Clermont is a small city with a population of just over 30,000 and is included in the Orlando Metropolitan area. It was first incorporated in 1916 and is home to fascinating historic sites, intriguing tourist attractions and lovely parks and lakes. Like other cities in Florida, it also has great weather, with an average temperatures ranging from 69F in the summer to 29F in the winter. Clermont is not only a great place to visit, but can be a charming small city to call home. The following overview can give you a good idea of what to expect should you decide to invest in Clermont real estate and settle down in this charming Florida city.
Clermont's Florida Citrus Tower, which was built in 1956, is one of the first landmarks to be constructed in the state. It is 226 feet tall and is still one of the best known landmarks in the Orlando area. In its heyday, the tower got up to 500,000 visitors a year. While it does not presently receive this many visitors, it is listed by TripAdvisor as being one of the top five attractions in the city. The tower features a wishing well, a newly built banquet room and a new paint job that gives it a classy retro appearance.
The city's historic downtown district has not changed much in appearance since the early 1960s. However, the city has modified and moved various buildings into the Historic Village to preserve the area's classic feel and appearance. The Townsend House, which was built in the late 1800s and was home to the city's first African American couple, was moved to this area in 2002. The Kern House, which features a hand-built water tank, was moved to this site in 2006. Additionally, the city of Clermont has renovated the Depot building and is in the process of restoring the Quonset Hut so that it can be used as a World War II museum.
Clermont offers numerous indoor and outdoor fitness opportunities. Waterfront Park is located on the shores of Lake Minneola and offers a paved walking trail as well as seasonal swimming opportunities. Lake Louisa State Park offers various horseback, hiking and bicycle trails as well as open spaces for playing team sports. In fact, Clermont has earned an international reputation for being a great training ground for athletes who want to train for track and field events, triathlons, and water sports. Additionally there are six golf clubs to choose from for those who enjoy this leisurely form of exercise.
Clermont also offers an abundance of indoor exercise opportunities. One Yoga and Fitness and Still Lake Yoga offer classes in Sivananda Yoga, Energy Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Aerial Yoga, Power Yoga, and more. Clermont Crossfit offers great CrossFit exercise opportunities and there are classes not only for adults, but also preteens and younger kids. Gorilla Press Fitness offers personal trainer services. Xtreme Gracie Jujitsu and Central Florida Judo and Jujitsu are ideal for those who enjoy martial arts, and there are other gyms and fitness centers that offer traditional exercise equipment, indoor pools, and other exercise facilities.
The unemployment rate in Clermont stands at 5.4%, which is significantly lower than the Florida average of 6.3%. Median household income is far above the Florida average and the poverty rate in this city is nearly five percentage points below the Florida average.
The three largest employers in the city are accommodation and food services, arts, entertainment and recreational services and construction. Over a quarter of all men in the city work in construction and accommodation and food services while over a quarter of all women work in education and accommodation and food services. Over 10% of all workers in the city work for the city, state or Federal government while just over 13% of all workers are self-employed and work either for their own incorporated company or as private contractors.
Clermont currently has a job growth rate of nearly 5%; however, jobs in this city are expected to grow by over 44% in the coming decade. While the cost of living is slightly higher than the Florida average, this is due in large part to the high cost of housing and does not reflect the cost of day to day living. Given these facts, it is clear that Clermont is a good place to find a good job and live a comfortable life.
While this small city has its downsides and may not be just right for everyone, it is in many ways an ideal place to live. Its rich history makes it a fascinating place for those who enjoy classic landmarks and old fashioned styles of architecture. The many indoor and outdoor fitness opportunities ensure that it is easy to find a place to exercise no matter what the weather is like. What is more, the bustling job market and prosperous employment opportunities allow men and women from all walks of life to earn a comfortable living. If you enjoy a small town atmosphere with plenty of tourist attractions and entertainment opportunities located just a short drive away, then Clermont is the place to call home.
