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 86 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Southeast Winterhaven, Winter Haven over the last 12 months is $306,955, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. WATERFRONT CUSTOM St. John floor plan with CDD bond debt PAID IN FULL! Recent Upgrades: Kinetico whole-house water softener, refrigerator (2025), New roof (2024), AC, dishwasher, stove, additional screened room with pavers, and upgraded landscaping (2022). Experience Florida living at its finest in this beautifully upgraded 3-bedroom + den, 2-bath
Welcome to this beautifully built 2024 modern contemporary home located in a quiet and inviting community just minutes from the world-famous Orlando and Kissimmee theme parks. This stylish three-bedroom, two-bath residence features a thoughtfully designed open-concept layout that blends clean lines, functionality, and everyday comfort. The contemporary kitchen showcases sleek quartz countertops,
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. Under Construction. This two-story Georgia will definitely be on your mind... This beauty highlights a modern open layout, seamlessly integrating a first-floor kitchen with a central island, a dining room and a welcoming family room with patio access. On the same level is a private owner's suite with an attached bathroom. Situated upstairs is a
Welcome to your dream home in the gated community of Ruby Lake! This beautifully designed 3-bedroom, 2-bath Cassidy “Ox” floor plan perfectly balances elegance and everyday comfort. Step inside to discover a spacious layout featuring formal living and dining rooms, along with a generous family room—ideal for both entertaining and relaxed living. The updated kitchen is truly the heart of the home,
***PRICE REDUCTION***Your turnkey oasis awaits! Welcome to a home that still feels brand new. This 2022-built gem in the peaceful Villa Mar community offers four spacious bedrooms and a bright, open floor plan designed for making memories. Whether you're hosting a dinner party in the modern kitchen or relaxing on your private, custom-screened lanai, every inch of this 1,680 sq. ft. home reflects
Beautifully updated cottage-style villa located in a desirable 55+ gated community. This fully remodeled home features ceramic tile flooring throughout, with the exception of the second bedroom. The spacious two-car garage includes a laundry area that can easily be enclosed for additional privacy or functionality. The appliances are approximately four years old and have been gentlyused.
If you have a "furry" member of your household, you do not want to miss out on this home. A 24-foot-long, fully "birdcaged" pet run with artificial turf for easy cleanup is at the back of the home and is attached to the covered, screened lanai. Easy access for that family pet. This 3-bedroom/2-bath DEVON floor plan has great curb appeal, with quality plantings, stately palms, an extra-wide paver
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
PRICED REDUCED!! This wonderful 4-bedroom, 3-bath pool home is located in the gated community of Eloise Cove and is a former Lennar model featuring the highly sought-after Sheffield floor plan. NEW ROOF 9/2025. Water heater 2021. The spacious kitchen offers granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, double ovens, and a breakfast bar—perfect for entertaining. The home boasts a separate
SELLER MOTIVATED! | NEW ROOF | NO CDD| GATED COMMUNITY Welcome home to 107 Mandolin Drive, a move-in ready, single-story gem nestled inside the sought-after Mandolin gated community in SE Winter Haven. This beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bath residence offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and security, all with No CDD and a low HOA.A brand-new roof tops off a home that has been
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
MUST SEE! Beautiful Custom-Built Home in the Renaissance Subdivision! Welcome to your dream home nestled in the serene community of Renaissance in lovely Winter Haven, Florida. This stunning 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom model home offers the perfect blend of privacy, convenience, and resort-style living, complete with a spectacular pool area. Key Features: • Prime Location: Enjoy boat access to Lake
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
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
Welcome to this beautiful tranquil home. Prime Location, Beautiful Community many amenities. Highly sought Peace Creek Reserve Community in Winter Haven. Modern Living in today's busy world. High end kitchen, Many architectural features sets this home off from others. Upgraded bathrooms. Very large space for family gatherings. Large bedrooms. Plenty of storage. Two car garage. Credit Score
Additional reduction of this 4 bedroom 2.5 Baths is located in Villa Mar in Winter Haven, Florida. Master-planned amenities including a pool with cabana that is walking distance from your home, a playground, and shaded seating area. Highway 27, less than 10 minutes away, has everything you are looking for. Grocery stores, movie theaters, shopping centers, golf courses, restaurants, and so much
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.
Charming PRIVATE ENTRANCE 1 - NEW bedroom apartment available for rent! Welcome to your new home! This beautiful apartment with living room, kitchen, 1 bathroom and 1 bedroom. Located in a quiet and friendly neighborhood in Eagle Lake, this space offers all the comfort and convenience you need. As for the location, it is close to shopping centers, restaurants, parks and public transportation.
Gorgeous sunset views over Lake Winterset... this is the kind of rental you don’t come across often. Located in the gated Winterset community, this well-maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath upstairs condo with a private one-car garage offers easy, low-maintenance lakeview living. Inside, you’ll find an open and airy layout with vaulted ceilings, skylights, and large sliding glass doors that bring in tons
Experience stylish, comfortable living at The Waverly at Winter Haven. Located in the sought-after Cypress Gardens area, our pet-friendly community offers a peaceful lifestyle with convenient access to everything Central Florida has to offer.At The Waverly at Winter Haven, you'll enjoy a host of resort-inspired amenities designed to enhance your lifestyle, from a sparkling pool and
Welcome to this spacious, modern 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom one-story home in the sought-after Peace Creek Reserve community! Perfectly positioned near Hwy 27, this prime location offers quick access to Legoland, Downtown Winter Haven & Lake Wales, shopping, dining, and the stunning Chain of Lakes—ideal for boating, fishing, and outdoor adventures. Step inside and spoil yourself with the upscale Bloom
Welcome home to Prose Cypress Pointe, a brand-new multifamily community located in Winter Haven, Florida. Our spacious one- and two-bedroom apartment homes feature modern stainless-steel appliances, walk-in closets, dining-sized kitchen islands, premium plank flooring throughout and full-sized washers and dryers in every apartment home. And with convenient, must-have amenities like a fitness
Welcome to the desirable Villamar community in Winter Haven, where comfort, convenience, and modern living come together in one of the area’s fastest-growing neighborhoods. This FULLY FENCED like-new 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers a thoughtfully designed layout that perfectly balances functionality and style, making it ideal for families, entertaining, or simply enjoying everyday life.
Spacious and beautifully laid out home now available for rent! This open floor plan features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, plus a versatile flex space that can easily function as a third bedroom, office, or additional living area. Inside, you’ll find laminate flooring throughout with tile in the bathrooms, along with fresh interior paint and updated finishes that enhance the home’s overall appeal. The
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
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