Lake Wales works to create a vision for the future
In the shadow of the iconic carillon at the Bok Tower Gardens lies Lake Wales, a charming Polk County city of 17,000 with a rich past and a promising future. City leaders here are in the middle of a massive reinvigoration plan, including an $18 million upgrade to the historic downtown, improving walkability and preserving valuable open space. All of this is in line with the vision of Frederick Law Olmstead Jr., the iconic American landscape architect who imagined that Lake Wales could be a living, growing work of art – a city as a garden. “You go downtown and you see the revitalization projects going on, the changes that are being made,” says Karen Boyette, a Realtor with KB Realty Team. “It’s really awesome for Lake Wales that people will be able to get around a historic district where more and more little shops are opening up. It’s very exciting.”
In the shadow of the iconic carillon at the Bok Tower Gardens lies the city of Lake Wales.
Lake Wales has seen a massive reinvigoration with an $18 million upgrade to downtown.
The reinvigoration of downtown is the centerpiece of the community’s redevelopment plans.
The gardens at Bok Tower feature many different species of flora, and changes with the seasons.
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Downtown revitalization is key to the city's growth
The reinvigoration of downtown is the centerpiece of the community’s redevelopment plans. Projects include retrofitting streets to make them more pedestrian-friendly and accessible to bike riders and preserving open space that will be connected to downtown via a network of trails. The downtown district is a growing hub of activity that features a collection of local shops and eclectic eateries. Additional shopping and dining destinations are concentrated along several commercial corridors, with the busiest being State Road 60. “You’ve got Manny’s Original Chophouse; Norby’s, which has been around forever; and Crazy Fish, which is really popular,” Boyette says. The Publix-anchored Southgate Shopping Center is located along SR 60 as well.
Olmsted Jr. who designed Bok tower gardens also helped design the downtown district.
Downtown Lake Wales is full of local mom & pop restaurants and shops
The historic Rhodesbilt Arcade building features an array of shops & dining options for guests.
Start your morning off with a fresh cup of coffee and homemade pastry from The Ranch Coffeehouse
Manny’s Original Chophouse is a local favorite in Lake Wales.
Locals flock to Publix Supermarkets for their weekly groceries
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Tourism and citrus anchor the economy
A revitalized downtown will bring more tourism dollars into the city and boost an economy that has traditionally been dependent on the citrus industry. Citrus groves are still found in and around the city, and Florida’s Natural Growers on U.S. Highway 27 is a major employer. The city’s attempts to attract more manufacturing jobs are an effort to diversify the economy. Advanced Drainage System began construction of a state-of-the-art pipe-making facility in May of 2024.
Rolling Citrus groves are still found in and around Lake Wales.
Residents of Lake Wales can enjoy the fragrance of orange blossoms and citrus every spring.
The Citrus giant, Florida’s Natural Growers is one of Lake Wales' major employer.
In 2024 Advanced Drainage System began construction on a new facility in Lake Wales
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Outdoor recreation is a big draw
Recreational opportunities are plentiful throughout the city. Lake Wailes, which retains a different spelling, is the center of recreational activity within the city limits. Joggers and cyclists can take advantage of the paved Lake Wales Park Trail. The city recently received a $282,380 grant for the Tower Boulevard trail project that will connect the trail to Bok Tower Gardens. Other recreational attractions include the Linton Sports Complex, which hosts youth baseball and softball competitions, and the Lake Wales Soccer Complex. Lake Wales Country Club features an 18-hole public golf course and a tennis program for children and adults. The city’s activity extends to community events, including the annual Orange Blossom Review and Pioneer Days festivities. There’s also plenty to do outside the city. “In the unincorporated areas, there are a lot of interesting things like Lake Kissimmee State Park, and there are a lot of lakes in addition to Lake Wailes,” Boyette says.
The nearby River Ranch community provides a popular spot for hunting and camping. The Westgate River Ranch Resort is the largest dude ranch east of the Mississippi and a luxury glamping destination. “People like to come here for all the outdoor activities,” Boyette says. “That’s a big draw.” Bok Tower Gardens is a stunning collection of botanical diversity that was a gift from author and philanthropist Edward Bok to the United States for the opportunities it had given him after moving from The Netherlands at age 6. Bok is buried at the base of the tower, whose bells are rung by a professional carillonneur every 30 minutes. A concert of the bells is performed twice daily. The gardens feature an array of native wildlife at a popular gathering place that is more than a tourist attraction. “I have a membership,” Boyette says. “On Sundays, it’s a great place to go and have a picnic. There’s also Hammock Gardens, which is specifically for kids. They have cooking classes where they use herbs from the gardens, and there are events around the holidays. It’s very important to the community.”
Locals get their exercise on the Lake Wailes Trail, which winds 2.5 miles around Lake Wailes.
The Linton Sports Complex hosts youth baseball and softball competitions.
Lake Wales Soccer Complex offers a variety of soccer-related activities.
Lake Wales Country Club features an 18-hole public golf course.
Lake Kissimmee State Park was named one of the best parks in Florida.
Exceptional water sport activities can be found at Lake Wales Park.
A stunning collection of botanical diversity Bok Tower draws thousands from across the U.S.
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Sought-after homes in 55-plus communities
Older homes in a variety of architectural styles are found in walkable neighborhood settings in the heart of the city. Larger homes are found in waterfront settings, golf course settings and on acreage lots in outlying areas. The Lake Ashton 55-plus community features some of the most sought-after housing. Single-family home prices range from the mid-$100,00s to more than $700,000 for lakefront homes. Manufactured homes starting at $60,000 provide an alternative single-family option. Multi-family options include condos and townhouses from the low $100,000s to the high $200,000s. The city’s median sales price is around $300,000. “New construction is going up everywhere, in the outskirts as well as the city proper, but it’s still a good value compared to Lakeland and Winter Haven, which are bigger and more developed,” Boyette says.
Lake Wales if full of eclectic home styles that keep the small town charm.
Larger homes are found in waterfront settings, on large acres of land in Lake Wales.
Manufactured homes starting at $60,000 provide an alternative option for those 55 and older.
Multi-family options include condos and townhomes from the low $100K to the high $200K.
New construction is going up everywhere in the Lake Wales area.
Lake Ashton features some of the most sought-after housing in all of Lake Wales.
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Lake Wales High School partners with Bok Tower Gardens
Students are served by Polk County Public Schools, a district that earns a B from Niche. Lake Wales has its own charter school district, which features the Bok Academy middle school. Lake Wales Senior High School, rated B-plus, benefits from a partnership with Bok Tower Gardens to offer courses focusing on the environment, agriculture and tourism.
Polk Avenue Elementary School is a public school located in Lake Wales, FL.
Edward W. Bok Academy North is an above average public charter school located in Lake Wales, FL.
McLaughlin Middle School is a public school located in Lake Wales, FL.
Lake Wales Senior High School is an above average public school in Lake Wales, FL.
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Several main roads connect the city to Central Florida destinations
Citrus Connection bus stops are found mostly in the city’s established residential areas, concentrated between State Road 60 and Central Avenue. Advent Health Lake Wales is located near SR 60 in the heart of the city. SR 60 provides access to larger communities to the west, including Bartow and Lakeland. Heading north, U.S. Highway 27 leads directly to Haines City, and Scenic Highway 17 leads directly to Davenport. The nearest full-service airport, Orlando International, is about a 40-mile drive up Interstate 4.
Crime
According to FBI data provided by the city's police department, while murders increased, the overall rate of violent crime fell 33 percent from 2022 to 2023. The rate of property crime fell 8 percent during that time.
Written By
Matt Pallister
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On average, homes in Lake Wales, FL sell after 70 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Lake Wales, FL over the last 12 months is $285,990, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Enjoy true Florida waterfront living at 4742 Cypress Dr in Lake Wales. Available fully furnished. This home sits on a canal with direct access to Lake Pierce, a 3,700-acre Old Florida lake known for peaceful views and excellent bass and speck fishing. An updated seawall, covered dock with two boat slips, and quick access to the open lake make this a great spot for boating and relaxing by the
Welcome to your serene retreat in the highly sought-after 55+ community of Genesis Pointe in Lake Wales, Florida. This charming, well-maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath condominium offers the ease of single-level living—perfect for embracing the relaxed Florida lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of....Step inside to a warm and inviting living space, where sliding glass doors open to a screened lanai—an
Discover exceptional value in the guard-gated 55+ community of Lake Ashton with this pristine waterfront residence, featuring the significant advantage of a fully paid CDD debt. Situated on a prime waterfront lot, this home is just steps away from the resort-style amenities. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath property with a separate office offers impressive energy savings through leased solar panels at
You don't want to miss out on this ready-to-move-in, well-maintained BISCAYNE floor plan home. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath open-floor-plan home features many special upgrades and updates. In addition to being located in a cul-de-sac, this home was built on a premium, oversized, and irregularly shaped pond-frontage lot with views of a nature preserve. Upon arrival, the curb appeal catches the eye. The
Beautiful Hemingway floor plan conveniently located within the Lake Ashton community. CDD Bond Debt has been paid in full. Offering 2 bedrooms plus a den/office and 2 bathrooms across 1,698 square feet of well-designed living space. Enjoy a tranquil pond view directly across the street and added privacy in the rear of the home. The interior features luxury vinyl plank flooring installed in 2020
New roof done and the Seller is offering buyer credit at closing to help with new carpeting! Seller is motivated, so assistance with carpeting OR a interest rate buy-done; YOU CHOOSE. This community is located near shopping and medical facilities, so convenience is all around! This half-duplex is located in the community's area that is 55+. Brick house, 3 yr old AC, indoor laundry, and master
CDD BOND DEBT PAID IN FULL. Thoughtfully designed 2 bedroom plus den RV garage home featuring an oversized, air conditioned Florida room and exceptional handicap accessibility throughout. This home was built with care and intention, offering ADA doorways, pocket doors, accessible closets, kitchen shelving, and a wide open tiled shower in the primary suite. The open concept kitchen and living area
Modular Home! - USDA Qualified! No HOA, quiet neighborhood, fenced yard, fire pit, carport and workshop shed with power. Split bedroom floor plan! Inside Laundry in utility room provides more storage. AC in 2020, Roof in 2017. This MODULAR home is built with 2x6 walls! The Workshop is 12x24, wood floor and electricity. Carport is on a 23x11 concrete pad. Cute 3/2 has a kitchen with granite
NO HOA! An acre of land. BEAUTIFUL HOUSE, BEAUTIFUL SETTING. On dead end road, but just a 1/4 mile to BOAT RAMP ROAD (boat access to Lake Pierce). Immaculate 4BR/2BA beauty has everything you've been hoping for & more. It boasts almost 2160 sq ft including the lanai, a layout that features a completely redone "cooks dream" kitchen that comes fully equipped with all of the appliances and has tons
THE CDD BOND IS FULLY PAID on this unique one-owner Marbella floor plan home. As one arrives and tours this home, the pride of ownership is evident. This 2-bedroom, 2-bath open-floor-plan home is located on a large corner lot at the end of a dead-end street. Curb appeal comes from the paver drive and walk, quality plantings, and well-maintained landscaping beds. The lawn and landscaping are
HUGE PRICE IMPROVEMENT!! EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS HOME SAYS WELCOME!! Beautifully updated and very spacious 2 bedroom 2-bathroom single family home in a 55+ great community with very low HOA fee that includes a heated pool, a clubhouse with planned activities, a dog park, fishing tournaments on Lake Pierce, a fitness center, and more. If you like to fish and go boating, Lake Pierce is only a couple
Enjoy true Florida waterfront living at 4742 Cypress Dr in Lake Wales. Available fully furnished. This home sits on a canal with direct access to Lake Pierce, a 3,700-acre Old Florida lake known for peaceful views and excellent bass and speck fishing. An updated seawall, covered dock with two boat slips, and quick access to the open lake make this a great spot for boating and relaxing by the
Central Florida POOL Home with NO HOA or CDD!! Welcome to 1151 Circle Drive in the heart of Lake Wales, home to Bok Singing Tower, outdoor activities galore! This 3 bed 2 bath 2 car garage is teeming with possibilities! Situated on a generous sized lot with a fenced back yard, not in a flood zone, this home has been lovingly cared for by its current owners. Metal roof placed in 2019 and HVAC
Not only is this truly unique one-owner Lake Ashton Golf Club home PRICED FOR A QUICK SALE, but the CDD BOND IS ALSO FULLY PAID. One of the very few alternate front-elevation TAHATI floor-plan homes ever built in Lake Ashton, this home is located on an oversized, pie-shaped cul-de-sac lot. The lot abuts the tee boxes of Lake Ashton's East Course's signature 11th hole as well as a large pond. The
NEW PRICE!! YOU OWN THE LAND!! with this beautiful 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom doublewide manufactured home located on a spacious corner lot in the desirable, rural, peaceful, 55+ lakefront community of Breeze Hill east of Lake Wales. This home has wonderful curb appeal with the beautiful landscaping that is in place. An irrigation system that helps keep that landscaping looking great year-round. This
This updated 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom unit offers comfortable living in a quiet and desirable part of Lake Wales. The home features RainSoft water through entire home, reverse osmosis drinking water, waterproof LVP flooring, stainless steel appliances, an updated kitchen, fresh interior finishes, and cold blowing AC. Enjoy a covered front porch, private attic storage, and access to a rear laundry
Brand new, move-in ready home in the desirable community of Hunt Club Grove in Lake Wales, offering the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and modern living. This beautiful 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence features a spacious 2-car garage and a large backyard, ideal for relaxing or entertaining. The home showcases a fresh, modern design with thoughtful details throughout, creating a welcoming
Nice 3-bedroom, 2-bath mobile home fully updated for rent in Hidden Lakes Resort. Welcome to your new home at 102 Laureti Lane in Hidden Lakes Resort, a charming mobile home and RV park. This fully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bath mobile home offers modern upgrades and a fresh, inviting atmosphere. Both bathrooms are fully updated with new sinks and both have tiled walk in showers. Enjoy new wood-look
Stunning new house ready for move-in. This gorgeous house has 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. All fully tiled with carpets only in the bedrooms. The house layout has split bedrooms with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms on the left side of the house, and the primary bathroom on the right side of the house. The kitchen comes fully stocked with stainless steel brand new appliances such as a Refrigerator,
This well-maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bath duplex offers the space and layout you’ve been looking for. Enjoy all ceramic tile flooring throughout, making for easy maintenance and a clean, modern feel. Step inside to an open living area that flows into an L-shaped kitchen with a dinette area, and additional space near the utility area for flexibility. Both bedrooms are generously sized with ceiling
Well-maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bath duplex offering a functional layout. The open living area flows seamlessly into the kitchen, featuring ample cabinetry and a closet pantry. An inside utility area with washer/dryer hookup is located just off the kitchen for everyday ease. Both bedrooms are generously sized, complete with ceiling fans and 4x4 walk-in closets. Remodeled bathroom with new tile
Set Your Own Pace at Alera at Hunters GlenDiscover a modern vision for upscale apartment living at Alera at Hunters Glen—where style meets simplicity in Lake Wales, FL. Embrace the freedom of a lock-and-leave lifestyle in a sophisticated community designed for those who live life on their own terms. With a seamless blend of contemporary design and refined elegance, Alera is where your
This brand-new home in the desirable Hunt Club Grove community of Lake Wales offers 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 2,112 square feet of modern living. Enjoy sleek stainless steel appliances, elegant quartz countertops, and a dedicated laundry room. The two-car garage and community amenities, including a clubhouse, Lawn services included add to the appeal. Plus, it’s just a short walk to Walmart
Serenity at Lake Wales will feature a mix of well-designed one, two and three bedroom apartments with a market leading amenity package with a fresh, modern design. Community amenities include but are not limited to: resort- style swimming pool, luxurious, modern clubhouse, state-of-the-art fitness center, outdoor kitchen/grill, dog park, car wash and on-site leasing office. Unit amenities include
598 Bell Prairie Circle is for rent and at an incredible price point. This single-family home offers 2000 sqft of living space and a 2-car garage. Step outside to a spacious backyard to enjoy with family. The home offers modern finishes, an open floor plan, and spacious bedrooms.
Discover newly upgraded studio apartments at La Provence Studio Apartments in Lake Wales, FL. Choose between a standard studio or a studio with a private patio. Each unit features a modern open layout and updated finishes.The community sits on 12 acres of open land and includes private lake access for fishing and kayaking. Additional amenities include gated entry, on-site laundry, and a
Beautiful two-story home for rent featuring an open-concept kitchen, living, and dining area. Upstairs offers 5 bedrooms plus a loft, including a spacious primary suite with walk-in closet and en-suite bath. Home includes quartz countertops, energy-efficient appliances, tile flooring in main areas, and carpet in bedrooms.Located in Hunt Club Groves with resort-style amenities: pool, fitness
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