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Southwest Winter Haven

Southwest Winter Haven

Suburban Neighborhood in Eagle Lake, Florida

Polk County 33839, 33880

$295,993 Average Value
$184 Average Price per Sq Ft
49 Homes For Sale

Rural-tinged community with new homes and proximity to downtown

Southwest Winter Haven offers the best of both worlds. Comprising a significant swath of the city’s unincorporated areas, it offers a more rural setting than would be typically found in one of the country’s fastest-growing cities. At the same time, new homes are popping up in planned developments that offer residents not only easy access to the lakes Winter Haven is known for, but also proximity to buzzy Downtown Lakeland directly to the north. “It’s definitely an up-and-coming area, with a lot of housing being built,” says Emily Ward, a Realtor with EXP Realty and city resident, who adds that the location means homeowners will still get “all the benefits of Winter Haven.”

Welcome to Southwest Winter Haven in Eagle Lake, FL.
Welcome to Southwest Winter Haven in Eagle Lake, FL.
Southwest Winter Haven residents love their community.
Southwest Winter Haven residents love their community.
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Contemporary custom homes populate planned developments

Residential pockets around the lakes feature a collection of newer homes in small planned developments, including The Shores at Lake Sears, The Grove at Crystal Beach and the Landing at Eagle Lake. Established housing is comprised primarily of ranch-style homes on spacious lots with private driveways, attached garages and large yards. Home sizes and styles are more diverse on the lakefront, where the occasional midcentury-modern and some multi-level homes can be found. Lakefront properties often feature private docks. “A lot of people are looking to purchase a Florida home, and the Orlando/Kissimmee area is pretty tapped out. So if someone is looking to invest, Winter Haven is a great place,” Ward says. “We’re near Orlando and near Tampa, but we have a smaller state of mind. With lower prices, it’s a great place for people looking for longer-term investments.” Prices typically range from the mid-$200,000s to the mid-$500,00s, although the largest lakefront homes can sell for more than $1 million. Manufactured homes, including in 55-plus communities, start at under $25,000. However, some are lot-leased, meaning homeowners do not own the land and pay a significant monthly fee to use community amenities.

New homes are being built often in Southwest Winter Haven.
New homes are being built often in Southwest Winter Haven.
Southwest Winter Haven has tons of homestyles to choose from.
Southwest Winter Haven has tons of homestyles to choose from.
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Public and private lakes provide outdoor recreation

Be it boating, fishing or water skiing, a pastime the city is famous for, lakefront recreation is a staple of living in Winter Haven. In this community, the activity centers around the 640-acre Eagle Lake, which is home to a large park that features a swimming beach. Sears, Grassy and Deer lakes are smaller alternatives open to the public. Residents also have access to several lakes in neighboring Downtown Winter Haven, including Howard Lake and its picturesque nature park. Spirit and Millsite lakes are private community lakes. Off the water, residents can stay active at Lake Shipp Park, whose athletic amenities include five baseball fields and two soccer fields, and Eagle Lake Ball Park, which hosts organized youth competition.

Eagle Lake is a popular spot for activities in Southwest Winter Haven.
Eagle Lake is a popular spot for activities in Southwest Winter Haven.
Boating is one of Southwest Winter Haven residents favorite activities.
Boating is one of Southwest Winter Haven residents favorite activities.
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Blackburn's Barbecue hosts community events

Locals can get their grocery shopping done at Publix, located in the Spirit Lake Crossing shopping center. A handful of local dining spots and dollar stores can be found along U.S. Route 11 near Eagle Lake. Blackburn’s is a popular barbeque restaurant that consistently receives high ratings and engages the community by hosting seasonal events, including an annual Christmas parade. Locals who want to enjoy their meal by the water can head to Harborside at Lake Shipp, a downtown seafood restaurant with an outdoor patio, waterside bar and boat dock. Other featured dining destinations among downtown’s burgeoning culinary scene include Nutwood, a farm-to-table restaurant, and Arabellas, an upscale Italian restaurant. Residents also can take in performances downtown at cultural attractions such as Theatre Winter Haven and Gram Parsons Derry Down, a contemporary concert venue.

Visit Harborside for a bite to eat after being out on the water.
Visit Harborside for a bite to eat after being out on the water.
Blackburns BBQ is a popular hot spot for locals in Southwest Winter Haven.
Blackburns BBQ is a popular hot spot for locals in Southwest Winter Haven.
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Controlled open enrollment for Florida students

Lake Shipp Elementary and Eagle Lake Elementary schools, rated C and C-plus, respectively, by Niche, are located in the community, while some students are zoned to nearby Pinewood Elementary, rated B-minus. Westwood Middle, a C-minus-rated school, serves the area. Older students can attend Lake Region High, a C-rated school, or Winter Haven Senior High, a B-minus-rated school that offers the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) program through the University of Cambridge. Students can take advantage of the Florida Department of Education’s controlled open enrollment policy. “Let’s say a student wanted to play an instrument, but there was no music program at their zoned school – well, our state has a policy that allows families to use this preference as a factor in determining school assignment,” says Stephanie Meyer, a real estate agent with Keller Williams.

Welcome to Lake Shipp Elementary School.
Welcome to Lake Shipp Elementary School.
Students in the southern portion of Southwest Winter Haven attend Eagle Lake Elementary School.
Students in the southern portion of Southwest Winter Haven attend Eagle Lake Elementary School.
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Major thoroughfares provide access to city and regional points of interest

Commuters in Southwest Winter Haven have easy access to three major thoroughfares for regional travel: U.S. Route 17 to the south, Florida State Road 655 to the northeast and Florida State Road 540, also known as Winter Lake Road, in the middle of the neighborhood. Citrus Connection is a public transportation provider that operates a fixed bus route from downtown Winter Haven to Spirit Lake, with stops along Route 17 and Winter Lake Road. Route 17 provides easy access to the Amtrak station downtown, as well as Haines City and Davenport further north. Lakeland is a 15-mile drive to the west. At the southernmost point of the neighborhood is the Bartow Executive Airport, which offers a flight school and aircraft rentals. Commercial service is available at international airports in Tampa and Orlando, both about 50 miles away.

Polk Parkway
Polk Parkway
US Highway 17
US Highway 17
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Holiday celebrations highlight community events

Since 1983, residents have been celebrating the holiday season by visiting Santa’s House by the Bigda’s, a regional attraction in neighboring Sun Ridge. For weeks leading up to Christmas and through the end of each year, the Bigdas welcome their neighbors with nightly shows featuring their handmade decorations and accompanying music. Even Santa joins the community for an annual visit to take in the sights and sounds of the holiday season. A Patriotic Celebration featuring fireworks and children’s activities is held at Eagle Lake Park each year the week before the Fourth of July in an effort to get as many people to attend as possible. Community members also gather at churches that serve Baptist, Greek Orthodox and First Assembly of God of God congregations as well as at Temple Beth Shalom.

Fishing on Eagle Lake is apopular activity for Southwest Winter Haven residents.
Fishing on Eagle Lake is apopular activity for Southwest Winter Haven residents.
Take in great sunsets over the Chain of Lakes in Southwest Winter Haven.
Take in great sunsets over the Chain of Lakes in Southwest Winter Haven.
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Matt Pallister
Written By
Matt Pallister
Jeffery Palmer
Photography Contributed By
Jeffery Palmer

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 Ariel Vargas, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Southwest Winter Haven US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$274,000
Median Single Family Price
$284,995
Median Townhouse Price
$400,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$184
Number of Homes for Sale
49
Last 12 months Home Sales
128
Months of Supply
4.60
Median List Price
$299,975
Median Discount From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-10%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,906
Median Year Built
1987
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,740
Below the national average
1,935
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,119
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,840

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    10:30am - 12:30pm

    2410 Avenue B NW, Winter Haven, FL 33880

    $285,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,742 Sq Ft
    • 2410 Avenue B NW
    • New 23 days ago

    Looking for your new home on a large lot with no HOA? Schedule your showing today! Don't miss out on this move in ready, renovated home in Winter Haven. Perfectly situated in a treelined neighborhood close to several lakes with public access, this 4 bedroom 2 bathroom home invites you inside to experience it's spacious and open living. You immediately feel welcomed and ready to settle in. It's

    MELANIE CARNEY DALTON WADE INC

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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    11:30am - 2pm

    554 Lorient Dr, Eagle Lake, FL 33839

    $285,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,707 Sq Ft
    • 554 Lorient Dr

    Welcome to this stunning 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 1,707 sqft ranch-style home in the desirable Normandy Heights community, built by Highland Homes. The exterior boasts beautiful stone accents, while the bright and open floor plan, enhanced by high ceilings, creates an inviting and spacious atmosphere.The spacious kitchen features a large island and stainless-steel appliances, perfect for cooking

    Monica Hawkinson LIVE FLORIDA REALTY

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    10am - 6pm

    2522 Sage Valley Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884

    $391,490

    • 5 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,601 Sq Ft
    • 2522 Sage Valley Way

    Under Construction. Find all the space you need in our popular two-story Hayden floorplan in Harmony at Lake Eloise, one of our communities in Winter Haven, Florida.Inside this 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home, you’ll find 2,601 square feet of flexible living space and a two-car garage. Step thru the front foyer and you're greeted with a flex room designed for work or play. Make your way to the kitchen

    Paul King DR HORTON REALTY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA LLC

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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 Ariel Vargas, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
11,980
Median Age
39
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$52,036
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$70,183

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
86.1%
College Graduates
11.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.3%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.3%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
52''
Average Winter Low Temperature
51°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

19 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

5 / 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.

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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
Southwest Winter Haven