Winter Haven

Surrounded by lakes, Poinsettia Park in Winter Haven, Florida is a sunny slice of suburbia where residents enjoy their leisure time boating, fishing and golfing. “Shopping and dining are about 4 miles away on Winter Haven’s Main Street, and with nearby access to Highway 17, folks stay connected to neighboring cities like Orlando and Tampa,” says Laurie Krall, a Realtor with La Rosa Realty who has worked in real estate for over 5 years. “There’s lots to do in the area, from the Chain of Lakes to Lego Land.” Poinsettia Park is ideal for those looking for a quiet suburb not far from city amenities. Most homes in Poinsettia Park were built in the last 20 years and are typically variations on the four-square model with Craftsman-style or Colonial Revival designs; older ranch-style homes from the midcentury can also be found. Common features include short driveways with garages, green, grassy lawns and sidewalks lining the streets; some houses may also feature oak or palm trees in the front lawns. Homes start around $200,000 for midcentury ranch-style homes and go up to $500,000 for modern construction in gated communities like Hampton Cove. Poinsettia Park Homeowners Association has authority over subsections within the community and maintains guidelines for residences. Local kids can attend schools in Polk County, like Elbert Elementary, rated C by Niche, where students can join music extracurriculars like chorus, handbells and strings. Denison Middle receives a C and offers three academies for students to develop their skills and interests in: Academy of Business Computing, Academy of Fine Arts and Techno Robotics/STEAM pre-academy. Winter Haven Senior High receives a B-minus; students enrolled here can take Dual Enrollment classes to earn college credit at Polk State College. Poinsettia’s Park subtropical climate makes for ideal temperatures to enjoy outdoor recreation. At The Golf Range on Dundee Road, 4 miles away, residents can perfect their swing with lessons and open tee times. Willowbrook Golf Course is about 5 miles away; a 9-hole course where golfers can hit the links and opt into their membership program for discounts. Poinsettia Park’s most notable feature is its many lakes, some of which offer premier fishing. Lake Hamilton is one of the area’s largest lakes and fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines here for largemouth bass, crappie and channel catfish; visitors can also enjoy the lake’s picnic area and public boat ramp. Residents can head 3 miles into town to grab grocery essentials at Farm Fresh Market or pop into the local Publix. Around Lake Silver, stop into The Donut Man for breakfast grub, coffee and pastries, or enjoy some lunch at Big Daddy’s Barbeque for pulled pork and grilled bologna sandwiches. Nearby in Downtown Winter Haven, find specialty shops like Four Purls Yarn Shop, Carlton Music Center and Angelic Flowers. “People are really involved in keeping local businesses running,” says Krall. “Downtown Winter Haven has that small city feeling.” Winter Haven’s downtown area is full of exciting events throughout the year. The historic Ritz Theatre was constructed in 1925 and operates today as movie theater, music venue and stage for theatrical productions. At the Winter Haven Theatre, patrons can enjoy community theater performances of their favorite plays and musicals. Krall recommends Bok Tower Gardens, 17 miles away, to enjoy tours and jazz music. Residents can also enjoy NCAA sports on Polk State College’s campus. Residents in Poinsettia Park typically drive, and the nearby Highway 17 helps connect drivers throughout Winter Haven and to neighboring cities like Tampa and Orlando. “We’re not as congested as other areas of Florida,” says Krall. In Downtown Winter Haven, locals can also use Citrus Connection buses to get around. Winter Haven Regional Airport is about 7 miles away; Orlando International Airport is 45 miles away. Winter Haven Hospital is 4 miles from the neighborhood for medical needs.

Situated around the neighborhood’s namesake, residents of Lake Lucerne are never far from the water, with lakes surrounding the housing developments. “The draw with Winter Haven is that it’s part of the chain of lakes,” says sales agent Christina Maurais with CRF Resales. “It’s a beautiful environment with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activity.” In Lake Lucerne, residents can enjoy the water on boats, or residents living in the retirement communities can golf at private courses. Downtown Winter Haven is just a few miles away, so Lake Lucerne residents are close to annual events and excellent restaurants. Lake Lucerne has multiple subdivisions. In the Lake Lucerne subdivision by the central lake, people can find New Traditional stucco houses on open streets with minimal landscaping or trees. In Royal Hills, pastel Mediterranean-style homes with rounded arches and features sit on landscaped lots with plenty of lush green and flowering plants. Style and personalization set homes apart, so each one is unique. Retirees can settle into one of Lake Lucerne’s retirement communities. In developments like Hidden Golf Club and Swiss Golf and Tennis Club, residents can enjoy a gated community with a private golf course. Residents here may be retired, but the communities’ active social calendar and clubs keep people busy and connected. Homes in the subdivisions tend to list between $325,000 and $350,000, though homes in the retirement communities will peak around $175,000 and list for much lower. “It’s so much cheaper than living on the coast,” Maurais says. “Life is just good here in Lake Lucerne. Once you see it, you don’t want to leave.” Students in Lake Lucerne can attend Lake Alfred Elementary School, which receives a C-plus from Niche. Niche gives Shelley B. Boone Middle School a C-minus ranking. Haines City Senior High School offers several academies, covering topics like visual and performing arts to agriculture and children’s educational studies. The school earns a C-plus from Niche. While the golf communities can practice their swing at any time, other Lake Lucerne residents can head to Willowbrook Golf Course. Along with specials for 9-hole games, the course has plenty of mature trees and Florida wildlife for an interesting game. Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve is 112 acres alongside Lake Rochelle, boasting nature and fitness trails. Boaters can also use the dock found here. Winter Haven Farmers Market takes place every Saturday, featuring local vendors to encourage residents to support local businesses. The organization announces the week’s vendors on Thursdays so people can plan their shopping experience ahead of time. Golfers can participate in the annual golf tournament at Country Club of Winter Haven in April, which has hosted the competition for over 30 years. CommunityFest Winter Haven offers live entertainment, games, food and meet and greets with popular movie characters. In Winter Haven, Lucille’s American Café serves hearty steak dinners alongside comfort food favorites like chicken pot pie and homemade pies. For something sweet, try something off their sundae menu. Manny’s Original Chophouse offers a mix of steak and seafood options. Lavender ‘n Lace Tearoom creates an elegant atmosphere with seasonal dishes and occasional afternoon teas. The Publix at Northgate is just 6 miles from Lake Lucerne. Farm Fresh Market is under 5.5 miles from the neighborhood, while Santiago’s Market is just over. Buses stop along Lucerne Loop and connect the community with downtown Winter Haven, just 6.5 miles away. Highways 17 and 27 aren’t far from the neighborhood, helping to link residents to other communities and fun Florida attractions. Legoland is just 10 miles from Lake Lucerne, and Disney’s Magic Kingdom is 27 miles to the north. The Winter Haven Amtrak station is just 18 miles away, and Winter Haven Regional Airport is just 9 miles away. For international travel, Lakeland Linder International Airport is 26 miles away. The closest hospital is Winter Haven Hospital, just 6 miles from Lake Lucerne.

Lake Fox, a cozy waterfront community in Polk County, offers all the perks of Florida living at an affordable price. With easy access to a pair of neighborhood lakes, residents are conveniently positioned to enjoy the Winter Haven lifestyle. Relaxing on pontoon boats with friends and family, angling for that next big catch in fish-heavy waters and skiing are daily parts of life. Residents have the luxury of living in a wholly residential community, yet they also enjoy proximity to golf, theme parks and Old Florida dining. Winter Haven is famous for its lakes. Almost two dozen comprise the city’s chain of lakes, a network of waterways that is connected by canals, but more than 50 dot the landscape. “The lakes are the reason anyone comes to Winter Haven,” says Emily Ward, a Realtor with EXP Realty who lives in nearby Cypress Gardens. Residents can access any of the lakes with minimal effort, but there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy lakefront living without leaving the neighborhood. Lake Fox is a 56-acre private lake, and Lake Daisy is a 135-acre public lake. Both are large enough to accommodate boats and related activities, but small enough that canoes and kayaks are an option. Central Florida is a hot spot for fishing, and the lakes are stocked with sportfish such as bass, crappie and bluegill. The private docks that ring both lakes can be used for bankside fishing, and they also provide the perfect location to sit, drink in hand, and watch the sun set over the water. Florida’s most popular recreational land activity also is easily accessible to residents, as Cypresswood Golf & Country Club is just north of the neighborhood. The semi-private club features a par-72, 18-hole course that stretches for more than 6,800 yards. Other amenities include a driving range and a bar and grill with patio seating. Golfers also can receive individualized lessons and participate in multi-person clinics. Just west of the neighborhood is the Lake Region Audubon Nature Preserve, where visitors can traverse scenic wooded trails with interpretive signage that lead to Lake Ned. Eagles and alligators highlight the array of native flora and fauna to be found in their natural habitats. The preserve also includes the Street Nature Center, which offers educational programs for children. Polk County is the fastest-growing county in the nation. Much of that has to do with available land, but another key factor is cost. That makes neighborhoods such as Lake Fox additionally appealing. “A lot of people are looking to purchase a Florida home, and the Orlando/Kissimmee area is pretty tapped out. So if someone is looking to invest, Winter Haven is a great place,” Ward says. “We’re near Orlando and near Tampa, but we have a smaller state of mind. With lower prices, it’s a great place for people looking for longer-term investments.” Polk County also has fewer restrictions on buying homes as rental properties, an important factor for those seeking a seasonal retreat. Neighborhood housing is highlighted by ranch-style and contemporary custom homes featuring private driveways, attached garages and ample yard space in quiet subdivision settings. “The average home in Winter Haven is about $350,000,” Ward says. “You can get a lot of house here for that money, usually about 2,000 to 2,500 square feet.” Manufactured homes in the 55-plus communities of Lake Fox Village and Garden Grove Oaks offer a more affordable alternative with the added bonus of amenities that include swimming pools, shuffleboard courts, lake access and clubhouses that host community dinners, holiday celebrations, card games and more. Single-family homes along the lakefronts are the neighborhood’s most expensive properties. Overall, prices range from $50,000 to the mid-$500,000s. Younger students can attend Garden Grove Elementary, a C-plus-rated school by Niche within walking distance of the community, and Jewett Middle Academy, a B-rated magnet school. Older students can attend Winter Haven Senior High, a B-minus-rated school that offers the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) program through the University of Cambridge. Families have plenty of entertainment to choose from, with Legoland Florida nearby. In addition to theme park rides, the water park is a popular attraction, and visitors can catch water ski shows featuring Lego characters. Peppa Pig Theme Park, the latest addition to Legoland’s sprawling complex, offers an array of colorful rides and activities dedicated to the cheeky British porcine character and her family. As Legoland expanded, it took over Cypress Gardens, Florida’s oldest theme park. The meticulously landscaped grounds on the shores of Lake Eloise are home to nearly 8,000 flower varieties from 90 countries. Offering discounted rates to locals, the park isn’t simply a tourist attraction. “The neighborhood is near Legoland, so that can be a draw,” Ward says. “Legoland treats its Florida residents pretty well.” Featured dining destinations include Ovation Bistro & Bar, which serves up comfort food classics along a stretch of Cypress Gardens Boulevard corridor that forms the neighborhood’s southern edge. Harry's Old Place, an Old Florida eatery on nearby Ned Lake that specializes in seafood, is another popular stop. “Harry’s has been around for quite a while,” Ward says. “It’s one of the old family-run businesses in this area.” A Walmart Supercenter is conveniently located near Ovation Bistro, and Cypress Gardens Boulevard leads directly to the Publix-anchored Winter Haven Square about 2 miles away, across the street from Legoland in the heart of Winter Haven. “Lake Fox isn’t commercialized, and you’re technically out of the city limits,” Ward says. “But you’re still just minutes away from the main drag.” Residents can take Cypress Gardens Boulevard via car or bus to Downtown Winter Haven, whose cultural attractions include the Historic Ritz Theatre and Gram Parsons Derry Down, a contemporary concert venue. The downtown area also hosts citywide events, including the annual Taste of Winter Haven and CommunityFest. U.S. Highway 27, which forms the neighborhood’s eastern border, provides easy access north to Haines City and south to Lake Wales. Lakeland is less than 15 miles directly west. Winter Haven also is conveniently located between Tampa and Orlando and their international airports. Both cities are about 50 miles away via Interstate 4.

Jan Phyl Village, a small community 5 miles west of Winter Haven, was created in the mid-20th century when a Vermont man purchased 1,200 acres and named the area after his two daughters, Janet and Phyllis. After its development, the village became popular with airmen working at the Bartow Airbase, less than 10 miles south, and quickly filled up with sturdy ranch-style homes. "The per capita price point for homes and taxes in this area are some of the lowest in the state," says Melissa Witter, lifetime Winter Haven resident and local real estate agent at Keller Williams Realty Smart 1. "And it's very well connected if you're a commuter." At the center of the neighborhood are Simmers-Young Park's athletic facilities and the Auburndale Speedway racetrack, while a municipal complex housing the Polk County Sheriff's Office and other county services sits on the community's southwest corner. Recker Highway runs parallel to the train tracks along the neighborhood's eastern border and is lined with automotive businesses, industrial parks, restaurants, and small community churches. Jan Phyl Village was primarily developed between the 1950s and ‘70s as a bedroom community for local airmen and flight instructors stationed at nearby Bartow Air Base during the Korean War. “It’s primarily block homes, very safe and reliable,” Witter says. “There’s not any Homeowners Association, so there aren’t as many restrictions on renovations either.” Clusters of close-set homes lie on the east and west here, separated by a large stretch of undeveloped land in the middle. Three-bedroom midcentury ranch-style houses dominate the neighborhood, often selling for around $200,000, but many multi-story New Traditional-style houses from the 1990s are also mixed in, selling for as much as $600,000. Within residential areas, wooded lots surrounded by maple and pine trees sit along narrow paved county roads with gravel or cracked pavement encroaching on either side. The Central Polk Parkway lies just west of Jan Phyl Village, providing a quick and easy connection to Interstate 4, about 13 miles north. Once on the interstate, Tampa to the west and Orlando to the north are less than 50 miles away. Winter Haven Regional Airport is about 6 miles northeast, while Winter Haven Hospital is located 5 miles east, near downtown. Though the nearest train station sits 4 miles north in Auburndale, the tracks run along the community’s western border. Local kids are zoned for Polk County schools like Lake Shipp Elementary, rated by C Niche, or the C-minus-rated Westwood Middle. The B-minus-rated Auburndale Senior High offers the Saddle Creek Logistic Academy, which teaches technical design and application, and an Agritechnologies Academy, which focuses on agricultural science and horticulture. On the west side of Jan Phyl Village, the Polk State College Center for Public Safety provides professional training and education for law enforcement and corrections workers. Along Jan Phyl Village’s southern edge, Spirit Lake Crossing Shopping Center is anchored by a Publix, while Circle K and CVS are found nearby. Just outside the neighborhood, independently owned grocery store Green’s Market has been serving the community for almost 50 years, and a couple of miles to the west is Lonesome Oak Blueberry Farm, where locals can spend the day picking fresh berries to keep or share. While most dining options lie further east in Winter Haven, residents can head to the Tacos My Friend food truck to enjoy street-style Mexican food or visit Ramona Deli for Dominican cuisine. At the center of the neighborhood, Simmers-Young Park is the community’s main hub for outdoor activities, featuring ten multi-purpose fields, baseball and softball facilities, and a shaded playground; an attached dog park features a grassy, fenced-in meadow. Winter Haven is home to 19 lakes, including Thomas Lake on Jan Phyl Village’s southeast corner, where locals can enjoy year-round freshwater fishing. On the neighborhood’s east side, the Imperial Polk Gun Club is a skeet and trap shooting range with five skeet and four trap fields for shotgun sport shooting. Located at the center of the neighborhood, Auburndale Speedway racetrack has operated under various names, including Tri-Cities Speedway and Winter Haven Speedway, but locals know it simply as “The Dale.” The track hosts racing on most weekends throughout the year, with engines cooling off during a summer break from mid-June to late August. While the speedway attracts a large crowd, noise pollution is dampened by the undeveloped wooded land surrounding the track.

Cypresswood is a master-planned community where golf courses and country clubs offer luxury, convenience and amenities. With over 1,000 residential units and 14 neighborhood associations within Cypresswood Community Association, the area has plenty of housing options for various preferences. The main golf course, which opened in 1969 and was voted the best course in Winter Haven for 2023, is owned by the Cypresswood Community Association. “The developer wanted it to stay a golf course, so he leased it to the homeowner’s association for one dollar a year for the next 50 years,” says Tom Hevel, Assistant Golf Professional at Cypresswood Golf & Country Club. “I imagine if it’s a golf course for all that time, it’ll be a golf course forever.” Residents here not only have access to country club amenities, but also to shopping, dining and education nearby. Cypresswood students are zoned for Polk County Public Schools, which is in the top 50 districts in the state, according to Niche. While most residents here spend outdoor time on the golf course, in the pool or at the gym at the Cypresswood Golf & Country Club or at The Country Club of Winter Haven, other public parks are available nearby. Locals can get some fresh air at the Michael V. Lewis Arboretum and Parrott Trail, where 42 acres of land host a mixture of native and exotic plants. The trail is about 1.5 miles and features picnic shelters and the personal plant collection of Talbot Lewis, who took decades to landscape the area. For fishing enthusiasts, there are plenty of lakes nearby, though some are private and prohibit public recreation. Cypresswood is also under 5 miles from Legoland, and under 30 minutes from Disney World. The neighborhood sits about 2 hours from both east and west coast beaches. The main restaurant in the area is Cypresswood Golf & Country Club’s restaurant, the Cypresswood Pub, though residents travel outside of the neighborhood for more options. “Folks around here ride their golf carts everywhere,” Hevel says. “There’s a little strip mall nearby with a sandwich shop and a dollar store. People go there all the time.” Cypresswood is a short drive to Legacy Craft BBQ, which serves slow-smoked Southern BBQ, handmade sauces and fresh pies and cobblers. The Dundee Diner is another popular spot, known for its homestyle cooking. For groceries, Winn-Dixie is within 2 miles of the neighborhood, and a Walmart Supercenter is under 6 miles south. The neighborhood has plenty of activities throughout the year to keep the community close. The Cypresswood Social group works to improve the events and opportunities in the area and is currently working to convert some tennis courts into pickleball courts. The Cypresswood Pub has live music on the weekends, yappy hours for the four-legged residents and corn hole. The country clubs hold special activities, as well, including tennis clinics and community service events, including blood drives. Most homes here were constructed in the 1980s to early 2000s and bear ranch-style architecture. New construction is still popping up today, including custom builds on sprawling lots. Properties often sell between $200,000 and $600,000, with outliers on both ends of the range. Price not only depends on home size, but also location on the course. “I’d say about 70% of people just move here because they like the house they find, and 30% are here for the golf,” says Hevel. Houses often have two- or three-car garages and green lawns shaded by palm trees, and some have private pools in enclosures that protect the area from bugs and severe sunlight. Students in the Cypresswood neighborhood can begin their education at Elbert Elementary and Denison Middle, which both earn C grades on Niche. Winter Haven Senior High School earns a B-minus rating and is part of the Advanced International Certificate of Education program (A.I.C.E.) through the University of Cambridge. For a private pre-kindergarten through 12th grade option, Winter Haven Christian School is within a few miles of most residences for faith-based learning. Public transportation does not reach the neighborhood, and Cypresswood residents usually get around by car or golf cart. Major routes are nearby, such as US Highway 27, which flows north toward Gainesville. Florida State Road 60, from Tampa to the east coast, is within 15 miles, which is a 20-minute drive from Cypresswood. For air travel, Orlando International is about 45 miles away. Other amenities, such as health care and houses of worship are typically found toward the west in Winter Haven, within about 6 miles.

Eclectic dining. Cultural attractions. Lakefront recreation. On the surface, these are the reasons that Winter Haven is the fastest-growing city in one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. But if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find that the work of city officials and business leaders has laid the foundation. “There’s a unique level of collaboration and cooperation to do what is best for Winter Haven,” says Sara Beth Wyatt, president and CEO of the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce. “We start with ‘Yes,” and then see if we can make it happen.” Nothing epitomizes the ongoing success of their efforts more than Downtown Winter Haven, the vibrant centerpiece of a flourishing city. “Full disclosure, I live and work downtown, so I’m a big fan,” Wyatt says. “There’s just so much to do. A lot of that is centered around the lakes, and we like to joke that you run into a lake at the end of every street, but we’ve got bars, restaurants, ice cream shops, shopping. You can park your car once and enjoy all of it.” The neighborhood is anchored by a burgeoning dining scene. Nutwood, owned by Michelin star-rated chef Steven Rojas, is the city’s premier farm-to-table restaurant. Arabellas is known far and wide for its upscale Italian dishes. “I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve heard of people driving 45 minutes-plus just for the dining experience,” Wyatt says. Adler’s elevates comfort food with its contemporary twist on burgers. The Smokin’ Ox is the go-to spot for everything barbecue. For relaxed dockside dining away from the buzz of downtown, Harborside is a popular established eatery serving up seafood favorites. Bowen Yard, a new food and event space featuring six eateries, is the latest project of the Six/Ten LLC development group. “They are very partial to whom they want to attract,” Wyatt says. “A private entity that can be a little more particular in recruiting companies to Winter Haven will make sure we have a diverse mix.” Adding to the diversity are established eateries from outside the city such as Lucille’s American Café and Delectable Delights that have recently opened downtown locations. “They see something in Winter Haven,” Wyatt says. There are plenty of nightlife options as well. Featured stops include speakeasy-style Social Cocktail Lounge, which features live music, Grove Roots Brewing Co. and The Union Taproom. The neighborhood is served by two primary commercial corridors -- U.S. Route 17, known locally as 3rd Street, and Cypress Gardens Boulevard. Walmart, Publix, Aldi and Lowe’s are among the convenient retail options along the corridors. The neighborhood also is the city’s cultural center. Theatre Winter Haven is home to popular community theater productions, and the Historic Ritz Theatre, established in 1925, features movies, concerts and improv comedy acts. Gram Parsons Derry Down, a relatively new addition to the entertainment scene, is a contemporary concert venue that is the result of restoring a teen club originally built to showcase a young Gram Parsons, a Winter Haven native whose “Cosmic American music” is considered the precursor to alternative country. The downtown area also hosts citywide events throughout the year. Annual celebrations include Taste of Winter Haven, Craft Beer Crawl and family friendly gatherings such as CommunityFest and Bark in the Park. Downtown also hosts the popular Winter Haven Farmers Market every Saturday. “We’re not as busy or chaotic as Tampa or Orlando, but there’s still so much activity,” Wyatt says. At 624 acres, Lake Howard is the largest of several lakes in the neighborhood, several of which are connected by canals. Lakes Howard, May, Shipp, Cannon, Mirror and Spring Lake are all connected. Other neighborhood lakes include Silver, Martha, Maude and Idyl. That concentration provides residents with easy access to daily water-related activities throughout the year. Boaters in need of speed can put the throttle down and race across the larger lakes, which offer space for water skiing, an activity the city has long been known for. If relaxation is the aim, the lakes provide an idyllic setting for a pontoon boat float with friends and family. Anglers are ever-present, searching for their next big catch in waters stocked with bass, crappie and bluegill. “I think people appreciate the lakes, but they don’t quite realize what we have here,” Wyatt says. “You could jump in a boat and travel from southeast Winter Haven to northwest Winter Haven quicker than you could drive. The majority of the lakes in Winter Haven have public access, and the city has done a great job maintaining them. We have a lakefront lifestyle that you don’t often find.” South Lake Howard Nature Park and Martin Luther King Park are lakefront green spaces with walking trails. The latter is home to the Winter Haven City Tennis Center, the Winter Haven Senior Adult Center and monthly performance of the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team on Lake Silver. Organized athletic activity takes place at the Chain O’ Lakes Complex, a sprawling park on the shores of Lake Lulu that is the site of a $20 million redevelopment project. Slated to be finished in early 2025 in time to host regional tournaments, the complex will be anchored by four artificial-turf baseball fields. Future plans include the addition of a multi-purpose field, playground and boardwalk. Traditional ranch-style homes and other midcentury designs are prominent among established housing, which also includes Spanish-style and cottage-style homes. Contemporary custom homes in gated communities highlight new construction. Prices range from the low $200,000s to the mid-$600,000s. Lakefront homes are the neighborhood’s most expensive, typically priced from the low $800,000s to more than $1.5 million. Alternative options include waterfront condominiums starting in the low $100,000s and manufactured homes in 55-plus communities starting at $40,000. “A lot of people are looking to purchase a Florida home, and the Orlando/Kissimmee area is pretty tapped out. So if someone is looking to invest, Winter Haven is a great place,” says Emily Ward, a Realtor with EXP Realty. “We’re near Orlando and near Tampa, but we have a smaller state of mind. With lower prices, it’s a great place for people looking for longer-term investments.” Florida offers a robust school-choice program, and Winter Haven’s top-rated institution, Chain of Lakes Collegiate High, is located downtown. A-rated by Niche, the charter school allows motivated 11th- and 12th-graders to take high school and college courses simultaneously. The school is located on the Winter Haven campus of Polk State College, which offers a variety of work certificates, associate’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees focusing on health, science, education and law enforcement. Frank E. Brigham Academy, a B-plus-rated magnet school, is the top elementary option in the neighborhood, which also is home to Denison Middle, a C-rated school, and Winter Haven Senior High, a B-minus-rated school. The neighborhood’s centralized location provides easy access to travel throughout the region. U.S. Highway 17 connects south to Bartow and north to U.S. Highway 92, which connects directly to Lakeland about 15 miles west. U.S. Highway 27, located a few miles east of downtown, connects south to Lake Wales and north to Haines City and Davenport. The neighborhood is roughly equidistant between Tampa and Orlando. The major metropolitan areas are both about 50 miles away via Interstate 4. Closer to home, Citrus Connection bus stops are spread throughout the neighborhood, which also is home to an Amtrak train station that provides daily commuter service. The Winter Haven Regional Airport, located about 5 miles north of the neighborhood, is a busy public-use facility, but it does not offer commercial service. However, both Tampa and Orlando have international airports.