The most affordable gated 55+ community in Clermont — 570 homes with Lake County’s 0.85% tax rate, a resort-style pool, and new construction still available. Located in south Clermont, 19 miles from Disney World. Here is the honest cost breakdown and where it fits against the other four Clermont communities.
Palms at Serenoa is a gated 55+ community in south Clermont, Florida, built within the Serenoa master-planned development. It is the newest and most affordably priced of Clermont’s five 55+ communities — new construction phases are still selling, placing it in a different category from resale-only Kings Ridge, Summit Greens, Heritage Hills, and Esplanade.
The community sits in Lake County, benefiting from the 0.85% effective property tax rate that makes all of Clermont’s communities financially competitive versus Osceola and Polk county alternatives. At 570 homes at buildout, Palms at Serenoa is a mid-sized community — larger than boutique developments but significantly smaller than Kings Ridge’s 2,088-home scale.
The 6,700 square foot clubhouse is modest compared to Del Webb Sunbridge or Trilogy Orlando, but covers the core amenities: resort-style pool, fitness center, multi-purpose rooms, and outdoor gathering spaces. For buyers who want a functioning amenity center without paying for a 57,000 square foot Magnolia House they won’t fully use, Serenoa’s scale is appropriately sized.
| HOA Fee | ~$235/month — among the lowest HOA fees in Clermont. Covers clubhouse, pool, fitness center, common area maintenance. |
| CDD Assessment | Verify per phase — newer construction in Lake County sometimes carries CDD. Request seller’s prior year tax bill or builder CDD disclosure before closing. |
| Property Tax County | Lake County — approximately 0.85% effective rate |
| Property Tax on $330K Home | ~$2,805/year (~$234/month) before homestead exemption |
| After Homestead Exemption | ~$2,380/year (~$198/month) |
| Golf | No on-site golf — nearest courses 10–20 minutes in Clermont |
| Home Insurance (est.) | $1,600–$2,800/year — newer construction and south Clermont location typically favorable |
| Cost Item | Monthly Estimate |
|---|---|
| HOA Fee | ~$235 |
| Property Tax (after homestead) | ~$198 |
| Homeowner’s Insurance | ~$175 |
| Total Non-Mortgage Monthly (excl. CDD) | ~$608/month |
One of the lowest all-in costs in the entire Central Florida 55+ market at this price point. CDD varies — verify before closing.
The value position in the Clermont market. Palms at Serenoa offers the lowest entry price and lowest HOA of any Clermont 55+ community while sharing Lake County’s 0.85% tax advantage with all five. Buyers who need to stretch their budget in a Lake County location — rather than accept Polk County’s higher rates — will find Serenoa the most financially accessible option in the corridor.
South Clermont location means longer drives to north Clermont amenities. Serenoa sits in south Clermont — farther from the Highway 27 commercial corridor, Kings Ridge’s Publix plaza, and the SR-50 retail spine than north Clermont communities. Test the specific drive to grocery, pharmacy, and your likely medical providers before buying.
Disney is 19 miles away — genuinely close. South Clermont’s location puts Disney World approximately 19 miles east via US-192 — roughly 25 minutes in normal traffic. For buyers who value Disney proximity for family visits or entertainment, Serenoa’s position is better than most of the other Clermont communities and comparable to Kissimmee alternatives at higher prices.
New construction availability is limited and winding down. As one of the last Clermont communities still building, Serenoa offers the ability to customize a new home — flooring, cabinets, countertops — rather than buying someone else’s choices. This window is closing as the community reaches buildout. Buyers who want new construction in Lake County should move while it’s available.
The amenity center is functional but modest. At 6,700 square feet, Serenoa’s clubhouse does not compete with Trilogy Orlando’s 57,000 square feet or Del Webb Sunbridge’s 27,000 square feet. This is priced accordingly. Buyers whose retirement lifestyle centers on an elaborate amenity campus will be better served by higher-HOA communities. Buyers who want a pool, fitness room, and gathering space without paying for facilities they won’t use will find Serenoa appropriately sized.
| Walt Disney World | ~25 minutes east via US-192 |
| Orlando Health South Lake Hospital | ~15 minutes north — Clermont |
| Florida Turnpike | ~15 minutes north via US-27 |
| Orlando International Airport | ~50 minutes via Florida Turnpike |
| Downtown Orlando | ~45 minutes via SR-50 |
We can run your Serenoa cost analysis, Lake County tax math, and new construction vs resale comparison before you schedule any tours.