North Clermont vs South Clermont: A 2026 Real Estate Agent's Honest Comparison

TL;DR — North Clermont vs South Clermont in one paragraph

Clermont, Florida has two distinct sides separated by US-50: North Clermont (34711) and South Clermont (34714). North Clermont is more built out, closer to Winter Garden and Orlando, with stronger retail (downtown, food halls, Costco coming), and slightly higher home prices — averaging around $432,000. South Clermont is more affordable, less developed, has more raw land for future growth, gets you closer to Disney and Tampa, and crucially allows short-term rentals while 34711 generally does not. The right side for you depends on whether you prioritize convenience and amenities (North) or affordability, growth potential, and rental flexibility (South).

Why this comparison matters

I get this question constantly: "Where in Clermont should I actually buy?" What I've noticed working with relocators is that Clermont is really two different cities under one name. Take a buyer to North Clermont and they love it but South feels off. Take a different buyer to South Clermont and they fall in love, but North doesn't click. Same town, two completely different experiences.

The fastest way to make sense of this is the zip codes: 34711 = North Clermont, 34714 = South Clermont, with US-50 (Highway 50) as the rough dividing line. Here's the honest breakdown of how they compare in 2026.

How are North Clermont and South Clermont different?

What is North Clermont (34711) known for?

North Clermont is the older, more established side of the city. It includes the historic downtown Clermont area along Lake Minneola, the Waterfront Park, the food hall scene, the arts district, and the bulk of Clermont's local restaurants and cafes. You're closer to Winter Garden and downtown Orlando. The infrastructure is more built out — meaning fewer surprises, more turnkey, but also less room for new growth.

What is South Clermont (34714) known for?

South Clermont is newer, more spread out, with significantly more raw land available for development. It's closer to Kissimmee, Celebration, Disney, and Tampa. The retail scene is anchored by Kagan Crossings (Walmart, Lowe's, Chili's, Waffle House, Taco Bell, Fairwinds Credit Union, plus a hospital ER nearby) and a weekly farmers market. South Clermont also has unique local attractions like the Showcase of Citrus monster truck tours and Lake Louisa State Park.

Where exactly is the line between North and South Clermont?

The simplest dividing line is US Highway 50, which runs east-west through Clermont. Generally:

• North of US-50 → 34711 → "North Clermont"
• South of US-50 → 34714 → "South Clermont"

It's not a perfect cut — zip code boundaries don't follow streets exactly — but for buyer-decision purposes this is the right mental model. There's also a 34715 zip just north of 34711 covering the Minneola and Howey-in-the-Hills area, but most "Clermont" decisions come down to 34711 vs 34714.

Distance and commutes: which side is closer to what?

How far is North Clermont from Disney?

About 25–35 minutes via the Florida Turnpike, depending on where in 34711 you're starting. North Clermont sends you east on Highway 50 to the Turnpike, then south.

How far is South Clermont from Disney?

About 25–30 minutes via Highway 27 down to US-192. South Clermont actually has a slight edge for Disney access depending on your starting point — and it's the route most theme park visitors take.

How far is Clermont from Orlando International Airport (MCO)?

• From North Clermont: ~35 minutes via Turnpike
• From South Clermont: ~45 minutes via I-4 / Turnpike

North Clermont wins on airport access by about 10 minutes.

How far is Clermont from downtown Orlando?

• From North Clermont: 30–40 minutes
• From South Clermont: 40–50 minutes

How far is Clermont from Tampa?

South Clermont is closer to Tampa by about 15–20 minutes, which matters if Tampa or the Gulf Coast is part of your weekly life.

How close is Clermont to Winter Garden?

Very close — and this is one of North Clermont's biggest advantages. From 34711, downtown Winter Garden is about 15–20 minutes away. That gives you access to the Winter Garden farmers market, Plant Street Market, and the entire Horizon West retail corridor without a long drive.

Distance verdict: North Clermont is more convenient for Orlando and Winter Garden. South Clermont is slightly better for Disney access and noticeably better for Tampa. Choose based on which direction your real life pulls you.

North Clermont vs South Clermont home prices in 2026

What is the average home price in North Clermont (34711)?

As of early 2026, the average home value in 34711 is approximately $432,783, up about 1.7% over the past year. Median sale prices are running around $420,000, with homes spending an average of 66 days on market. The market has cooled slightly — about 6.7% lower year-over-year on median sale price — meaning there's room to negotiate on properties that have been sitting.

What is the average home price in South Clermont (34714)?

South Clermont (34714) is the more affordable side overall, with active market data showing recent sales typically in the $340,000–$400,000 range for resale, and new construction running into the $500,000s and $600,000s. South Clermont remains one of the tightest markets in Central Florida with strong demand — homes priced correctly sell fast.

Why is South Clermont more affordable?

Three reasons:

1. More inventory available. 34711 has 1,593+ active listings while 34714 has fewer — but historically South Clermont has more new construction supply because there's more raw land to develop.
2. Less established amenity base. Buyers are essentially paying less because the area is still building out.
3. You get more square footage per dollar. A typical $400K home in 34714 will be larger and newer than a $400K home in 34711.

Which side has more home options?

It's a mix. North Clermont has more variety of established communities (active adult 55+, traditional single-family, downtown lifestyle). South Clermont has more new construction options and more land for upcoming projects. Both sides have townhomes, single-family homes, and active adult communities — the choice is really about which kind you want.

Can I do short-term rentals in Clermont?

This is the single biggest factor I see investors overlook, and it can completely change which zip code makes sense for you.

Are short-term rentals allowed in 34714 (South Clermont)?

Yes, generally. South Clermont (34714) allows short-term rentals (Airbnb / Vrbo / vacation rentals) in many areas, which is a major reason investors are buying in this zip code. Combined with proximity to Disney, this creates a real cash-flow opportunity.

Are short-term rentals allowed in 34711 (North Clermont)?

Generally no. 34711 has tighter restrictions on short-term rentals. There are some exceptions in specific communities, but most homes in North Clermont are not zoned for nightly or weekend rentals.

What does this mean for investors?

If you're buying a primary residence and want to live in your home: this distinction may not matter much. If you're buying as an investment property and short-term rental income is part of your plan, this is a critical zoning detail to verify before making an offer — and it's one of the strongest arguments for South Clermont specifically. There's also a unique medium-term rental opportunity in 34714 driven by athletes training at the National Training Center, who often need 3–6 month housing.

Disclaimer: zoning regulations and HOA rules vary by neighborhood and can change. Always verify with the city, the HOA, and a local real estate agent before assuming any specific property's rental status.

Retail and lifestyle: where is there more to do?

What retail and dining is in North Clermont?

North Clermont is the clear winner for retail and lifestyle in 2026. You get:

• Downtown Clermont with the Waterfront Park on Lake Minneola
• Food halls and an active arts district
• Local restaurants and cafes — a real local scene
• All the day-to-day essentials — Walmart, Lowe's, Publix, Fairwinds Credit Union
• Plaza Collina — a major retail expansion bringing Costco, Floor & Decor, Tesla dealership, and more
• Medical hub — North Clermont has become a regional medical destination with hospitals, specialty care, and a growing healthcare presence
• Home Depot, Costco, and other big-box additions coming online

What retail and dining is in South Clermont?

South Clermont is more day-to-day functional than destination retail:

• Kagan Crossings — Walmart, Lowe's, Chili's, Waffle House, Taco Bell, Fairwinds Credit Union, and more
• Hospital and ER access nearby
• Weekly farmers market
• Showcase of Citrus — a unique local attraction with monster truck tours through citrus groves and exotic animals
• Lake Louisa State Park — nature, hiking, kayaking, camping

Which side has better restaurants?

North Clermont, by a meaningful margin. The downtown food scene, food halls, and local cafes are concentrated in 34711. South Clermont has the basics (chain restaurants in Kagan Crossings) but you'll drive 15–20 minutes for a real "let's go out tonight" experience — usually back to North Clermont or over to Winter Garden.

Retail and lifestyle verdict: North Clermont wins decisively. If amenities and walkable downtown access matter to you, this is the side to pick.

Future growth: which side has more upside?

Why is Clermont growing so fast?

Clermont sits in Lake County, which is one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation — adding about 4.1% population growth in recent years and ranking among the top 25 fastest-growing U.S. counties with more than 100,000 residents. Lake County's growth pattern mirrors what Winter Garden was doing 5–10 years ago, when buyers priced out of Windermere started moving over and watched their neighborhoods transform.

Clermont is in that same window right now. You're getting more for your money than Winter Garden, and the development is starting to come fast.

What's the future potential of North Clermont?

North Clermont's growth is mostly about filling in. Plaza Collina is the headline project — bringing Costco, Floor & Decor, Tesla, and other major retailers. Beyond that, you've got new plazas, rehabilitation centers, expanded medical offices, and ongoing densification of an already-built community. North Clermont is moving from "growing" to "polishing" — adding the higher-end amenities that make a town feel complete.

What's the future potential of South Clermont?

This is where South Clermont shines. There's significantly more raw land here, which means more runway for major development. The most important projects to watch:

• The Wellness Way Corridor — a 50,000-acre master-planned area linking Clermont to Winter Garden and Horizon West. Think of it as a future major suburban hub with luxury homes, mixed-use development, and infrastructure built from scratch.
• The Olympus project — a major sports and wellness-focused development
• New Turnpike connections and the Schofield Road extension that are improving connectivity
• Continued new construction from major builders across multiple South Clermont neighborhoods

If you believe in Clermont's long-term trajectory, South Clermont is where the appreciation upside is highest — but you're also accepting the trade-off of less mature amenities today.

Future potential verdict: South Clermont wins on raw upside. North Clermont wins on stability and "what you see is what you get."

Which neighborhoods are best in each side?

Top neighborhoods in North Clermont (34711)

• Downtown / Lake Minneola area — walkable, close to Waterfront Park
• Established active adult (55+) communities — multiple options with mature amenities
• Established lakefront and lake-access neighborhoods on the Clermont chain of lakes

Top neighborhoods in South Clermont (34714)

• Ridgeview — newer construction, close to North Clermont retail (10–20 min drive up)
• Sawgrass Bay — established South Clermont community with good resale activity
• Serenoa Lakes — newer master-planned area with strong amenity base
• Palms at Serenoa — active adult option in South Clermont
• Wellness Way corridor neighborhoods — for buyers comfortable being early in the next major Clermont growth wave

Should I buy in North or South Clermont?

The compromise most buyers don't consider: South Clermont neighborhoods like Ridgeview can put you within a 10–20 minute drive of all the North Clermont amenities. So you can have your South Clermont home (better price, more square footage, short-term rental flexibility, future appreciation upside) and still drive up to North Clermont for the food halls, Costco, Plaza Collina, and downtown lifestyle.

That said, if you're someone who wants amenities at your doorstep and you don't want to drive every time you need a good restaurant or coffee shop, that 10–20 minute drive becomes a daily friction point. In that case, pay the premium and buy in North Clermont.

Choose North Clermont if:

• You want established walkable downtown access (Lake Minneola, food halls, downtown shops)
• You commute to Orlando or Winter Garden frequently
• You want amenities at your doorstep, not 15–20 minutes away
• You're buying a primary residence and short-term rental flexibility doesn't matter to you
• You want an established neighborhood with mature trees, mature HOA, and predictable resale

Choose South Clermont if:

• You want more home for your money
• You're an investor and short-term rental income is part of the plan
• You want to buy in the path of major future growth (Wellness Way, Olympus)
• You're closer to Disney or Tampa daily than to Orlando
• You're comfortable with a 15–20 minute drive for premium retail and dining
• You want newer construction with modern finishes

How do I figure out which side of Clermont fits my life?

The honest answer is that it comes down to your specific lifestyle, commute, and budget — and the wrong choice will frustrate you within 6 months even if the home itself is great.

📋 Take the Orlando Personality Quiz here: https://orlandowithmario.com/QUIZ — it'll point you toward the Central Florida areas that actually match your priorities, including which side of Clermont fits if Clermont is the right fit for you.

📩 Or email me directly at info@orlandowithmario.com if you'd rather start with a conversation. Clermont was actually one of the first areas I learned when I moved to Orlando, so I have a real soft spot for both sides — and I help buyers navigate this exact decision every week.

🎥 Watch the original video this guide is based on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSBrW3uKS10

Frequently asked questions about North vs South Clermont

Is North Clermont or South Clermont better for families?

Both work well for families, but for different reasons. North Clermont has more established schools, walkable downtown access, and a tighter community feel. South Clermont has newer construction (often appealing for first-time families wanting move-in-ready), more space per dollar, and access to Lake Louisa State Park for outdoor family activity.

Is North Clermont or South Clermont better for retirees?

Both have strong active adult (55+) options. North Clermont has more established 55+ communities with mature amenities. South Clermont has newer 55+ developments like Palms at Serenoa with modern resort-style amenities. The choice often comes down to whether you want established (North) or new construction (South).

Is Clermont a good place for short-term rental investors?

Yes — but specifically South Clermont (34714). The short-term rental zoning, proximity to Disney, and emerging medium-term rental market for athletes at the National Training Center make 34714 one of the strongest STR investment zip codes in Central Florida. North Clermont (34711) is generally not zoned for STRs.

What is the Wellness Way Corridor?

Wellness Way is a 50,000-acre master-planned development corridor linking Clermont to Winter Garden and Horizon West. It's planned to include luxury homes, mixed-use districts, recreation, and improved roadway connectivity. It's one of the most ambitious development projects in Central Florida and is centered in South Clermont.

What are the best new construction communities in Clermont?

South Clermont has the bulk of new construction activity, including communities along the Wellness Way corridor and continued development from major builders. North Clermont's new construction is more limited and focused on infill and redevelopment near Plaza Collina.

Is Clermont a good investment in 2026?

Yes for long-term holders, with caveats. The current market is mixed — North Clermont (34711) is cooling slightly with more price reductions, creating negotiation room for buyers. South Clermont (34714) is one of the tightest markets in Central Florida with strong demand. Both sides benefit from Lake County's continued population growth and the ongoing infrastructure investment.

How do Clermont schools compare?

Clermont is part of the Lake County School District. School zoning matters more than zip code — both 34711 and 34714 have a mix of school zones with varying ratings. Always verify school zoning for your specific home address rather than assuming one side has uniformly better schools.

What's the cost of living in Clermont compared to Orlando?

Clermont generally offers lower cost of living than core Orange County markets like Winter Park or Lake Nona. Property taxes in Lake County are typically lower than Orange County. The trade-off is longer commutes to Orlando and slightly less mature amenity base — though Clermont's amenity scene is catching up fast.

Final thoughts

Clermont is genuinely two cities in one, and the most common mistake I see is buyers picking a Clermont home based on price alone without considering which side of Clermont actually fits their life. North Clermont and South Clermont look similar on a map. They feel completely different to live in.

The good news: both sides are solid choices, and Clermont as a whole is one of the strongest growth stories in Central Florida real estate. Lake County keeps growing. The roads keep improving. The retail scene keeps expanding. Whichever side you pick, you're buying into a market that has serious tailwinds.

The right side is the one that fits how you actually live. Take the quiz, send me a message, or just come tour both sides. The answer becomes obvious once you stand in each.