A small city with a small-town feel halfway between Orlando and Tampa
Halfway between Orlando and Tampa is Auburndale, a Polk County city with a type of small-town charm that’s becoming difficult to find as Central Florida grows. Auburndale’s 1800s-era buildings have been thoughtfully maintained, especially in the small downtown district. However, this little city isn’t a secret. Its population has grown steadily over the last 20 years, reaching about 16,000 today. “People aren’t leaving, but they sure are coming,” says Karen Myers, a resident, Realtor, and co-owner of Myers Realty with Century 21. “Houses here don’t stay on the market for long.”
With various lakes in the area Auburndale is known for fishing and various water sports.
Historic and quaint Auburndale is one of Central Florida’s smaller cities but has a lot to offer
Million dollar estates can be found in northern Auburndale where more land is available.
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A mix of ranch-style and New Traditional-style homes on landscaped lawns
A mix of ranch-style and minimal traditional homes built between 1940 and 1990 line the suburban streets of the city’s south side, even near downtown. Newer homes are on the city’s north side, with New Traditionals built in the early 2000s and 2020s. Homes along the city’s lakes tend to be larger and grander, and feature styles like Cape Cod and American Four Square. Throughout each subdivision, front lawns are landscaped and dotted with trees. The median price for single-family homes is about $334,000, slightly higher than neighboring Lakeland and Winter Haven.
In Northern Auburndale new home developments are underway with larger 2 story homes.
Lake Julianna Estates is a gated high-end community filled with luxury amenities.
More closer to Downtown smaller Ranch style homes keep with the neighborhoods rural history.
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Lake Ariana and the city's other lakes are a go-to for outdoor fun
Most of Auburndale is water, with five lakes within city limits, a major draw for many residents. “The lakes are good for fishing and motorboating, but Lake Ariana is the best. The whole town centers around that lake,” Meyers says. Lake Ariana features a park nicknamed “Mac’s Beach,” which offers a boat ramp, a small playground and a shaded pavilion. The city’s green spaces include Downtown City Park, which features a large tree-shaded playground and the Auburndale Rotary Butterfly Garden; the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex, which features a variety of soccer and baseball fields; and the Auburndale Dog Park, which offers dedicated areas for large and small breeds.
Auburndale has eight large lakes with smaller lakes surrounding them ideal for fishing.
Enjoy the tranquil Butterfly Garden located in Downtown Auburndale.
Enjoy a day out running or biking the Auburndale trail.
Fix your need for speed at Aburndale Speedway where you can watch weekly races.
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Residents pick up essentials in town, head to Lakeland for mall shopping
Most of Auburndale is residential and recreational, so people typically head into nearby Lakeland for shopping and dining. However, there are a few options in the city. Publix is on the city’s north side, and Walmart is on the south. A mix of chain and locally owned restaurants line parts of U.S. Route 92. Residents head to the Lakeland Square Mall in nearby Lakeland to shop at retailers like Bath & Body Works and Dillard’s. Orlando and Tampa are about 50 miles away and offer more shopping, dining and entertainment options.
Florida’s theme parks are nearby: Legoland Florida is about 12 miles away, and Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World Resort are about 40 miles away. The closest medical centers, including Winter Haven Hospital, are about 6 miles away in Winter Haven.
Locals often run into friends and neighbors at the Auburndale Main Street Diner.
Residents fill up on burgers and fries at the vibrant Jazzy’s Diner.
The Brack Shack is a local favorite for unique BBQ including the pulled pork egg roll.
he Lakeland Square Mall features retailers like American Eagle, Bath & Body Works, & Dillard’s.
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Auburndale High's homecoming parade and the city's Christmas events are annual favorites
Auburndale residents come together in October for the annual Auburndale High School homecoming parade, which sends elaborate floats down Park and Main streets. “It’s a big deal,” Myers says. “It’s an important event everyone comes back to town for.” The community celebrates Christmas with multiple events, including Lights in the Park, which features faux snow, a Christmas tree lighting, and plenty of lights, and Breakfast with Santa, which features a breakfast buffet, crafts and games.
Auburndale is within minutes of Legoland Florida Resort.
Live near The Most Wonderful Place on Earth.
Universal Orlando Resort is within 40 miles of Auburndale
The fantasy of Flight museum offers an up close look at famous planes of the past.
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Students attend Polk County Public Schools
Polk County Public Schools serves the city and rates a B on Niche. It encompasses more than 120 schools and offers school choice. There are no private schools in the city, but there are two nearby: All Saints Academy and St. Joseph Catholic School. Both schools rate an A-plus on Niche.
Caldwell Elementary foster a rigorous learning environment that engages and develops learning.
Jere L. Stambaugh Middle School located in Auburndale FL and serves over 800 students.
Auburndale High school home of the Bloodhounds is known for its excellence in education.
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Interstate 4 and other major roadways are conveniently close
Residents take U.S. Route 92 to Lakeland, Interstate 4 to Orlando and Florida State Road 570 to Tampa. Public transportation is limited in the city, but a CitrusConnection bus line has one route into Winter Haven. The Orlando International Airport is about 50 miles away.
Once a military training airfield Winter Haven Airport has become a local hub for civilian pilot
With easy access to Tampa or Orlando residents use the Polk Parkway.
Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center is the premier medical facility nearby in Lakeland.
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A look at Auburndale's crime and weather
Specific crime rates are unavailable, but Niche gives the city an overall B-minus in crime and safety.
Like most cities in Central Florida, Auburndale is susceptible to hurricanes, and flooding is possible, especially near the lakes.
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