A planned community meets a rustic setting in Indian Lake Estates
More than 8,000 lots make up Indian Lake Estates, but homes occupy a little more than 700 of those lots. The rest are natural expanses of trees, shrubs and grass, creating a rustic and remote feel that’s not typical of a planned community. This community outside of Lake Wales appeals to those who want elements of rural living, thanks to its half-acre lots and unpaved roads. At the same time, Indian Lake Estates has the amenities someone might expect from a planned Florida community, such as golf courses, a clubhouse and a lakeside pavilion.
Undeveloped land creates scenery that’s ‘like living in a park’
The community’s spacious lots and lakeside location make it stand out, says Karen Boyette, broker at KB Realty Team and the community’s top-selling agent. “It’s a totally different lifestyle and vibe than living in Lake Wales,” says Boyette, whose office is in Indian Lake Estates. “It’s more remote. We have bigger lots out here.” Swaths of palm trees, pines and palmettos often separate homes, which have views of similarly wild landscapes across the street. “It’s like living in a park,” says Brian Jones, a long-term resident and managing member of KB Realty Team.
A look at home prices and annual fees
Most homes have recently sold from the mid-$200,000s to the mid-$400,000s. The median price is in the lower $300,000s, less than the medians in Orlando and Tampa. Homebuyers interested in moving to Central Florida often discover Indian Lake Estates as they search for an area that matches their budgets, Boyette says. “We are about as central as you can get. They’re looking for a price point, and they’re widening their circle and find this.”
There’s no homeowners association or community development district. Instead, nonprofit Indian Lake Estates Inc. oversees amenities, such as the lake pier and golf course, and maintains community infrastructure, such as roads. Homeowners pay an annual fee of roughly $400 to fund those efforts.
Amenities include Lake Weohyakapka, Indian Lake Estates Golf Club
One of the community’s biggest attractions is Lake Weohyakapka, locally known as Lake Walk-in-Water. The lake teems with bass, and anglers have snagged trophy-sized fish from the 7,500-acre body of water. Residents can launch a boat from the ramp for free or rent a slip at the marina. Of course, you don’t need a boat at all; Florida’s longest freshwater pier stretches 1,000 feet from the shoreline, creating spots to cast a line or catch a sunset.
Indian Lake Estates Golf Club consists of an 18-hole course and a nine-hole, par-3 course. Both courses were designed by George Cobb, the architect behind more than 100 courses, including the par-3 course at Augusta National Golf Club. Indian Lake Estates’ courses are open to the public, but the community offers memberships as well. The golf course is next to the clubhouse, home to other amenities, such as:
- A fitness center with 24/7 access
- A game room with darts, arcade games and bowling machines
- Four pickleball courts
- Two tennis courts
- The 19th Hole Bar and Grill, a restaurant serving burgers, salads and steaks, along with draft beers and cocktails
State Road 60 puts drivers on the path to Lakeland, Orlando, Tampa
The community’s grid of streets and level terrain are easy to navigate by car, bike or foot. Only some streets are paved, while others are made of dirt and sand. Indian Lake Estates connects to Florida state Road 60, a highway that puts you on the route to several cities, including:
- Lake Wales, 20 miles away, is home to grocery stores and restaurants.
- Lakeland, 50 miles away, is home to the Publix headquarters and an airport with direct flights to nine cities.
- Vero Beach, 65 miles away, is home to Atlantic beaches on a barrier island.
- Orlando, 75 miles away, is home to world-famous theme parks and Orlando International Airport.
- Tampa, 85 miles away, is home to beaches and nightlife.
A focus on fine arts and civic careers at McLaughlin Academy
Twenty miles away in Lake Wales, McLaughlin Academy of Excellence teaches sixth through 12th grade. The school offers nearly a dozen arts-related electives that allow students to explore rock and roll, dance, 3D art and scriptwriting. Students can also join the school’s Civics Career Academies to earn a project management certification and receive college credit through Polk State College.
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Written By
Alex Soderstrom
