Lake Wales : Florida
Living a College Town Lifestyle in Lake Wales, Florida
This small college town of about 12,000 in central Florida, near Kissimee and Winter Haven, is Lake Wales. People describe it as having a very charming little downtown representing old Florida at the time of the land boom of the 1920's. Its nickname is the "friendliest small town." There are 2 colleges in town, Warner University and Polk State College.
Lakes Wales has a beautiful Historic Corridor where you can visit the restored Rhodesbilt Arcade, The Depot Museum and The Scenic Theater. Many of these buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. Plus you will find plenty of interesting shops, and art galleries. Chalet Suzanne is a fabulous restaurant in a former Spanish Mission Church. Speaking of churches, you will find all denominations represented here.
Where to Retire in Lake Wales and Home Prices
Choose from 1920's Mediterranean Revival estates, lake front properties, active adult and golf communities, gated townhomes and more. Lake Ashton is a giant active adult community in Lake Wales (also see link at top left). Home values in Lake Wales have fluctuated, with the median sale price $235,713 in early 2023, according to Zillow.com.
What Is Special about Lake Wales
Charming downtown, relatively warm winters. The shrine of Ste Anne des Lacs, Bok Tower Gardens, Chalet Suzanne, and Spook Hill (a famous optical illusion).
What Is Not Special about Lake Wales
It is a small town with hot summers, and the closest airport is over 50 miles away.
Climate and Physical Environment
Lake Wales is in a lake district almost exactly in the center of Florida. Kissimmee is to the east. January average temperature is about 60, with July's average at 82 degrees.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Lake Wales has a library, and Bok Tower features gardens and hosts concerts. Nearby Winter Haven and Orlando offer more cultural venues, as does Tampa. The two small colleges in town also provide some cultural events.
Crime
Crime rate is a little above the national average.
Medical Facilities
There are medical facilities in Lake Wales.
Transportation
Winter Haven has an AMTRAK station. The closest large airports are Orlando (55 miles), or Tampa (70 miles).
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