Minneola means "much water" in the Dakota Indian language. True to its name, you can't get too far from Minneola without hitting a lake, or two, or three even.
Many are now attracted to this Central Florida town because of its mild winters and its relatively rural setting. It doesn't hurt that it is still close enough to a big city and the major Orlando-area attractions. The county name is Lake County and there's a real good reason for that: there are well over 1,000 named lakes in this Central Florida County.
Moving to Minneola
Florida Highway 27 bisects Minneola and provides a focus as a business corridor and a connection to surrounding towns. Minneola is only 25 miles west of Orlando, a major metropolitan area.
It can be difficult to find apartments for rent in Minneola as the city is mostly built out with single-family homes. You may be just as happy renting a house though because this area with its lakeside feel has plenty to offer.
You will likely want to begin your search five to six weeks before you need to move, especially if you have your heart set on a lakefront property. It's probably best to try to find accommodations here after the snowbirds have left, around March and April. If you are going to be in the area short-term, you may be able to find a summer-only lease in one of the many seasonal homes.
Neighborhoods of Minneola
Minneola occupies just over 10 square miles of land with several distinct neighborhoods. While there are plenty of home rentals, you may be hard pressed to find a typical apartment complex rental situation and certainly you won't see a hi-rise building! You may have better luck if you are only looking for a studio apartment for rent as these would likely be in a private home.
If this fits the bill for you and you are looking for housing for rent, here is a quick rundown of the area.
Apshawa Groves: In the northeast corner of Minneola is the Apshawa Groves neighborhood that encompasses Apshawa Lake and borders the Palisades Golf Club. This area is off the beaten path, so peaceful, lakeside living is the theme here.
Oak Valley: Oak Valley is more in the thick of what Minneola has to offer its residents. Just west off Highway 27, this area is still close to the lake yet has quick access to the Florida Turnpike.
Pine Bluff: This neighborhood sits on the northern shore of Plum Lake. Enjoy easy access to lake activities, both organized or unorganized.
Quail Valley: With super-easy access to Highway 27, Quail Valley is on the south side of Grassy Lake and just off the highway.
Living in Minneola
The Highway 27 corridor, or Claude Pepper Memorial Highway, has all of the standard fast-food options. If you're looking for something more, there are several local options such as Jack's BBQ and the Tiki Bar Grill.
When you live in Lake County, you have plenty of opportunity to enjoy the water. Hikers can enjoy the seven-mile South Lake Trail at Lake Minneola. The area offers lake views, hills and wide-open vistas.
Nearby you'll find Lake Louisa State Park. This phenomenal park offers fishing, kayaking and canoeing, twenty-five miles of trails, as well as campsites and cabins for rent.
Minneola really has much to offer its residents. This small city lets you live in the lake country but still remain close to a large city, an international airport and all of the tourist areas and attractions offered in the Orlando area. Give it a try!