$243,087Average Value$214Average Price per Sq Ft48Homes For Sale
"A lazy little Southern town"
Fort Meade, Florida, is a historic settlement and the oldest city in Polk County. It’s named after Army Lieutenant George Meade, who settled the area in 1849. Amid the cattle farms and citrus groves, change has come slowly to Fort Meade, but that can be an attraction of its own. “It’s a lazy little Southern town that has been the same for 50 years,” says Realtor Nell Nelson of Florida Land Office LLC. “And some people like that.” Fort Meade Chamber of Commerce Director Russell Hancock adds, “It’s a very rural area with a quiet, small-town atmosphere. It’s a great place to raise a family.
Named after the man who put it on the map, Fort Meade is a historic settlement in Polk County.
Fort Meade’s small downtown district along Broadway Street remains loyal to its historic past.
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A downtown straight from the late 1800s
Fort Meade’s small downtown district along Broadway Street remains reminiscent of the city’s late-1800s heyday. Fort Meade Main Street focuses on preserving the local history while moving forward economically. It was named the 2023 Main Street program of the year by Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd. Small, independent businesses — furniture and antique shops, a tattoo parlor, a gunsmith and others — line a strip near the railroad. Broadway intersects with U.S. Route 17, itself home to several notable businesses. These include Kiki’s Egg House, a popular breakfast stop, and John’s Drive-In, which serves classic American dinner favorites. “We have to go to either Bartow or south to Hardee County for most shopping,” Hancock says. This requires a quick drive up or down Route 17.
Downtown Fort Meade features several independent businesses.
Locals can enjoy some lunch in the sunshine next to the historic train engine.
Kiki’s Egg House is a popular breakfast spot for Fort Meade Locals.
John's Drive-In serves classic American diner fare.
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Canoeing and kayaking on the Peace River
Much of Fort Meade’s growth has come from ecotourism. The Peace River offers an array of water-related activities. As one of the first locales in Florida to be designated a “Blueway” city, Fort Meade has become a haven for canoers, kayakers and paddle boarders. It is also a stop on the 67-mile Peace River Paddling Trail. Patterson Park is another spot for outdoor recreation in Fort Meade. Built around three lakes that were once phosphate mines, the 17-acre park offers a pair of docks for fishing and a paved trail along the water.
The Peace River offers an array of water-related activities such as kayaking and fishing.
Fishing is a popular pastime along the Peace River.
Once an old phosphate mine pit Patterson Park located in Fort Meade offers residents a great place to enjoy nature and fishing off the banks.
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From 55-and-older communities to historic farmhouses
A checkerboard of gridded residential streets surrounds Fort Meade’s two main roadways. Midcentury ranch-style homes are common throughout the city, while large farmhouses on sizeable plots appear occasionally. Two 55-and-over mobile home communities occupy the city’s eastern section: Fort Meade Estates and Oakview Lakes. The latter features a nine-hole golf course and access to a nature trail along Peace River. Mobile homes start at around $20,000 for two-bedroom units needing updates. Turnkey detached houses typically cost between $200,000 and $800,000, depending on square footage, lot size and upkeep.
Fort Meade offers a mixture of home types from all ages of architecture.
Oakview Lakes offers great affordability for its home lease manufactured homes.
New home construction brings a taste of modernness to a historical city.
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Two public schools serving all students
Lewis Anna Woodbury Elementary School accommodates kindergarten through fifth grade on two campuses. It has nearly 600 total students and a C rating from Niche. About 800 sixth through 12th graders attend Fort Meade Middle-Senior High School, which has a B. Students can develop skills in construction, hospitality, business and other trades in the school’s career academies.
Lewis Elementary School's goal is to provide high-quality education for all students.
Fort Meade Middle Senior High School is a public school located in Fort Meade, FL.
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Community gatherings under the stars
Patterson Park hosts several community events, including a youth fishing tournament in July and a Halloween costume contest. Other holiday events include Fourth of July fireworks and a Christmas parade. Every spring, the Fort Meade Chamber of Commerce hosts Moonlight & Music on Main Street. Several musical acts perform at this free event, including the Fort Meade Middle-Senior High School chorus and band. “It’s just a fun, relaxing family event. We have a few food trucks, and businesses downtown stay open during,” Hancock says.
Fort Meade locals often take U.S. 17 to shopping areas in Bartow and Bowling Green.
A straight shot to Lakeland
Route 17 takes drivers about 22 miles north into Lakeland. It also connects to several routes to Tampa, which is about 40 miles east of Fort Meade.
Written By
John Battiston
Video By
Jarrod Bock
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Fort Meade, FL sell after 103 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Fort Meade, FL over the last 12 months is $252,475, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
NO HOA! This sprawling 5 bedroom house would be perfect for a large family. The roof is only two years old and the HVAC was replaced in 2018. Kitchen has real wood cabinets, plenty of counter space and comes with all the appliances. The house has TWO adjacent dining rooms, so you can easily accommodate your extended family for holiday meals and special occasions! Next to the dining rooms you'll
Your Dream Home Awaits! Welcome to this stunning property where country charm meets modern elegance. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be captivated by the exceptional curb appeal, setting the stage for the beauty within. Step into unparalleled luxury and farmhouse-style living with this breathtaking 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home, set on nearly 11 pristine acres. This meticulously renovated property,
Motivated Seller! Welcome to 400 Wilson St NE in Fort Meade, FL—a charming and versatile property offering space, freedom, and no HOA restrictions. This 2-bedroom, 1 full bath, 1 half bath home features 1,329 sq ft of living space on a generous 0.29-acre lot. Inside, you’ll find a functional layout with an attached garage, while out back you can enjoy the covered patio space, perfect for relaxing
PRICE REDUCED!! Cleared, oversized vacant lot... ready for immediate development w/ potential to subdivide. This property presents a unique opportunity to maximize your return. Ample space for your custom home and outdoor living. Located in a desirable rural residential area. Secure your future in Ft Meade, Florida today.
WIDE OPEN SPACES! What would you do with over 50 acres of prime land? Motivated seller. Your country retreat and peaceful life are waiting.Two beautiful parcels of leveled land near Hwy 17/98 in Fort Meade ready for one lucky buyer or developer. There is a 12 inch well near the center of the property. Much of the east property line backs up to picturesque pond views. Minutes from major
Endless Potential on 11.66 Acres -Your Bougie Farm Life Awaits! This versatile 11.66 acre property is a rare find, offering a blend of open farmland, shady mature trees along wooded edges. Fully enclosed with barbed wire fencing, and farm gate, it’s ready for livestock, horses, or your dream hobby farm. The land is mostly cleared and level, making it ideal for building-whether it’s a
Nestled in the peaceful countryside of Fort Meade, this 5.54 acre vacant parcel on Old Bowling Green Rd offers the perfect blend of rural charm and development opportunity. Build your dream home in a serene setting, surrounded by open skies and country ambiance. Additional lots adjacent to this property are available.
Nestled in the peaceful countryside of Fort Meade, Florida, this 5.54 acre vacant land parcel on Old Bowling Green Road offers an excellent opportunity for rural living or agricultural use. With wide-open spaces, privacy, and scenic country views, the property is ideal for building a custom home, placing a manufactured home, or creating a small hobby farm. And additional adjacent acreage is
Nestled in the peaceful countryside of Fort Meade, Florida, this 5.54 acre vacant land parcel on Old Bowling Green Road offers an excellent opportunity for rural living or agricultural use. With wide-open spaces, privacy, and scenic country views, the property is ideal for building a custom home, placing a manufactured home, or creating a small hobby farm. And additional adjacent acreage is
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. AGENTS - PLEASE VIEW REALTOR REMARKS IN THE MLS. This BRAND-NEW BLOCK CONSTRUCTION home is a must-see!!! Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a 1-car garage on a spacious lot offers over 1,300 sq. ft. of living space. Step inside to discover an OPEN FLOOR PLAN that seamlessly connects the living room, dining area, and kitchen, creating the perfect
With more than 1,300 feet of paved road frontage and electric service available at the road, it offers excellent access for agricultural or recreational use, as well as potential for future residential development. The land is fully fenced and zoned as pasture, making it suitable for livestock or other agricultural operations. A pond provides a natural water source for cattle or wildlife, while
This home on 7.12 acres is perfect for anyone looking to live just minutes out of town on acreage. Situated among mature oaks is the 2,800 square foot 4 bedroom home. There have been recent updates to the home such as new vinyl flooring, new LED lighting throughout most of the house and new paint. The home is cooled by 2 separate HVAC systems to help with cost efficiency. Located behind the home
Spectacular, NATURAL FLORIDA SANCTUARY awaits the ultimate outdoor enthusiast! This outdoor hideaway with 285+/- acres boasts a custom-built 3,194 GSF home, pool, party barn, guest apartment, 5-stand for sporting clays, a 13+/- acre private fishing pond- stocked with largemouth bass and dock, improved pastureland, ideal hunting grounds with native, untouched oak hammocks, pine stands and palmetto
Property Id: 2241055Great location Cool shaded location ! Walking distance Near parks, shopping Market , City Hall, post office , Dollar store , Mc Donald’s community center and bus stop. Pets ok !!
Brand new and never lived in, this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers modern finishes and a functional split floor plan designed for comfort and privacy. The kitchen features granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances, with granite continuing into both bathrooms for a cohesive look. The primary suite includes a beautifully tiled walk-in shower, while the guest bathroom offers a tub with
Welcome to these charming One-Bedroom, One-Bath First-Floor Apartments with updated kitchens and bathrooms, central A/C, off-street parking, with both tile and carpet, and a NEW ROOF!! 1 apartment unit available #505. Available Immediately, NO PETS. Rent is $990.00 per month, ($960.00 rent, plus a $30.00/month water/sewer utility fee.) The total amount needed to move in,1st-month rent, plus 1-1/2
Step into this stunning brand new duplex designed with modern living in mind. The open-concept layout creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for entertaining or relaxing at home. The kitchen boasts sleek granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, making meal prep a joy. Both bedrooms are generously sized, with two full bathrooms for added convenience. Enjoy the durability and
Leased or Lease-to-Own this stunning, fully renovated property features a 2 bed, 2 bath home. Offering new floors, interior & exterior paint, new kitchen, new appliances, new HVAC, new hot water heaters, bathrooms, new metal roof, new windows and more! Whether you're looking for a multi-generational setup, in-law suite, or a steady rental income, this property has it all. Property is also
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