Cresswind at Lake Harris is turning heads as the only brand-new 55+ active-adult community in Tavares, Florida with direct boat dock access to the Lake Harris Chain of Lakes — and once you see what Kolter Homes has planned here, it's easy to understand why. Sitting inside Central Florida's beloved "Golden Triangle" of Tavares, Eustis, and Mount Dora, this boutique community of just 607 homes blends genuine lakefront living with a tight-knit, active social scene.
Where Is Cresswind at Lake Harris Located?
Tavares sits at the heart of Lake County, Florida, a region known for its chains of navigable lakes, charming downtowns, and a pace of life that most of Central Florida left behind decades ago. The "Golden Triangle" puts you within a short drive — or golf cart ride — of Mount Dora's boutique shops, Eustis's waterfront parks, and Tavares's own seaplane base and marina district.
What makes the location truly special for water lovers is the Lake Harris Chain of Lakes. Nine interconnected lakes link up all the way to the St. Johns River and, eventually, the Atlantic Ocean. If you've ever wanted to tie up your boat at a restaurant or simply spend a Saturday afternoon exploring by water, this address makes that a reality. Cresswind at Lake Harris is the only new 55+ community with a private boat dock on this chain.
The community is also golf-cart friendly, which means hopping over to the nearby Publix and Starbucks is genuinely easy. The Lake Harris Hideaway, a popular waterfront restaurant just outside the gates, is a quick ride away — a small detail that says a lot about daily life here.
Home Prices, HOA Fees, and CDD Costs at Cresswind at Lake Harris
Here's where things get practical. Cresswind is priced as an upscale community, but with a range wide enough to accommodate different budgets.
- Starting price: $367,000 for the "Ena" model, approximately 1,400 sq. ft.
- Lot premiums: $0 (included in base price) up to $75,000 in Phase 1 — waterfront lots naturally command the higher end
- Phase 1 home sites: Approximately 148 total, including 37 waterfront lots
- HOA fees (current): $165/month while the clubhouse is under construction
- HOA fees (at clubhouse completion): $465/month
- HOA covers: Landscaping, irrigation, cable TV, high-speed internet, and full amenity access
- Annual CDD fees: $1,300–$1,900 depending on which collection you choose
- Build time: Roughly 6 to 8 months from start to move-in
The jump in HOA fees once Club Cresswind opens is something to plan for. That said, having landscaping, cable, and internet bundled in takes real line items off your monthly budget — it's worth running the full math before comparing communities.
Club Cresswind: Amenities Coming to the Community
The centerpiece of community life will be Club Cresswind, a 15,000-square-foot clubhouse currently under development. Once complete, residents will have access to:
- A resort-style pool with dedicated lap lanes
- Pickleball and tennis courts
- An outdoor event plaza for community gatherings
- A state-of-the-art fitness center
The fitness center deserves a closer look. Cresswind has invested in EGYM smart strength-training equipment — machines that sync with a personal wristband so every station automatically adjusts to your settings the moment you step up. It's genuinely impressive technology, and it lowers the barrier for residents who may be newer to structured strength training.
Pickleball is already a defining part of Cresswind's identity across all its communities. Cresswind at Lake Harris carries that tradition forward with its own signature Cresswind Cup tournament. If pickleball is on your must-have list, this community takes it seriously.
What Cresswind at Lake Harris Doesn't Have
A couple of things worth knowing upfront: there is no on-site dog park and no on-site golf course. If you have a dog, check with the community on pet policies and nearby green space. If golf is a priority, the good news is that two excellent courses — Mission Inn and Deer Island — are close by. Deer Island is even accessible by boat, which fits the whole spirit of this community perfectly.
Quick Facts: Cresswind at Lake Harris
- Builder: Kolter Homes
- Location: Tavares, FL (Lake County)
- Total homes planned: 607
- Minimum age: 55+
- Starting price: From $367,000
- HOA: $165/mo now; $465/mo at clubhouse completion
- CDD: $1,300–$1,900 annually
- Unique feature: Only new 55+ community with direct boat dock access to the Lake Harris Chain of Lakes
- Nearby dining: Lake Harris Hideaway (golf-cart accessible)
- Golf nearby: Mission Inn, Deer Island
Is Cresswind at Lake Harris Right for You?
If you want a boutique-scale community where you'll actually know your neighbors, water access is non-negotiable, and you like the idea of a socially active lifestyle with competitive pickleball, a resort pool, and smart fitness equipment — Cresswind at Lake Harris checks a lot of boxes. The Golden Triangle location gives you genuine small-town charm without sacrificing everyday conveniences, and the Lake Harris Chain of Lakes is a recreational asset that very few 55+ communities in Florida can match.
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