$244,077Average Value$210Average Price per Sq Ft31Homes 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
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Jarrod Bock
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On average, homes in Fort Meade, FL sell after 122 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Fort Meade, FL over the last 12 months is $249,500, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Come see the updated residence at 613 4th St NE, recently improved with a new roof and fresh exterior paint. Inside, fresh interior paint and partial flooring replacement enhance the living spaces. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances and an accent backsplash. The primary bedroom contains a walk-in closet, while the primary bathroom includes double sinks. An outdoor patio complements
If a picture is worth a thousand words, this home tells a beautiful story.Fully renovated and beautifully situated on 3.16 acres, this exceptional 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath luxury farmhouse offers approximately 3,664 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, combining refined finishes with the comfort and freedom of country living.The first story features masonry/block
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
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.
Unlock the potential of this exceptional 7.68-acre parcel located in the peaceful countryside of Fort Meade. As the last available residential lot in the desirable Wright Estates Subdivision, this property is perfect for those looking to build their dream home, start a homestead, bring your animals for a small hobby farm or enjoy wide-open space with flexible use. Existing City electric utility
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 a 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
Discover a rare opportunity to own 125 acres of fully operational ranchland along the edge of Florida’s historic ridge in southeastern Polk County. Located on Lake Buffum Road near Fort Meade, this exceptional property combines wide-open pasture, established ranch infrastructure, and a beautifully maintained custom home—creating an ideal setting for cattle, horses, recreation, or simply enjoying
West Lake Buffum Acreage is 20.17 acres located outside of Fort Meade on West Lake Buffum Road. This property is almost completely uplands with about 1/4 of an acre in wetlands. There is an 8" well powered by a Deutz diesel engine, with the ability to irrigate the entire property at once. While currently planted in citrus, this property would be a great place to have a home on acreage or convert
An exceptional agricultural investment opportunity awaits with this 46.09-acre property, featuring 18 acres of fully planted commercial bamboo. The grove consists of the highly desirable Asper variety, now five years established and already producing healthy 20–30 ft canes, with full maturity approaching. This unique offering includes a 10-year buyback contract with a Florida-based company for
Spanning across 1,693 acres, Peace River Legacy Ranch East is one of the largest available land offerings in Central Florida. Currently supporting an approximate 350-400-head cattle operation, the property is equipped with cross-fenced pastures, cow pens, a commodity barn, and an equipment pole barncreating a functional setup with room to expand.The ranch has been actively managed
Stretching across 2,545 acres in the heart of Central Florida, Peace River Legacy Ranch is a property where size, location, and opportunity come together. Designed as a working cattle operation with roughly 400 head, the ranch is set up for growth with cross-fenced pastures, well-placed lanes, cow pens, a large commodity barn, and an equipment pole barn. Years of thoughtful land management,
Tucked away off Lake Buffum Road West for exceptional privacy, this stunning 108.88± acre sportsman’s preserve on Lake Buffum in Fort Meade, Florida offers a rare opportunity to own a true slice of Old Florida. With approximately 2,000 feet of shoreline along the expansive 1,500-acre lake, the property is perfectly suited for building your dream dock and enjoying some of the area’s best
Lake Rosanna is a property of many possibilities. Located inside the city limits of Fort Meade, this 95.21 acre tract has many desired features. Situated on the northern end of the fully private 25 acre lake is a 3,643 square foot concrete block home. The home has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a garage, and a gorgeous view of the dock located at the edge of the water. While the majority of the
Remodeled 2 Bdrm apartment on shady treed area in quiet well kept neighborhood .close to city hall post office, fire de, sheriff, ace hardware, Mc Donald’s, Wa Wa, Dollar store, Grocery shopping, laundry mat, community center, bust stop and very safe friendly neighborhood.
2 Bdrm Duplex for rent in quiet neighborhood . Washer / Dryer In unit. Shady oak trees and well kept yard . Assigned off street parking . Off of HWY 17. 1 block away from Bus Stop. Bus goes to Walmart and surrounding cities 6 times a day . One block from park and community center .Adding all new hard wood flooring !!
BRAND NEW HOME FOR RENT IN FORT MEADE includes water, sewer & lawn mowing. NEW COMMUNTIY POOL UNDER CONSTRUCTION. This Stunning NEW Champion 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom manufactured home features an open floor plan with stylish grey cabinetry, all stainless-steel appliances that flow seamlessly into the living area, including an island perfect for entertaining. The bathroom offers large glass-enclosed
$2,899 - 6 Bedroom 3 Bathroom House In Fort Meade with 1 Acre Lot 5beds | 1 office room | 3 baths | 3925 sq. ft. Spacious 5 bedroom, 1 office room and 3 bathroom home located in Fort Meade, offering 3,925 square feet of living space on a full 1-acre lot. The layout includes 1 kitchen and 2 separate living rooms, providing plenty of room for comfortable living and flexibility. Date
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!! 3 apartment units available #503, #513, & #519. 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
BRAND NEW HOME FOR RENT - includes water, sewer & lawn mowing. NEW COMMUNITY POOL BEING BUILT. This brand-new Champion 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom spacious home features an open floor plan with stylish grey cabinetry, all stainless-steel appliances that flow seamlessly into the living area, including an island perfect for entertaining. The bathroom offers large glass-enclosed shower with contemporary
BRAND NEW HOME FOR RENT IN FORT MEADE includes water, sewer & lawn mowing. NEW COMMUNITY POOL UNDERWAY. The brand-new Champion 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom spacious manufactured home features an open floor plan with stylish grey cabinetry, all stainless-steel appliances that flow seamlessly into the living area. The bathroom offers large glass-enclosed shower with contemporary finishes. A dedicated
BRAND NEW HOME FOR RENT IN FORT MEADE includes water, sewer & lawn mowing. NEW COMMUNITY POOL UNDERWAY. This New home is a spacious 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath home features a sleek exterior with gray siding and a concrete driveway, all set within a peaceful neighborhood setting. Inside, the open-concept living area showcases stylish gray cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and wood flooring that
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