Attraction, lakes and a "smaller state of mind" in Central Florida
Cypress Gardens, named after Florida’s first theme park and home to Winter Haven’s biggest attraction, is an appealing mixed-use neighborhood dotted by lakes and anchored by a convenient commercial corridor. Located in the heart of Central Florida, the neighborhood takes center stage in fast-growing Polk County, a popular alternative to buzzier and more expensive locales nearby. The Orlando/Kissimmee area is “pretty tapped out” so people are turning to this region says Emily Ward, a Realtor with EXP Realty and neighborhood resident. “We’re near Orlando and near Tampa, but we have a smaller state of mind” she says. “With lower prices, it’s a great place for people looking for longer-term investments.”
Cypress Gardens is a lake-filled mixed-use neighborhood located in the heart of Central Florida.
Legoland is an all inclusive attraction in the Winter Haven area.
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Variety of housing offers several affordable options
The homes in Cypress Gardens are built into residential pockets, surrounded by the neighborhood’s many lakes. They tend to come in two types: older ranch-style with spacious lots or newer contemporary builds in walkable subdivisions. Prices range from the mid $200,000s to the mid $500,000s, though lakefront homes can list for more than $1 million. Ward says the average home here sells for about $350,000. “You can get a lot of house here for that money, usually about 2,000 to 2,500 square feet,” she says. Meanwhile, the amenities-filled Orange Manor offers those 55 and older a selection of manufactured homes ranging from under $40,000 to the high $100,000s.
Many homes in Cypress Gardens have delightful front porches and a wrap-around driveway.
Residents of Orange Manor East live within close proximity to shopping, dining and various recreation activities.
Waterfront homes often featuring private docks highlight an eclectic mix of housing.
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Historic gardens part of popular Legoland theme park
The neighborhood gets its name from the Cypress Gardens, a botanical marvel that has been around since 1936 and is billed as Florida’s first theme park. For context, Disney World didn’t open until 1971. No longer a stand-alone park, the gardens are still an impressive sight. The meticulously landscaped grounds on the shores of Lake Eloise are home to a massive banyan tree planted as a seedling in 1939 and nearly 8,000 flower varieties from 90 countries. The gardens are preserved as part of Legoland Florida, a theme park and resort that attracts about 1.5 million visitors per year. More than just a tourist attraction, Legoland offers discounted rates to Florida residents, making it especially attractive to neighborhood families. The colorful park is anchored by a popular water park, and its attractions include not only an assortment of rides and games but a Lego-themed water-skiing show on Lake Eloise. The park also hosts an annual Pirate Fest, a weekend extravaganza from late January to late February. Pirate-themed shows and Lego character meet-and-greets highlight the festivities. Legoland’s newest addition is a theme park dedicated to Peppa Pig.
Legoland Entrance
Jump into the world of Peppa Pig, Legoland’s newest addition full of attractions for kids.
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Neighborhood lakes offer an array of water-based recreation
There are more than 50 lakes in Winter Haven. Canals connect all the ones in the southern and northern chains, providing an array of waterfront recreational options. Lake Eloise, a public lake, is the largest in the southern chain at more than 1,150 acres. Eloise, which is home to the Freedom Boat Club, is connected to smaller neighborhood lakes Lulu, Roy and Summit. “Winter Haven is known as the water-skiing capital of the world,” says Ward, who notes that the Cypress Gardens theme park used to employ a world-renowned water-skiing team. The team now puts on a monthly show on Lake Silver in neighboring downtown Winter Haven. Those seeking more relaxing pursuits can launch a kayak or float lazily along with friends and family on a pontoon boat. Fishing is arguably the most popular pastime. Central Florida is famous for its bass fishing, and anglers have myriad options to search for their next big catch. Nature lovers can visit the Lake Region Audubon Nature Preserve, where scenic wooded trails are home to an impressive array of native flora and fauna. The preserve also includes the Street Nature Center, which offers educational programs for children.
Cypress Gardens is a wonderful neighborhood to live, work, and socialize with friends.
Boating on Lake Summit is a common weekly attraction.
Residents of Cypress Gardens can enjoy boating and fishing on Lake Ned.
Harry’s Old Place, a well-known seafood restaurant on Ned Lake, is a featured eatery in the area
The Cypress Gardens neighborhood has several grocery options including a local favorite Publix Supermarkets.
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Cypress Gardens Boulevard a convenient commercial corridor
The city’s primary commercial corridor, Cypress Gardens Boulevard, runs right through the neighborhood. A full-service Publix at Winter Haven Square is among the shopping options. Paddy Wagon Irish Pub is a popular neighborhood bar. The corridor leads directly downtown, where an even greater concentration of retail and dining options, as well as theater and concert venues, can be found. Back in the neighborhood, Harry’s Old Place, a well-known seafood restaurant on Ned Lake, is a featured eatery. “Harry’s has been around for quite a while,” Ward says. “It’s one of the old family-run businesses in this area.”
Cypress Gardens Blvd is the main commercial corridor in the community full of retail & dining.
Cypress Station Shopping Plaza is one of the places where Cypress residents can shop and eat.
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Four elementary schools serve neighborhood students
The neighborhood’s youngest students are zoned into four elementary schools. Garden Grove Elementary, rated C-plus by Niche, is the only one located in the neighborhood’s boundaries. The other three elementary schools are Pinewood, rated B-minus; John Snively, rated C-plus; and Elbert, rated C. All students are zoned to Denison Middle, a C-rated school. Older students are zoned to either Winter Haven Senior High, a B-minus-rated school that offers the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) program through the University of Cambridge, or Lake Region High, a C-rated school that is one of just six county institutions that offers an Esports program for aspiring gamers.
Denison Middle School is home to over 800 students in grades 6-8.
Garden Grove serves over 600 students in grades VPK-5th.
Winter Haven Senior High School is a public school located in Winter Haven, FL.
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Citrus Connection bus stops populate the neighborhood, providing easy access to public transport
Buses, nearby state highways provide convenient transportation
Citrus Connection bus stops populate the neighborhood, providing easy access to public transportation. U.S. Highway 17 and U.S. Highway 27 surround the neighborhood, offering convenient travel to nearby points of interest including Bartow, Lake Wales, Haines City and Davenport. Lakeland is less than 15 miles directly west. Winter Haven also is conveniently located between Tampa and Orlando and their international airports. Both cities are about 50 miles away via Interstate 4.
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
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an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Rotary Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Lake Ned Park
Basketball
Fishing
Lake
Lake Gwyn Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Soccer
Michael V. Lewis Arboretum & Parrot Trail
Street Audubon Nature Center
Lake Roy Park
Lake Ina Park
Lake Summit Park
Cypress Gardens
Trails
Events
Reviews
Niche Reviews
3.415 Reviews
3.0Niche User
3/9/2016Niche Review
It is a small town, so there is not too much to do, but it is an hour away from both Orlando and Tampa. There are plenty of lakes to go swimming and fishing in. The school district is decent, but it can always be improved. Overall it is a good town and has a friendly environment.
4.0Niche User
3/9/2016Niche Review
Grady Judd has done an excellent job at keeping Polk County safe and lowering the criminal activity in the area.
3.0Niche User
7/24/2014Niche Review
Severe storms can and have caused some problems, but they've been dealt with fairly well.
3.0Niche User
7/24/2014Niche Review
Glass, plastic, and aluminum products are recycled along with our trash pick up. Other items are not.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Cypress Gardens
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Cypress Gardens, Winter Haven sell after 86 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Cypress Gardens, Winter Haven over the last 12 months is $329,489, consistent with the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Tucked away in Southeast Winter Haven, you'll fall in love with the lakefront community of Cypress Landing! Step inside and be greeted by the open and airy living room, showcasing high ceilings, rich wood flooring, which seamlessly flow into the heart of the home. The spacious kitchen is a delight, boasting brand-new stainless steel appliances, ample cabinetry, and a charming breakfast nook that
This Charming 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom is so cozy and welcoming that is perfectly sized for comfort and ease, with a total of 1056 square feet of living space. Featuring and Open Living/ Dining and Kitchen with an additional Florida room Perfect for entertaining with friends and family. Updated, Laminate flooring in living room, kitchen, dining room and bathrooms. New kitchen sink/ faucet and light
Located just off of Cypress Gardens Blvd in an established neighborhood that shows pride of ownership. Freshly re-landscaped. Walking around the corner to Lake Roy park & boat ramp into The Chain of Lakes. Take it easy on the north facing large covered porch. Quiet street with no thoroughfare traffic. Numerous upgrades include a completely remodeled luxury primary bathroom and custom walk-in
Greeted by a pleasant, cheery entrance, you enter into a warm foyer leading to great room with soaring ceilings and beautiful rustic fireplace, perfect for entertaining guests. A large, screened porch overlooks the spacious back yard, providing enjoyment without pests. The spacious kitchen and dining area continue with the entertaining theme, perfect for more than one chef at a time as well as
Gloriously renovated second floor unit in the private condominium complex, close to LegoLand, US 27, golf courses, and more! Two bedroom condo without age restriction, laminate flooring throughout, new cabinetry, new appliances, new ceiling fans throughout. Complete kitchen remodel with new wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliance suite, with beautiful gas range. (Gas included with your HOA!)
Discover this beautifully updated home situated on over a quarter-acre lot in a peaceful cul-de-sac within the established Cedar Cove neighborhood—just steps from the scenic shores of Lake Eloise. Offering over 2,000 sq ft of stylish living space, this 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home—plus an enclosed bonus room that can easily serve as a 4th bedroom—perfectly blends comfort and functionality. Step
Discover your dream home at 1206 Michelangelo Lane, situated in the exclusive Estates of Lake Florence community. This recently built Arbor model has been meticulously maintained and showcases a blend of luxury and comfort. Inside, you'll find elegant Stone Gray cabinets, stunning quartz countertops, a designer kitchen backsplash, and luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout the main living areas.
Flow through the good life at Vista Lake Ned Apartments. The park-like setting, eclectic amenities, and expansive interiors will make you fall in love with our apartments in Winter Haven. Even better, our Cypress Gardens location places you right off Highway 27 and close to Legoland! Add in the top-notch services that have earned us glowing reviews throughout the years, and you know you're in the
Introducing a stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located in the highly sought-after SE Winter Haven area. This residence features a spacious open-concept design, seamlessly integrating the great room, dining area, and kitchen under vaulted ceilings, with sliding doors leading to the backyard. The kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, elegant 42" cabinets, and a ceramic tile
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Amy Mendez,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
14,097
Median Age
43
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$71,264
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$96,150
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
89.8%
College Graduates
28.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
10.4%
% Population in Labor Force
61%
On par with the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
52''
Average Winter Low Temperature
52°F
Average Summer High Temperature
93°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
29/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
13/ 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.
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.
