Red State City Transformed by Population Surge: 'Orange Groves Make Way for Big Box Stores'

Clermont, Florida, once a picturesque town known for its orange groves and small-town charm, has experienced a population boom that is transforming the landscape—and not everyone is happy about it. Located just 25 miles east of Orlando, Clermont’s appeal as an affordable alternative to pricier nearby communities has drawn an influx of new residents, developers, and commercial interests.

According to recent U.S. Census data from July 2024, Clermont now boasts over 50,000 residents—up significantly from 43,000 in April 2020 and 29,000 in April 2010. This rapid growth has brought both opportunity and concern, particularly around infrastructure, environmental preservation, and the loss of local identity.

One of the most visible changes has been the replacement of orange groves with residential developments and chain stores. Longtime resident Eva Dole expressed frustration over how much the area has changed. “It used to be a nice town, now it's wall to wall houses,” she said. She recalled how the stretch along U.S. Highway 27 was once dominated by citrus trees but is now lined with shopping centers and fast-food chains.

The decline of the citrus industry in Florida has mirrored this transformation. Orange grove production has dropped by 92% since the 2003–2004 season, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The historic Citrus Tower, built in 1956 as a viewing platform for the vast orange groves, now stands surrounded by modern development—a stark contrast to its original purpose.

Real estate professionals note that Clermont’s affordability compared to neighboring areas like Winter Garden and Horizon West has made it a hotspot for homebuyers, particularly families. Realtor Bent Danholm, who has worked in the region since 2016, explained that many buyers are looking to spend around $400,000 on spacious homes with features like backyard pools and large yards. Listings have increased from 579 in January to 739 by June, reflecting the growing inventory and demand.

The average home currently listed in Clermont costs just under $600,000 and includes about 2,000 square feet, with 3.5 bedrooms and three bathrooms. Despite concerns about congestion and overdevelopment, Danholm noted that more people want to move in than leave. “There’s still quite a good sense of community,” he said.

In addition to families, Clermont is attracting professional athletes—particularly wakeboarders and wake surfers—who are drawn to the Clermont Chain of Lakes for training. Local realtor Matt Wheatley pointed out that these individuals often seek luxury waterfront properties, further diversifying the housing market.

However, this surge in popularity has come with drawbacks. Traffic congestion has become a daily reality, and some residents feel the town’s character is fading. Eddy Judson, commenting on a social media post about Clermont’s development, remarked: “We're basically Orlando now.”

A major upcoming project, Wellness Way, aims to reshape the city even further. Planned across tens of thousands of acres, the development will include 15,000 homes, office buildings, and retail spaces. Designed to attract high-tech jobs and promote health-focused living, the initiative also includes fitness centers, sports complexes, and wellness facilities. According to First Capitol Group, the vision is to create a "community devoted to health and wellness."

Lake County Commissioner Sean Parks acknowledged both the benefits and challenges of Clermont’s growth. A Central Florida native himself, Parks supports managed expansion rather than halting progress altogether. “I tell people, ‘Look, I live here too,’” he said. “I’m shocked at what I see. I get it.”

As Clermont moves forward, balancing economic development with environmental stewardship and community identity remains a top priority for locals and officials alike.