Moving to Lake Mary

Discover Lake Mary, a suburban gem nestled in the heart of Central Florida’s Greater Orlando area. Known for its refined urban amenities and verdant landscapes, Lake Mary offers an idyllic setting with the charm of a small town and the sophistication of a thriving city.

Lake Mary is located approximately 19 miles (30km) from Orlando and easily accessible via Interstate 4 and 417. The nearby Sanford Airport and SunRail station offer convenient transport options.

With a diverse population and a community-oriented atmosphere, Lake Mary is perfect for families, young professionals and retirees alike. The city provides a high quality of life with excellent schools, low crime rates and various housing options, making it attractive for those considering a new home in Central Florida.

Cost of living in Lake Mary

Lake Mary boasts a number of amenities that contribute to a cost of living significantly higher than the national average, although it's still lower than in many other cities in Florida. The housing market in Lake Mary reflects its popularity, with median home values about 44 percent above the national median, slightly higher than in Orlando. Lake Mary is known for its well-maintained properties and desirable neighbourhoods, and the property market is competitive, offering modern homes close to top-rated schools and thriving business hubs.

Everyday costs such as groceries, healthcare and transport also tend to be higher in Lake Mary. The city's proximity to Orlando provides additional shopping and entertainment options but also means that living costs can be similar to those in larger metropolitan areas.

Despite the higher costs, Lake Mary's robust local economy and the absence of state income tax in Florida make it an attractive choice. The area's unemployment rate is remarkably low, and median household incomes are higher than the median income in Florida and across the US.

Getting around in Lake Mary

Getting around Lake Mary, Florida is easy thanks to a variety of transport options designed to meet the needs of residents and visitors. The city's strategic location near major thoroughfares enhances its accessibility by car, making it a convenient choice for those who prefer to drive.

For those looking to avoid the hassle of driving, Lake Mary offers public transport solutions such as the SunRail. This rail service efficiently connects Lake Mary to nearby Orlando and is preferred for daily commuting or leisurely visits to neighbouring cities. In addition, Lynx bus services extend connectivity and cover larger areas within Orange and Seminole counties.

Useful links

• SunRail Official Website
• Lynx Public Transportation

Healthcare in Lake Mary

Residents of Lake Mary benefit from a robust healthcare infrastructure equipped to meet a wide range of medical needs. The city is home to several healthcare facilities, from hospitals to speciality clinics, ensuring accessible and comprehensive medical care.

The upcoming Orlando Health Lake Mary Hospital will significantly enhance the city’s medical landscape. Slated to open in early 2025, it will provide advanced medical services in a state-of-the-art setting, including cardiovascular care and neonatal intensive care.

Lake Mary has numerous options for everyday healthcare needs, including primary care centres and urgent care clinics like CareSpot and Caretinuum Health Center, which provide preventive care and treatment for acute conditions without needing an appointment.

Check out our article on Understanding Health Insurance in the USA.

Schools in Lake Mary

Lake Mary offers a variety of educational opportunities through its diverse range of schools that cater to different needs and preferences. The public schools in Lake Mary are part of the esteemed Seminole County Public Schools district, recognised for its commitment to high academic standards and innovative learning practices. For a specific focus on STEM education, charter schools like Seminole Science Charter School offer programmes that promote scientific inquiry and technological literacy.

Private schools in the area offer curricula that include a blend of traditional and innovative approaches, with some focusing on particular educational philosophies or religious values, providing families with an educational environment tailored to their preferences.

Two high schools in Lake Mary offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum: Seminole High School and Winter Springs High School. Students zoned for Seminole, Lake Mary, Lyman and Lake Brantley are eligible to apply for Seminole High School, while students zoned for Winter Springs, Hagerty, Oviedo, and Lake Howell are eligible to apply for Winter Springs. Apart from these two schools, Lake Mary's proximity to Orlando also allows residents easy access to schools offering international curricula, broadening the educational choices available.

Weather in Lake Mary

Lake Mary's subtropical climate brings hot, humid summers and pleasantly mild winters. Summers see temperatures fluctuate between the low 80s°F (27°C) and mid-90s°F (35°C), ideal for those who enjoy warmer weather. The city’s winter temperatures are mild, typically hovering around 47°F (8°C), making it an inviting destination year-round.

The annual rainfall in Lake Mary averages 53 inches (1346 mm), exceeding the national average by 40 percent. This higher precipitation contributes to the lush, green landscapes that define the area. Snow in Lake Mary is very rare. Lake Mary benefits from an impressive average of 236 sunny days annually, a whole month more than the national average, providing ample opportunity to explore the abundant parks and recreational facilities.

Useful links

• TripReport ­– Climate and Weather in Orlando

Working in Lake Mary

With major industries including technology, healthcare, manufacturing, financial services and professional services, Lake Mary offers a dynamic environment for career growth. Companies like FARO Technologies, Mitsubishi Hitachi, and Paylocity are among the top employers. Though average earnings are slightly lower as of 2024, the employment landscape remains vibrant, supported by a robust local economy and diverse industry presence.

Lake Mary boasts a commendable work culture, often highlighted by employees for its supportive and balanced environment. Companies are well rated for their work-life balance and employee benefits, reflecting a commitment to employee satisfaction and professional development. The city’s strategic location near major highways also simplifies commuting, making it an appealing locale for those seeking minimal travel times to work.

Accommodation in Lake Mary

Whether you're looking for an apartment, condo, townhouse or single-family house, Lake Mary caters to a broad range of residential needs. Consider using online rental platforms to streamline your search for the perfect place to call home. These sites provide comprehensive listings and allow you to filter by property type, price range, and desired amenities.

In terms of neighbourhoods, Cardinal Oaks and Cardinal Oaks Cove stand out for their custom-built homes and proximity to city amenities, offering spacious residences in serene settings. The Crossings appeals to those seeking a vibrant community with plentiful amenities, including a clubhouse and fitness centre. Timacuan provides the allure of a golf community with homes catering to various budgets.

Tuscany at Lake Mary offers gated privacy and proximity to recreational facilities, making it ideal for families, whereas Woldunn focuses on luxury custom homes, providing exclusivity and elegance. Woodbridge Lakes enhances security with gated access and affordable homes, appealing to first-time home buyers and small families.

Useful links

• Point2 Homes
• Apartments.com
• Zillow

Lifestyle in Lake Mary

Lake Mary is known for its welcoming environment and range of activities that cater to all lifestyles. The city boasts several parks, including Central Park with its picnic areas and shaded paths, and Liberty Park for peaceful nature walks. 

Shopping is a pleasure in Lake Mary with options like the Shoppes at Oakmonte and Heathrow Square, which provide everything from high-end fashion to local crafts.

Attractions in the area include the Lake Mary Events Center, which hosts community and cultural events, and the Lake Mary Museum for history enthusiasts. Notable spots include the ‘City of Lakes’ sign and Downtown Lake Mary’s WineART Wednesdays, offering art and wine. For family fun, Planet Obstacle claims to be the world’s largest indoor obstacle park. Cultural experiences abound with events such as the Lake Mary Heathrow Festival of the Arts and exhibitions managed by the Lake Wales Arts Council.

The city’s nightlife is vibrant, particularly in the downtown district, a local nightlife hotspot, and Colonial TownPark, known for its block parties and holiday events.

Sports culture is significant in Lake Mary. The Lake Mary Sports Complex is central to the local scene, facilitating youth baseball and softball leagues. Proximity to Orlando enhances access to major sports venues and events like the NFL Pro Bowl and the Daytona 500, with local teams such as the Orlando Solar Bears and Orlando City Soccer Club also drawing fans.

Useful links

• Lake Mary Events Center
• Colonial TownPark
• Lake Mary Celebrates Festival
• Lake Mary Sports Complex