great options for luxury-style waterfront living and plenty of access to amenities. For instance, the Walt Disney Resorts are about half an hour away. So, residents gain all the entertainment perks of living near Orlando but with the slower, more peaceful life of living next to Lake Tohopekaliga.

Lake Kissimmee

Lake Kissimmee, encompassing 34,948 acres, is part of central Florida’s Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. Nestled just 15 miles east of Lake Wales, Florida, Lake Kissimmee spreads its vast waters primarily within Osceola County, with its western shore and a small portion dipping into Polk County. The lake’s name derives from the Native American meaning “long water,” reflecting its extensive reach.

For those seeking adventure, Lake Kissimmee is a paradise just south of Orlando and east of Lakeland. This lake has it all: fishing, boating, or camping. Anglers flock to Lake Kissimmee for its abundant largemouth bass and black crappie populations, a testament to the lake’s thriving ecosystem. The Lake Kissimmee State Park, a treasure trove of hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and historical exhibits, is an ideal living spot for nature buffs.

The area around Lake Kissimmee is a perfect blend of nature and modern living. The lake is surrounded by a variety of wetlands, marshes, and hardwood swamps, creating a diverse ecosystem. Bird watchers can delight in sightings of bald eagles, ospreys, and a plethora of waterfowl species.

Property in Lake Kissimmee ranges from charming lakeside cabins and single-family homes to more substantial properties and ranches. Nearby towns like Lake Wales and Haines City offer a mix of rural tranquility and day-to-day essentials, making the area both accessible and peaceful.

Lake Griffin

Just north of Orlando, in the small town of Leesburg, you can live next to Lake Griffin. This 8,000-acre lake is the southernmost in the Harris Chain of Lakes, which feeds the Ocklawaha River and the St. Johns River. It’s an extensive system that includes 14 lakes, two rivers, and three canals. 

Griffin is connected to Lake Eustis, Harris, and Dora. Locks on the southern and northern ends help boaters navigate the chain to reach destinations like Silver Spring. The lock also controls the lake’s water levels.

Lake Griffin has a more rural vibe than some other lakes in the chain, like Mount Dora, but the upside is it has some of the best freshwater fishing spots in the area. It’s deep enough for skiing, at an average of 51-65 feet, but there are plenty of shallow sites with good bass fishing attractors, too. 

Despite its rural nature and multiple lakefront nature preserves, there are lakefront developments on the shoreline in Leesburg–including a lakefront golf course community! Living in Leesburg delivers small-town living, but residents have multiple nearby attractions about an hour away in Orlando. And its location on I-75 makes it easy to travel to Gainesville or the Tampa Bay Area.

Crescent Lake

Formerly known as Dunn’s Lake and spanning 15,960 acres, Crescent Lake is a jewel in northeast Florida, not only for its excellent fishing and tranquil environment -making it a favored destination for anglers and nature lovers alike but for its abundant waterfront real estate in Florida. 

Straddling Putnam and Flagler counties, the lake gets its name from its distinctive crescent-like shape, which adds to its unique charm. Crescent Lake is popular among anglers targeting largemouth bass, bluegill, red-ear sunfish, and black crappie. The lake’s clear waters and abundant vegetation create an ideal habitat for these fish, attracting both amateur and professional fishermen.

Boating is another popular activity in Crescent Lake, with several public boat ramps available for easy access. The nearby Crescent Lake Conservation Area provides additional opportunities for outdoor fun by hiking, bird watching, and wildlife observation.

Nestled along the shores of Crescent Lake, the quaint towns of Crescent City and Pomona Park exude a peaceful, welcoming charm, complete with local shops and eateries. Real estate in this picturesque area offers something for everyone, from waterfront homes and charming cottages to grand estates. The serene surroundings and superb fishing spots make it an ideal retreat for those yearning for a laid-back lifestyle. 

Lake Tarpon

Considered Pinellas County’s best lake for bass fishing, Lake Tarpon is a hidden gem in a dense metro area. This 2,500-acre lake is relatively small compared to other Florida lakes on this list. However, its sixteen miles in length still delivers big on fun water activities and lakefront living. 

The area around the lake is as scenic as it gets, with cypress trees, cattails, and plenty of wildlife. The top catches are largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish. 

Lakefront living around Lake Tarpon is still relatively affordable compared to other urban parts of Florida. Expect to find some great deals for luxurious homes on the water. As a bonus, locals live under an hour from the nationally recognized beaches in Clearwater and St. Petersburg. And the Tampa Bay waterfront and the metro are also an hour’s drive away. 

As an urban lakefront, families live close to a few of the area’s top schools and shopping areas in Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs. It’s a balanced combination of modern city living with a charming lakeside retreat.

Blue Cypress Lake

Not far north from scenic Lake Okeechobee is the smaller yet not less beautiful Blue Cypress Lake, a 6,500-acre body of water in Indian River County. This serene lake is a hidden gem offering a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. The lake’s pristine environment and abundant wildlife make it a perfect spot for those seeking a tranquil escape. Blue Cypress Lake stands as the largest lake in the Treasure Coast of Florida and Indian River County. 

Fishing at Blue Cypress Lake is a major attraction, especially for largemouth bass, making it a favorite spot for anglers. The lake also teems with bluegill, redear sunfish, black crappie, and catfish, offering diverse and plentiful catches for fishing enthusiasts.

Bird watching is another favored activity, with a significant population of ospreys and other bird species calling the area home. Boating and kayaking are also popular, allowing visitors to explore the lake’s natural beauty up close. The Blue Cypress Conservation Area surrounds the lake, offering additional recreational opportunities and preserving the pristine environment.

Nearby Vero Beach offers a range of cultural attractions, dining options, and shopping experiences, making the area around Blue Cypress Lake both serene and conveniently connected.

Real estate around Blue Cypress Lake features a variety of options, from charming lakefront cottages and chalets to upscale estates by the water. The lake’s natural appeal and ongoing conservation efforts support property values in the area, making it a sound investment. 

Lake Apopka

Lake Apopka, in the Orlando metro area near Ocoee, is the fifth largest lake in Florida. The haven for nature lovers is spring and rain-fed, with its waters forming the Ocklawaha River headwaters and Chain of Lakes. 

The shoreline of this 11,000-acre lake is home to some of the most beautiful wildlife in Florida, with more than 200 species of birds and 230 kinds of fish. It’s one of the top places to go bass fishing, but you’ll find plenty of bluegill and black crappie, too.

The northern end is protected by a nature preserve, which helps provide vital habitat for migratory birds and native wildlife. But residents of the communities along southern Lake Apopka enjoy the lake’s natural beauty and its wildlife, as well as easy access to some of the Orlando area’s best parks, schools, and shopping centers. 

In terms of protected spaces, Magnolia Park facilities include a boat launch, a paddleboard rental facility, and walking trails. The Oakland Nature Preserve allows visitors to explore some of the area’s unique wildlife along its boardwalks and observation tower. And a 17-mile trail loops around the lake, perfect for a scenic bike ride or a challenging run.

Living near Lake Apopka is like living in two worlds at once: the peaceful world of the lake and the urban world just beyond its shoreline. 

Lake Seminole

This freshwater, urban, man-made lake is one of the best places to set residence in Pinellas County, FL. Situated in Seminole, FL, approximately 20 miles west of Tampa, FL, Lake Seminole is the second-largest lake in the county and boasts 700 acres. 

Originally a tidal estuary, Lake Seminole was transformed in the 1940s by damming the upper portion of Long Bayou. Offering a scenic and tranquil escape within a bustling region, the serene lake is a favorite spot for residents and visitors alike, providing a peaceful retreat amidst the urban environment. Its name honors the Seminole Native American tribe, reflecting the area’s rich cultural heritage.

Recreational opportunities at Seminole Lake abound, with activities such as fishing, boating, and kayaking being particularly popular among residents and tourists. Anglers can look forward to catching largemouth bass, catfish, and bluegill. The lake’s calm waters and picturesque surroundings make it a dreamy spot for leisurely boating and paddleboarding.

Nearby, the Seminole Lake Park provides additional amenities for families with children, including walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making it a sought-after destination, especially for expectant couples and newlyweds.

Lakefront real estate in Seminole, FL, offers a blend of scenic beauty and cutting-edge comforts. The median sale price for homes in the area is around $415,000, reflecting a vibrant market that attracts a range of buyers, from retirees to young professionals.

Living near Lake Seminole means enjoying stunning waterfront views and easy access to outdoor activities like boating, fishing, and picnicking. The area boasts a mix of property types, including cozy condos and new-construction single-family homes and townhouses, catering to diverse lifestyle preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lakes in Florida

Which town in Florida has the most lakes?

Winter Haven in Central Florida boasts the highest number of lakes, featuring an impressive “Chain of Lakes” system that includes over 50 lakes interconnected by a series of canals. This unique setup makes Winter Haven a premier destination for water activities such as boating, fishing, and water skiing, providing residents with numerous options for recreation and waterfront living​​.

In addition to Winter Haven, Miami Lakes also features many lakes, contributing to its scenic and tranquil environment. Named for its numerous artificial lakes, Miami Lakes offers a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty, making it another attractive option for lakefront living in Florida.​

Where is the best place to live on a lake in Florida?

For the best place to live on a lake in Florida, consider Lake Okeechobee, known for its vast size, clearest waters, and excellent largemouth bass fishing, combined with nearby cultural experiences and recreational activities in surrounding counties like Palm Beach and Martin.

Alternatively, Lake Tohopekaliga in Osceola County offers superb bass fishing, wildlife viewing, and proximity to historic downtown Kissimmee. Lake Seminole in Pinellas County features hiking, biking, and historical sites like Fort De Soto Park, making it an attractive location. Each of these lakes offers unique benefits, from rich ecosystems to engaging community amenities, catering to a variety of lifestyles.

Are there alligators in Lake Okeechobee?

Yes, Lake Okeechobee is known to have a significant population of alligators, with estimates suggesting around 30,000 alligators in its waters. This means exercising caution for homebuyers when near the lake, particularly in shallow areas and during dusk and dawn when alligators are most active.

However, the presence of alligators is managed, and many residents find living near the lake rewarding due to its rich wildlife, excellent fishing, and recreational opportunities. Following local guidelines and safety recommendations is essential to coexist safely with these native creatures.

Is it safe to swim in Lake Tarpon?

Swimming in Lake Tarpon (as in other lakes in Florida) is generally considered safe but with certain precautions. While the lake is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and other water activities, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued advisories related to bacteria levels at times. It’s important to check for any current swim advisories before swimming.

The lake’s water quality is monitored regularly, and efforts are made to manage and improve its condition, especially considering the urban runoff that can affect it. Therefore, while swimming is permitted, staying informed about water quality updates is best to ensure a safe experience.

 Find Florida Lakefront Living

This small sampling of Florida’s lakefront living shows there is a lifestyle for everyone, from lakes in the heart of a city to more rustic lakefront getaways. You’ll have plenty of options when looking for your ideal lakefront property in Florida. The hardest decision is whether you want to prioritize fishing, water sports, or scenic views! And you can pretty much pick any part of the state and find a nearby lake.