Moving to Mulberry, Florida

Mulberry is one of those Florida towns that most people drive through without stopping — and that's honestly part of its appeal. Sitting on SR-37 between Lakeland and Bartow in Polk County, this small working-class community has a population of around 4,000 and a pace of life that matches. There's no pretense here. No master-planned lifestyle communities with calligraphy on the entrance signs. Just a quiet town with affordable homes and people who've lived here for generations.

What Mulberry does have is history. The town was built on phosphate mining, and that industry shaped everything — the landscape, the economy, the culture. The Mulberry Phosphate Museum is one of the only places in the state where you can actually learn about the mining heritage that put this part of Florida on the map. It's a small museum, but it tells a story most people never hear.

If you're looking for the cheapest entry point into the greater Lakeland area — with real houses on real lots — Mulberry deserves a look.

Why Move to Mulberry

The short answer: affordability. Mulberry is one of the most budget-friendly places to buy a home in the Tampa-Lakeland corridor. Homes regularly list under $250K, which is nearly impossible to find in Hillsborough County. For first-time buyers, retirees on a fixed income, or anyone tired of being priced out of every other market, Mulberry makes the math work.

You're also only about 15 minutes from Lakeland, which means you have access to all the shopping, restaurants, healthcare, and services of a mid-size city without paying mid-size city prices. Bartow, the Polk County seat, is about 10 minutes south. Tampa is roughly 40 minutes west on SR-60 or I-4.

Mulberry isn't flashy. It doesn't have a trendy downtown revival or a craft brewery scene. But it's honest, it's affordable, and it's in a part of Florida that's starting to see growth push in from Lakeland's expansion. Early movers get the best prices.

Who it's for: Budget-conscious buyers, retirees, remote workers, anyone who values low cost of living over walkable amenities.

Who it's NOT for: If you need nightlife, upscale dining, or a quick commute to downtown Tampa, Mulberry will feel too far from everything.

Neighborhoods

Historic Downtown Mulberry — The core of town along SR-37. Older Florida homes, mostly block construction, with smaller lots. You'll find homes in the $150K-$220K range. Walkable to the few shops and restaurants in town. Some homes need updating, but the prices reflect that.

North Mulberry — Closer to Lakeland, this area is seeing some of the newer development as Lakeland's growth pushes south. A mix of established homes and newer construction. Prices range from $200K to $280K depending on age and condition. Better access to Lakeland shopping corridors.

South Mulberry/Rural Corridor — Head south and things spread out quickly. Larger lots, some with acreage, and a distinctly rural feel. If you want land and privacy, this is where to look. Homes on acreage can still be found under $300K, which is remarkable for central Florida in 2026.

Cost of Living

Mulberry is as affordable as it gets in the I-4 corridor.

• Median home price: ~$230,000 (well below Lakeland's $320K+ and far below anything in Hillsborough County)
• Average rent (3BR): $1,500-$1,800/month
• Property tax rate: Polk County millage rates apply — generally a bit lower than Hillsborough
• Homestead exemption: Florida's $50K exemption goes even further here because home values are lower — expect very manageable annual tax bills
• Insurance: Standard inland Florida rates. Most of Mulberry is outside flood zones, which keeps insurance costs reasonable

The trade-off is gas money if you commute, but even factoring that in, the housing savings are significant.

Schools

• Mulberry High School — The community's high school. Smaller student body than the big Lakeland schools, which means more individual attention. Athletics are a point of pride. Academics are average for Polk County — not the highest-rated, but a genuine neighborhood school.
• Mulberry Middle School — Feeds into Mulberry High. Standard Polk County middle school.
• Purcell Elementary / Kingsford Elementary — Local elementary options serving different parts of town.

For families wanting more options, Lakeland's larger school system — including magnet and charter programs — is a short drive north. Some Mulberry families choose to school-of-choice into Lakeland schools.

Commute and Getting Around

You need a car. That's non-negotiable.

• To Lakeland: 15 minutes north on SR-37 or US-98. This is your primary shopping and services corridor.
• To Bartow: 10 minutes south. County courthouse, some restaurants and shops.
• To Tampa: About 40 minutes via SR-60 West or I-4. Rush hour can push that to 50-55 minutes.
• To Orlando: About 70 minutes east on I-4.

Public transit: Citrus Connection (Polk County's transit system) has limited routes. Don't count on it for daily commuting.

SR-37 is the main artery through town. It's a two-lane road that can get backed up, especially near downtown. Not terrible, but worth knowing if you're used to highway access right outside your door.

Local Favorites

• Mulberry Phosphate Museum — Free admission, surprisingly interesting. Fossils, mining equipment, and local history. Worth a visit even if you're not a history buff.
• Carter Road Park — Community park with sports fields, a playground, and walking paths. Where local families spend weekends.
• Decker Park — Smaller neighborhood park, good for a quick walk or letting kids burn off energy.
• Lakeland for everything else — Honest truth: most dining, shopping, and entertainment happens in Lakeland. The Lakeland Square Mall area, South Florida Avenue corridor, and downtown Lakeland are all a short drive north.

Setting Up Your New Home

Home services: For repairs, updates, or handyman work before or after move-in, Best Bay Services — Handyman & Home Services covers the greater Tampa Bay and Polk County area. One call instead of searching for a dozen different contractors in a town where options are limited.

Internet: Spectrum Internet is the primary broadband provider in Mulberry. Check coverage for your specific address — some of the more rural south Mulberry properties may have limited speeds.

Security: On a larger lot or in a more isolated area, a monitored security system gives peace of mind. ADT Home Security offers options that work well for both in-town and rural Mulberry properties.

Moving: PODS Moving & Storage is a solid choice for flexible move-in timing, especially if you're relocating from out of the area and need storage while you get settled.

Utilities: Mulberry has city water and sewer for in-town properties. Rural properties may be on well and septic — always verify before closing. Electric is through TECO (Tampa Electric) or Duke Energy depending on your exact location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mulberry a safe place to live? Mulberry is a small town with small-town crime rates. Serious crime is uncommon. Like anywhere, some blocks are rougher than others, but overall it's a quiet community where most residents know their neighbors. Standard common-sense precautions apply.

Is Mulberry a good place to retire? If your priority is low cost of living and you don't mind driving 15 minutes to Lakeland for most services, yes. The affordability means your retirement dollars stretch significantly further than in Tampa or even Lakeland proper. Just make sure you're comfortable with the limited walkability and in-town amenities.

What's the deal with phosphate mining — is it a concern? Phosphate mining shaped Mulberry's history and landscape. Most active mining has moved away from the residential areas, but you'll see reclaimed land and some legacy impacts. If you're buying property, it's worth checking whether any nearby parcels have mining history. Environmental remediation has been done in many areas, but due diligence matters.

Is Mulberry growing? Slowly. Lakeland's expansion is pushing south, and developers are starting to eye the Mulberry area for new construction. It's not a boom — it's a gradual shift. That's actually good news for buyers getting in now, because prices haven't spiked yet the way they have in Lakeland and Plant City.

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