Lake Mary

Insights on Lake Mary from an Expert 

By Marisa Falk

I’ve called Lake Mary, Florida, home my entire life. I grew up across the street from Lake Mary City Hall, and today, I live just a few houses down from my childhood home, alongside my husband and four children. There’s a comforting sense of continuity and belonging in raising our family where I was raised, walking the same sidewalks, feeling the same gentle breezes, and watching familiar landmarks evolve over time. Lake Mary has a comforting way of making any resident, new or old, feel like they’re at home. 

Nestled in Seminole County, Lake Mary had a population of 16,798 at the 2020 census and spans just under ten square miles. It’s a charming, tight-knit community with a rich history—incorporated officially in August of 1973—and even made headlines recently when the local Little League All-Stars claimed the 2024 Little League World Series title!

Lake Mary offers community events that connect us and bring vibrant energy to our city. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Lake Mary–Heathrow Festival of the Arts
  An annual highlight held at Colonial Town Park, this festival features art exhibits, live performances, demonstrations, and more- igniting our creative spirit every year. 
• Weekend Highlights & Monthly Gatherings
  From “Cars & Coffee” meetups at 1400 S International Parkway, the annual Cornhole Tournament at Topgolf, to the charming “Friends Come Free Weekend”—there’s always something lively and engaging happening nearby.
• Civic and Culture Events
  Keep an eye on the city’s official calendar for gatherings like the Elder Affairs Commission, Planning & Zoning Board meetings, and City Commission sessions. It's a wonderful way to stay connected and involved.

Not only are there a ton of local events always happening all around town, there are also amazing, locally owned restaurants. Our local culinary landscape is delightfully diverse. Here are some favorite restaurants, each offering something unique and delicious:

• Pisco Peruvian Gastrobar – A Peruvian gastrobar with handcrafted cocktails, ceviche, Lomo Saltado, and festive ambiance—4.7 rating, exceptional
• FishBones – Esteemed as one of America’s Top Ten seafood restaurants, offering fresh catch, sushi, oysters, and aged steaks in a Key West–style setting—4.7 rating 
• Enzo's on the Lake – Elegant Italian dining in a lakeside villa setting, perfect for a romantic night or special occasion—4.8 rating
• F&D Prime Modern Steakhouse – Exceptional Prime-aged steaks, upscale American fare, with a dedicated local following—4.9 rating
• New City Coffee & Bistro- right in the heart of Downtown Lake Mary and a local favorite coffee shop and restaurant offering an abundance of coffee flights, local foods, and great atmosphere. 

In addition to the food scene, Lake Mary is also known for it’s diverse options for education. There are high-rated public and private schools scattered all throughout the town so it provides something for everyone.

For the public school options, Lake Mary is served by 11 public schools, educating approximately 7,883 students—about 86% of our K–12 student population, mirroring the Florida statewide average. Academically, our schools outperform the state average:

• Math proficiency: 54% vs. Florida average of 52%
• Reading proficiency: 62% vs. state average of 52%
  Top performers include Heathrow Elementary and Seminole Science Charter School, each with math and reading scores in the 80% range and ranking among the top 5% in the state

Lake Mary High School, established in 1981, serves around 2,684 students (2023–24) with a student–teacher ratio near 21:1. The campus features a large auditorium, gym, media center, and multiple athletic facilities, including for soccer, dance, and cheer—boasting championships across sports and the arts.

For private school options, there are 7 private schools in Lake Mary, serving about 1,242 students. Notably:

• Lake Mary Preparatory School (Pre-K through 12) has about 545 enrolled as of 2023, and is accredited by FCIS, Cognia, and SAIS. Based on 2021–22 data, it served 459 students.
• Starchild Academy Lake Mary, a smaller nonsectarian school, had around 125 students in 2021–22, with minimal racial demographic deviation

All told, our town offers excellent and diverse education pathways—public or private—for families raising the next generation.

As someone who grew up right here in Lake Mary, I know firsthand what makes this city so special- the tight-knit community, the top-rated schools, the incredible local businesses, and the sense of home that’s hard to put into words. Whether you’re searching for your very first home, upgrading to fit a growing family, or looking for a top-tier luxury property, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Lake Mary isn’t just where I work—it’s where I live, where I’ve built my life, and where I help others do the same. If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Lake Mary, let’s connect and make your next move one you’ll be excited about. Welcome to the neighborhood- I can’t wait to show you around!