Polk City doesn’t just draw homebuyers for its rural scenery and affordable homes. “What I like best about it is the location,” says Jana Lee Klimek, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty. “You’re close to Orlando and Tampa. You can get on I-4 and go to the theme parks in one direction and the beaches in the other direction. But you can also go a half-mile down the road and see a bunch of old cows and giant oak trees. It’s Old Florida at its best. You have that small-town feeling, but it’s still convenient.” Homebuyers can choose between a 55-plus community or the traditional subdivisions like Forest Park and Fountain Park. Properties offer enough yard space to host cookouts and throw around the football. Polk City is also home to a popular aviation museum.
Polk City offers a peaceful, small-town atmosphere surrounded by scenic lakes and natural beauty in the heart of Central Florida.
With humble beginnings, Polk City remains rural while experiencing new growth.
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Ranch-style houses and RV Port homes
Much of Polk City’s housing is concentrated within the Mt. Olive Shores North 55-plus retirement community, with prices ranging from $200,000 for smaller contemporary-style homes to $700,000 for the largest RV Port homes. The latter are structurally designed with vertical carports that can hold a recreational vehicle. Amenities include a community pool and courts for tennis and pickleball. In the traditional subdivisions, various custom and ranch-style houses are valued between $230,000 and $450,000. Most of the housing was constructed between the 1970s and early 2000s. “It’s so affordable,” Klimek says. “There’s so much opportunity in Florida and so much land that you can be in the thick of things but not right in the city. People from all over the country are coming to central Florida.”
Many of the manufactured homes in Polk City have been remodeled to include many modern amenities
Polk City’s Mount Olive Shores North offers various styles of luxury RV port homes.
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Moderately rated public schools
Children can walk to Polk City Elementary, which has a C-plus Niche rating and a 16-to-1 student-teacher ratio. Kids often move on to Berkley Accelerated Middle School, a charter school with a B-plus Niche rating. Tenoroc High School has a C-plus Niche rating and an 81% graduation rate. The high school allows students to shadow employees of Lakeland Electric and the City of Lakeland. Florida Polytechnic University is to the community's immediate south. The STEM-focused institution has roughly 1,230 students.
Jere L. Stambaugh Middle School in Polk City provides a supportive learning environment focused on academic growth and community values.
Tenoroc High School provides Polk City families with diverse opportunities, from AP and AICE courses to technical academies.
Polk City Elementary is home to over 600 students in grades VPK-5th.
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A community center, lakes and greenspaces
Community activity is concentrated around the State Road 33 corridor, which bisects Polk City. The Donald Bronson Community Center serves residents of all ages with events such as its children’s summer reading program, which is made possible through a partnership with the nearby Polk City Library. Freedom Park is a popular urban green space with a small stage and picnic spots along State Route 33, while the paved Van Fleet Trail begins nearby and stretches north for almost 30 miles. Across State Route 33 is the 375-acre Lake Agnes, a popular spot for boating and fishing. Mudd Lake is a smaller waterway used for similar recreation. Polk City youth benefit from the baseball fields, the basketball court and the playground at Polk City Park.
The Donald Bronson Community Center serves residents of all ages for events & parties in the Polk City community.
Polk City residents enjoy time out on the water at Tenoroc Public use area.
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Chains, locals restaurants and nearby retail
Several dining options line State Route 33. Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs and Domino’s are popular chain options. Polk City BBQ Company is a local favorite for its smoked meats. Residents may start their days with eggs and hashbrowns or end them with a burger and fries at Country Angels, a family-style restaurant. People pick up chow for their animals at Cattleman’s Feed & Ranch. There is also a Dollar General on State Route 33. Residents travel 4 miles to buy groceries at the Publix in Auburndale. Polk City locals travel 13 miles southwest to Lakeland Square Mall, home to retailers like Claire’s, Dillard’s, H&M, Hollister and JCPenney.
Polk City BBQ is a local treasure, known for its delicious food.
Local farmers frequent Cattleman's Feed store for all their essential farm equipment & feed.
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An aviation museum and nearby theme parks
The Harvest Holler Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch offers visitors the chance to explore a working farm. It features activities for children and a general store known for its homemade cobbler. Polk City is known for the Fantasy of Flight aviation museum, home to over 150 aircraft. People travel 20 miles southeast to Legoland Florida Resort, which boasts over 50 rides and a lazy river. The Universal Orlando Resort and the Walt Disney World Resort are within 35 miles of Polk City.
Fantasy of Flight in Polk City features one of the world’s largest privately owned collections of vintage aircraft, many restored to flying condition.
Harvest Holler brings Polk City families together with outdoor adventures like corn mazes, hayrides, and delicious homemade goodies.
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Getting around Polk City and beyond
Lake Agnes has a ramp to launch seaplanes. Lakeland is 15 miles to Polk City’s southwest via Florida State Route 33. Residents seek healthcare at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. People travel 52 miles northeast to Orlando via State Route 429. Interstate 4 takes travelers 45 miles southwest to Tampa, where folks enjoy the beaches. When residents take flights, they typically use Tampa International Airport.
Written By
William Palicia
Photography Contributed By
Jeffery Palmer
Video By
Samantha Houtchens
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
CarLee Marchetti,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Polk City, FL sell after 83 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Polk City, FL over the last 12 months is $335,000, up 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Come and explore this exquisite Live Oak Manufactured Home in Phase 4 of Mount Olive Shores. Built in 2019, this fully furnished home includes a carport, all major appliances, ceiling fans, and window treatments. You'll also enjoy a 200-square-foot air-conditioned shed with a washer & dryer and additional storage space. The concrete pad can accommodate any length motorhome and features all public
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Some photos may feature virtual furniture staging, which is intended to help visualize the space and potential designs. The rental home does not come with any furniture shown in the images and these virtual images do not represent actual furnishings. Residents must furnish their own home.Please note that the advertised price may exclude additional fees. These include a $55 application fee per
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