Living in Lake Wales

Quick Overview

Lake Wales was founded in 1911 on the Lake Wales Ridge, one of Florida's highest and most distinctive landforms, known for citrus groves and rolling hills. The city's landmark is Bok Tower Gardens, a National Historic Landmark with gardens, a carillon, and a tower set on Iron Mountain, the state's highest point.

The city has a historic downtown and a slower, agricultural-rooted pace, with the nearby communities of Lake Ashton and other developments adding a 55-plus segment to the housing market.

For relocation buyers, Lake Wales offers a quieter, hilly, citrus-country lifestyle with access to Winter Haven's amenities, at a real distance from Orlando.

Neighborhoods

Lake Wales neighborhoods include a historic core near downtown, mid-century streets, and rural and lakefront sections around the area's lakes. The Lake Ashton community and other developments to the north add newer, amenity-focused housing.

The surrounding country is groves, pastures, and the conservation lands of the ridge, with the city itself remaining compact.

Housing

Lake Wales housing is predominantly single-family, with historic homes near downtown, mid-century properties, country lots, and newer communities including the popular Lake Ashton 55-plus development on the city's edge.

The market is affordable and slower-paced, with limited new construction. Buyers in newer communities should review HOA rules and age restrictions where applicable.

Transportation

US 27 runs through the city, connecting toward Winter Haven and Orlando to the north and the citrus country to the south. SR 60 heads west toward Tampa. The nearest expressway access is I-4 north of Polk County.

Traffic is light by metro standards, with buildup around US 27 at peak times.

Drive times depend on traffic, route, and exact address. Depending on conditions, trips to downtown Orlando typically take about 65 to 75 minutes. The Walt Disney World area is roughly 50 to 60 minutes away, and Orlando International Airport (MCO) usually runs about 70 to 80 minutes.

Daily Life

Bok Tower Gardens is the centerpiece of the area, offering gardens, a historic carillon tower, and walking trails on the ridge. The city's lakes support fishing and boating, and downtown Lake Wales holds restaurants and shops in historic buildings.

Winter Haven's Legoland and Lakeland's amenities are within a 25 to 30 minute drive, extending the options for family outings and services.

Schools

Lake Wales is served by Polk County Public Schools, with elementary, middle, and high school assignments varying by address, including Lake Wales High School for much of the city.

School zones are address-based and can change. Verify the assignment for any specific address with the Polk County Public Schools school locator before buying.

Things to Consider Before Moving to Lake Wales

Nearby Communities to Explore

Frequently Asked Questions

What county is Lake Wales in?

Lake Wales is an incorporated city in Polk County, Florida, located on the Lake Wales Ridge south of Winter Haven.

What is Bok Tower Gardens?

Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark in Lake Wales with landscaped gardens and a historic carillon tower set on Iron Mountain, one of the highest points in Florida.

Is Lake Wales close to Orlando?

Downtown Orlando is roughly 65 to 75 minutes away by car depending on traffic and route, so Lake Wales is a distant outpost of the metro region.

What schools serve Lake Wales?

Polk County Public Schools serves Lake Wales, including Lake Wales High School for much of the city. Verify address-level zoning with the district.

Does Lake Wales have a 55-plus community?

The Lake Ashton community on the city's edge is a well-known 55-plus golf community. Verify age and membership rules directly with the community.

Last updated: August 27, 2026. Published by Moving to Orlando Guide with Tyler Gibson.