Welcome to Auburndale, FL, a charming town nestled in the heart of Central Florida. This hidden gem boasts a quaint atmosphere, rich educational opportunities, recreational activities, and more in Auburndale, FL.
Discover the charm of Auburndale, FL with its quaint town vibe and waterfront lifestyle.
Enjoy educational hubs, iconic attractions nearby, luxurious homes & amenities at Auburn Cove and Enclave at Lake Myrtle.
Explore culinary & cultural scene plus convenient transportation options to navigate the city!
Auburndale embraces the slow-paced, Old Florida feel that’s often missed in the hustle and bustle of larger cities. Here, the sweet scent of orange blossoms lingers in the air, adding to the charm of this small town located in the Central Florida highlands area. With a population of 15,616, the town is known for its beautiful scenery and many lakes, making it a picturesque setting.
Auburndale attracts attention with its 11.7% growth rate since 2020, particularly during the pleasant weather of December. Being roughly 40 miles from major cities like Orlando and Tampa allows residents to appreciate the tranquility of a small town yet benefit from the advantages of urban living.
The town also offers a variety of attractions, including:
The Auburndale Speedway, which hosts car races attracting prominent artists and enthusiasts from the region
Cool restaurants to check out
Numerous parks and lakes to explore
There’s never a shortage of things to do in Auburndale.
Auburndale stands as a focal point for education, hosting the Florida Polytechnic University - the state’s sole polytechnic institution. This distinction draws students from surrounding cities interested in pursuing technology studies.
The university stands not only as a premier educational institution but also as a center for innovation. Collaborations with researchers and prominent space and tech companies in Central Florida position the university as a pioneer in autonomous and connected vehicle research through SunTrax.
In addition to its innovative spirit, the university is highly ranked, being number one in the region for public colleges and among the top thirty public engineering programs without a PhD in the northeast united states according to U.S. News & World Report.
Lake Myrtle Sports Park is a sanctuary for watersports lovers, providing activities such as:
wakeboarding
waterskiing
kneeboarding
The scenic lake backdrop, with flatland interspersed and gently rolling hills, also provides ideal conditions for these activities, especially during chilly winters.
The park caters to all your needs with a Pro Shop offering gear for your watersports adventures and Tantrums Lakeside Grill for a bite to eat after an exhilarating day on the water.
Close to the park is the TECO Trail trailhead and Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes, further expanding the range of outdoor activities you can engage in. There’s also Elite Cable Park, which runs a summer camp for kids aged 9 to 15.
For those inclined towards land-based activities, Auburndale delivers. The Auburndale TECO Trail, a 5.5-mile multiuse path with terrain consisting of various natural features, passes through Lake Myrtle Sports Park and provides an opportunity to immerse in nature while biking, walking, or running.
The trail begins at Denton Avenue near Lake Myrtle. It continues northward to Polk City, where it connects with the General James A. Van Fleet Trail. This makes it easily accessible for residents of our new home communities in Auburndale, who have direct access to the trail from their doorstep.
As you traverse the trail, be on the lookout for gopher tortoises, deer, turkey, snakes, and herons, making your adventure even more exciting.
Auburndale’s prime location enables easy access to not only local parks but also globally renowned attractions in the Lakeland area. LEGOLAND Florida in Winter Haven, the nearest theme park resort, is conveniently situated a short distance away.
For those willing to venture a bit further, Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando are all within reach, offering a plethora of fun-filled activities for the whole family.
LEGOLAND Florida offers a wealth of attractions including:
Rides
Play areas
Splash pads
LEGO shops
Interactive LEGO play areas
These attractions ensure that your little ones are thoroughly entertained.
Auburndale also hosts two recent residential communities - Auburn Cove and Enclave at Lake Myrtle. These communities feature contemporary homes and facilities, offering residents an optimal mix of comfort and convenience.
Auburn Cove, in particular, offers a nature-inspired setting, desirable amenities, and flexible living spaces in the homes. It’s conveniently located near Interstate 4 for easy commuting to Tampa or Orlando.
Located just two miles from I-4 and right next to the Auburndale TECO Trail, Auburn Cove is perfectly situated for both convenience and outdoor fun. Homes here start at the low $300’s and come with 3 or 4 bedrooms, offering ample space for comfortable living. With sizes ranging from 1,715 to 2,487 square feet, these homes are designed to accommodate various family sizes.
Residents of Auburn Cove enjoy a range of amenities including:
Open space
A trail loop around a peaceful pond
Picnic tables
Benches
Plus, with schools like Auburndale High School and Auburndale Central Elementary School nearby, residents have plenty of educational options for their children.
Enclave at Lake Myrtle, another beautiful residential community in Auburndale, offers residents exclusive access to the Auburndale TECO Trail and proximity to the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex and Auburndale Dog Park.
The community features single-family homes that come with a spacious en-suite owner’s bath, including:
a big tiled shower
dual vanities
a closeted toilet
linen storage
These features provide homeowners with a sense of luxury.
The community’s location also gives residents easy access to the Auburndale TECO Trail, which offers parking facilities and is situated close to the Auburndale Trail Head, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Auburndale’s gastronomic and cultural scenes mirror the vibrancy of its landscapes. The town takes pride in its assortment of restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, including:
American
Italian
Mexican
Chinese
Seafood
In addition to its culinary offerings, the town hosts various food festivals and cultural events. Some of these include:
Cityfest, an annual food festival that celebrates the delicious food the city has to offer
Auburndale Fall Festival
Auburndale Christmas Parade
Auburndale Founders Day
These events highlight the town’s rich culture.
The town also houses several historic sites including:
Holland Jenks House
Magnolia Building
Auburndale City Hall
Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Depot
Auburndale Citrus Growers Association Packing House
These sites provide a glimpse into the town’s history and nearby cities.
Navigating Auburndale is simplified with its multiple transportation options. The town provides public transportation, biking lanes, and cycling-friendly routes, ensuring seamless commutes.
The average commute time in Auburndale is around 32.5 minutes, making it relatively convenient for residents. The Citrus Connection Polk County Public Transit System provides bus routes within the town, further enhancing its transportation system.
For cycling enthusiasts, the town offers:
Biking lanes
Cycling-friendly routes
Popular options include the Auburndale TECO Trail and the Van Fleet Trail
The Gator Creek Reserve for those looking for a bit of adventure.
In summary, Auburndale offers a charming blend of small-town charm, educational opportunities, recreational activities, and modern residential communities. Its location provides easy access to both local and world-renowned attractions, while its vibrant culinary and cultural scene adds to the town’s allure. Whether you’re looking to settle down or visit for a weekend, Auburndale holds the promise of an enriching experience.
Auburndale's population is predominantly White (81.37%), followed by Black or African American (11.68%) and then Two or more races (2.9%).
Auburndale is a great place to live, boasting convenient access to city amenities, plenty of recreational opportunities nearby and an abundance of job growth. The city is particularly well-suited for families, with active youth sports programs and outdoor facilities. Plus, there is affordable housing available.
Auburndale is a quaint and historic city in Central Florida, known for its unique restaurants, only cable water park, and one of Florida's best RV resorts.
Auburndale is an ideal place to live with plenty to do close to home, like parks, lakes and trails. It's centrally located, family friendly and offers job opportunities. Affordable housing may be an issue, but more is becoming available.
Auburndale has lots to offer, such as the Auburndale Speedway, Lake Myrtle Sports Park and an array of food festivals and cultural events, making it a great place to explore.