Your Ultimate Guide to Moving to Mulberry, Florida

If you’re looking for small-town charm, affordable homes, and a location that keeps you close to everything without the hustle—Mulberry might be your perfect Polk County match. Known for its roots in Florida’s phosphate and railroad history, this laid-back city offers a cozy lifestyle with easy access to both Lakeland and Tampa.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, downsizing for simplicity, or relocating for space and savings, Mulberry delivers the best of Central Florida—without the crowds or sticker shock.

Where is Mulberry?

Living in Mulberry: Quiet, Affordable & Full of Character

Mulberry is located in southwestern Polk County, just south of Lakeland along SR-60. It’s a quick hop to major roadways and job centers, making it an attractive spot for commuters and families alike.

  • To Lakeland: 15–20 minutes

  • To Bartow: 15 minutes

  • To Tampa: 45–50 minutes

  • To Winter Haven: 30 minutes

  • To Orlando: About 1 hour and 15 minutes

Whether you’re headed to the office, the beach, or the ball game, Mulberry puts you in reach without big-city stress.

Mulberry offers a blend of historic homes, ranch-style houses, and new construction, with space to spread out and a slower pace that locals love. It’s the kind of town where people still wave from the porch, and Friday night lights mean something.

You’ll find:

  • Classic Florida neighborhoods with no HOA

  • New home communities with modern finishes and energy-efficient designs

  • Rural properties and small acreage lots for those who want a little elbow room

  • Affordable homes with real character, perfect for first-timers or investors

If you want a place that feels like home from the start—Mulberry makes it easy to settle in.

Community Amenities

schools

While Mulberry is smaller than its neighbors, it offers the essentials—plus a few surprises that locals love:

  • Downtown Mulberry – Historic charm with shops, city events, and a public library

  • Spence Park – Tennis courts, sports fields, splash pad, and community events

  • Cultural Center and History Museum – A nod to the town’s phosphate heritage

  • Close proximity to Publix, Walmart, and everyday conveniences

  • Medical clinics, local businesses, and a growing food scene

  • Easy access to South Lakeland shopping and dining corridors

It’s a small town with big heart, and it’s just minutes from all the perks of Lakeland.

Mulberry is served by the Polk County School District, and the area is known for its strong school pride and growing academic options.

Local schools include:

  • Purcell Elementary School

  • Kingsford Elementary School

  • Mulberry Middle School

  • Mulberry High School – Known for its career academies and athletics

  • Polk State College – Nearby campuses in Bartow and Lakeland for higher education

  • Lakeland charter and magnet schools – Just a short drive away for more options

Families love the small-school vibe, strong sports programs, and the supportive community that rallies behind its students.

Parks and Outdoor Fun

Real Estate Market Report

Mulberry is a great place to get outdoors, whether you’re chasing sunsets or enjoying a casual stroll through town.

Top local outdoor options include:

  • Spence Park – The town’s recreational heart with fields, courts, and picnic areas

  • Loyce E. Harpe Park (Carter Road Park) – Just outside town, offering mountain biking trails, dog parks, disc golf, and fishing

  • Alafia River Reserve – A hidden gem for hiking, birdwatching, and horseback riding

  • Nearby lakes in Lakeland and Bartow for boating, kayaking, or casting a line

  • Local festivals and parades throughout the year at the civic center and downtown

It’s a town where nature and neighborliness go hand in hand.

Mulberry is one of Polk County’s most budget-friendly housing markets, and it’s starting to attract more buyers looking for affordable homes within commuting distance of Tampa and Lakeland.

  • Median Home Price: Around $275,000 as of early 2025

  • Time on Market: Homes sell in 30–45 days, sometimes faster for updated or newer homes

  • New Construction: Active in small subdivisions and scattered infill lots

  • Rental Market: Modest but steady, with average rents around $1,600–$2,100/month

With room to grow and plenty of value for the price, Mulberry is one of Central Florida’s hidden gems for homebuyers.

Home Pricing

Mulberry offers options for every type of buyer—especially those looking for affordability, space, and no-nonsense living.

  • Starter homes and older ranches start around $225K–$275K, often on larger lots

  • New construction homes in growing neighborhoods average $300K–$375K

  • Mid-range homes with upgrades, fenced yards, and garages typically fall in the $350K–$425K range

  • Custom homes or properties with land may reach $500K–$650K+, especially on acreage

  • Modular or manufactured homes on land can still be found under $225K depending on condition and location

If you want room to breathe, space for a garden, or a workshop in the backyard, Mulberry gives you what many other places can’t—at a price that won’t stretch your budget.

Ready to Call Mulberry Home?

If you’re ready to ditch the traffic, get a little more land, and still stay close to Central Florida’s best spots—Mulberry is ready to welcome you. With affordable homes, hometown charm, and room to grow, it’s the kind of place where your next chapter can truly take root.

Let’s find your home in Mulberry, Florida. Click here to start your search or schedule a chat with a local expert who knows the neighborhoods, the builders, and the best deals in town.

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