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 87 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 $299,990, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This Azure floor plan offers a welcoming formal entry and hallway. A spacious great room with kitchen is open to dining and family entertainment area that leads to a covered patio. Also included is a great sized primary bedroom with a primary bath and walk-in closet. Included features: 9"4' ceilings and 8' doors, 42' cabinets and white quartz counter tops in kitchen, ceramic tile throughout the
Discover refined living in Wyndsor at Lake Winterset, one of Winter Haven’s premier gated communities. Set on a half-acre lot, this beautifully maintained 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom residence blends timeless craftsmanship with thoughtful updates and an impressive amount of living space. Step inside to soaring ceilings, architectural arches, decorative pillars, crown molding, and tray ceilings that
Florida resort-style living awaits in the highly sought-after 55+ Lake Ashton Golf Community!Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath pool home, perfectly situated on an oversized corner lot in one of Central Florida's premier guard-gated communities. With a private pool, golf cart garage, major recent upgrades, and an incredible selection of community amenities, this
Virtually Staged. Discover easy Florida living in this beautifully maintained home in Lake Ashton featuring the popular expanded Hemingway floor plan with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a versatile den perfect for a home office, hobby room, or guest space. Best of all, the CDD bond debt is fully paid. Pride of ownership shines throughout, from the landscaping and paver driveway to the move-in ready
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 the signature 11th hole on Lake Ashton's East Course, as well as a large
One or more photos have been virtually staged. Welcome to your private haven and next exciting chapter in Lake Ashton, Central Florida’s premier 55+ active-adult community, where elegance, comfort, and Florida charm blend seamlessly. This luxurious residence (with CDD Debt PAID IN FULL) offers over 2,900 square feet of custom living space, beginning with stunning double leaded-glass entry doors
Experience peaceful waterfront living in the guard-gated 55+ community of Lake Ashton. Situated on a prime waterfront lot just moments from the community amenities, this impeccably maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with a separate office offers beautiful water views from multiple areas of the home including the living spaces, lanai, and bedrooms.Inside, the home features new luxury vinyl
Begin the next exciting chapter of your life in Lake Ashton, Central Florida's premier 55+ active-adult community, where this beautifully maintained and tastefully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath home with a den enjoys a desirable location overlooking the Lake Ashton East Golf Course. From the moment you arrive, you'll appreciate the care and quality found throughout. The updated kitchen features newer
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
PRICE REDUCED! Move right into this pristine, turnkey oasis. Built in 2022, this beautifully maintained home in the peaceful Villa Mar community features a bright, open floor plan and four spacious bedrooms. The modern kitchen flows effortlessly into the main living areas, which boast durable ceramic tile flooring for a sleek, low-maintenance finish. Relax on your private, custom-screened lanai
Virtually Staged. Fully refreshed and move-in ready, this Ruby Lake home delivers space, thoughtful upgrades, and a layout that stands out from the rest.Offering high ceilings and a well-designed flow from the L-shaped formal living room that transitions into the formal dining area, creating a defined yet open feel. The kitchen sits at the center with a dinette overlooking the family room. 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,
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home located in the highly desirable Morningside at Winterset, a 24/7 gated community offering comfort, security, and resort-style living. This spacious property features an inviting foyer that opens into a bright great room and dining area, enhanced by elegant plant shelves and sliding glass doors leading to a large all-weather screened
If you’re looking for outdoor living with your own private pool—a rare find in this community—this is your new home! Welcome to Chalet Estates on Lake Suzanne, a highly sought-after 55+ gated community.This 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, built in 2006, offers over 1,300 sq. ft. of living space. Recent upgrades include pool resurfacing and rescreening (2024), luxury vinyl flooring in the living
Welcome to your private slice of paradise—where luxury, comfort, and resort-style living come together in one unforgettable home. From the moment you arrive, the beautifully landscaped grounds, paver walkway, and inviting front porch set the tone for what’s inside. Step through the elegant glass front door into a bright, open-concept design that immediately feels like home. Triple sliding glass
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
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
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
2 bedroom 2 bath ground floor condo located in gated Winterset on the Shores of Lake Winterset.Enjoy a community pool, club house, tennis courts and community boat ramp.Partially furnished or furniture can be removed.
Cute and clean downstairs end unit in Winterset, a gated community. Features wood laminate flooring in living area and bedrooms and ceramic tile in the wet areas. Open floor plan, kitchen with breakfast bar overlooking living room with mirror wall and dining area. Master bedroom has sliding glass doors to a private 6x7 screened in patio. Master suite includes walk-in closet, stackable washer &
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
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.
Carlton Arms of Winter Haven located on 122 acres of wooded lakefront property, offers country club living at many different rental rates. With its cascading fountains, beautifully landscaped grounds, peaceful woods and 5 freshwater lakes, this resort-style community provides every resident with professional management and maintenance that are trademarks of all Mahaffey planned properties.
Brand-new two-story home located in the sought-after Villamar community of Winter Haven. This residence offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a spacious loft, and a 2-car garage with approximately 1,880 square feet of living space.The open-concept floor plan seamlessly connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas, creating a functional layout for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen
Della Vita Apartments offers the best in brand new interior finishes, abundant community amenity offerings and quick and easy access to some of the best shopping, entertainment and dining Winter Haven has to offer. We’ve recently started a multi-million dollar renovation that will enhance your everyday lifestyle. Our 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartment homes include large bedrooms with walk-in closets,
A variety of spacious and inviting floor plans await you at Arbours at Garden Grove. Choose from one of our three floor plans offering one, two and three bedrooms, designed with your comfort in mind. Enjoy an assortment of amenities such as vaulted ceilings, a wet bar, air conditioning and double vanities to name a few! The Arbours at Garden Grove amenities extend far beyond your doorstep. Take a
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