Alturas, populated almost as much by lakes, fruit farms and cattle ranches as human beings, is a sprawling rural community in unincorporated Polk County between Bartow and Lake Wales. Covering 60 square miles, Alturas was founded in 1911 in hopes that it would become the capital of Central Florida’s burgeoning agriculture industry. Although that never occurred, Alturas possesses the last sustainable tract for citrus in Polk County, and it offers a setting and lifestyle that are hard to find in Florida’s fastest-growing region.
Unlike many nearby cities Alturas has kept with its historical roots of farming.
Agriculture remains a strong industry in Alturas with many farms throughout the neighborhood.
1/2
Lake Buffum highlights ourdoor recreational opportunities
Alturas is home to numerous lakes, and the two biggest are open to the public year-round. Lake Buffum, which covers more than 1,200 acres, is a local favorite for fishing and camping. Lake Garfield sits on 630 acres in the northwest corner of the community. Both lakes have boat ramps and can accompany larger vessels for fishing or simply enjoying the water and surroundings. Surveyors Lake is less than half the size of Garfield Lake. It’s open to the public for fishing, but it has no boat ramp.
Lake Buffum covers 1,268 acres in Alturas, FL.
Lake Buffum is a great spot for fishing in Alturas, FL.
Take in the views from Lake Buffum docks in Alturas.
1/3
Fruit farms, animal services among community businesses
S&S Micro Farm is a small commercial blueberry farm in the middle of Alturas that opens to the public in April and May for blueberry picking. It hosts an annual Mother’s Day event featuring live music and a mimosa bar. The farm also grows moringa, a drought-resistant tree whose leaves and roots can be processed into a powder for teas and smoothies. S&S sells the products for medicinal purposes. Lake Buffum Farms is another commercial operation that opens to the public for fruit picking in the spring. During that time, it also sells homemade jams, bread and ice cream. Alturas is home to a number of working ranches, and the community includes businesses catering to those whose livelihood depends on their livestock. J&J Tack Shack sells supplies and feed. Heartland Large Animal Services provides veterinary services. And Double H Animal Massage Therapy and Rehabilitation offers equine therapy techniques to address mobility issues and discomfort. Event venues are another popular business that utilizes Alturas’ natural landscape. Located on 54 acres near Lake Garfield, Scars Farm features an event space with a scenic pond and palm trees. It also offers educational tours. You can hear the stories of the farm’s donkeys, cows and horses on the animal tour, or get up close and personal with bees as part of the beekeeping experience. The tour features an immersive experience in how honey is made — told by the bees that make it possible. Fully suited and equipped, participants tour the bee yard, pull frames of honey and bottle their own to take home. Starling Ranch Barn offers similar accommodations on the northern shore of Lake Buffum.
Buffum Farms grows seasonal produce in Alturas, FL.
Pick your own blueberries at on of the many local blueberry farms in Alturas.
Scars Farm near Lake Garfield features a rustic barn great for parties & weddings.
1/3
Housing variety includes ranch-style homes, waterfront properties
Alturas experienced a construction boom in the 1980s and ‘90s, and new houses continued to be built until 2008. The area is unlikely to see more residential development as long as citrus production remains viable. The single-family housing stock consists primarily of small established homes with screened-in porches and carports and traditional ranch-style homes, but more contemporary builds can be found concentrated around Lake Buffum. Manufactured homes offer the most affordable alternative. While prices can range anywhere from less than $40,000 to more than $1 million for the community’s largest lakefront homes, the average home value is just under $300,000.
Find a modern farmhouse in the Alturas area.
Ranch-style homes are common in Alturas, FL.
Housing in Alturas consists primarily of single-family homes on spacious lots.
1/3
Alturas Elementary has been part of the community for more than 100 years
Built in the early 1900s and billed as “Polk County’s Last Country School,” Alturas Elementary School, rated B-minus by Niche, is the only school located in the community. A pair of schools for sixth- through eighth-graders is available in Bartow: Union Academy, a B-plus-rated public magnet school, and Bartow Middle, a C-rated school. Bartow Senior High is a B-plus-rated school that offers the prestigious International Baccalaureate program.
Alturas Elementary School is rated a B-school according to niche.com.
Union Academy Magnet School was established as a Magnet School in 1991.
Bartow Senior High School home of the Blue Jackets is an above average public school in Bartow.
1/3
Medical center in Barotw; retail and dining in Lake Wales
Lee’s Country Store is the closest thing Alturas has to a traditional grocery store. Located in one of Alturas’ more populated areas near the elementary school, Lee’s also serves homemade food. Burgers and catfish are among residents’ favorites. State Road 60 on the community’s north side connects it to Bartow and Lake Wales for work commutes and other needs. Bartow is home to a regional medical center, and Lake Wales offers shopping and dining options in and around the Publix-anchored Southgate Shopping Center.
Lee’s Country Store is the closest thing Alturas has to a traditional grocery store
Bartow Medical Center is the closest hospital to Alturas.
State Road 60 corridor on the community's north side connects it to Bartow and Lake Wales.
1/3
The Alturas Woman’s Club Community Center hosts community events.
Community comes together at Alturas Woman's Club
The Alturas Woman’s Club Community Center hosts community events, such as yard sales and holiday parties, and provides a space for personal and professional gatherings. It also is home to the local voting precinct.
Written By
Matt Pallister
Photography Contributed By
Jeffery Palmer
Video By
Barry Ridgeway
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mary Kay Cook,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Over $16,000 buyer credit offered. Can be used towards closing cost, price or interest rate by down. Welcome to 2120 Hurley Dr! This beautifully maintained home offers comfort, space, and privacy on over 1 acre of waterfront land. Enjoy a bright, open living space with great natural light, a practical layout, and well-sized rooms throughout. Upon entry, you’ll love the reflective window tint all
Florida Rubies Agricultural Investment Property is a 17 acre Ruby Red grapefruit grove located in Bartow, Florida and developed with Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS) technology. The property offers a turnkey cash-flowing agricultural investment opportunity supported by modern infrastructure and established, cooperative-based operations.The grove was planted with approximately 4,476
West Lake Buffum Acreage is 20.17 acres located outside of Fort Meade on West Lake Buffum Road. This property is almost completely uplands with about 1/4 of an acre in wetlands. There is an 8" well powered by a Deutz diesel engine, with the ability to irrigate the entire property at once. While currently planted in citrus, this property would be a great place to have a home on acreage or convert
So much to offer! This beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is ready to impress. Step inside to find an upgraded kitchen featuring crisp white wooden cabinets, granite countertops, and a generous pass-through opening to the expansive living area — perfect for entertaining guests or relaxing with family on game day. Both bathrooms have been tastefully renovated, and the spacious primary
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. Enjoy the charm of the 10x32 covered front porch, ideal for relaxing or entertaining guests on a corner lot. This home is packed with potential and ready for your personal touch. In 2023, a new metal roof, A/C, and well system taking care of the big-ticket items for years to come. A standout feature is the 800 sq ft (32x25) addition, already
Welcome to your Florida retreat in the desirable Orange Acres Ranch 55+ community in Lake Wales! This well-maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers comfort, convenience, and an affordable Florida lifestyle in a friendly, pet-friendly community. Step inside to discover a bright and inviting floor plan designed for easy living. The spacious living and dining areas provide plenty of room to
Welcome to Walker Lake Estates, a Southern Homes community nestled in Alturas, FL, situated off of Alturas Babson Park Cut-Off Rd and Walker Lake Rd. Lots 6-11 provide exclusive lake access, offering residents the opportunity to enjoy the tranquil waters of Lake Walker. Surrounding the community are acres of farmland and natural beauty, perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat. Outdoor
Lovingly cared-for 2-bedroom, 2-bath manufactured home located in a desirable 55+ community. This home features an open-concept living room, dining room, and kitchen, with sliding doors from the living room leading to a Florida room and a screened-in porch off the kitchen/dining area. A large storage shed includes a washer and dryer. Recent updates include a rubber roof and new windows (2014), a
Owner Finance available!! This is 1 of 8 exclusive lake front lots, boasting, stunning, elevated, views of long lake. Make this 5 acre slice of natural beauty the home you always dreamed of.
The monthly lot rent is $815 and includes water, sewer, and trash. 5130 ABC Road, Lot 68 in Lake Wales is located in the desirable Orange Acres Ranch 55+ community and offers comfortable Florida living in a spacious fully furnished double-wide home built in 2008. This well-maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath home features approximately 1,560 square feet, plenty of space to entertain and move around.
Welcome to easy Florida living in the peaceful and highly desirable Orange Acres Ranch 55+ community in Lake Wales! Located at 5130 ABC Road, Lot 34, this beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-wide home offers approximately 924 square feet of comfortable living space with charming ranch views and wonderful community amenities. This partially furnished home features a spacious and
Welcome to 5130 ABC Road, Lot 114, located in the desirable Orange Acres Ranch 55+ community in Lake Wales. This 1989, 2-bedroom, 2-bath manufactured home has been beautifully refreshed and is ready for its next owner to move right in. With approximately 1,000 square feet of living space, this home combines modern updates with the relaxed Florida lifestyle you've been searching for. Step inside
Be the first to live in this beautiful new home located on a secluded lot in a quiet Fort Meade neighborhood. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home features an open-concept floor plan with gorgeous granite countertops, modern cabinetry, stylish flooring, and plenty of natural light. Enjoy the perfect blend of privacy and convenience with this rental home. Schedule your showing today!
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
