(Mar 26, 2023)
Auburndale offers a wide range of housing options whether you are a first-time homeowner, raising a family, retiring, or seeking to reside in the lap of lakeside luxury. Herein is an in-depth look at life in Auburndale, what it offers, and why you should consider making this city at the heart of Florida your next home.
Overview of Life in Auburndale, Florida
Home to about 17,000 residents, Auburndale in Polk County is a small city. The city has consistently grown over the past few years and is one of the fastest-growing cities in the US. Life in Auburndale offers a good mix of a suburban and rural feel.
Most of the residents here own their homes. Since the city is sparsely populated, Auburndale homes for sale offer a lot of space and are ideal options if you are raising a family. It is no wonder the city has a significant population of young adults looking to start or raise young families.
A large part of the city comprises lakes and ponds, and the identity and character of many communities and neighborhoods are connected to these natural water resources surrounding them. As such, there is a wide variety of waterfront home options even though the city is away from the Floridian coasts.
Overall, Auburndale is a beautiful city based on several factors. One of the most important that many homeowners consider is affordability.
Auburndale offers excellent value when it comes to home purchases. It is among the most affordable cities in Central Florida, where incredible Auburndale homes for sale have a median value of around $200,000.
The cost of living in Auburndale is also lower than most cities in Florida and the national average. This is considerably lower than the US median of $370,000. Other factors include city parks and amenities, a sound school system, fun attractions, and great neighborhoods.
Navigating in and around Auburndale is also convenient, with several vital highways and freeways serving the area. Just north of Auburndale is Interstate 4(I-4), the main interstate in central Florida, offering easy access to Orland and Daytona Beach to the east and Lakeland and Tampa to the west.
You can access the interstate via the Polk Parkway (SR 570). State Road 544 leads to Winter Haven (hence the name Havendale Boulevard) from eastern Auburndale, while State Road 559 takes you to Polk City. Winter Haven Area Transit serves the Auburndale area via routes #12 and #50.
The School System in Auburndale, Florida
The Education system in Auburndale is considered good on state and national levels. The city has reasonable enrollment rates, graduation rates, extracurricular programs, and teacher-to-student ratios in most schooling levels. The Polk County School District operates the public schools in Auburndale.
Several aspects make this school district great, including opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities and some of the lowest student-teacher ratios in Central Florida.
For instance, the school district offers engaging art, choir, band, sports, and drama programs. Students also have access to numerous organizations and clubs they can be a part of.
There is also a strong focus on academics here, with all students required to take core classes like science, math, English, and social studies. This is not to mention the opportunities to take dual credit and Advanced Placement classes to earn college credit.
If you decide to make your home in Auburndale, your children will be guaranteed to receive a good education. Below is an overview of the schools in Auburndale:
Public Schools
Elementary Schools
- Berkley Elementary
- Auburndale Central Elementary
- Lena Vista Elementary
- Walter Caldwell Elementary
- Boswell Elementary
Middle Schools
- Jere L. Stambaugh Middle School
- Berkley Accelerated Middle School
High Schools
- Auburndale Senior High School (Grade 9-12)
- Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy (Grades 9-10)
- Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School (Grades 11-12)
- Tenoroc High School
Private Schools
- All Hope Christian Academy
- Berkley Charter School
- First Academy Pre-School Auburndale
- Small World Pre-School
Colleges
- Southern Technical College
- Florida Polytechnic University
Parks and Recreation in Auburndale, Florida
Auburndale has many highly-rated parks and playgrounds that provide recreational facilities for adults and kids. You can stroll around the scenic trails over the weekends or organize a nice picnic under tree shades in the summer months.
Below is a comprehensive overview of some of the recreational parks in Auburndale:
Downtown City Park
Situated at the heart of Auburndale's downtown area, the well-manicured park features several recreational amenities for the entire family. The kids can play in the vibrant playground while you set up a picnic in various areas.
A new Butterfly Garden lights up the park's western section with a great display of native flora. The park bandstand hosts several community events throughout the year.
Bridgers Avenue Park
Located next to the Auburndale Library, this massive park boasts numerous attractive features, such as picnic shelters, swinging park benches, a walking trail, and a water fountain.
While it doesn't have a playground, it is ideal for reading after grabbing a book at the library. Residents use the park for outdoor reading activities, special annual events, and outdoor movies.
Lake Ariana Park
Situated on Ariana Boulevard, this beautiful park was revised to be green. It features picnic tables, drinking fountains, and sidewalks where you can stroll the scenic grounds. It also has a pier where you can enjoy the relaxing sights of the lake.
Lake Myrtle Sports Park
A shared effort between the City of Auburndale and Polk County. It's a multi-purpose sports complex with nine baseball fields and 11 lighted soccer fields.
The sports complex hosts various popular events, including regional rugby and lacrosse championships, the National Dog Agility Championships, and Russ Matt Central Florida Baseball Invitational, the most extensive college baseball tournament in the US.
Many high school and college sports also occur at Lake Myrtle Sports Park. You can also learn about the region's sporting heritage at the Polk County Sports Hall of Fame.
Rev. Earl Wright Park
This neighborhood park is great for kids with playground equipment for all ages. It has picnic areas, comfortable seating, swing benches, plenty of shades, and restrooms.
Auburndale Dog Park
If you have a pet, then your family's best friends can have fun with the kids at the dog park. This park has play and exercise equipment for dogs, separated for small and large breeds. Further, the park authorities provide clean-up products.
Skateboard Park and Racquetball
Situated near the downtown park, the skateboard park is a popular gathering place in Auburndale for kids and adults alike. The park also has four racquetball courts.
Auburndale Community Center
Located on Bennett Street, this community center hosts numerous activities for adults and kids. You can enjoy pickleball, aerobics, basketball, martial arts, badminton, art classes, and more here.
Local Attractions and Things to Do in Auburndale, Florida
Some of the best local attractions include:
Historic Baynard House Museum
The Baynard House Museum is situated on West Lake Avenue and is among the most well-preserved attractions of its kind in Central Florida. It is part of the National Register of Historic places. The museum was formerly the residence of the city's founder Frank Fuller.
If you and your family want to learn more about Auburndale's history, development, and culture, this is the place to visit. You can tour the Baynard House Museum by appointment. The museum also hosts various special events throughout the year.
International World Market
You can find International World Market along Highway 92 in Auburndale. This is a part flea market, farmer's market, and a retail and social venue. Visitors and Auburndale locals gather here to check out the fresh, seasonal produce from Central Florida. You will also find prepped food, baked goods, vintage clothing, tools, books, gift items, and other goodies.
It's common to stay longer at International World Market than you intended. On the weekend, you bring the entire family for special events, including animal shows and live entertainment. There's also free ample parking at the site.
Auburndale TECO Trail
The climate in Central Florida is ideal for being outdoors most of the year. If you love nature and enjoy leisurely walks, Auburndale TECO Trail is a multi-use stretch that covers almost ten miles.
Auburndale TECO trail is free to use all year round, with parking facilities near the trailheads. The trail system has several entry points around the city. On average, you will encounter walkers, joggers, bikers, and residents walking pets (as long as they're leashed).
Auburndale Speedway
For thrill-seekers and lovers, Auburndale Speedway has you covered. It's not for the faint of heart, with thunderous engines, screaming fans, screeching tires, and lots of adrenaline.
Situated on East County Road 542, Auburndale Speedway is one of the city's most exhilarating local attractions for casual observers and zealous race fans.
The race track's season usually stretches from February to November, featuring various race classes you can cheer on. Parking here is free, and the speedway features affordable concessions where you can enjoy plenty of great drinks and tasty food.
The Explorations V Children's Museum
The Exploration V Children's museum was established in 1991 and is the area's most comprehensive interactive museum, attracting thousands of visitors annually. Your kids will love the interactive exhibits focusing on the natural world, science, technology, art, and history.
Explorations V Museum covers three floors, with most of the exhibits targeting children from toddlers to 5th grade. The activities encourage problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity. While it's primarily a children's attraction, adults often have a great time.
Lakeland Pigfest
The Lakeland Pigfest has been a popular Auburndale attraction since 1977. It combines a family-friendly environment, fun, and fantastic food with a focus on promoting local charities.
This exciting barbecue competition draws locals and visitors alike and takes place at the start of the year over a memorable weekend. Over 100 teams from all over Florida and the US compete in various categories, such as classic barbecue. The little ones can enjoy many kids' activities and live entertainment.
Elite Cable Park
Elite Cable Park is located on Lake Myrtle and offers a wide variety of activities the entire family can enjoy. These include waterskiing, wakeboarding, knee-boarding, and wake-skating on a cable. It is suitable for both beginners and elite athletes.
If you work up an appetite, you can grab a tasty treat at the nearby Tantrums Lakeside Grill, including tacos, seafood, rice bowls, and sandwiches.
Cuisine in Auburndale, Florida
For food lovers or if you want to take your family for a delicious local treat, there is no shortage of incredible culinary options in Auburndale.
The city is home to various highly-rated restaurants and eateries where you can indulge your taste buds. One of the most popular restaurants in Auburndale is Smoking Jim's House of BBQ.
Smoking Jim's is a highly-rated restaurant consistently in Auburndale's top restaurant listings. You can find this fantastic American Barbecue restaurant on Havendale Boulevard. The food served here is excellent, and you can't go wrong.
The menu includes popular dishes such as sliced and shredded pork, spare ribs, beef briskets, smoked turkey and chicken, Bubba salad, and BBQ eggrolls. Smoking Jim's House of BBQ also has a kid's menu featuring hot dogs, ribs, chicken, pecan pie, and pudding.
Other notable places worth trying are Sweet Magnolia's Tea Bistro, Peebles Bar-B-Q, Pizza Connection, and The Shake Shoppe.
The Best Neighborhoods in Auburndale, Florida
Auburndale has excellent communities, and the city has something for every type of home buyer. The eastern sections of the city usually have the most desirable neighborhoods, while you can find more affordable options to the south.
If you are thinking of making your dream home in this small city, below is an overview of some of the best neighborhoods that offer incredible Auburndale Homes for sale. These neighborhoods rank highly in terms of quality of life, amenities, desirability, and low crime rates.
Lake Julianna Estates
Lake Julianna Estate is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Auburndale, with the price of homes higher than the area median. But you get what you pay here with some of the best Auburndale homes for sale and fine living.
Lake Julianna Estate is a high-end gated neighborhood with numerous luxury amenities. You and your family have access to a large swimming pool, gym, playgrounds, basketball court, tennis court, clubhouse, and a private boat ramp.
The homes here range from medium to massive single-family homes, with lots of indoor and outdoor space. Lake Julianna Estate is a great place to raise a family or retire.
The neighborhood is laid-back and tucked away, yet it is so close to the best offerings of the City of Auburndale. There's easy access to the area's highways, schools, and attractions.
Auburn Oaks
Auburn Oaks is a diverse suburban neighborhood among the more expensive communities in Auburndale. There is a considerable demand for residential products in this high-end community since it is a great place to raise a family.
Auburndale homes for sale here are primarily medium to large-sized single-family homes. You should expect somewhere between three to five or more bed-roomed dwellings. The residences are established but not particularly old. Most of the residents in Auburn Oaks own their homes.
Water Ridge
Water Ridge is on the more affordable side of neighborhoods in Auburndale. It is a highly diverse suburban neighborhood comprising small to medium-sized single-family and mobile homes. You can find studio homes and two-bedroom residences on the small side and three to four-bedroom homes on the larger side.
Water Ridge is an excellent option if you are single or just starting a family, as it's a moderate-income neighborhood. Getting your dream home here is also relatively easy compared to other areas since there are usually many openings.
There are a considerable number of vocational homes which are seasonally occupied. However, the majority of the houses are owner-occupied.
Conclusion
Moving to or buying your dream home in a new city is a major decision. The City of Auburndale has realized significant growth over the past decade, and there are major plans for more growth shortly. It offers and will continue to provide incredible Auburndale homes for sale for potential homeowners looking to make a life here.
There is a lot to love about this small city – the friendly and welcoming populace, the sparse suburban and rural feel with lots of open spaces, numerous parks, and recreations facilities, fun local attractions the entire family can enjoy, a competent school system, and overall lovely neighborhoods to live in.
(Mar 26, 2023)
