$223,916Average Value$174Average Price per Sq Ft16Homes 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:
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On average, homes in East Bartow, Bartow sell after 78 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in East Bartow, Bartow over the last 12 months is $240,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Step into your storybook ending! This delightful 3-bedroom, 1-bath pool home sits on nearly half an acre, giving you all the space you need to spread out, entertain, or simply relax. Nestled in a quiet setting yet just minutes from downtown Bartow, you’ll enjoy the perfect balance of peace and convenience—close to local restaurants, community events, and small-town charm.Inside, everything
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MOVE IN SPECIAL !! -- Move In by October 1st, 2025 and receive $100 off your 1st months Rent!!!!Welcome to your new home sweet home! This charming 3-bedroom apartment in the heart of Bartow is perfect for those looking for comfort and convenience. With 1,284 square feet of living space, you'll have plenty of room to relax and entertain.This lovely property features:- 3
Beautiful NEW home built in 2023! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath property offers an open floor plan with modern finishes and plenty of natural light. Enjoy a spacious kitchen, comfortable living areas, and a large backyard perfect for family and friends. Conveniently located near schools, shopping, and downtown Bartow. No HOA or CDD – move-in ready!
MOVE IN SPECIAL !! -- Move In by October 1st, 2025 and receive $100 off your 1st months Rent!!!!Welcome to your new home sweet home! This charming 3-bedroom apartment in the heart of Bartow is perfect for those looking for comfort and convenience. With 1,284 square feet of living space, you'll have plenty of room to relax and entertain.This lovely property features:- 3
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