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Minneola, Florida Moving Guide

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An Adirondack chair on the shore of Lake Minneola.

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The words quiet, residential, and hilly aren’t often used to describe Florida, but that’s just what you’ll find in lovely Minneola. Known for its rolling hills, which are rare in the Sunshine State, Minneola is only 30 miles west of Orlando while offering a very different vibe from the city. If you’re moving to Minneola and searching for insights, this guide from NSA Storage, Florida’s self-storage leader, is here to help.

What’s the Weather Like in Minneola?

It’s probably not surprising to most that Minneola has nice weather. After all, it’s in the center of the Sunshine State, Florida, a place where millions flock every winter. Sunshine is the norm, as well as mild winters that rarely see frost, let alone snow.

A sunny day at Lake Minneola.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that Minneola is in central Florida, so it’s close, but not on, the coast. That’s good news, as both Florida coasts are subject to severe weather, including hurricanes. Minneola is often affected by this severe weather, but far less so than Miami, Fort Myers, or Tampa.

Here are a few highlights of Minneola’s weather throughout the year:

  • Winter highs between 65–75°F
  • Thunderstorms from June through September that are heavy but brief
  • High humidity in summer, which can sometimes be overwhelming
  • Winter is the most comfortable season overall
  • Less than 50 inches of rain annually

What’s the Cost of Living in Minneola?

The cost of living in Minneola is about 14% lower than the U.S. average. That’s not bad, and is helped by a median home price around $310,300, 42% lower than the national average. Minneola is more affordable than Orlando, making it a good place to live if you work there. Rentals, however, are a bit harder to find than in larger cities. The trade-off is that lots and yards are larger. 

Here are a few more notable items concerning the cost of living in Minneola:

  • Winter heating costs are very low
  • There’s no state income tax
  • Sales tax is an affordable 7%
  • Single-family homes dominate the city
  • Property taxes are moderate

One of Minneola’s Best Features: Green Spaces

When most people think of “green spaces in Florida,” they immediately also think of “wetlands.” The good news in Minneola is that green spaces are among the town’s best features! 

One reason for this is Lake Minneola, one of the Clermont Chain of Lakes, found in Florida. Even though the city is landlocked, you can still enjoy walking and biking on scenic waterfront paths. Several fantastic natural areas are also very close, opening up a world of scenery that’s the opposite of swamps.

A few of the outdoor highlights in Minneola include:

  • Minneola Trailhead Park– This paved multi-use trail connects to the nearby town of Clermont. It’s very popular for walking, cycling, and jogging.
  • South Lake Trail– Part of Florida’s statewide trail system, with over 20 miles of paved trails. Most agree that this is one of the best recreational assets in all of Lake County, Florida.
  • Lake Louisa State Park– One of the state’s most scenic state parks, with rolling hills, several lakes, and miles of trails. It’s also a great spot for camping.
  • Ferndale Preserve– A breathtaking wildlife habitat with hiking and biking trails.

You’ll be pleased to know that Minneola offers more elevation and scenery than most of Florida. As mentioned earlier, the city has rolling hills, a rarity in a state known for being flat as the proverbial pancake.

Orlando is 30 Minutes from Minneola

If you’re going to Florida to work in Orlando, Minneola is a great choice. It’s close enough to keep your commute time low (30-45 minutes) while still offering the small-town, tranquil setting you desire. Below are a few other positives in terms of commuting and transportation when moving to Minneola, Florida:

By the way, both the Atlantic Coast and Gulf Coast are close enough to Minneola for day trips. For example:

Atlantic Coast

Gulf Coast

A Quiet, Safe, Tranquil Setting

One of the biggest draws in Florida is undoubtedly Orlando and its entertainment empire. Not only is it home to Disney World but also SeaWorld and Universal Studios. For those reasons, nightlife is huge, and tourists are everywhere.

That’s not the case in Minneola, where nightlife is tame in comparison, and tourists rarely visit. The town isn’t flashy, bright, or busy, but rather calm, practical, and surprisingly scenic. That makes it safer and laid back, something most Minneola residents say is the city’s biggest draw. In short, you get Florida’s great weather and low taxes without the chaos and commotion. 

Outdoor Activities in Minneola

A POV shot from behind a fishing pole cast out over Lake Minneola.

Considering its location, it’s not surprising that there’s a lot to do outdoors in Minneola. After all, Florida is one of the sunniest states in the country, with about 245 days of sunshine a year. Add to that all the lakes and green spaces, and you’re guaranteed to find an activity that floats your boat!

Some of the most popular outdoor activities in Minneola include:

  • Kayaking
  • Fishing
  • Boating
  • Water skiing
  • Bicycling
  • Paddle boarding 
  • Photography
  • Nature walks
  • Family picnics

Sports and Cultural Activities

It would be a stretch to say that Minneola is a big sports town or culturally significant. It’s not, but most people like it that way for the peace the city offers. However, if you’re into sports, enjoy visiting museums, or like seeing plays, Orlando is close enough to do just that.

Here are some of the sports and culture highlights you can enjoy not far from Minneola:

Higher Education Options

Like sports and culture, Minneola has few higher education options, at least in the city proper. That said, the University of Central Florida (UCF), one of the largest universities in the country, is only 45 minutes away. There you’ll find strong programs in:

  • Engineering
  • Computer Science & Information Technology
  • Business & Hospitality Management
  • Healthcare & Nursing
  • Education
  • Film and Digital Media

There’s also UCF Valencia College in Orlando, as well as Lake Sumter State College, which has campuses in nearby Clermont and Leesburg. In other words, access to higher education is strong in Minneola, especially considering its small size.

Need Help Moving to Minneola, Florida? Count on NSA Storage

Minneola, as we’ve seen, has a lot going for it. Great weather, quiet and safe streets, and more than its fair share of outdoor activities. Being this close to Orlando, the Theme Park Capital of the World, is also a big plus.

If you’re moving to Minneola soon and need to store your belongings upon arrival, NSA Storage is ready to help! With several locations, renting a storage unit in Minneola, FL, is easy, fast, and economical.

If you like, you can also reserve a storage unit in Minneola before you arrive, and it will be ready when you get here! Until then, best of luck moving to Minneola, a beautiful place to live, work, and relax!

NSA Storage

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