Once a rural area of citrus groves, Haines City, located 40 miles south of Orlando, is today part of Central Florida's explosive growth. Residential developers have responded to a population that increased roughly 30 percent between 2020 and 2024. "It's becoming a very popular area, and when new communities are being built, you know that place is up-and-coming," says Susan Cook, a Realtor with Century 21 Carioti, of Haines City.
Around half the city's population is Hispanic, as is the mayor, Omar Arroyo. "The Hispanic community is growing pretty quickly, but [Mayor Arroyo] is working for everyone and wants to bring in more infrastructure because the population is growing so fast," says Carlos DeJesus of Exit Realty Four Corners, who has sold several properties in the city.
Haines City is located 40 miles south of Orlando and is part of Central Florida's explosive growth.
Residential developers responded to Haines City's 30% growth from 2020 to 2024.
Summerlin Groves is a community of new homes in Haines City, FL by KB Homes.
Summerling Groves includes a diverse mix of Single-family homes designed to elevate your living in Haines City.
1/4
Planned developments anchor the newest construction
Much of the new construction is in planned developments on the city's outskirts, with contemporary homes in walkable settings. Small and midsized older homes in non-HOA neighborhoods are concentrated around downtown. The city also has established communities that attract those seeking second homes or visitors looking for rental properties. One example is Balmoral Resort, which is "a great community with a waterpark and community management on site," Cook says. "It also has townhouses, so it covers a lot of price points." The median home price in Haines City is about $325,000. Manufactured homes offer the most affordable alternative, ranging from the low $100,000s to the mid-$200,000s.
Despite being in the middle of the state, Haines City is not immune to the impact of severe weather during hurricane season. Homeowners should be aware that insurance rates may reflect this.
This midsized ranch-style house in Haines City is located near downtown.
Balmoral Resort in Haines City offers a great community with management and a water park.
Large Contemporary homes are available in Balmoral Resort, Haines City.
A notable feature of Balmoral Resort in Haines City is its stunning water park.
1/4
Lake Eva Community Park, new soccer complex are recreational highlights
Haines City has around seven parks, athletic complexes and a mile-plus-long paved Haines City Trail. Lake Eva Community Park is "one of the city's main attractions," DeJesus says. "It's got a public water park, tennis courts, basketball courts, everything." It's also home to the Haines City Theater, a performing arts center that has been part of the community for over 40 years. The park hosts the Fourth of July's Thunder on the Ridge, the largest fireworks show in Polk County. It runs in conjunction with Ribs on the Ridge, a barbecue festival that attracts competing pitmasters from across the state. Other annual events at the park include the Ironman 70.3 race and Glitter, Glisten and Snow, the city's Christmas celebration.
The city opened its first soccer complex in 2024, adjacent to the Larry Parrish Baseball Complex. Public golf courses include the Southern Dunes Golf & Country Club, and the city is located near Winter Haven's Chain of Lakes, whose connected waterways are a haven for boaters and anglers.
Lake Eva Community Park is one of the city's main attractions.
Lake Eva Community Park is a 29-acre complex with a park, basketball and tennis courts in Haines City.
1/2
Magnet schools include Bethune Academy
Students are served by Polk County Schools, a district that offers school choice and earns a B from Niche. The city is home to Bethune Academy, a STEM-based magnet school for pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade students, and Daniel Jenkins Academy, a middle school that focuses on environmental science. Both schools are rated B-minus by Niche.
Haines City is home to Bethune Academy, a STEM-focused magnet school.
Haines City is part of Polk County Public Schools, which earns a B from Niche.
1/2
Citrus retains a foothold but new industries move in
The influence of the citrus industry has waned statewide, but it still maintains a foothold in Polk County. Ridge Island Groves is a popular Haines City tourist attraction that is a reminder of the industry's role in the local economy. At the same time, city officials are working to diversify the economy to support modern growth. The Haines City Economic Development Council touts its proximity to major highways and railways and its centralized location to seaports on both sides of the state. The Haines City Industrial Park has a spur connection to the central CSX rail line, which allows farmers to transport their goods through national and global supply chains.
The EDC recently announced the groundbreaking for Polk State College's Haines City-Davenport Campus. Located next to AdventHealth Heart of Florida Hospital along U.S. Route 27 just north of the city, the $51 million facility is a key piece of the area's economic expansion, which includes a projected 17,000 new jobs over the next decade.
The EDC recently announced the groundbreaking for Polk State College's Haines City-Davenport Campus.
ocated next to AdventHealth Heart of Florida Hospital along U.S. Route 27 just north of the city, the $51 million facility is a key piece of the area's economic expansion.
1/2
Major roadways offer access to nearby cities, regional attractions
U.S. Route 17/92 connects west to Lakeland and north to Davenport. Route 27 links up with Interstate 4, which provides access to many of Central Florida's top attractions. "I have very good friends who have owned a house in Haines City for years. It's a bit of a drive, but they go to Disney, Universal, Sea World and the Mall at Millenia in Orlando," Cook says. The Orlando International Airport is about a 35-mile drive. Residents can also access limited bus service through LYNX.
Haines City Mall for shopping
Shopping and dining options are along U.S. Route 17/92 and Route 27, and the Haines City Mall, with a Publix, is located at the intersection of the two. It's also where the Crossroads Village Center, a mixed-use development is slated to be built. The Heart of Florida Shopping Center, which has several fast-food options, is located along Route 27. Historic buildings in the quaint downtown house local restaurants, many serving Mexican fare. West of downtown is Lang's Taste of Florida Cafe, a seasonal cafe whose famous grapefruit pie has been featured on the Food Network.
Haines City Mall is located next to Route 27 and Route 17.
With an array of shops and dining options Haines City Mall has what your looking for.
1/2
Crime in Haines City
According to Haines City Police Department data from 2022, the city's violent crime rate is about half the statewide rate. Property crime rates are similarly low.
The region generally has mild winters and hot, humid summers. From late summer through fall, the area is at risk of hurricanes.
Written By
Matt Pallister
Photography Contributed By
Jeffery Palmer
Video By
Colleen Carey
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Scott Alexander,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
On average, homes in Haines City, FL sell after 140 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Haines City, FL over the last 12 months is $313,230, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
MOTIVATED SELLER. 55+ Gated Golf Community, Resort-style living and Own your own land! This 2/2 house has an inside laundry, a LARGE bonus room, and an open floorplan. New Roof 2023. Plumbing updated so no grey pipe. Hi-Rise toilets and counter height vanities. The bedroom sizes are ample, the flooring is all luxury vinyl laminate, and the AC Bonus Rooms provides so many choices! Community
ON THE POND WITH A VIEW! Own your land and run your own life as this is a community owned by the residents and we make the decisions (I live here!) The HOA includes everything except your electric bill and lawn mowing! This beauty provides entertainment by all the nature you get a birds-eye view of from your kitchen, back patio, and the Florida Room. The floors are all laminate, the rooms are
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. SELLER OFFERING $10,000 CREDIT TOWARDS BUYER’S CLOSING COSTS / RATE BUY DOWN! Welcome to 580 Buchannan Drive, a beautiful newer construction home with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 car garage, and UPSTAIRS LOFT! With approximately 2,600 SqFt of living area, this home was built in 2020 and offers upgraded features. Let's walk through the home: after
ON THE POND WITH A VIEW! Own your land and run your own life as this is a community owned by the residents and we make the decisions (I live here!) The HOA includes everything except your electric bill and lawn mowing! This beauty provides entertainment by all the nature you get a birds-eye view of from your kitchen, back patio, and the Florida Room. The floors are all laminate, the rooms are
This 2001 Jacobson home is one you must see to believe. The furniture is staying with the home. Every room is beautifully decorated. The living room and formal dining area are perfect for entertaining. The kitchen, directly off the dining area has plenty of counter space for food prep. Transom windows over the regular living room windows provides plenty of natural light. The kitchen provides a
Own your own land! Resort style living for an affordable price! Run your own life as this is a community owned by the residents and we make the decisions (I live here!) The HOA includes everything except your electric bill and lawn mowing! ON THE POND! An AC'd Florida Room all across the back to enjoy the view, plus an outdoor patio! This LARGE 2/2 house has beautiful floors and textured walls,
Welcome to 1511 Finnigan Cir, Haines City, FL, a like-new home in the sought-after Gracelyn Grove community by Ryan Homes. This beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home spans 1,722 square feet, offering a modern, open-concept layout designed for comfort and convenience. Nestled in a prime location with easy access to US-27 and I-4, this home provides the perfect balance of peaceful
SOLAR PANELS = LOWER ELECTRIC BILLS!This energy-efficient SMART HOME is designed to save you money without sacrificing comfort. BONUS: One of the bedrooms is currently set up as a home gym—equipment can stay for your indoor workout needs or be removed upon request.Located just down the street from a dog park and playground, this is a perfect home for big families looking for space,
Stunning like-new house ready for move-in. This property has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a 2-vehicle garage attached. Open concept with an open feel. A sparkling clean kitchen with white cabinets and quartz countertops, including all stainless steel appliances and an eat-in space at the counter, perfect for entertaining. Laundry is located inside the house in its independent closet, and it
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
