In the United States, the majority of Mount Dora residents are white. That is a stark contrast to the city's history of diversity. While there are some pockets of minority representation, the majority of residents are white. In fact, there is more white population than Black, so Mount Dora residents complain about their lack of representation in the city leadership. The city is home to two elementary schools, one of which is the Mount Dora High School, famous for its inability to win football games.
Growth in the early 1920s led to an increase in residential development. This ushered in the development of city services, including paved roads, streetlights, and water systems. A community building was built from donations by Mount Dora residents, and now serves as a performance venue for the city. Approximately 3,600 people live in the city, making it the eighth largest city in Florida. The growth of the city was spurred by several public-private partnerships.
Aside from its historic buildings, Mount Dora has many unique cultural attractions. For example, its famous winter festival, known as Light Up Mount Dora, features millions of Christmas lights and a bustling open-air market. While this may sound like a parking nightmare, the street parking is free, and the downtown area is a pedestrian-friendly environment. Visitors to the city can enjoy the town's old-world charm and its diverse ethnic population. The town also has a Modernism Museum, which features unique and interesting modern art, including furniture owned by David Bowie.