A small town with a big personality in Central Florida
Situated along Lake Hamilton and Crystal Lake, Dundee brings a small-town feel to Central Florida. Around it, larger towns like Lakeland and Winter Haven have built up and out, but Dundee remains a small community with a personality that allows it to compete with its surroundings. “It’s one of those towns where if you blink, you miss it. It’s a throwback to what small-town America would look like,” says Realtor Cheryl Brewer with Coldwell Banker Realty and former Dundee resident. “But they are one of the only small towns that have a Fourth of July event with fireworks like the bigger towns.”
Boating on Lake Hamilton and historic Dundee landmarks
In Central Florida, residents are at no shortage of lakes, and Dundee’s residents can get out on the water at Lake Hamilton. Brewer shares that only a portion of the region’s lakes are public, but Lake Hamilton is one of them, allowing residents to boat on the waters and fish for bass. On land, residents can make use of East Central Park’s several athletic facilities for basketball, tennis and volleyball, or stretch their legs along the mile-long paved walking trail lined with exercise stations. Margaret Kampsen Historic Depot, registered as a National Historic Landmark, honors the town’s origins as a rail stop. “The only reason Dundee ever became a town is because of the railroad,” Brewer says.
Quiet stucco ranch neighborhoods in Dundee
Most homes in Dundee are stucco ranches sitting on narrow streets without sidewalks. Trees are more sparse, so neighborhoods feel more open. Some houses have pools, so residents can enjoy the Florida weather from their backyards. Dundee has a lot of new developments, and the town government is encouraging a beautification program, encouraging people to revitalize properties. Homebuyers can expect options in Dundee to list between $225,000 and $350,000 for a three- to four-bedroom house with a two-car garage.
Dundee citrus candies and burger joint arcades
In Dundee’s town center, residents can stop in Dundee Diner to check out their daily specials for soup, sides and entrees. Good Times Burgers and Ice Cream has exactly what the menu promises, plus an arcade full of vintage arcade games for kids and adults to enjoy. Davidson of Dundee is a family-owned candy store specializing in citrus candies and jellies, celebrating the region’s history with citrus groves. Today, the store still sells candies and sweet treats in the classic flavors — orange, tangerine, key lime and coconut butter.
For groceries, residents can head over to Winn-Dixie in Dundee, but there's also a Publix at Haines City Mall, just 6.7 miles away. About 5 miles south, there's a Walmart Supercenter.
Academy programs at Haines City Senior High School
Students in Dundee can attend Elbert Elementary School, before graduating to Denison Middle School. Both schools receive a C from Niche. At Haines City Senior High School, students can enroll in a number of specialized academy programs for subjects like agriculture, performing and visual arts or educational studies. The high school earns a C-plus from Niche.
Dundee's local monthly markets and holiday parades
On the second Saturday of the month, residents can shop local produce and artisan goods at Market Day at the Depot, hosted along Dundee’s Main Street and the historic train station. The town hosts fireworks shows to kick off the new year and for the Fourth of July each year. At Christmas, the Town of Dundee Christmas Parade features cars and golf carts decked out in holiday lights alongside the floats.
Buses through Dundee's downtown
Along Main Street and Center Street in downtown Dundee, residents can find most of the town’s shops and restaurants, as well as buses. Dundee is situated between larger towns like Haines City, just 6 miles away, and Winter Haven, 7.5 miles away. Winter Haven Regional Airport is 15 miles from Dundee, but Lakeland International Airport is also available, just 26 miles away. Lakeland itself is just 21 miles from the community. The nearest medical center is Winter Haven Hospital, 7.4 miles away.
Central Florida's hills and inclines
The eastern portion of the town is part of an elevated ridge, setting it apart from the rest of Central Florida. “You can actually notice that you have steep inclines and lots of hills,” Brewer says.
Written By
Matt Pallister
Photography Contributed By
Jeffery Palmer
