Very accurate description of Winter Haven. Some more "Pros" to living in Winter Haven is lower homeowners insurance rates (which are currently about 40-45 basis points for homeowners insurance meaning about $400.00-$450.00 per $100,000 in home value on homes built after 2005) since a homeowner won't be living near the coast of Florida. If you buy a home for less money your property taxes and homeowners insurance rates will be lower since the price of the home is lower. Also in addition to Legoland being in Winter Haven, Winter Haven is about 30 miles Southwest of Disney World, 40 miles Southwest of Universal Studios, and 50 miles East of Busch Gardens
Housing prices for rentals and purchases have skyrocketed. A lot of working people can't afford a place to stay. The traffic on hwy 27 and I-4 is always horrendous. I moved here 14 yrs ago and fell in love with this small quaint town. I still enjoy living here but it is loosing it's charm because of the growth. Just my two cents.
The trick is to live in the oldest parts of the city, that’s where it’s the most affordable. I live in the older part of the city but on the outskirts of WH is where the prices are skyrocketing in rent prices
He’s right “ get in now before it’s too late, I’ve lived here now for over 3 years, & I can tell you’ winter haven is growing so fast, lots of new beautiful homes, nice yard space for the kids, at just about 275 thousand, all that’s missing now is a big shopping mall🤭 I love living here
With so many lakes near by can you speak about the flood zones? Flood insurance cost? Home insurance costs? Utilities cost compared to Hillsborough, Osceola and Orange County ? Are there plans submitted for new schools? So much development but the schools don’t seem to be the best
Home insurance in general has been on the rise in FL, but I can’t give you a solid number because it varies on the age and what shape the home is in…. I typically see flood insurance premiums from 700-1500 depending on the elevation certificate. Utilities are another one that’s variable, there are several new schools being built to handle the influx of new residents due to the growth throughout most of Polk county, I always tell people it’s more of a foresight thing with this area.
@Fenell Davis What part of Colorado are you moving from? My husband and I are also considering moving to Florida. He has relatives in Lakeland so there is also an option.
Can you do a video on Lake Alfred? I've seen new construction popping up there that is more expensive than Winter Haven... but seems to have less in the immediate area. I am wondering if builders are expecting Lake Alfred to be one of the next boom area outside of Orlando. (Kind of like how Minneola is rapidly growing and getting more expensive)
No nightlife? Downtown Central Ave in winter haven has plenty of bars, nightclubs, and a pool hall, Restaurants within walking distance, you can use a uber or lyft and have a enjoyable night.
Foresight is key here. Everywhere in Florida is being developed but Wi ter Haven is not far behind from becoming the next cool city. Right now though it's pretty much in the middle if nowhere. Alot of orange groves and farms.
I would have to learn a bit more about your situation, but if you’re not occupying it immediately it would need to be a second home/ investment loan product
We would love to afford a free-standing home with no HOA to worry about. We are homebodies so we don't mind a longer drive to entertainment. So long as there is a Publix, Lowes and Walmart within the area, we'd be happy. Where we are coming from, we will miss Buc-ee's. BUT as nice as Haines is we don't want to put both our eggs in one basket (there's a pun there. Are there other hidden gems around Central or Northern Florida that have similar advantages to Haines? Haines ticks both our boxes: #1 is the affordability in an area that looks well kept, new and with a promising future. We've had starts in areas where civilization showed up 5 years after we got there--and that's fine with us. #2 is its proximity to a city, even if it is an hour's drive. Truly we never heard of Haines, and thanks to you, we are actually encouraged about our house hunt now.
Moved here from Alb, NY. Love love love it here. Same distance to Tampa and Orlando but takes longer to drive to Orlando because of traffic. 45 minutes to Tampa/ hour to Disney / hour and 15 to downtown Orlando. Great place to raise a family or retire. People friendly
Compared to Kissimmee and Poinciana (which is east of WH) then yes. But generally it got high crime, especially north of WH. Compared to crime in big cities like Orlando and Tampa, WH would be considered safer.
Lakeland has a minor league baseball team, plus it's the Spring Training site for the Detroit Tigers. Kids love the minor league/ST experience, very family friendly...
Hi I am looking to move by this summer I am already pre-approved I am looking in central Florida but has been in love with Winter Haven for about 2 years now. How to contact you?
You are right it's kind of out there in the middle of nowhere. But since it's growing maybe it will change for the better. Seems like now is the time to buy though.
