Montverde: A Historic Hidden Gem

Thirty minutes from Downtown Orlando and major attractions, the Town of Montverde, on the west shores of Lake Apopka, is defined by its rural surroundings while still within close proximity to regional resources. The town is blessed with rolling topography and rare views of Florida.

History

Montverde, the site of an early Indian settlement, has a long and rich history. By the middle of the 18th century, it was populated by the Seminoles after epidemics decimated the Timucua Indians who first populated the area for centuries. The first non-Native American residents arrived in 1865 and called the town West Lake Apopka. It was later called “Monte Verde,” for its rolling green hills. The Town was incorporated on May 18th, 1925.

Recreation

The Town offers great natural recreational opportunities. Its main road, CR455, is an internationally recognized resource for competition and touring cycling due to its curves, rolling hills, and vistas, and it is also popular with motorcyclists, antique and sports car clubs, as well as Sunday drivers. The annual festival Montverde Day is held each November on Kirk Park. Because the area was once populated by Native American Indians, twelve archaeological sites have been identified with isolated Timacua artifacts, burial mounds with remains, and even a dug-out canoe on display at the Helen Lehmann Memorial Library. Montverde, as well as the nearby towns, cities, and Green Mountain Scenic Byway Corridor area, offer numerous other recreational opportunities for everyone. Click to see more things to do.

Real Estate

The Town of Montverde has maintained its rural character amidst the inevitable growth that surrounds it. Luxurious residential communities include Bella Collina in unincorporated Montverde and Sugarloaf Mountain. However, the Town itself still holds the small-town living charm, where historic homes can still be found, as well as many new custom homes.

The Town also has a volunteer Fire Department, a library, a Post Office, a convenience store with gas pumps, and the Montverde Cemetery, where Civil War veterans are buried. The oldest building in the Town is the historic Harper House, which dates from the mid-1870s.

Montverde is home to the internationally renowned Montverde Academy, a 125-acre private, non-profit boarding school campus established in 1912.

There’s so much more to see and do. Take a drive down and enjoy the rolling hills of Florida, breathe the fresh air of the countryside, and contemplate the beautiful vistas. You’ll have to remind yourself you’re still in Central Florida.