With a population of 20,000, Bartow is the second oldest city in the Polk County, sitting between major metros Tampa and Orlando. The location, access to outdoor activities and housing stock have attracted more and more residents in recent years. “We have had a lot of growth. It’s not as much of a small town anymore,” says Cyleste Goodson, an agent with Regal Real Estate who has lived in the area most of her life. “We have a growing industry but still maintain our small-town feel.” The county was once known as the largest citrus producer in the world, with primary employers today being the government, agriculture and the school systems.
Downtown City of Bartow Florida is full of electric shops and boutiques that has something for all.
Enjoy a nice stroll down Main Street in the City of Bartow Florida.
Sun Ridge FL, a small residential community close to Winter Haven is a gem among neighborhoods near the City of Bartow Florida.
Ride around the quiet neighborhood streets shaded by lush oak trees in Sun Ridge in the City of Bartow Florida.
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Lower home prices than Orlando and Tampa
Bartow’s median home sale price is $306,000, lower than the national median of $406,000 and slightly lower than nearby Lakeland at $310,000. “The housing market here is great; home prices are much more affordable than in bigger markets like Orlando and Tampa,” Goodson says. Modest homes throughout East Bartow can range from $120,000 to $200,000. Pricier dwellings, often over $700,000, typically include several acres or sit near popular amenities like Lake Hancock.
With the option to build your new home, owners can create they're dream home in the City of Bartow Florida.
New home builders offer great incentives and amenities in the City of Bartow Florida.
Many homes in Sun Ridge have delightful front porches near the City of Bartow Florida.
Newer homes with more modern features can be found throughout the City of Bartow Florida.
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Fishing, boating and alligators at Lake Hancock
Bartow is in a convenient location for various outdoor and recreational activities. “Lake Wales is nearby with lots of activities,” Goodson says. “You’re close to a lot of lakes, a lot of theme parks and places you can actually go hunting and fishing.” Among the popular stops is Lake Hancock, covering nearly 4,600 acres. The shallow lake is a popular spot for boating and fishing and has a significant alligator presence. Closer to home, Mary Holland Park is a 117-acre waterside park with fishing spots, a playground, pavilions and sports fields. Bartow Parks and Recreation keeps the community active with several youth and adult leagues, including kickball and youth flag football.
Harborside serves surf and turf meals to patrons overlooking Lake Shipp in the City of Bartow Florida.
Tee off and challenge yourself at "The Tow" in the City of Bartow Florida.
Mary Holland Park offers great bank fishing for locals to enjoy a day outdoors in the City of Bartow Florida.
Fishing is a popular activity among residents of Sun Ridge near the City of Bartow Florida..
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Halloween parade and carnival downtown
Many community gatherings in Bartow happen downtown, including a popular farmers market, car shows and arts and crafts events. The city also hosts festivities for the holidays, like Halloween and Christmas. “Every year, the Crickette Club does a Halloween parade and carnival in the fall,” Goodson says. The celebration includes food trucks, games, a costume contest and a cake walk. The Wonder House is a historic landmark in the city. The home was built in the 1920s by Conrad Schuck after he was told he had a year to live and decided to build his dream house. Today, the home is used for holiday events and historic tours, where visitors can enjoy the architecture of the past.
Create family memories at the Bartow Fall Festival in the City of Bartow Florida.
Explore an array of craft vendors offering handmade goods in the City of Bartow Florida.
Hop aboard the Santa Express at the Bigda's Family Christmas Lights Display in the City of Bartow Florida.
Friday Fest is a great place to meet & greet with fellow classic car owners in the City of Bartow Florida.
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International Baccalaureate program at Bartow High
Students are zoned for the Polk County Public School District, which serves nearly 110,000 students and receives a B from Niche. Bartow High School is the only public high school in the city and earns an A-minus from Niche. Bartow High has a strong athletic program, regularly competing for district and state championships, winning five consecutive state softball titles from 2002-2005. The school also has an International Baccalaureate program. For private schools, Lakeland Christian School serves Pre-K through 12th grade and gets an A from Niche.
Bartow Elementary Academy is an above average, public, magnet school located in the City of Bartow, Florida.
Lake Shipp Elementary School is home to over 500 students in grades VPK-5 in the City of Bartow Florida.
Bartow Middle has over 1,000 students in grades 6-8 in the City of Bartow Florida.
Bartow Senior High School home of the Blue Jackets is an above average public school in the City of Bartow.
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Mom-and-pop shops in downtown
Much of Bartow’s retail and restaurant scene is centered around its downtown. “It’s an adorable, old-fashioned Main Street that is the hub of all the activities,” Goodson says. The commercial corridor on Bartow’s northern edge, near Highway 60, has several chain restaurants, grocery stores and big-box department stores.
Highway 60 leads directly to Tampa
Highway 60 is the main thoroughfare in and out of Bartow, running east and west near the city’s northern edges. “Highway 60 leads directly into Tampa,” Goodson says. “It’s about 45 minutes, so the daily commute is doable.” Polk County offers public transportation via the Citrus Connection, with bus service in Bartow, Lakeland and other nearby communities. While most of the city is car dependent, some areas downtown are walkable and bikeable. Tampa International Airport is a 52-mile drive west, offering domestic and international flights around the clock. Bartow Regional Medical Center is the community’s main hospital.
Bartow crime and environmental facto
According to FBI data, violent crime rates are typically lower than the national average, while property crime rates are usually around the national average.
Bartow is part of an area known as “lightning alley,” seeing frequent storms in the summer. When a tropical storm or hurricane hits the state, the city isn’t usually affected. "You’re safe being in the central part of the state. Typically by the time a storm hits the coast and gets inland this far, it’s rain and wind,” Goodson says.
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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.
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On average, homes in Bartow, FL sell after 80 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Bartow, FL over the last 12 months is $316,590, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
RARE FIND—5.43 ACRES, BUILT IN 2024 & NO HOA! Bring the HORSES, RVs AND BOATS and enjoy the freedom, space and privacy of country living in this stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bath modern farmhouse offering 3,093 HEATED SQ. FT. in Bartow!Built in 2024, this impressive home combines modern luxury with warm farmhouse character. Step inside to soaring ceilings, crown molding, luxury vinyl flooring
Two primary suites under one roof. That’s the kind of flexibility you don’t find every day.Welcome to this fully remodeled 4-bedroom, 3-bath home in one of Polk County’s most charming historic communities. With two private primary suites, this home is uniquely designed for multi-generational living, extended-stay guests, or simply having a second private retreat.Inside, approximately
Modern Luxury Meet Spacious Florida Living! Built in 2024 and ideally situated on an expansive .44-acre lot, this stunning 4-bedroom, 2-bthroom home offers the perfect combination of modern design, comfort, and privacy. From the moment you step inside, tall ceilings and beautiful wood-look tile flooring create an elevated, open and inviting atmosphere. The spacious 2-car garage offers excellent
Virtually Staged. Short Sale. BANKRUPTCY PROPERTY! Space, flexibility, and move-in-ready style come together in this turn-key two-story home in Wind Meadows South. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a dedicated ground-floor den/home office, an upstairs loft, and one of the largest lots in the community, this home offers room to live, work, and relax with ease. Inside, the open living area features
RARE FIND—5.43 ACRES, BUILT IN 2024 & NO HOA! Bring the HORSES, RVs AND BOATS and enjoy the freedom, space and privacy of country living in this stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bath modern farmhouse offering 3,093 HEATED SQ. FT. in Bartow!Built in 2024, this impressive home combines modern luxury with warm farmhouse character. Step inside to soaring ceilings, crown molding, luxury vinyl flooring
Move-in ready 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom block home, recently updated and meticulously maintained. Enjoy the durability of solid block construction with a fresh, well-cared-for interior throughout. Located minutes from historic downtown Bartow, with its local shops, restaurants, and year-round community events, plus nearby Mary Holland Park for outdoor recreation. Convenient to Polk County schools,
Better than new and move-in ready! Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offering over 1,500 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space in one of Bartow's fastest-growing communities. Built in 2024, this home combines modern finishes, an open-concept floor plan, and energy-efficient construction for comfortable Florida living. ALSO HAS THE POSSIBILITY OF ASSUMING
This 1.25-acre parcel is located east of Lake Buffum Road S in unincorporated Polk County. The property is classified as an Inaccessible Tract, meaning there is no current legal or physical road access leading directly to the lot/parcel. Buyers may need to explore future access options, easements, or off-road entry depending on intended use and any future development possibilities The parcel is
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY JUST BLOCKS FROM DOWNTOWN BARTOW! Situated on nearly half an acre, this legal triplex is currently configured as two spacious living units and offers tremendous flexibility, income potential, and value-add opportunity for an investor.The expansive DOWNSTAIRS UNIT features 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms with a versatile layout and generous living space. An enclosed
Two primary suites under one roof. That’s the kind of flexibility you don’t find every day.Welcome to this fully remodeled 4-bedroom, 3-bath home in one of Polk County’s most charming historic communities. With two private primary suites, this home is uniquely designed for multi-generational living, extended-stay guests, or simply having a second private retreat.Inside, approximately
Welcome to 4009 Grey Heron Loop in Wind Meadows South, where nearly 2,600 square feet, 5 bedrooms, and 3 full bathrooms come together in a home built for busy mornings, slow weekends, family gatherings, and everything in between.The open kitchen, dining, and living spaces create a natural gathering place where dinner can be cooking while homework happens at the island and everyone still feels
Welcome to this Charming Historic Bungalow that has been completely remodeled and is MOVE IN READY! This 3 Bedroom/1 Bath home with a large yard and close to downtown Bartow; offering comfort, convenience, and value. This elegant, charming home has almost everything new...Metal Roof (2018), HVAC (2026), Hot Water Heater (2020), Updated Electrical AND is Completely Replumed. No HOA!! Families will
Opportunity is knocking! This 4-bedroom, 1-bath block home is priced to sell and ready for the right buyer to bring it to life. Whether you're a first-time buyer looking to build equity or an investor adding to your portfolio, this is the kind of deal that doesn't come around often in today's market. Located in Bartow, one of Polk County's most established and affordable communities, you're close
Under Construction. WELCOME to this beautiful, newly built 2026 home, this home features 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, open concept living area, designed with modern living in mind. This home offers, bright and airy living space and a well appointed kitchen perfect for that person that loves to cook. This property has easy access to shopping area and interstate.
Welcome to 1185 Fairview Avenue S in Bartow, Florida! Built in 2021, this move-in-ready, three-bedroom, two-bathroom single-family home combines modern comfort with a functional open-concept floor plan, an attached two-car garage, and no HOA. The spacious kitchen features solid-surface countertops and flows seamlessly into the main living and dining areas—ideal for everyday living and
Introducing Retreat at Stuart Crossing, a BRAND-NEW luxury apartment community nestled in Bartow. This exquisite apartment offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and elegant living. Step into the spacious and beautifully designed kitchen, showcasing a stunning kitchen island as its centerpiece. The kitchen island not only adds a touch of sophistication to the space but also provides a
NEAT & CLEAN READY TO MOVE IN THIS LARGE DUPLEX FEATURES; PAINTED INTERIOR WITH 2 LARGE BEDROOMS WITH LAMINATE FLOORING AND ONE BATHROOM, OPEN KITCHEN WITH NEWER CABINETS & COUNTER TOPS, STAINLESS STEEL APPLICANCES & GREAT ROOM WITH CERAMIC TILE FLOORING (NO CARPET), 3-CEILING FANS AND UTILITY ROOM WITH WASHER DRYER HOOK UPS AND STORAGE AREA. OPEN PATIO IN REAR YARD AND RENT INCLUDES LAWN CARE.
We offer two floor plans with two bedroom apartment homes for rent. Apartment features include a patio to enjoy the breathtaking sunrise and sunsets. Plush carpeted floors, ceiling fans, a breakfast bar, central air and heating, extra storage, plank flooring, a dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave, and walk-in closets are all standard at The Villages at Laurel Meadows. We are a pet-friendly
Nice & Clean 4-bedroom 2-Bath home built in 2019 in Liberty Ridge Sub. Features open floor plan with ceramic tile floors, kitchen equipped with large breakfast island bar. ceiling fans in all bedrooms. Inside, you'll appreciate the desirable split-bedroom floor plan, with a spacious primary suite thoughtfully separated from the three additional bedrooms for added privacy. Don't miss your
Platinum Service™ is our standard for delivering positive and enriching living environments in a caring and consistent manner. Living at one of our communities ensures that your experience will be defined by our commitment to Platinum Service. Fountain Place offers 1 and 2 bedroom apartments for rent in Bartow FL. Fountain Place is located along the Fort Fraser Trail running approximately 8 miles
From Hwy 17 S - Turn left on Lake Millsite Rd to enter Windsor Reserve community.From Hwy 17 N - Turn right on Lake Millsite Rd to enter Windsor Reserve community. Apply now or schedule your self-tour today and take the first step toward getting more than just a place to live. Rent with FirstKey Homes for a home that's right for you, plus professional service and maintenance, innovative
From Hwy 17 S - Turn left on Lake Millsite Rd to enter Windsor Reserve community.From Hwy 17 N - Turn right on Lake Millsite Rd to enter Windsor Reserve community. Apply now or schedule your self-tour today and take the first step toward getting more than just a place to live. Rent with FirstKey Homes for a home that's right for you, plus professional service and maintenance, innovative
Phoenix Apartments is a small and quaint community, centrally located within minutes to Lakeland and an hour’s drive to either Tampa or Orlando. Spacious and affordable, Phoenix Apartments are located on a beautiful setting. Nestled among live oaks and having manicured grounds, you can enjoy a relaxing day by the pool or walk and play in the wide open spaces throughout our community.
This home is move-in ready. Schedule your tour now or start your application today.Welcome to 690 Formosa Ave in Bartow, FL! This 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers 1,284 square feet with a comfortable single-story layout, fresh interior paint, fresh carpet flooring, and a generous front lawn that welcomes you in.Step inside to a spacious living area with tile flooring, large
From Hwy 17 S - Turn left on Windsor Reserve Dr, then turn left onto Crown Rose Dr. From Hwy 17 N - Turn right on Windsor Reserve Dr, then turn left onto Crown Rose Dr. Apply now or schedule your self-tour today and take the first step toward getting more than just a place to live. Rent with FirstKey Homes for a home that's right for you, plus professional service and maintenance,
From Hwy 17 S - Turn left on Windsor Reserve Dr, then turn left onto Reina Way. From Hwy 17 N - Turn right on Windsor Reserve Dr, then turn left onto Reina Way. Apply now or schedule your self-tour today and take the first step toward getting more than just a place to live. Rent with FirstKey Homes for a home that's right for you, plus professional service and maintenance, innovative
From Hwy 17 S - Turn left on Windsor Reserve Dr, then turn left onto Corbel Lane. From Hwy 17 N - Turn right on Windsor Reserve Dr, then turn left onto Corbel Lane. Apply now or schedule your self-tour today and take the first step toward getting more than just a place to live. Rent with FirstKey Homes for a home that's right for you, plus professional service and maintenance,
About Sun Ridge offers homebuyers access to wildlife amenities, grocery stores and local eateries. Homebuyers appreciate the area because it is an easy commute to Orlando and Tampa. Sun Ridge includes a 55-plus neighborhood of manufactured homes as well as subdivisions with single-family ranch-style and contemporary houses. “The area has a good community vibe. People walk down the street and meet their neighbors and know them,” says Teri Markley, a broker salesperson with Century 21 Watson & Myers Realty. She has sold homes there for 29 years and used to live in the area. Homes Many folks buy into the co-op housing in the Oakwood Estates 55-plus community. The mobile home park’s 1980s steel-frame houses are valued between $90,000 and $160,000. The neighborhood offers lifetime leases without monthly rent. The gated community’s amenities include two solar-heated swimming pools, a tennis court, a mini golf course and cable TV. Residents participate in monthly potlucks, weekly bingo, casino trips, cruise trips and themed dance parties. To the south of Oakwood Estates but north of Thornhill Road, homebuyers can purchase 1990s stucco-exterior bungalows and ranch-style houses for between $250,000 and $320,000. Stucco-exterior multi-story contemporaries built between the early 2000s and today cost between $300,000 and $360,000. South of Thornhill Road, 1990s bungalows and ranch-style houses sell for between $180,000 and $240,000. “It’s a pretty stable area, meaning there is not a lot of turnover,” Markley says. Schools Children often begin their educations at Eagle Lake Elementary, which has a 17-to-1 student-teacher ratio and a C-plus Niche rating. Westwood Middle School students are 19% proficient in math and 26% in reading. The school has a C-minus Niche rating. Teens typically move on to Lake Region High School, which has a C Niche rating and a 93% graduation rate. The high school also offers a slate of Advanced Placement classes. Shopping About 4 miles northeast, Harborside serves surf and turf meals to patrons overlooking Lake Shipp. Locals travel 2 ½ miles east to chow down on smoked meats at Blackburn’s BBQ or have breakfast with friends at Eagle Lake Family Diner. Folks grab pizza and subs at Hungry Howie’s and grab a meal on the go at the McDonald’s on the neighborhood’s north end. “The area mostly has grocery and fast-food shopping. There’s no downtown shopping or anything,” Markley says. Residents purchase groceries at the Publix on Winter Lake Road. People pick up prescriptions at the nearby CVS. Walmart and Aldi are 5 ½ miles northeast. Parks The Marshall Hampton Reserve is 2 ½ miles northwest of Sun Ridge. Live oaks, sweet gum and palmettos populate the over-1,100-acre wetland reserve. It includes a 60-acre pond and miles of hiking and horseback riding trails. Animals include bobcats, gopher tortoises and barred owls. The popular Lake Hancock is immediately west of Sun Ridge. Locals take motorized boats onto the lake to catch catfish, bluegill and bass. Just north of Sun Ridge, Simmers-Young Park offers ten multi-purpose fields, baseball and softball fields, a playground, picnic tables and picnic shelters. Events The nearby Auburndale Speedway regularly hosts stock car races. Locals enjoy boat tours of Winter Haven’s connecting chain of lakes. Children often take field trips to the Polk County Historical Museum. Polk City, about 17 miles north of Sun Ridge, is known for the Fantasy of Flight aviation museum, home to over 150 aircraft. Folks travel 9 miles east to Legoland Florida Resort, which boasts over 50 rides and a lazy river. The Universal Orlando Resort and the Walt Disney World Resort are within 50 miles of Sun Ridge. Tampa’s beaches are about 55 miles west of Sun Ridge. Transportation Sun Ridge is just east of U.S. Highway 17. Folks travel 8 miles southwest to Bartow Regional Medical Center. Interstate 4 takes residents 55 miles northeast to Orlando and 47 miles west to Tampa, where folks appreciate the beaches. When residents take flights, they typically use Tampa International Airport. “The easy commutes to Orlando and Tampa are a big draw for many homebuyers,” Markley says.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Bartow Has More Owners
Rental Home Trends
Number of Homes for Rent
42
Median Rent
$1,829
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,850
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$2,198
Median Townhouse Rent
$1,200
Median 2 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$1,200
Median Condo Rent
$1,275
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$1,295
Demographics
Total Population
21,734
Median Age
37
Population Density
282 ppl/acre
Population under 18
26.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$56,852
Significantly below the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$76,419
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
90.2%
College Graduates
22.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6.7%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
52''
Average Winter Low Temperature
51°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Moderately bikeable
Bikeability®
60/ 100
Somewhat walkable
Walkability®
30/ 100
Limited public transit
Transit®
30/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
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.
