Lake Wales

Waterfront living on Lake Ashton Ease and accessibility are the cornerstones of this Lake Wales neighborhood in Central Florida. With an average temperature of 73 degrees, residents of the Lake Ashton community can indulge in the warm climate, their lakeside proximity and plenty of water-oriented activities throughout the year. Residents here operate on “lake time,” meaning they enjoy life at a slower, more laid-back pace. “Lake Ashton is small enough that you know your neighbors well, but large enough to include any amenities you’ll ever need,” explains Michael Krigelski, Realtor with A+ Realty LLC and over 19 years of experience selling in the area. In addition, Lake Ashton’s direct access to the area’s many amenities and recreational spaces, adds to this community’s charm. Palm trees, Cape Cods and ranch-style homes Upon first impression, visitors to Lake Ashton are greeted by precise landscaping and streets lined with tall palm trees. Boasting a wide variety of housing options, prospective buyers can choose from manufactured homes, minimalist Cape Cod and ranch-styles, or opt for the larger direct lakefront properties. Price points here vary from the low $300,000s to upwards of $800,000 depending on the age, size and condition of the property. It's also important to note that this neighborhood offers both age-restricted and non-restricted gated communities, in addition to private lots. The gated communities often feature lakefront views, while also providing membership amenities such as boating access and exclusive members-only golf courses. Many also feature their own clubhouses and pools. While much of the housing community has been established since 2004, the neighborhood is also actively developing new homes within new subdivisions. Lake Ashton Retirement Community Lake Ashton is also home to a master-planned, age-restricted gated community for individuals 55 years of age and older. Residents of the Lake Ashton Retirement Community enjoy lakefront access and resort-like amenities such as 24-hour staffed gatehouses, public boat docks and ramps, a fitness center and sauna, and on-site activities and programs. Realtor Krigelski describes this community as “premier, active and adult.” Residents also appreciate their proximity to downtown Lake Wales, for additional dining and retail options. Lakeside shopping at Eagle Ridge Mall For shopping and dining options, the Eagle Ridge Mall is only 4 miles away. Known as a regional shopping center, Eagle Ridge offers over 50 distinct retailers, ranging from a Dillard’s department store and a Rack Room Shoes to a Nick's For Men and Bath & Body Works. Residents also appreciate their proximity to grocery stores like Publix and Aldi, as well as big-box retailers like Wal-Mart. When dining in the area, locals can enjoy a meal at the Lake Wales Family Restaurant, which serves Greek-style breakfast and lunch options until 3:00 p.m. every day. For dinner options, head to Chilis for their western egg rolls appetizers and Tex-Mex cuisine. Or finish off the night at the Ovation Bistro & Bar for in-house smoked meats and live music. High-marks for Lake Wales Schools, with outstanding athletics Students in the Lake Ashton area can expect to attend schools like Frank E. Bringham Academy, Union Academy Magnet School and Bartow Senior High School, all of which have earned a ranking of B or higher from educational review site, Niche. Frank E. Bringham Academy serves students from kindergarten through Grade 5, and incorporates many learning tools and STEM-integrated IB experiences into its curriculum. For Grades 6 through 8, students may attend Union Academy Magnet School, where all students are enrolled in advanced-level academic courses with the option to participate in the International Baccalaureate Pre-IB and Diploma Program. For Grades 9 through 12, students may attend Bartow Senior High School, known for its athletic program and both its team and individual state championships for football, boys basketball, swimming, boys weightlifting and girls softball over the last 40 years. For those looking for alternative schooling options, private or charter institutions like the Edward W. Bok Academy North or The Vanguard School are also common here. Fishing on Lake Ashton and playing fetch at Lake Wales Dog Park Lake Ashton features an abundance of natural green spaces to choose from within 10 miles of this community. The landscape is home to over ten individual lakes, including Lake Ashton, where residents can spend their afternoons jet skiing, fishing or cruising on their boats. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission monitors fishing in this area, and regulations and boating ramp access are updated regularly on their website. Residents seeking to rent boats or watersport vehicles can visit Central Florida Watersports and Boat Rentals, located in nearby Winter Haven. For residents with pets, local spots like Lake Wales Dog Park provide the perfect off-leash space for socializing. The park features two fenced areas, one for small and one for large dogs. There are also paved walking paths for on-leash walking and picnic tables for sharing good eats on-the-go. A visit to Bok Tower Gardens, which features palm tree-lined walking trails and ponds complete with lily pads is also home to The Singing Tower, the highest point on Florida’s peninsula. The tower features bronze bells which can be heard chiming throughout the sanctuary’s grounds. Bird lovers can enjoy watching their feathered- friends at the Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife and Environmental Area, where they’ll have a chance to catch a glimpse of the Florida scrub-jay, a threatened bird species that calls this area home. And of course, only a half mile away from Lake Ashton, golf enthusiasts can tee-up at the local public driving range, at Lake Ashton Golf Club. Featuring an 18-hole course open year round, locals often spend the day on the course and then grab a pizza, BLT, or other American classics at the on-site bar, The Eagle’s Nest. Transportation around Lake Wales Residents of Lake Ashton are primarily car-dependent and individuals looking to travel outside of the neighborhood can do so via U.S. Route 27 and U.S. Route 60. Lake Ashton, and the greater Lake Wales area, is equidistant from the major cities of Tampa and Orlando, with both located approximately 60 miles away, respectively. The location is also close to several healthcare providers, such as Advent Health Lake Wales and IMA Medical Center of Lake Wales, within 10 miles of the neighborhood.