The City of Umatilla is a small country town 6 miles north of the City of Eustis near the entrance to the Ocala National Forest. Umatilla is surrounded by pine forests and dotted with small spring-fed lakes. The downtown area has one stop light, a bank, a feed store, an Ace Hardware and a Pizza Hut. The addition of a new Beef O'Brady's Restaurant was welcomed with much fan fair.

Driving through Umatilla on Highway 19, it's hard to realize this small City is the location of many large lakefront estate homes. Multi million dollar homes surround Lake Dalhousie. The Rocking Horse Stables north of town near Lake Dorr regularly holds jumping horse and show competitions. The numerous small lakes in the area provide residents with an affordable lakefront lifestyle. Most are spring-fed and crystal clear. Lake Umatilla, Lake Blanchester, East and West Twin lakes, the Holley Lake Chain, and Island lakes are among the most scenic.

The majority of the Umatilla lakes are private. These lakes are known for clear water and white sand bottoms. Some lakes have luxury homes built on their shores, but most have modest cottages. The fishing in these small lakes is outstanding due to the lack of fishing pressure. Water skiing is popular on the lakes with enough surface area. This area is quiet and laidback with a significant county feel. Homes on these small lakes are not cheap but more affordable for most buyers than property on the large harris Chain lakes.

Umatilla is a great place to raise a family. Umatilla Elementary School is one of the highest rated schools in the County and the country lifestyle is very family and kid friendly.