Your Winter Haven, FL Real Estate Questions Answered

Dreaming of Florida waterfront living, but don’t want the flood risk that comes with the coastline? Then you’ve probably heard about Winter Haven, the “Chain of Lakes City” in sunny central Florida. Once a farming community, modern Winter Haven is a thriving suburban city that offers the perks of a waterfront lifestyle, the simplicities of a small town, and the entertainment expected near the theme park capital of the world.

Families, professionals, and retirees are settling down in Winter Haven, and if you’re thinking of joining them, you likely want to know more about the local real estate market. Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Winter Haven real estate.

About Winter Haven, FL

Before it was home to theme parks, antique stores, and master-planned suburban neighborhoods, this Central Florida area was home to the indigenous people of the Tocobaga and Timucua tribes. After the Seminole Wars, settlers moved in to take advantage of the homestead act, developing citrus groves and farms across the chain of lakes. 

The area was originally called Harris Corners after one of the earliest settlers who ran a store in the region. But, after Henry Plant’s railroad made it easier for people to reach the greater region, another pioneer saw its potential as a winter resort and renamed it “Winter Haven.” The name stuck when the town incorporated in 1911. Around this time, canals were built to link the 50-plus lakes in the region. The first Publix Supermarket opened here, and the tourist attraction Cypress Gardens set the town on its way to becoming a visitor destination.

Today The Chain of Lakes City not only provides year-round recreation for locals but is a major draw for tourists looking to experience the lakefront lifestyle. It’s the self-proclaimed “Water Ski Capital of the World” and has multiple water sport providers and access points.

As more people moved to the city, Winter Haven carefully added parks, commercial districts, art and culture centers, and neighborhoods while making sure to protect its natural bounty. It’s also the home of attractions like Legoland, Peppa Pig Theme Park, and the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team.

What county is Winter Haven, FL in?

Winter Haven is in Polk County conveniently between Orlando and Tampa. Polk County has been named one of Florida’s Best Places for Business, thanks to its strategic placement between these two major metropolitan cities. This, combined with the low cost of living and access to a robust talent pipeline, makes Polk County a great place for small businesses and entrepreneurs. 

Besides work, residents and visitors to Polk County gain access to the area’s many festivals, events, and activities each year, like the Alafia River Rendezvous, Pigfest, Lake Wales Mardi Gras, and the Bloomin’ Arts Festival. 

Is Winter Haven, FL growing?

In 2020, the population of Winter Haven was 50,603. In two years, that number increased by 9.6%. As part of the greater Lakeland-Winter Haven MSA, it’s the second-fastest growing region in Florida. It’s been growing at a rate of about 4-5% annually over the last five years, and its growth is anticipated to continue.

What is the cost of living in Winter Haven, FL?

The cost of living in Winter Haven is 11.2% lower than the US average and 14% cheaper than the Florid average, making it a popular option for college grads, professionals, families, and retirees. 

Those who live in Winter Haven pay less for rent, transportation, groceries, utilities, and healthcare than those in bigger nearby cities like Orlando or Tampa. Housing is where locals see the most cost savings, as it is 28% cheaper to buy here than the Florida average.

Winter Haven real estate prices

As of July 2023, the median listing home price in Winter Haven, FL was $324.5K with a median price of $184 per square foot. A typical home at this price point would be 1,600-1,900 sq ft with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Some were even waterfront! Over 1,000 homes were available on the market.

The market’s available properties at that time ranged from $17,500 for a one-bedroom mobile home to $2.8 million for a custom-built home on 2.8 acres of Lake Eloise waterfront. 

The real estate market had new construction homes (359 listed, in fact) and vacant lots still available for custom builds.

Condos and townhomes in Winter Haven, FL 

Condos and townhomes are a popular option for Winter Haven home buyers looking for an investment opportunity, a second home, or a vacation rental. Busy professionals and retirees who don’t want to spend a lot of time maintaining a single-family home opt for condos or townhomes in neighborhoods like East College, Winter Ridge, and Country Lakes. Depending on where you’re looking in Winter Haven, condos and townhomes can run anywhere from $85k to $300k.

Waterfront properties in Winter Haven

Winter Haven has over 50 unique lakes, the largest being Lake Eloise. People love to water ski and fish out on Lake Eloise. Locals cast for bluegill, crappy, and largemouth bass. The only way to get on to the lake is through canals or owning a private home on the lakeshore, but there are boat ramps nearby on Lake Summit and Lake Roy.

The gated Heron Cay community sits right on Lake Eloise. It’s known for its million-dollar homes with million-dollar water views. Find more lakefront living in:

• Hart Lake Hills on Lake Hart
• Cannon Marina Shores on Lake Cannon
• Wyndsor at Lake Winterset
• Island Lakes on Lake Rochelle
• Lake Smart Estates on Lake Smart
• Lake Elbert Heights on Lake Elbert

So many Winter Haven residents love that they have affordable waterfront living, with boat docks right out their door. It is possible, as the 164 homes with lakefront in August 2023 ranged in price from $53,000 to $2.8 million, with a median of $350,000.. 

Winter Haven golf course communities

It’s no surprise that a Florida city designed to get people active and immersed in nature would have a handful of luxury golf course communities, too. Lake Ashton West and Cypresswood Palma Ceia are popular golf course communities that put residents a short golf cart drive away from their favorite game. 

Lake Ashton West is a 55+ deed restricted golf community with homes ranging from $349,000 to $414,000. Residents have exclusive access to community amenities such as:

• Two 18-hole golf courses
• The spacious Eagle’s Nest clubhouse
• On-site restaurant
• Indoor and outdoor swimming pools. 
• Tennis, shuffleboard and pickleball courts
• Fitness center
• Cinema
• Community library  

Cypresswood Palma Ceia is a quiet, gated community with home prices ranging from $115K for a vacant lot to $649.9K for spacious and modern single family homes that sit directly on the golf course. Many of the homes in this neighborhood feature dedicated golf course garages or golf cart parking spaces. Residents live close to local grocery stores, restaurants, and shopping. Cypresswood community amenities include: 

• An 18-hole Championship Golf Course
• Tennis courts
• Junior Olympic Swimming Pool 
• 24 hour security with gated entrance
• Clubhouse with a bar and restaurant

What is the property tax rate for Winter Haven, FL?

Florida’s property tax rate structure can be a little complicated based on its homestead exemptions and what you may qualify for. Learn more in the Florida property tax guide.

The 2022 property tax millages for Polk County were 6.692 mils for the general fund, 5.5190

For the local and state school fund, and 0.8466 mils for parks, stormwater, and library combined. Your taxation also depended on which water district you fall under; everyone was levied 0.2260 mils for Southwest Florida Water Management, but there were levies for the Lake District, Lake Okeechobee, and more.

Add to that 6.5900 mils for the City of Winter Haven. Most residents were levied just over 19 mils in total for their property taxes.

Top neighborhoods in Winter Haven, FL

One of the reasons Winter Haven is growing so quickly is because people are beginning to realize that it is not just a beautiful city, but a place where everybody can find where they belong. The Winter Haven real estate market makes waterfront living accessible, meaning whether you’re looking for a multi-million dollar mansion or a modest single-family home in a suburban neighborhood, you can find it. 

Besides the neighborhoods already features, some other popular Winter Haven neighborhoods include: 

Inwood is an unincorporated modest neighborhood made up of small (studio to two bedroom) to medium-sized (three or four bedroom) single-family homes and mobile homes. The median real estate price was $157,337. Most of the homes in this well-established community were built in the ’40s and ’50s. Many still retain original features and classic architectural elements from the time.

Want new construction? The Grove at Crystal Beach is a new master-planned and gated development conveniently off of US 17. Live just minutes from Downtown Winter Haven and the Legoland theme park. New homes range from 1,603 – 2,699 sq ft with the median home price here of $350K. 

Villa Mar is another newer community with lakefront on Crystal Lake and easy town access off Highway 635. The homes use an open-concept design with up to six bedrooms and potential in-law suite layouts. In the community is a swimming pool, playground, and amenities center.

Perhaps you’re looking for a great retirement community. Traditions is a popular choice for those 55 and over. With lakefront and dock slips on Lake Ruby, the low-maintenance neighborhood has resort-like amenities from a 19,000 sq ft clubhouse equipped with a fitness center, ballroom, tennis courts, bocce courts, and walking trails. It has over 500 single-family homes.

How is golf in Winter Haven, FL?

Golf is another favorite pastime in Winter Haven. Many communities are built around championship-style courses. There are nine golf courses in Winter Haven city limits, including: 

The Cypresswood Golf and Country Club: This semi-private club in a residential community has four different types of memberships; including golf, recreation, and wellness. Ron Garl designed its 18-hole championship course.

Lake Bess Golf Club: A challenging nine-hole executive golf course, known for its affordable rates and laid-back atmosphere. While just a nine-hole course, it does have a pro shop, driving range, and putting and chipping greens on-site. Golf professionals are available for private and group lessons. 

The Country Club at Winter Haven: To play or join at this historic private club you have to be invited by a member. The newly re-designed 18-hole championship golf course attracts serious golfers from all over, and it’s been played as a US Open qualifier. The onsite restaurant, tennis courts, and fitness facility add to membership perks.

What’s near Winter Haven, FL?

Directly nearby is Lakeland, just 30 minutes west of Winter Haven and home to Florida Southern College, many local museums and art galleries, a quaint and historic Downtown District, and an abundance of lakeside parks. Lakeland also has a growing job market.

Other central Florida cities within an hour’s drive of Winter Haven include Kissimmee, Haines City, Auburndale, and Lake Wales.

When you live in Winter Haven, you’re a short drive from some of Central Florida’s most popular cities–Tampa and Orlando. 

World-famous Orlando is an hour northeast of Winter Haven on I-4. Beides Disney, Universal Studios, and Seaworld, Orlando overflows with world-class dining, upscale shopping, and multiple entertainment options from major concerts to professional sporting events. Orlando consistently ranks as one of the best places for job growth in the country and numerous companies have established their headquarters here. 

Tampa is an hour west of Winter Haven. This cosmopolitan waterfront city uniquely combines suburban convenience, the energy of a major metropolitan city, and the laid back beach vibe of coastal Florida. The city has multiple entertainment and historic Downtown districts, charming pockets of century-old Florida homes, highly rated schools, and countless activities and attractions. It has theme parks like Busch Gardens and Adventure Island, and premier attractions like the Lowry Park Zoo and The Florida Aquarium. Plus it’s a cruise port with ships sailing across the Caribbean and Mexico. Like Orlando, it’s one of Florida’s premier shopping and dining destinations. 

What to know about living in Winter Haven, FL

Orlando gets a lot of credit for its world-famous theme parks, but Winter Haven has a unique experience for the littlest theme park enthusiasts. Welcome to Legoland and the Peppa Pig theme park; two unique attractions with shows, rides, and activities perfect for kids under 12. 

But Winter Haven is more than just theme parks. Tourism, agribusiness, and healthcare are Winter Haven’s most prominent industries, but it’s also encouraging to small businesses and entrepreneurs. For fun, there are art galleries, local theater productions, and community events.

In sum, life is well-lived in Winter Haven. If lakefront living at an affordable price sounds good to you, and especially with the Florida benefits of low taxes and entertainment, why not explore homes for sale today in Winter Haven real estate.