Lake Mary

Living in Lake Mary, Florida: The Best Place to Call Home

By Brian Hyser

Are you considering a move to Central Florida? Living in Lake Mary, Florida, offers the perfect blend of lifestyle, location, and opportunity. Known as one of the most desirable cities in the Orlando area, Lake Mary has earned its reputation as a top-rated community for families, professionals, and retirees alike. From its highly rated schools to its unbeatable proximity to beaches, theme parks, dining, and entertainment, Lake Mary is truly the best place to live in Florida.

Location, Location, Location: Why Lake Mary Stands Out

One of Lake Mary’s biggest draws is its prime location. Situated just 30 minutes north of Orlando, it’s close enough to enjoy the energy and excitement of the city without the congestion of living directly downtown. This makes Lake Mary a commuter-friendly city for those working in Orlando, as well as a convenient hub for travel, thanks to its proximity to Orlando Sanford International Airport and Orlando International Airport.

But perhaps the biggest perk is Lake Mary’s access to Florida’s world-famous attractions and coastlines.

• Theme Parks: Within 30–40 minutes, you can experience Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld. Families love that they can spend the day at the parks and be back home in a quiet, peaceful neighborhood by dinner.

• Atlantic Beaches: A quick 45-minute drive east brings you to New Smyrna Beach or Daytona Beach—perfect for surfing, sunbathing, or simply enjoying a beachside seafood meal.

• Gulf Coast Beaches: In under two hours, you can explore Clearwater or St. Pete Beach, often ranked among the best beaches in the country.

Lake Mary’s location puts you in the heart of Central Florida, where you can enjoy big-city access, small-town charm, and coastal escapes all in one.

Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment in Lake Mary

When it comes to lifestyle, Lake Mary delivers. Residents enjoy an impressive variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options right at their fingertips.

• Dining: From upscale steakhouses to family-friendly restaurants and trendy coffee shops, Lake Mary’s food scene is diverse and growing. Popular local spots in the Colonial Town Park area and Lake Mary’s vibrant downtown make it easy to enjoy a night out without ever leaving the community.

• Shopping: With boutique shops, specialty stores, and convenient shopping centers, everything you need is close by. Plus, the nearby Altamonte Mall and Orlando’s premium outlets give residents access to even more options.

• Entertainment: Lake Mary hosts community events year-round, from the popular Lake Mary Farmers Market to seasonal festivals that bring neighbors together. The city also offers golf courses, fitness centers, and nearby state parks for outdoor adventures.

Living in Lake Mary means you don’t just have access to amenities—you’re part of a community that values lifestyle and connection.

A-Rated Public Schools and Prestigious Private Options

For families, one of the biggest deciding factors in choosing Lake Mary is its exceptional education system.

Lake Mary is part of the Seminole County Public School District, one of the top-ranked districts in Florida, with schools consistently earning A ratings for academic excellence. Some of the standout public schools include:

• Lake Mary Elementary School

• Greenwood Lakes Middle School

• Lake Mary High School

But Lake Mary doesn’t just shine in public education—it’s also home to some of the best private schools in Central Florida. These schools attract families who value smaller class sizes, advanced programs, and personalized learning experiences.

Top private school options include:

• Lake Mary Preparatory School – A premier Pre-K through 12th-grade private school offering rigorous academics, a wide range of extracurriculars, and an international student program.

• The Master’s Academy – A well-regarded Christian school serving students from preschool through 12th grade.

• Holy Cross Lutheran Academy – Known for its faith-based curriculum and strong academic reputation.

This combination of A-rated public schools and prestigious private options makes Lake Mary an easy choice for families who want the very best for their children.

Real Estate in Lake Mary: Homes for Every Lifestyle

For homebuyers, Lake Mary offers a wide range of real estate options, from charming starter homes to luxury estates. Popular neighborhoods and communities feature:

• Gated communities with resort-style amenities

• Golf course homes with scenic views

• New construction developments with modern features and open floor plans

• Upscale townhomes and condos perfect for busy professionals or retirees

Lake Mary’s real estate market is known for its strong property values and investment potential, making it not only a great place to live but also a smart place to buy. Whether you’re searching for a family-friendly subdivision or a luxury retreat, Lake Mary has something for everyone.

Safety, Community, and Quality of Life

Lake Mary consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in Florida. Its well-maintained neighborhoods, walkable streets, and focus on community events create a welcoming environment for residents of all ages. With clean parks, scenic walking trails, and an emphasis on family-focused living, Lake Mary offers a high quality of life that’s hard to match.

Why Buyers Are Choosing Lake Mary, Florida

Simply put, Lake Mary has it all:

• Prime location near Orlando, beaches, and airports

• A-rated public schools and top private schools like Lake Mary Prep

• Dining, shopping, and entertainment without the city congestion

• Diverse real estate opportunities, from starter homes to luxury estates

• A safe, welcoming community with a high quality of life

For those searching for homes in Central Florida, Lake Mary real estate is one of the smartest investments you can make. Whether you’re relocating for work, raising a family, or looking for a fresh start in the Sunshine State, Lake Mary offers the perfect balance of convenience, lifestyle, and opportunity.

Final Thoughts: Make Lake Mary Your Home

If you’re exploring homes for sale in Lake Mary, Florida, you’ll quickly see why so many families and professionals are making the move. With its unbeatable location, thriving community, top-rated schools (both public and private), and beautiful neighborhoods, Lake Mary isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to truly call home.

Interested in learning more about Lake Mary real estate? Connect with our team today. We’d love to show you why Lake Mary is the best place to live in Florida and help you find the perfect home to match your lifestyle.

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!