$219,126Average Value$174Average Price per Sq Ft15Homes For Sale
A bedroom community with historic appeal
City roots run deep along East Bartow’s streets. The suburban area, which encompasses the eastern portion of Bartow, the county seat of Polk County, is known for its recently updated historical homes. Some are set beside preserved churches, such as St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church, which opened more than 120 years ago and is now one of the county’s oldest. Burkett Chapple Primitive Baptist Church, established in the 1890s, displays similar stained-glass windows, as does Mt. Gilboa Baptist Church, another relic from the late 19th century. The community’s loose, gridded layout emphasizes the nostalgic feel, shaded by massive oaks tangled with Spanish moss and sturdy palms. “There are few red lights in East Bartow, just small city streets,” says Bartow native Teri Markley, Realtor and broker associate with Century 21 Watson & Myers Realty. “It’s definitely an older bedroom community.”
However, the southern portion of the community is devoted to industrial employers and county services, including the Central County Jail. “People know it’s there, but it doesn’t really affect them,” Markley says. The area receives a CAP Index crime score of 7 out of 10, slightly higher than the national average of 4.
Discover the charm that East Bartow has to offer with an eclectic feel that all with love.
The St. James AME church is one of the oldest in Polk County dating back to 1833.
The historic home was built in 1892 by LB Brown who was a community leader and businessman.
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Historical properties are common in East Bartow
Most of the homes in East Bartow are modest ranch-style, although buyers may find the occasional bungalow or cottage. Sidewalks are rare, but wide streets make it easy for residents to walk to the small community playground between the homes on Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard. Homes just west of South Holland Parkway hug the city’s central historic district, so it’s not uncommon to find properties that predate many nearby businesses. “I have a home for sale now that was originally built in 1887,” says Angie Reynolds, a lifetime resident of Polk County and a Realtor with Porchlight Homes LLC. “It’s neat to see how people have updated these homes.” While many of these three-bedroom houses have been renovated and cost between $200,000 and $300,000, some are sold as-is in the $150,000 to $200,000 range.
Quaint cottage homes full of charm can be found throughout East Bartow.
Grow your own garden beside your Dutch Colonial home in the Gordon Heights neighborhood.
Spanish Style homes can be found scattered throughout Bartow and are charming to the viewer.
The Split level Ranch has become a popular option for home owners looking to expand their homes.
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Career and cultural opportunities at Bartow Senior High
While some students may attend Floral Avenue Elementary, which receives a C-plus from Niche, many enroll in B-rated Bartow Elementary Academy, a magnet school in the city's heart. After attending C-rated Bartow Middle, teens can move on to B-plus-rated Bartow Senior High, which offers career academies for criminal justice, culinary arts, medical science and teaching. The school is also well-known for its German American Partnership Program, a student exchange program active for over 20 years. Additional options include Union Academy, a magnet middle school that scores a B-plus on Niche. High schoolers interested in joining the military often enroll in Summerlin Academy, a Polk County Public School of Choice started by Bartow High’s former JROTC instructor.
Bartow Elementary Academy is an above average, public, magnet school located in Bartow, FL.
Bartow Middle has over 1,000 students in grades 6-8.
Rigorous academics in a military-structured environment is what Summerlin Academy was based on.
Bartow Senior High School home of the Blue Jackets is an above average public school in Bartow.
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Kids spend summers at Carver Recreation Center
Carver Recreation Center, located across the street from Union Academy, is a year-round destination for youth sports. Its new gymnasium features basketball hoops that can be lowered to accommodate younger players, and the center often hosts local volleyball tournaments. There’s also a community garden, a spacious playground and a host of activities to keep kids busy once school lets out. “People from all over town take their children to Carver for its summer rec program,” Markley says. Right up the road is Bartow Golf Course, a public 18-hole course known to locals as “The Tow.” While there are no large lakes in Bartow, there are a few reservoirs with walking paths, including one at Summerlin Park. From here, it’s a quick stroll down the sidewalk to Nye Jordan Park, best known for its new pickleball courts and sprawling playscape with a climbing wall.
Carver Rec Center, is a year-round destination for youth sports and host a community garden.
Right up the road is Bartow Golf Course, a public 18-hole course known to locals as “The Tow.”
For those who like a leisurely stroll or a calorie-burning jog, Summerlin Park is your spot.
Local kids can spend hours at the large Nye Jordan Park playground.
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Try a local beer in downtown Bartow
East Bartow has few restaurants, save for Mulligan’s Sports Bar & Grill at the golf course and Tom’s Chicken Shack, a local staple since the 1980s. Most shopping and dining options are downtown, clustered along Main Street between local businesses, government buildings and antique stores. “It’s a very quaint downtown,” Reynolds says. “There are cute shops and boutiques, a brewery and a bakery.” Front Page Brewing Company opened in 2019 as the city’s first craft beer establishment. Family-owned spots like Hacienda Mexico are popular during the day, while The Wine Library offers a relaxed evening experience. Casual chain restaurants are more common north of Main Street, where shoppers will also find Lowe’s Home Improvement and Publix Super Market.
Main Street Bartow is an eclectic collection of restaurants with local boutiques, decor, & more.
Enjoy a nice stroll down Main Street in Bartow.
A local favorite is Front Page Brewing Co. a kid and dog-friendly brewery in downtown Bartow.
Bartow residents can get all their shopping needs at their local Publix Supermarket.
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Bartow may be the only city to make the phrase “Tow Jam” fun
Bartow is a small city, but it's big for downtown events. “It’s not unusual to head to town and find the barriers up at Broadway and Main,” Markley says. This is the case every third Friday of the month during Friday Fest, a live music event affectionately nicknamed “Tow Jam.” Markley says the Bloomin’ Art Show, a 10-year tradition, is also well-attended. However, one of the most interesting events occurs at the historic L.B. Brown House, built and owned by formerly enslaved person and self-taught carpenter Lawrence Bernard Brown in the late 1800s. Now a museum, the Victorian-style house hosts the annual L.B. Brown Heritage Festival each February, regaling visitors with tales of local heroes and celebrating with live jazz and gospel music. East Bartow residents also look forward to annual parades for Juneteenth and Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Fridayfest is a local event held every 3rd Friday is packed with vendors and local artist.
Live music event affectionately nicknamed “Tow Jam” is a local favorite at Fridayfest in Bartow.
Locals showcase their classics at monthly car shows on Mains Street in Bartow.
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Travel by car or hop on a Citrus Connection bus
Bartow is primarily car-dependent, although some commuters take advantage of the Citrus Connection buses that run throughout Polk County. Most local stops are along U.S. Route 98, known to locals as South Holland Parkway. This major thoroughfare runs past Bartow Regional Medical Center and through Lakeland to Interstate 4. Bartow Executive Airport sits about 8 miles northeast, but most people make the 25-mile trip to Lakeland Linder International Airport to catch a plane.
Many retailers and grocery stores can be found on Van Fleet Drive just north of East Bartow.
Bartow commuters take advantage of the Citrus Connection buses that run throughout Polk County.
Lakeland Linder Airport has become a great travel hub with the new Avelo Airlines flights.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Cyleste Goodson,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Mary Holland Park
Dog Park
Lake
Picnic Area
Nye Jordan Park
Basketball
Grills
Picnic Area
MLK Park
Grills
Picnic Area
Playground
Summerlin Park
Basketball
Soccer
Parking Lot
Fort Blount Park
Bartow Peace River Landing
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
East Bartow
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
7
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in East Bartow, Bartow sell after 80 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The average sale price for homes in East Bartow, Bartow over the last 12 months is $220,864, up 3% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Fully renovated DUPLEX on quiet street near DOWNTOWN BARTOW! FHA Approved Duplex was just renovated Inside and Out! Buyers will love the curb appeal, Brand new Hardie board and batten siding. Each unit consist of 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom and an open floor plan. BRAND NEW Roof. All new AC. All new plumbing. All new electrical. EVERYTHING IS NEW. This duplex is son nice it can qualify for an FHA
Discover this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home, ideally situated in the heart of Bartow, Florida. Perfect for those looking to downsize, invest, or embark on their homeownership journey, this property offers a blend of comfort and convenience.Key Features:Cozy Living Space: Enjoy a welcoming atmosphere with a well-designed layout that maximizes space and functionality.Ideal Location: Nestled
Price reduction on the most affordable single family home in Bartow with NO monthly HOA fees! Congratulations, You’ve Found Your Dream House. First time homebuyer opportunity and no flood zone! No hurricane damage from 2024!Here, you’ll find all the things your in-laws told you to look for: brand new roof, brand new AC, all brand new windows, and fresh paint inside and out. The water heater’s
Located near Hack Lake, this beautiful cottage home has loads of charm and is located on a large fenced corner lot. Numerous windows create an abundance of natural light. Tile flooring in the bathroom and kitchen, laminate in the dining and living room, and new carpet in the bedrooms. Tall baseboards and a French door add to the charm as you enter. The kitchen has added charm with bead board
B is for BEAUTIFUL! This 2-bedroom 1-bath ground floor apartment in the charming neighborhood of Historical Downtown Bartow has just undergone extensive renovations with a completely brand-new kitchen, new bathroom, new paint, new fixtures, new appliances, new HVAC, the whole sha-bang! There's off-street parking, a private back entrance into a quiet screened lanai with a garden view and lovely
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Cyleste Goodson,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
4,551
Median Age
36
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
27.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$34,073
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$54,992
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
87.3%
College Graduates
10.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.2%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
55.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
52''
Average Winter Low Temperature
51°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
55/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
30/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
