What to know before you move: cost, market timing, who it fits.
If you're considering a move to Tavares, FL, the most important variables are the local housing market, the cost structure (taxes, insurance, utilities), and how well the city fits your day-to-day life. This page summarizes the housing market read; pair it with the cost of living page for the full picture.
Tavares is a city in Lake County, Florida, with an estimated population of 22,007. It anchors the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metro area. The population has grown 3.7% per year on average between 2020 and 2024 — among the faster-growing communities in the state. The median home value in Tavares is $311,899 as of 2026-04, down 2.6% over the last 12 months. Over the last five years, home values have averaged +5.5% annual growth (-3.5% from the 5-year peak). Rents in Tavares average $2,144 per month, roughly flat year-over-year (+1.7%). The composite momentum score is 64 of 100 (Rising). The market is healthy with prices supported by underlying demand.
Quiet strength: prices near or at all-time highs (-3.5% from 5-year peak). Solid market for owner-occupiers; investors should underwrite conservatively given the elevated entry point.
Reasons people move here
- People are voting with their feet: population growing 3.7% per year since 2020 — that's faster than ~80% of US cities.
- Healthy 5-year run: +5.5% annualized over 5 years, outpacing US inflation.
Things to know first
- Cooling: -2.6% over the trailing year — momentum has stalled.
- Local nuance: city-level data smooths over neighborhood differences. School zones, HOA rules, and street-level character matter — visit before deciding.
More about Tavares
Sources: Zillow ZHVI (home values), Zillow ZORI (rents), US Census ACS + place population. Updated when source agencies publish revisions.