Relocation
Southern Homes understands that moving to a new area is a major decision. That's why we've partnered with the local Chamber of Commerce to offer information that will either help you adjust to your new city or simply give you some ideas of what you can expect when you do choose to relocate to Polk County, Central Florida.
To request a FREE Relocation Packet please click here now.
Areas in which we currently build
Visit our model centers at Hunters Crossing and Hallam Preserve to pick up your copy of this magazine.
Lakeland is a city rich in history set amidst numerous lakes and the rolling citrus groves of Florida's Ridge. Although Lakeland has small town charm, it's ideally situated between the two larger metro areas of Tampa and Orlando. Lakeland boasts a drive of less than an hour to two of the nation's top airports. Whether it is professional sports, beaches or theme parks - Lakeland is in close proximity to all. Recognized nationally by Money Magazine as the 10th “Best Place to Live in America” for 1998, Lakeland offers its residents an exceptional quality of life. Among the factors for which Lakeland received high marks include its sense of community, outstanding educational opportunities, modern healthcare facilities and abundant recreational activities. Lakeland's housing market looks promising, it was ranked the 6th "Best Housing Markets for the Next Five Years” in 2011 by Business Insider.
Basic Information
With a population of about 97,000 people, Lakeland is the principal city of Polk County, encompassing 66.79 square miles. With an average daily temperature of 73º F, residents and visitors alike can enjoy Lakeland's great outdoors year-round.
History
Founded by Abraham Munn, Lakeland was incorporated January 1, 1885. Bolstered by an excellent railroad service and the early adoption of electric lighting, Lakeland quickly became a hub of innovation and progressive thinking. In 1930, George W. Jenkins founded Publix Supermarkets here, which is the largest and fastest-growing employee-owned supermarket chain in the United States. Lakeland has been the birthplace of several other businesses, including the restaurant chain Red Lobster, which opened in 1960. The city also has become well-known for hosting the spring training of the Detroit Tigers since 1934 and the Sun n' Fun Aviation Show for over thirty years.
Area Services
Lakeland continues to improve its municipal services. Lakeland Regional Medical Center, one of Florida’s largest hospitals, has upheld its reputation for medical excellence in the Lakeland area for over 80 years. Houses of worship for all faiths are abundant in Lakeland. Four colleges: Florida Southern College, Polk State College, University of South Florida Lakeland and Southeastern University offer continuing education opportunities for all.
Things to See
-Hollis Gardens-
The picturesque Hollis Gardens were donated to the City of Lakeland by the Hollis family. This 1.2 acre site is located within the historic Lake Mirror Park. More than 10,000 flowers and ornamental shrubs, shade trees and a grand staircase connecting to Lake Mirror Park can be found here. This formal, yet multi-purpose garden is a botanical paradise for all to share. A destination for residents and non-residents alike.
-Barnett Park-
The Barnett Family Park is a wonderful place that offers interactive play areas including fountains and water features. The park tells a story of nature and encourages interaction with themed play areas and ornately displayed mosaics of Byzantine tile.
-Lake Hollingsworth-
Lake Hollingsworth is an ideal location for recreation activities like water skiing, fishing, roller-blading and much more. The three mile path along its shore is a perfect place to stroll, jog or bike with friends and family.
-Polk Theatre-
The restored Polk Theatre was originally built in 1927 as a vaudeville and movie house. It now has renewed life as an ideal venue for performances, films and social gatherings. Free backstage tours of this historic theater are available upon advanced request.
-Florida Southern College-
Florida Southern College is home to the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. The Frank Lloyd Wright Visitors Information Center features the largest collection of information about the famous architect, including a permanent showcase of his photos, drawings, correspondence and a 12-structure "Child of the Sun" exhibition.
Southern Homes has four different communities in North Lakeland. Three are located in the prestigeous Copper Ridge neighborhood and are serviced by Kathleen High School, one, Hunter's Crossing is found in a prime location serviced by Lake Gibson High School.
All north Lakeland communities have very quick access to I-4 for easy commutes to and from Tampa and Orlando, cutting down on drive times and increasing your relaxation time. There is ample shopping and dining found along north highway 98 (the mall is very close), so there is no need to do a lot of driving to find what you are looking for.
For some, south Lakeland is the only destination in which to build a new home - those from north Lakeland may disagree! In south Lakeland you will generally find the most current commercial developments, shops, malls, restaurants, schools and the like, yet the area is calm and tranquil.
There are multiple Southern Homes communities in south Lakeland, the flagship being Hallam Preserve. Hallam Preserve boasts one of the best schools in the entire county. Children living there will enjoy Scott Lake Elementary School, Lakeland Highlands Middle School and George Jenkins High School. In fact, 33813 is the most affluent zip code in the area and Hallam Preserve is right in the middle of it.
Everything in south Lakeland is convenient. There are several grocery stores, videos shops, pizzarias and parks. The Polk Parkway is very close by, so if you need to get around the county or venture off to Tampa or Orlando, you are already well on your way.
Anyone who lives in Auburndale knows that it is a wonderful place to live. The quaint "down town" green surrounded by shops and eateries, the very quiet surroundings, and its location adjacent to the Polk Parkway and I-4 make it ideal for those wanting to work in the big cities and enjoy the peacefulness of a more subdued home life.
You may have noticed the new Lake Myrtle Park along Berkley Rd., which hosts several sporting events each weekend. More commerical establishments are moving to the area to cater for visitors and locals alike.
Auburndale is the hub of the future USF Polytechnic. We expect the creation of many jobs, increased property values and better community amenities and the dream of USFP becomes a reality. Stay tuned for updates as we receive them.
If it is not Friday Fest it's something else. Bartow is a hive of activities for the home owners that take such pride in their piece of hometown America in Bartow. The Bartow Chamber of Commerce is very active.
Southern Homes has three very nice communities in Bartow. Two along Old Eagle Lake Bartow Rd and one a gated community along E.F. Griffin Rd. just north of Lyle Parkway. All of these communities are within a stones throw of everything that Bartow has to offer but far enough away to enjoy the peace that comes with Bartow living.
If you want to be only a few minutes from the action found at Walt Disney World and all the attractions around the Orlando metro area, then Haines City is for you. Benefit from the savings that come from living in Polk County and enjoy all that the big city has to offer.
There are constantly new shops and restaurants being errected just outside of Southern Homes' community on Patterson Rd., Haines City, and there's no need to go to the city for your every day living items. Plus, Lowes is just around the corner, so if you have projects that need doing around the house you can almost walk to the store!
If you don't know much about Lake Wales, you should look into it. It is an oasis in the central Florida landscape. If you are looking for relaxing, calm and peaceful living while still maintaining all the convenience of modern life, then look no further!
Southern Homes has two communities in the Lake Wales area. Dinner Lake is a gated communities with larger home sites that overlook Dinner Lake. The topography found in the Dinner Lake community is not common for Florida - it's not flat! The views are wonderful and the breeze that comes over the hills is very refreshing. The Eagle Ridge Mall is just a short ride down the road, so for any those with the "shopping itch", you are never too far from it all.
Sunset Point is located off of Buck Moore Rd. and is just a minute from HWY-60 and your corridor to either the east or west coasts of Florida. Owners in Sunset Point enjoy many shops and restaurants along HWY- 60 but are tucked away from the every day hustle they bring.
Of course, HWY-27 makes travel to Orlando and I-4 very simple and quick, so trips "to and fro" are easy to accomplish without a lot of incovenience.
Winter Haven is the new home to LEGOLAND Florida, which will open October 15, 2011. LEGOLAND is a 150-acre park, featuring over 50 shows, attractions, and rides for children of all ages to enjoy. Two of our newest communities, Central Pointe and The Gardens, are located less than 10 miles from LEGOLAND.
More Winter Haven information coming soon.