Astor is an unincorporated community on the St. Johns River in Lake County, Florida, set between Lake George and Lake Dexter in the river's upper reaches. It straddles State Road 40, which crosses the river here, with the community of Volusia in Volusia County on the east bank and the settlement of Astor Park to the west. This position at a historic river crossing has long made Astor a gateway to the upper St. Johns River and its network of lakes and tributaries. The community is small and low-density, with a population of roughly 1,500. It offers a suburban-rural mix where most residents own their homes, and it has become a popular destination for retirees drawn by the quiet, riverside setting and the area's abundant natural surroundings. Boating, fishing, and river access are central to local life, with marinas and fish camps serving the water-oriented community. Astor's location near the Ocala National Forest is a defining feature. Established in 1908 as one of the first national forests east of the Mississippi River, the forest encompasses extensive pine scrub, springs, and trails, and it lies immediately west of the community. Recreation areas such as Alexander Springs sit roughly ten miles southwest of Astor, offering swimming, snorkeling, and access to the forest's spring-fed waters. Because Astor is unincorporated, it has no municipal government; services are provided by Lake County, and the community functions as a dispersed river settlement rather than a defined town. Its appeal lies in the combination of St. Johns River frontage, proximity to the Ocala National Forest, and a relaxed, retiree-friendly pace. For those seeking a quiet Florida home base centered on water and outdoors, Astor represents a distinctive option at the northern edge of Lake County.