Active, tight-knit gated communities with amenities
Southeast Winterhaven is a patchwork of amenity-rich, lake-speckled gated communities. “What draws people there is the wide range of amenities that people have. And as a result, people say, ‘Oh wow, I’m going to live in a resort for the rest of my life,’” says Michael Krigelski, a Realtor and owner at A+ Realty who has lived in Lake Ashton, one of the area’s 55-plus communities, for over 20 years, adding that its abundant clubs and active lifestyle are major draws. It’s what Krigelski and his wife love about Lake Ashton. “The mere fact that you’re active, you’re very social. You get involved with activities that are fun, and you look forward to the next day because you’ve got something planned or you’re going to go somewhere,” he says, adding that he still works full-time and plays golf three or four days a week. “I think this place has helped keep us young.” Friendly neighbors also make a world of difference. With so many activities to participate in, people get to know one another. “We have everything here. We’re big enough to have stuff and small enough to know people,” Krigelski says. “I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.”
Kayaking and swimming in local lakes, golf and private amenities
Many of Southeast Winterhaven’s gated communities have lakes where residents kayak and fish. Anglers also cast lines in more than 60 ponds and creeks, and Krigelski says the nearby seaplane school uses Lake Ashton for practice landings. Lake Ashton Golf Club has two 18-hole championship golf courses, while the nearby Lake Bess Golf Club has a public nine-hole course. These gated communities usually have a clubhouse with amenities like a gym, tennis or pickleball courts and swimming pools. Krigelski says Lake Ashton even has a health and fitness center. “There’s a rehabilitation company that works out of there, so we have physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists,” Krigelski says. “They’re there five days a week. We have the personal trainers that are available, and free exercise classes, water aerobics classes.” Beyond these gated communities, Winter Haven Dog Park is open to everyone, though it lacks shade. Bok Tower Gardens, a 250-acre bird sanctuary with gardens, is 10 miles away and has popular walking paths and a bell tower.
Single-story homes starting at about $210,000, some condos
Most of Southeast Winterhaven’s homes are ranch-style houses, often with Spanish Colonial influences, and New Traditionals. Home prices vary between each community, but as a whole, they range from $210,000 to $500,000. A small number of condos around Lake Winterset cost between $130,000 and $340,000.
Clubs for nearly every interest, annual events and fundraisers
These gated communities come with busy social calendars for those who want them — and Krigelski says many residents are looking for just that. In Lake Ashton, he says, clubs exist for lots of interests, including golf, books, cars, woodworking and swimming. In addition, the community has a bowling alley, a craft room and kiln. “Over 70% of the people that live here don’t golf,” Krigelski says. “They’re here for other activities.” Southwest Winterhaven’s communities also hold annual events. “We have a big talent show every year.... A lot of our people participate in the senior Olympics that we have here,” Krigelski says. “There’s fundraisers, there’s dances. We have a calendar that is just full of stuff.”
Local restaurants and Eagle Ridge Mall on Route 27
People head to a small shopping center on Cypress Gardens Boulevard to get brisket or prime rib at Ovation Bistro & Bar or meet up for drinks and birria tacos at Margarita Cocina Mexicana. Along U.S. Route 27, there are chain restaurants like IHOP and Chili’s and major retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s. Eagle Ridge Mall offers shops like Bath & Body Works and Dillard's, a food court and a movie theater. For essentials, residents head to Walmart or Publix. And Krigelski says there are more developments on the way. “Every time you turn around, you’ve got something else popping up, being built,” he says. “The growth is phenomenal.”
Access to Route 27 and an upcoming hospital near Southwest Winterhaven
Residents have easy access to Route 27. AdventHealth is building a hospital right across from Southeast Winterhaven; for now, only the emergency room is open, but Krigelski says having medical care so close to home is a big deal. There are two hospitals about 11 miles away: Winter Haven Hospital and AdventHealth Lake Wales. Orlando International Airport is 49 miles away.
Specialized academies at Lake Region High
Polk County Public Schools earn a B-minus on Niche. Children can attend Chain of Lakes Elementary School, which has a B, and Denison Middle School, which has a C-minus, before moving to the C-rated Lake Region High School. The high school contains seven academies that give students experience in fields like agriscience, business and medicine.
Hurricane season in Southeast Winterhaven
Hurricane season can bring heavy rain and winds from June through November. Water levels in Southeast Winterhaven’s lakes can rise with heavy rainfall, but it rarely impacts homes that aren’t directly on the water. Residents should always be familiar with evacuation routes.
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
Are you familiar with the Southeast Winterhaven neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Southeast Winterhaven
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Southeast Winterhaven Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Southeast Winterhaven, Winter Haven sell after 81 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Southeast Winterhaven, Winter Haven over the last 12 months is $310,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
Nestled in one of Winter Haven’s most sought after communities, this stunning 4 bedroom 2 bath home now offers even more value. With a fresh price improvement plus $10,000 credit from the seller that can be used towards closing costs or an interest rate buy-down, this is an incredible opportunity to secure a beautiful home in Villamar. Step inside to find plantation shutters throughout the home
Welcome to resort-style living in the highly sought-after gated waterfront community of Winterset, where convenience meets comfort in this charming 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom downstairs condo. Step inside to discover a spacious living and dining room combo that creates an inviting atmosphere for relaxation and entertaining. The well appointed kitchen features stainless steel appliances and a
3136 Langdon Lane, Winter Haven, FL — nestled in the highly sought-after Traditions 55+ gated community, this beautifully maintained home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and resort-style living. Featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms sitting on a over-sized lot, this light and bright home boasts an open-concept layout, ideal for both relaxing and entertaining. The spacious kitchen flows
THE CDD BOND IS FULLY PAID on this well-maintained, ready-to-move-in, "snowbird-owned" Devon floor plan home. But what sets this Lake Ashton Golf Club home apart is its location on a pond-frontage lot with a nature preserve view and a street that ends at a cul-de-sac. Upon arrival, the outstanding curb appeal catches your eye. The exterior of this home was painted just last year. The roof was
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. MOTIVATED SELLERS! Welcome to this 3-bedroom, 2-bath Monte Carlo floor plan on a spacious corner lot in the highly desirable Palms area of the community with a peekaboo view of Lake Ashton. Recent updates include a new roof and exterior paint (2023). Inside, a split floor plan offers privacy with two guest bedrooms and a full bath on one side, and
2BR/2BA Ground Floor Condo in the Gated neighborhood of Winterset. Wood laminate flooring (no carpet) throughout. New granite countertops and appliances in kitchen. Updated bathrooms. Primary bedroom has a very large walk in closet. Full size washer and dryer included. Community features a clubhouse with swimming pool overlooking Lake Winterset, tennis courts, boat ramp, and dock for fishing.
Welcome to this clean and large 3 bedroom 2 bath Cassidy Home in the gated community of Mandolin. Kitchen features granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, breakfast bar and eating nook area. Work station with built in desk off kitchen and inside utility room. Formal dining room with plant shelves. Living room with cathedral/vaulted ceilings, plant shelves and sliding glass doors to the
Welcome to the Edison, a stunning two-story home featuring 5 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. The first floor offers a bright, open-concept design that seamlessly connects the kitchen, dining, and living areas, creating the perfect space for gatherings and everyday living. From the main living area, step out onto a spacious outdoor patio, ideal for relaxing or entertaining. Upstairs, a versatile loft
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