Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Tavares, FL
Considering a move to Tavares, FL? With a friendly population of 19,000 and a median home price around $290,000, Tavares delivers affordable lakeside living and a relaxed pace. The average rent for a 2-bedroom is $1,400, and cost of living is below the national average. Residents enjoy mild winters, 69% sunny days, and a commute of about 25 minutes. The city is served by AdventHealth Waterman and good local schools, making it a great choice for those seeking value, natural beauty, and community charm in Central Florida.
Demographics - Tavares, FL
Demographics - Tavares, FL
Tavares is home to about 19,000 residents, with a median age of 52.4 that reflects its appeal to retirees and those seeking a quieter lifestyle. The population is predominantly White, and about 7% speak a language other than English at home. The city offers a welcoming, relaxed community atmosphere with a balanced gender ratio.
Population:
19,000
Density:
1,250 per sq mi
Median Age:
52.4
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
82.3%
Black:
8.5%
Asian:
1.7%
Others:
7.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Tavares, FL?
With a median home value of $290,000 and average rent at $1,400, Tavares is an affordable choice compared to many Florida cities, boasting a cost of living index below the national average. Utility and healthcare costs are moderate, while state taxes remain at 0%. Residents benefit from reasonable expenses for groceries and transportation, making daily life budget-friendly.
Median House Value:
$290,000
Gross Rent:
$1,400
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$2,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,750
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$525
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
93.5
Grocery:
98.3
Housing:
80.2
Utilities:
104.8
Transportation:
90.7
Health Care:
96.2
Miscellaneous:
97.5
Crime
Is Tavares, FL a safe place to live?
Tavares has a relatively low violent crime rate, with a resident's chance of experiencing such a crime at about 1 in 530. Property crimes are more common, but overall, the city maintains a safer atmosphere compared to urban centers. Families and retirees can feel secure in this welcoming community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
189
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,965
Crime Index:
2,154
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 530
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 51
Weather
What is the weather like in Tavares, FL year-round?
Tavares enjoys a warm and sunny climate, with mild winter lows around 48°F and summer highs reaching 92°F. The area boasts 69% sunny days annually and receives about 51 inches of rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities most of the year. Residents appreciate the comfortable, subtropical weather typical of Central Florida.
Winter
Min:
48°F
Max:
72°F
Spring
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F
Summer
Min:
72°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
62°F
Max:
84°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
51.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
69%
Neighbors
The typical household income in Tavares is about $54,200, with a median income of $32,800 and a poverty rate of 13.8%. Most residents commute around 25 minutes and the unemployment rate is low at 4.1%. The community is largely educated, with over 85% holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$32,800
Household Income:
$54,200
Family Income:
$63,900
Per Capita Income:
$27,500
Income Male:
$35,900
Income Female:
$29,600
Poverty Rate:
13.8%
Non English Speakers:
7.2%
Rent:
$1,400
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
25.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.6%
Bachelors or More:
18.4%
Education
How are the schools in Tavares, FL?
Tavares offers quality public schools such as Tavares High and Tavares Middle, both with manageable class sizes and active student bodies. Private education options are also available, alongside nearby colleges like Lake Technical College and Lake-Sumter State College within a short drive. The city provides strong educational resources for families and adult learners.
Public Schools
Name:
Tavares High School
Street:
603 N New Hampshire Ave
Phone:
352-343-3007
Students:
1,250
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.4
Name:
Tavares Middle School
Street:
1335 Lane Park Cutoff
Phone:
352-343-4545
Students:
980
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.6
Private Schools
Name:
Faith Lutheran School
Street:
2727 S Grove St
Phone:
352-589-5683
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
Lake Technical College
City:
Eustis
State:
FL
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
1,200
Name:
Lake-Sumter State College
City:
Leesburg
State:
FL
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
4,400
Healthcare
Healthcare in Tavares is anchored by AdventHealth Waterman, a full-service hospital providing emergency and general care. The city has a physician rate of 2.0 per 1,000 residents and 86% health insurance coverage, offering reliable access to medical services. Residents benefit from a supportive healthcare network within city limits.
Major Hospitals
Name:
AdventHealth Waterman
Address:
1000 Waterman Way, Tavares, FL 32778
Phone:
(352) 253-3333
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.4%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Tavares, FL?
Tavares features an owner-occupied housing rate of nearly 65%, with a median home price of $290,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,400. The housing market is stable, showing a 6.4% appreciation rate over the past year and a low foreclosure rate. New construction remains steady, providing options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$290,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,400
Owner Occupied Rate:
64.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.4%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Local vehicle and licensing needs are served by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on S Duncan Dr in Tavares. Residents can access a full range of DMV services both in-person and online. The office offers support for new residents and long-term locals alike.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
1300 S Duncan Dr, Tavares, FL 32778
Phone:
(352) 253-2130
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.