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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Grace Kim
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