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Crystal Lake

Crystal Lake

Suburban Neighborhood in Lakeland, Florida

Polk County 33801

Neighborhood Reviews
3.0
$240,045 Average Value
$177 Average Price per Sq Ft
38 Homes For Sale

Education is at the heart of Crystal Lake

In Crystal Lake, education is literally at the center of the community. Anchored by the private Southeastern University and home to the local elementary and middle schools, this suburban section of Lakeland creates a walkable environment for students from kindergarten to college. For those outside the education system, the university still plays a significant role in the community’s atmosphere. The baseball field’s overhead lights often spill over to neighboring streets, and it’s nearly impossible to miss the sounds of fans cheering during games. “That’s something that some people might hate, but I didn’t mind it," says Drew Wilson, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Smart and a longtime resident of Lakeland. "I lived right there on North Crystal Lake, and I would just walk right across the street and go watch a baseball or a football game." Although less than 5 miles from downtown Lakeland, the neighborhood maintains its distinct charm with a mix of local churches, restaurants and markets.

Southeastern University is one of the many colleges surrounding  Crystal Lake neighborhood.
Southeastern University is one of the many colleges surrounding Crystal Lake neighborhood.
Southeastern University is located in the heart of Crystal Lake.
Southeastern University is located in the heart of Crystal Lake.
Southeastern University is within walking distance of these Crystal Lake homes.
Southeastern University is within walking distance of these Crystal Lake homes.
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Home prices are significantly lower than Lakeland’s average

Ranch is the most common style in Crystal Lake, although homes vary greatly in size and price. Renovated properties and a few new builds sit beside Southeastern University, offering a taste of classic suburbia with sidewalk-lined streets. Wilson says some of these homes have been turned into rental properties to accommodate students living off campus. For buyers, these three- and four-bedroom homes range from about $250,000 to $330,000, while the more modest two- and three-bedroom properties to the north of the university rarely top $280,000. This makes the neighborhood significantly less expensive than the rest of the Lakeland metro area. Communities of mobile and manufactured homes, such as Bonnie Shores, often provide fully furnished options under $50,000, while lakefront homes in the Skyview Lake development can cost anywhere from $150,000 to $300,000.

A colorful row of ranch homes reflects strong pride of ownership in Crystal Lake.
A colorful row of ranch homes reflects strong pride of ownership in Crystal Lake.
A unique blue hue adds charm to this quaint single-family home in Crystal Lake.
A unique blue hue adds charm to this quaint single-family home in Crystal Lake.
Wide streets and sidewalks enable kids to play freely in front of these homes in Crystal Lake.
Wide streets and sidewalks enable kids to play freely in front of these homes in Crystal Lake.
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Career academies at Lakeland Senior High

Crystal Lake Elementary and Crystal Lake Middle serve the neighborhood, receiving grades of B and B-plus on Niche, respectively. While some students may attend C-plus-rated Tenoroc High, most are zoned for B-plus-rated Lakeland Senior High, the longest-running public high school in the city. The school offers three distinct career academies: the Multimedia Communications Academy, the Fashion Academy and the Veterinary Academy. Polk County is also known for its extensive network of magnet schools, which include highly rated institutions such as Rochelle School of the Arts, a kindergarten through eighth grade fine arts school that receives a B from Niche. Lincoln Avenue Academy is an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme for kindergarten through fifth grade students, receiving an A-minus from Niche. Private post-secondary options in the area include Florida Southern College and Southeastern University.

For more than 60 years, Crystal Lake Elementary has served the Crystal Lake neighborhood.
For more than 60 years, Crystal Lake Elementary has served the Crystal Lake neighborhood.
Crystal Lake Middle School is currently rated a C school according to niche.com.
Crystal Lake Middle School is currently rated a C school according to niche.com.
Home of the Dreadnaught's a football power house, is Lakeland Senior High School.
Home of the Dreadnaught's a football power house, is Lakeland Senior High School.
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Lakeland’s parks accommodate everyone from skaters to nature lovers

Fletcher Park at Lake Bonny is home to the city’s largest skate park, a 24,000-square-foot facility with sections for different skill levels. Baseball fields and a playground surround the park’s central lake, and a paved trail leads to a long fishing pier. Kids flutter around Common Ground Playground, a butterfly-shaped playscape bordered by more than a dozen tennis courts within Publix Charities Park. Cleveland Heights Golf Course, a 27-hole facility, is just across the street. A trip to the city’s edges reveals a world of wildlife at Circle B Bar Reserve, while families can make a short drive downtown to cool off at the Barnett Family Park splash pad. Surrounded by a paved 3-mile trail, Lake Hollingsworth is also a popular stop for daily exercise.

Fletcher Park is a great place to enjoy nature, exercise, and play in Crystal Lake.
Fletcher Park is a great place to enjoy nature, exercise, and play in Crystal Lake.
Enjoy scenic views and nature while living in Crystal Lake.
Enjoy scenic views and nature while living in Crystal Lake.
Cleveland Heights Golf Course is just minutes away from Crystal Lake.
Cleveland Heights Golf Course is just minutes away from Crystal Lake.
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Sun ‘n Fun is one of the largest aerospace expos in the state

A few miles away in downtown Lakeland, residents can attend the Lake Mirror Classic, a three-day event in the fall that showcases and celebrates classic cars. Nearby Munn Park hosts a creative light show in the winter, including a Christmas Parade and fireworks over Lake Mirror. In the spring, the Polk Museum of Art’s Mayfaire by-the-Lake craft fair always draws a crowd. Residents of Crystal Lake may also be able to see Fourth of July celebrations from home. “Southeastern University always has big, fancy fireworks that I could very easily see from a lawn chair in my front yard,” Wilson says. But the city’s most notable event may be the Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo, a 50-year tradition catering to aviation enthusiasts from around the world. The week-long festival takes place in spring at Lakeland Linder International Airport and features workshops for pilots, a career fair and daily airshows.

Shop and dine on South Combee Road

Wilson says the family owned burger joint S&L always comes up when asked about the best restaurants in town. “It’s one of those that you’re going to need a nap afterward,” he says. Since 1983, S&L has gradually added to the vintage license plates on its wood-paneled walls. West Caribbean Cuban Restaurant is a favorite for authentic tostones, while A&B Restaurant offers the classic American diner experience. Pizza and taco spots are common among the banks and small businesses along South Combee Road. Harvest Meat Market packages fresh cuts of local beef, and shoppers will find the closest Publix Super Market at the Grove Park Shopping Center. Home cooks can visit Krishna Grocery or New India Bazaar for specialty ingredients. And for nightlife, Lakeland’s Main Street dining district is about 4 miles away.

S & L is a popular family-owned restaurnt renowned for its burgers in Crystal Lake.
S & L is a popular family-owned restaurnt renowned for its burgers in Crystal Lake.
A & B Restaurant is a popular diner for Crystal Lake residents to enjoy breakfast and lunch.
A & B Restaurant is a popular diner for Crystal Lake residents to enjoy breakfast and lunch.
Publix is a favorite among Crystal Lake residents for daily necessities.
Publix is a favorite among Crystal Lake residents for daily necessities.
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The Citrus Connection provides public transportation throughout Polk County and Crystal Lake.
The Citrus Connection provides public transportation throughout Polk County and Crystal Lake.

Commuting via Citrus Connection

The Lakeland Area Mass Transit District operates locally as Citrus Connection, offering routes across Polk County. It takes about half an hour to reach the downtown Lakeland train station by bus, while drivers enjoy a direct route via Bartow Road. Drivers also benefit from living near Interstate 4, which leads northeast to Orlando and west to Tampa.

Hannah Rainey
Written By
Hannah Rainey
Joseph Van Bemmel
Photography Contributed By
Joseph Van Bemmel
Curtis Newkirk
Video By
Curtis Newkirk

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 Stephen Novak, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.0 6 Reviews
4.0 Niche User
6/30/2015 Niche Review
school's are closer within less than minutes; great area to live.
3.0 Niche User
3/12/2016 Niche Review
I wouldn't live in this exact area again but maybe.
Are you familiar with the Crystal Lake neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Crystal Lake US
Homicide 6 4
Sexual Assault 7 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 6 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$245,000
Median Single Family Price
$260,000
Median Townhouse Price
$167,450
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$238,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$177
Number of Homes for Sale
38
Last 12 months Home Sales
120
Months of Supply
3.80
Median List Price
$259,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-8%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,445
Median Year Built
1967
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,377
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,415
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,534

Open Houses

  • Wednesday, Apr 30
    3 - 6pm

    2301 Freemason St, Lakeland, FL 33801

    $199,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,103 Sq Ft
    • 2301 Freemason St
    • New 23 days ago

    Charming Renovated 3-Bedroom Home on Corner Lot with Fenced BackyardThis beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offers the perfect blend of modern updates and classic charm. Located on a spacious corner lot, this property features a large fenced-in backyard, ideal for outdoor entertaining or relaxing in privacy.Step inside and be greeted by an abundance of natural light that fills the

    David Small KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY SMART 1

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  • Saturday, May 3
    11am - 1pm

    2421 Cypress Ln, Lakeland, FL 33801

    $239,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,240 Sq Ft
    • 2421 Cypress Ln

    Back on Market Due to Buyer's Financing: This beautiful 3-bedroom home features high ceilings with exposed beams and an electric fireplace. The living room includes a lovely built-in bookcase and a large picture window. Enjoy the eat-in kitchen and quartz countertops. The kitchen island provides plenty of storage space! The property has a large front yard and features mango and cumquat trees in

    Danielle Cash LPT REALTY, 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 Stephen Novak, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
11,356
Median Age
31
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
27.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.5%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$42,146
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$51,349

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
81.3%
College Graduates
14.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.9%
% Population in Labor Force
52.7%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
56''
Average Winter Low Temperature
51°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

50 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

52 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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
Crystal Lake
Stephen Novak
LIVE FLORIDA REALTY
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