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:
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On average, homes in Bartow, FL sell after 82 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Bartow, FL over the last 12 months is $317,022, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
NO HOA! SOO many upgrades! Don't miss this chance to secure a beautiful home with added financial flexibility.Welcome to your private country retreat, where modern comfort meets fully equipped acreage living. This well-maintained 2019 Champion manufactured home (30x60) sits on a beautifully improved and fully usable property designed for both relaxation and functionality.Inside, you’ll
Beautiful Corner, Elevated Lot | Premier Series | Built 2024 | Move-In Ready Stunning Premier Series, energy-efficient home built in 2024, situated on a premium corner, elevated lot with peaceful retention pond views in the backyard, located in The Grove at Stuart Crossing. This 4-bedroom, 2-bath residence offers a desirable open-concept floor plan that seamlessly connects the kitchen, dining,
Welcome to this well-maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bath home in the Liberty Rd Ph 2 community of Bartow. Built in 2022, this home offers a bright open-concept layout connecting the kitchen, dining, and living areas, ideal for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen features modern finishes, ample cabinet space, and generous counter space. The split-bedroom floor plan offers privacy for the
Country with Class or County Chic—either way, this custom 2017 home delivers both style and serenity on 5.43 acres just outside Bartow. Enjoy the peace of country living while staying conveniently close to Bartow, Winter Haven, Lakeland, and Lake Wales.Step through the front door and you’re greeted by wide-plank custom wood flooring that flows throughout much of the home. The spacious living
NO HOA! SOO many upgrades! Don't miss this chance to secure a beautiful home with added financial flexibility.Welcome to your private country retreat, where modern comfort meets fully equipped acreage living. This well-maintained 2019 Champion manufactured home (30x60) sits on a beautifully improved and fully usable property designed for both relaxation and functionality.Inside, you’ll
Stunning Bartow Bungalow! This 3/2 home has been updated throughout. Original Maple Hardwood Floors have been professionally restored, new metal roof, tankless water heater and so much more. This spacious open floor plan allows for an easy entertaining space and todays lifestyles. Large master suite boasts a fantastic walk-in closet, bathroom has dual sinks with leather granite counter tops. New
**PRICE IMPROVEMENT** ENJOY FLORIDA LIVING AS IT'S FINEST...in this Beautifully Updated 2 Bedroom/2 Bath in the sought-after 55+ community of Floral Lakes. Step inside to a bright, contemporary space featuring a modern kitchen with all new Stainless Steel Appliances, Island with Breakfast Bar. The open living and dining area boasts plenty of natural light. The primary bedroom suite offers a
Beautiful 4-bedroom, 2-bath home with a 2-car garage, thoughtfully designed with comfort, tranquility, and entertaining in mind. Perfect as a first home for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle, this residence offers the space and features many buyers dream of. The home includes a new roof, impact windows and doors, and a direct ventilation duct system for improved comfort and efficiency. Inside,
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
Virtually Staged. ***5000.00 TOWARDS CLOSING COSTS WITH AN ACCEPTABLE OFFER!! TESLA POWERED SOLAR PANELS + 2 POWERWALL BATTERIES PAID OFF AT CLOSING!!** Welcome to 2060 Ashboro Place in the desirable Magnolia Walk community of Bartow! Built in 2018, this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers an open-concept design, modern finishes, and energy-saving features that make everyday
Home has an Assumable Mortgage with a 3.2% interest rate. Discover the perfect blend of flexibility, income potential, and modern living with this unique property situated on just under half an acre! Currently configured as a spacious multi-functional residence, this property offers endless possibilities for homeowners, investors, or multi-generational living. The upstairs features a private
Short Sale. Welcome to 1919 Thompson Preserve Blvd, a 2023-built home featuring the highly sought-after Westminster floor plan by Southern Homes. Nestled within the desirable, gated community of Thompson Preserve in Bartow, this residence offers 1,727 square feet and needs a little TLC. This home is ideal for those seeking a vibrant community atmosphere with convenient access to all that Bartow
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
The Aria is one of our one-story floorplans featured in Wind Meadows South in Bartow, Florida. With multiple exteriors to choose from, the Aria is a popular home. Inside this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, you’ll find 1,672 square feet of comfortable living. This all-concrete block constructed, one-story layout optimizes living space with an open concept kitchen overlooking the living area, dining
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 throughout the front walkway leading into the living room, offering added privacy while improving
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
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
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 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,
Property Id: 25399083/2/2 Single Family Home on the best cul de sac in West Bartow. Completely renovated upon purchase. Many upgrades, including, stainless steel refrigerator, stove, tiled, laminate, or vinyl flooring, Central HVAC all installed within the last 3 years or so, seeking mature, responsible, clean folks to appreciate and maintain it. Walking distance to the Polk Community
Lease this home and get more from Invitation Homes professional property management. This home comes fully loaded with quality amenities, must-have services, high-end tech and ProCare® professional maintenance. Your estimated total monthly payment is $2143.90. That covers your base rent, $1999.00 + our required services designed to make your life easier: Air Filter Delivery Fee ($9.95), Internet
Property Id: 2576936Welcome to your new home at 1335 E Bay St in Bartow, FL! This charming 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom unit comes with all utilities included and is pet-friendly for cats and dogs. Enjoy amenities such as a refrigerator, washer/dryer, microwave, and fenced yard. With a designated parking space and close proximity to parks, this property won't last long. Don't miss out on this
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 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 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,
Beautiful, pet-friendly home coming soon! Apply now, Move-In is available on or after the listed date. Upon approval, $500 reservation deposit to reserve (applied to security deposit and/or refundable). Application fee: $50 per adult. Security Deposit: one month?s rent. Pet fees: $250 + $40/mo per pet. Some homes may include pool ($150/mo), septic ($15/mo), and/or HOA fees; other fees may apply.
Please note, our homes are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and are not reserved until the holding fee agreement is signed and the holding fee is paid by the primary applicant.Coming soon! This home is currently being enjoyed by another resident but will be available soon. Please respect their privacy and do not disturb. You can complete the application process and reserve
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
53
Median Rent
$1,850
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,890
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$2,200
Median Townhouse Rent
$1,850
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$1,575
Median Condo Rent
$1,285
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$1,328
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
Minimal public transit
Transit®
10/ 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.
