Moving to Auburndale, Florida

Auburndale is a small city tucked between Lakeland and Winter Haven in Polk County, and it's the kind of place that doesn't make a lot of noise — which is exactly why people move here. The population sits around 18,000, the pace is unhurried, and the cost of entry is significantly lower than anything you'll find in Hillsborough or Pinellas counties. If you've been priced out of Tampa Bay proper but still need reasonable access to both Tampa and Orlando, Auburndale is worth a hard look.

The city wraps around Lake Ariana, which gives it a visual centerpiece that most small Florida towns lack. There's a paved trail around the lake, waterfront parks, and enough charm to feel like a real community rather than just a pass-through on the I-4 corridor. Auburndale won't dazzle you with trendy restaurants or a revitalized downtown district. What it will do is give you a paid-off feeling — affordable homes, low taxes, quiet streets, and room to breathe.

If you're relocating with a family and your budget tops out around $350K, or you're looking for a starter home under $300K that isn't a teardown, Auburndale deserves a spot on your list.

Why Move to Auburndale

Affordability is the headliner. Auburndale's median home price hovers around $280K-$300K, which buys you a solid 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with a garage and a real yard. Try finding that in Tampa for under $400K — you can't.

The I-4 corridor gives you a straight shot to Tampa (about 50 minutes west) or Orlando (about 55 minutes east). It's not a short commute to either city, but remote and hybrid workers have turned Auburndale into a legitimate option for people who only need to be in the office a couple days a week. The Polk County Parkway (TECO/SR-570) connects you to I-4 quickly and keeps you off surface streets.

Auburndale is family-friendly in the genuine sense — not just a marketing phrase. The neighborhoods are quiet, the crime rate is low, and there's enough new construction to attract young families without the overcrowded-school growing pains that places like Riverview are dealing with. You're also about 20 minutes from LEGOLAND in Winter Haven, which is a legitimate perk if you have kids under 12.

The city has a bit of old-Florida character, too. Auburndale Speedway has been hosting short-track racing since the 1960s. Saturday nights at the track are a local tradition, and it gives the town a personality that cookie-cutter subdivisions don't provide.

Neighborhoods

Auburndale is small enough that neighborhood boundaries are informal, but there are distinct areas with different vibes and price points.

Lake Ariana area — The most desirable location in Auburndale. Homes along and near Lake Ariana tend to be older (1960s-1990s builds) with mature landscaping and lake views or lake access. Prices range from $250K-$400K depending on waterfront proximity and condition. The Lake Ariana trail loop is right outside your door, and you're walking distance to the parks along the water. This is where Auburndale feels most like a postcard.

Downtown Auburndale — A small, traditional Florida downtown centered around Main Street. Homes here are a mix of older bungalows and mid-century ranch styles, many on larger lots. Prices run $200K-$300K, and you'll find some renovation opportunities in this area. It's walkable to the handful of shops and restaurants in the core, which is more than most Polk County towns can say.

North Auburndale — North of US-92, this area includes both established neighborhoods and newer subdivisions. Some of the recent new construction developments are located here, with homes in the $280K-$350K range featuring modern floor plans, 2-car garages, and community amenities like pools and playgrounds. If you want a move-in-ready home built in the last five years, start here.

Berkley Road corridor — Running south from the city center, the Berkley Road area offers a more rural feel with larger lots and some acreage properties. Homes range from $250K-$375K, and you'll see a mix of older Florida ranch homes and newer builds. This area appeals to people who want space and privacy without going fully rural. You're still five minutes from Publix.

Cost of Living

Auburndale is one of the most affordable cities in the I-4 corridor. The median home price sits around $280K-$300K, which is roughly 25-30% below the Tampa metro average.

Rental options are limited — this is primarily an ownership market. When single-family rentals are available, expect $1,600-$2,100/month for a 3-bedroom. Apartment complexes are scarce within Auburndale proper. Most renters look in nearby Lakeland or Winter Haven for more inventory.

Property taxes in Polk County run approximately 0.95-1.05% of assessed value after homestead exemption, which is slightly lower than Hillsborough County. Some newer communities carry CDD fees — always confirm before making an offer.

Groceries, gas, and daily expenses are modestly below the Tampa metro average. Publix is the main grocery anchor. Walmart and Aldi are nearby in Winter Haven. Insurance costs are comparable to the rest of Central Florida — flood insurance is generally not required unless you're directly on the lake.

Schools

Auburndale is served by the Polk County School District, which is one of the larger districts in Florida.

Public schools:

• Auburndale Senior High School — The local high school serving most of the city. Offers career and technical education programs alongside standard academics. Football is a big deal here — the Bloodhounds have a loyal following.
• Stambaugh Middle School — Feeds into Auburndale High. Solid academics with active extracurricular programs.
• Auburndale Central Elementary — One of several elementary options in the city. Smaller school with an engaged parent community.
• Berkley Elementary — Serves the southern portions of Auburndale. Well-regarded by local families.
• Walter Caldwell Elementary — Another option in the Auburndale pipeline.

Private and charter options:

• Discovery Academy of Lake Alfred — A nearby charter school option.
• All Saints Academy (Winter Haven) — Private school with strong academics about 10 minutes away.
• Lakeland Christian School (Lakeland) — A well-established private school, about 15 minutes west.

Polk County schools are generally a tier below the top-rated Hillsborough and Seminole County zones. If school ratings are your absolute top priority, research specific school zones carefully and look at individual school data rather than relying on district-level ratings.

Commute and Getting Around

Auburndale is centrally located along the I-4 corridor, which is both its advantage and its limitation.

• Auburndale to Tampa (downtown): 50-60 minutes via I-4 West. Can stretch to 75+ minutes during peak traffic. Not a daily commute for most people.
• Auburndale to Orlando (downtown): 55-65 minutes via I-4 East.
• Auburndale to Lakeland: 15-20 minutes.
• Auburndale to Winter Haven: 10-15 minutes.
• Auburndale to Tampa International Airport: 55-65 minutes.
• Auburndale to Orlando International Airport: 60-70 minutes.
• Auburndale to LEGOLAND: About 20 minutes.

Key roads:

• I-4 — Your primary highway for reaching Tampa or Orlando. Ongoing construction and heavy traffic make it unpredictable. The Polk County Parkway (SR-570/TECO) is a tolled alternative that connects to I-4 and I-75, saving time for westbound commuters.
• US-92 — Runs east-west through the center of Auburndale. The main commercial strip with gas stations, fast food, and shopping.
• Berkley Road / CR-559 — North-south route connecting to US-92 and providing access to the southern neighborhoods.

You absolutely need a car. There is no meaningful public transit in Auburndale. Citrus Connection (Polk County's bus system) has limited routes, but they won't replace a vehicle for daily life.

Local Favorites

Auburndale's scene is small but genuine. You're not choosing from 50 restaurants — you're choosing from a handful that locals actually go back to.

Restaurants and food:

• Andy's Flour Power Cafe — A local breakfast and lunch spot that draws people from neighboring cities. Baked goods are the star.
• El Patron Mexican Grill — Consistent Tex-Mex with generous portions. The go-to for a casual family dinner.
• Main Street establishments — A few small eateries and coffee shops in the downtown area. Nothing fancy, all functional.
• For more variety, Lakeland (15 minutes west) has a growing food scene with craft breweries, local restaurants, and more options.

Parks and outdoors:

• Lake Ariana Park — The crown jewel. Walking and biking trail around the lake, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a fishing pier. This is where Auburndale gathers.
• TECO Trail — A paved multi-use trail that runs through the area, connecting to the broader Polk County trail network. Good for cycling and running.
• Auburndale City Park — Sports fields, pavilions, and community event space.
• Lake Myrtle Sports Park — A large sports complex hosting tournaments and recreational leagues. If your kids play travel ball, you'll spend time here.

Things to do:

• Auburndale Speedway — Saturday night short-track racing from fall through spring. A genuine slice of old Florida. Even if you're not a racing fan, the atmosphere is fun and the admission is cheap.
• LEGOLAND Florida (Winter Haven, 20 min) — Theme park geared toward kids ages 2-12. Annual passes make it a regular weekend outing.
• Bok Tower Gardens (Lake Wales, 30 min) — A National Historic Landmark with gardens, a carillon tower, and quiet trails. One of the most underrated attractions in Central Florida.

Setting Up Your New Home

Auburndale's housing stock ranges from older block-construction homes that need updates to brand-new construction with modern finishes. Either way, you'll have a checklist after closing.

Home services: Best Bay Services — Handyman & Home Services handles the move-in punch list — TV mounting, ceiling fan installation, pressure washing (that green Florida driveway won't clean itself), furniture assembly, and general handyman work. Saves you from hunting for contractors in an unfamiliar area.

Internet: Spectrum Internet is the primary provider in Auburndale. Coverage is reliable in most neighborhoods. Newer subdivisions may have additional fiber options — check with your builder or HOA. Schedule installation before your move-in date; wait times can stretch during peak season.

Home security: Auburndale is a low-crime city, but most homes here are on open lots without gated community security. ADT Home Security gives you cameras, sensors, and monitoring that make sense for a standalone home. Especially practical if you're on a larger lot with multiple access points.

Moving: Relocating from out of state? PODS Moving & Storage lets you load at your current home and have the container delivered to Auburndale when you're ready. Easier than coordinating a long-haul moving truck, and you can store the container on-site while you unpack at your own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Auburndale a good place for families? Yes. It's quiet, affordable, and safe. The neighborhoods are genuinely family-oriented, and the parks and recreational facilities (especially Lake Ariana and Lake Myrtle Sports Park) give kids plenty to do. Schools are decent, and the low cost of living means less financial stress, which matters more for family quality of life than most people admit. The trade-off is fewer entertainment options and longer commutes to major employment centers.

What are the downsides of living in Auburndale? The commute is the big one. If you work in Tampa or Orlando, you're looking at an hour each way on a good day. Dining and shopping options are limited — you'll drive to Lakeland or Winter Haven for most of that. The city is small, and while that's a feature for some, others find it too quiet. And Polk County schools, while improving, don't match the top-tier zones in Hillsborough or Seminole counties.

How does Auburndale compare to Lakeland or Winter Haven? Lakeland is the bigger city with more restaurants, shopping, a revitalized downtown, and higher home prices (median around $340K-$370K). Winter Haven has Chain of Lakes charm, a growing downtown, and sits closer to LEGOLAND. Auburndale is smaller and more affordable than both, with fewer amenities but a tighter community feel. Think of Auburndale as the quieter, cheaper neighbor that benefits from Lakeland and Winter Haven being 15 minutes away.

Is Auburndale growing? Yes. New construction subdivisions are going up, and the I-4 corridor is attracting development as Tampa and Orlando prices push buyers further into Polk County. Auburndale is still early in this growth cycle, which means you're buying before prices climb significantly. The infrastructure is keeping pace for now, but watch for traffic and school capacity as growth continues.

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Ready to find your home in Auburndale? The NOW Team — Barrett Henry, REALTOR®