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 88 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 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.
Under Construction. BELOW MARKET INTEREST RATES with use of Seller's Preferred Lender. Feel at home with the Magenta, a single-story home with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage. This layout is a true gem, seamlessly blending modern comfort with Florida charm. Open concept living dazzles with luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout the main living areas. The kitchen, featuring quartz
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. Under Construction. BELOW MARKET INTEREST RATES with use of Seller's Preferred Lender. Never run out of space with the Catalina, a spacious two-story home designed for ultimate comfort and flexibility! This home boasts 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a versatile den, a generous upstairs recreation space and a private 2-car garage. The open concept
BELOW MARKET INTEREST RATES with use of Seller's Preferred Lender. Feel at home with the Magenta, a single-story home with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage. This layout is a true gem, seamlessly blending modern comfort with Florida charm. Open concept living dazzles with luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout the main living areas. The kitchen, featuring quartz countertops, new
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 interior designed for
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
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
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
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
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 plank
***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
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
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.
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
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,
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
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
Pre-Construction. To be built. Brand-New Corner Lakeview Home for Rent in Winter Haven$2,350/Month | Available June 9Be the first to live in this stunning two-story home located in one of Winter Haven’s fastest-growing communities.This spacious residence offers 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, an upstairs loft ideal for a media room, office, or flex space, a 2-car garage, and 2,112 square
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 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
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
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.
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.
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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