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Cypress Gardens

Cypress Gardens

Neighborhood Reviews
3.4
$345,543 Average Value
$209 Average Price per Sq Ft
25 Homes For Sale

Attraction, lakes and a "smaller state of mind" in Central Florida

Cypress Gardens, named after Florida’s first theme park and home to Winter Haven’s biggest attraction, is an appealing mixed-use neighborhood dotted by lakes and anchored by a convenient commercial corridor. Located in the heart of Central Florida, the neighborhood takes center stage in fast-growing Polk County, a popular alternative to buzzier and more expensive locales nearby. The Orlando/Kissimmee area is “pretty tapped out” so people are turning to this region says Emily Ward, a Realtor with EXP Realty and neighborhood resident. “We’re near Orlando and near Tampa, but we have a smaller state of mind” she says. “With lower prices, it’s a great place for people looking for longer-term investments.”
Cypress Gardens is a lake-filled mixed-use neighborhood located in the heart of Central Florida.
Cypress Gardens is a lake-filled mixed-use neighborhood located in the heart of Central Florida.
Legoland is an all inclusive attraction in the Winter Haven area.
Legoland is an all inclusive attraction in the Winter Haven area.
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Variety of housing offers several affordable options

The homes in Cypress Gardens are built into residential pockets, surrounded by the neighborhood’s many lakes. They tend to come in two types: older ranch-style with spacious lots or newer contemporary builds in walkable subdivisions. Prices range from the mid $200,000s to the mid $500,000s, though lakefront homes can list for more than $1 million. Ward says the average home here sells for about $350,000. “You can get a lot of house here for that money, usually about 2,000 to 2,500 square feet,” she says. Meanwhile, the amenities-filled Orange Manor offers those 55 and older a selection of manufactured homes ranging from under $40,000 to the high $100,000s.
Many homes in Cypress Gardens have delightful front porches and a wrap-around driveway.
Many homes in Cypress Gardens have delightful front porches and a wrap-around driveway.
Residents of Orange Manor East live within close proximity to shopping, dining and various recreation activities.
Residents of Orange Manor East live within close proximity to shopping, dining and various recreation activities.
Waterfront homes often featuring private docks highlight an eclectic mix of housing.
Waterfront homes often featuring private docks highlight an eclectic mix of housing.
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Historic gardens part of popular Legoland theme park

The neighborhood gets its name from the Cypress Gardens, a botanical marvel that has been around since 1936 and is billed as Florida’s first theme park. For context, Disney World didn’t open until 1971. No longer a stand-alone park, the gardens are still an impressive sight. The meticulously landscaped grounds on the shores of Lake Eloise are home to a massive banyan tree planted as a seedling in 1939 and nearly 8,000 flower varieties from 90 countries. The gardens are preserved as part of Legoland Florida, a theme park and resort that attracts about 1.5 million visitors per year. More than just a tourist attraction, Legoland offers discounted rates to Florida residents, making it especially attractive to neighborhood families. The colorful park is anchored by a popular water park, and its attractions include not only an assortment of rides and games but a Lego-themed water-skiing show on Lake Eloise. The park also hosts an annual Pirate Fest, a weekend extravaganza from late January to late February. Pirate-themed shows and Lego character meet-and-greets highlight the festivities. Legoland’s newest addition is a theme park dedicated to Peppa Pig.
Legoland Entrance
Legoland Entrance
Jump into the world of Peppa Pig, Legoland’s newest addition full of attractions for kids.
Jump into the world of Peppa Pig, Legoland’s newest addition full of attractions for kids.
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Neighborhood lakes offer an array of water-based recreation

There are more than 50 lakes in Winter Haven. Canals connect all the ones in the southern and northern chains, providing an array of waterfront recreational options. Lake Eloise, a public lake, is the largest in the southern chain at more than 1,150 acres. Eloise, which is home to the Freedom Boat Club, is connected to smaller neighborhood lakes Lulu, Roy and Summit. “Winter Haven is known as the water-skiing capital of the world,” says Ward, who notes that the Cypress Gardens theme park used to employ a world-renowned water-skiing team. The team now puts on a monthly show on Lake Silver in neighboring downtown Winter Haven. Those seeking more relaxing pursuits can launch a kayak or float lazily along with friends and family on a pontoon boat. Fishing is arguably the most popular pastime. Central Florida is famous for its bass fishing, and anglers have myriad options to search for their next big catch. Nature lovers can visit the Lake Region Audubon Nature Preserve, where scenic wooded trails are home to an impressive array of native flora and fauna. The preserve also includes the Street Nature Center, which offers educational programs for children.
Cypress Gardens is a wonderful neighborhood to live, work, and socialize with friends.
Cypress Gardens is a wonderful neighborhood to live, work, and socialize with friends.
Boating on Lake Summit is a common weekly attraction.
Boating on Lake Summit is a common weekly attraction.
Residents of Cypress Gardens can enjoy boating and fishing on Lake Ned.
Residents of Cypress Gardens can enjoy boating and fishing on Lake Ned.
Harry’s Old Place, a well-known seafood restaurant on Ned Lake, is a featured eatery in the area
Harry’s Old Place, a well-known seafood restaurant on Ned Lake, is a featured eatery in the area
The Cypress Gardens neighborhood has several grocery options including a local favorite Publix Supermarkets.
The Cypress Gardens neighborhood has several grocery options including a local favorite Publix Supermarkets.
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Cypress Gardens Boulevard a convenient commercial corridor

The city’s primary commercial corridor, Cypress Gardens Boulevard, runs right through the neighborhood. A full-service Publix at Winter Haven Square is among the shopping options. Paddy Wagon Irish Pub is a popular neighborhood bar. The corridor leads directly downtown, where an even greater concentration of retail and dining options, as well as theater and concert venues, can be found. Back in the neighborhood, Harry’s Old Place, a well-known seafood restaurant on Ned Lake, is a featured eatery. “Harry’s has been around for quite a while,” Ward says. “It’s one of the old family-run businesses in this area.”
Cypress Gardens Blvd is the main commercial corridor in the community full of retail & dining.
Cypress Gardens Blvd is the main commercial corridor in the community full of retail & dining.
Cypress Station Shopping Plaza is one of the places where Cypress residents can shop and eat.
Cypress Station Shopping Plaza is one of the places where Cypress residents can shop and eat.
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Four elementary schools serve neighborhood students

The neighborhood’s youngest students are zoned into four elementary schools. Garden Grove Elementary, rated C-plus by Niche, is the only one located in the neighborhood’s boundaries. The other three elementary schools are Pinewood, rated B-minus; John Snively, rated C-plus; and Elbert, rated C. All students are zoned to Denison Middle, a C-rated school. Older students are zoned to either Winter Haven Senior High, a B-minus-rated school that offers the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) program through the University of Cambridge, or Lake Region High, a C-rated school that is one of just six county institutions that offers an Esports program for aspiring gamers.
Denison Middle School is home to over 800 students in grades 6-8.
Denison Middle School is home to over 800 students in grades 6-8.
Garden Grove serves over 600 students in grades VPK-5th.
Garden Grove serves over 600 students in grades VPK-5th.
Winter Haven Senior High School is a public school located in Winter Haven, FL.
Winter Haven Senior High School is a public school located in Winter Haven, FL.
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Citrus Connection bus stops populate the neighborhood, providing easy access to public transport
Citrus Connection bus stops populate the neighborhood, providing easy access to public transport

Buses, nearby state highways provide convenient transportation

Citrus Connection bus stops populate the neighborhood, providing easy access to public transportation. U.S. Highway 17 and U.S. Highway 27 surround the neighborhood, offering convenient travel to nearby points of interest including Bartow, Lake Wales, Haines City and Davenport. 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.
Matt Pallister
Written By
Matt Pallister
Jeffery Palmer
Photography Contributed By
Jeffery Palmer
Jarrod Bock
Video By
Jarrod Bock

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Kathy Alexander, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.4 15 Reviews
3.0 Niche User
3/9/2016 Niche Review
It is a small town, so there is not too much to do, but it is an hour away from both Orlando and Tampa. There are plenty of lakes to go swimming and fishing in. The school district is decent, but it can always be improved. Overall it is a good town and has a friendly environment.
4.0 Niche User
3/9/2016 Niche Review
Grady Judd has done an excellent job at keeping Polk County safe and lowering the criminal activity in the area.
3.0 Niche User
7/24/2014 Niche Review
Severe storms can and have caused some problems, but they've been dealt with fairly well.
3.0 Niche User
7/24/2014 Niche Review
Glass, plastic, and aluminum products are recycled along with our trash pick up. Other items are not.
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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Cypress Gardens US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Cypress Gardens Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$412,999
Median Sale Price
$390,925
Median Single Family Sale Price
$391,850
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$482,495
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$182,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
132
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-1%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$209

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
4,890
Number of Homes for Sale
25
Median Year Built
1979
Months of Supply
2.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,116
Above the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,534
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,087
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
861
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,454

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Aug 2
    11:30am - 1pm

    217 Shore Loop, Winter Haven, FL 33884

    $359,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,469 Sq Ft
    • 217 Shore Loop
    • New 29 days ago

    Welcome to Summerhaven Shores in Winter Haven, FL! This beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac and offers 1,469 square feet of living space on a generous .3611-acre lot. With no HOA and private boat access to Lake Daisy, this property is perfect for those seeking both comfort and freedom. Inside, you’ll find a modern kitchen with granite stone countertops,

    Sandra Perry WATSON REALTY CORP.

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Kathy Alexander, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
14,097
Median Age
43
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$71,264
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$96,150

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
89.8%
College Graduates
28.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
10.4%
% Population in Labor Force
61%
On par with the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
52''
Average Winter Low Temperature
52°F
Average Summer High Temperature
93°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

29 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

13 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Cypress Gardens