Your Ultimate Guide to Moving to Auburndale, Florida

Where is Auburndale?

Living in Auburndale: Peaceful, Affordable & Full of Heart

Auburndale is located in central Polk County, just south of I-4 and west of Winter Haven. It’s a quick drive to Lakeland, and perfectly positioned for commuting to either Tampa or Orlando.

  • To Lakeland: 20 minutes

  • To Winter Haven: 15 minutes

  • To Tampa: About 50 minutes via I-4

  • To Orlando: Roughly 1 hour

  • To Disney/Theme Parks: 45–50 minutes

You get all the benefits of Central Florida living—with less congestion, more space, and a hometown atmosphere that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Auburndale has that small-town feel with a growing sense of opportunity. You’ll find a mix of long-standing neighborhoods, lakefront homes, and new construction communities popping up across the city. It’s the kind of place where local businesses thrive, kids ride bikes after school, and weekend plans include boat rides, festivals, or just relaxing under a shade tree.

Buyers are drawn to Auburndale for its affordability, access to nature, and strong community pride. And with new housing options arriving regularly, it’s quickly becoming one of Polk County’s best-kept secrets.

Community Amenities

schools

While it may be smaller than neighboring cities, Auburndale packs in the essentials and then some:

  • Lakefront parks and public boat ramps

  • Recreation centers and sports complexes

  • Downtown events, farmers markets & festivals

  • Dog parks, playgrounds, and splash pads

  • Quiet subdivisions with ponds, trails, and open space

  • Quick access to nearby shopping, healthcare, and dining in Winter Haven and Lakeland

It’s an easy place to settle in and feel at home—especially for those who love a strong sense of community and connection.

Auburndale is part of the Polk County Public School District and offers a solid mix of public, charter, and private education options.

Schools serving the area include:

  • Auburndale Central Elementary School

  • Stambaugh Middle School

  • Auburndale High School – Known for strong academics and community involvement

  • Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy – A highly rated charter high school

  • Berkley Charter School – A popular K–8 school nearby

  • Polk State College – Offers a campus right in town

 

Families appreciate the small class sizes and local involvement, and with school choice and charter options expanding, there are plenty of paths to explore.

Auburndale

Parks and Outdoor Fun

Real Estate Market Report

Auburndale is surrounded by lakes and nature—and it shows. Whether you’re into boating, biking, birdwatching, or baseball, there’s plenty of outdoor space to enjoy.

Top spots include:

  • Lake Ariana Park – Picnic areas, fishing, playground, and peaceful views

  • Bruno’s Park & Auburndale TECO Trail – Great for biking, walking, and enjoying Florida’s greenery

  • Lake Myrtle Sports Complex – A major hub for youth sports, tournaments, and community events

  • Downtown Auburndale City Park – The go-to spot for food truck nights, festivals, and farmer’s markets

  • Nearby parks and preserves – Including Circle B Bar Reserve just a short drive away

For those who love being near the water or staying active in the fresh air, Auburndale makes it easy to live outside.

Auburndale is attracting a growing number of homebuyers looking for more space, lower prices, and a slower pace. New construction is on the rise, and prices remain below the Florida average, making it a smart place to invest.

  • Median Home Price: Around $305,000 as of early 2025

  • New Construction: Expanding fast, especially near SR-559 and Lake Ariana

  • Time on Market: Homes typically sell in 30–45 days

  • Rental Market: Limited but growing, with average rents ranging from $1,700–$2,100/month

It’s one of the few Central Florida areas where you can still get a spacious, move-in ready home under $350K—with room for a backyard and maybe even a lake view.

Home Pricing

Auburndale offers a variety of home options for buyers at every stage of life:

  • Starter homes and older ranch-style properties typically range from $250K to $325K

  • New construction homes in master-planned neighborhoods average $325K to $450K depending on size and upgrades

  • Lakefront homes or homes with acreage can range from $450K to $700K+, especially near Lake Ariana or private communities

  • Townhomes and villas, while limited, are becoming more available in the $275K to $350K range

  • 55+ and retirement-friendly homes are popping up nearby, with prices typically starting in the mid-$300Ks

Buyers love the flexibility, affordability, and potential for long-term growth in this quiet, lake-laced city.

Ready to Call Auburndale Home?

If you’re ready for peaceful living, friendly neighbors, and a community that still feels like Florida used to—Auburndale is ready to welcome you home. Whether it’s new construction, a lakefront dream home, or a cozy cottage close to town, you’ll find more than just a house here—you’ll find a lifestyle.

Let’s find the right place for you in Auburndale, Florida. Click here to start your home search or schedule a quick chat with a local expert who knows the neighborhoods, builders, and hidden gems.

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