The city of Lake Wales is situated in the middle of a long, narrow region of Florida, which is known as the Lake Wales Ridge. The ridge was apparently the very first part of the Florida Peninsula to rise up above sea level, initially as a series of small sandy archipelagos, not unlike the Florida Keys of today.
The city of Lake Wales is located in Polk County, east of Tampa and west of Lake Kissimmee. From the 2010 U.S. Census, the population was estimated to be just over 14,200. A combination of outdoor leisure and quality amenities makes Lake Wales worth a visit.
Moving to Lake Wales
The cost of living here is a tad less than that of the state average and substantially lower than the national average. When looking for a new place to live in the area, give yourself at least four weeks to relocate--and come prepared to place a deposit on your dream place so you don't lose it. Build your arsenal of paperwork when you're out looking for rentals; if you gather references and proof of employment and income too, you'll be a winner among the landlords in this area.
Neighborhoods in Lake Wales
There are so many rentals to choose from in the city, you're bound to find one that fits you--especially given the number of neighborhoods.
Country Club Village: Offering two bedroom apartments and other rentals, Country Club Village provides easy access to entertainment, beaches, and international airports in both Tampa and Orlando.
Country Oaks Estates: Situated only 5 minutes from shopping facilities and downtown area, and with a zero crime rating, Country Oaks Estates makes for an excellent location for those seeking a rental apartment or rental houses in Lake Wales.
Dinner Lake Shores: This area provides easy access to two golf courses, four lakes, as well as a number of ponds with first-rate boating and fishing--all with an extremely low crime rate.
Downtown Lake Wales: Downtown Lake Wales affords a superior location for those considering renting an apartment closer to town. Just off S Scenic Highway, and in an area that experiences a notably low level of crime, it's the near-perfect location.
Lake Ashton Golf Club: Golf fans will love it here--as the name suggests, there's easy access to a golf course.
Longleaf Business Park: This neighborhood's proximity to a variety of local amenities, including restaurants and golf, makes it a great area to look for a rental apt.
Mountain Lake: With a low crime rate and a walk rate of 78, Mountain Lake provides some first-rate amenities and top-class accommodations.
Ridge Manor: Low crime and a picturesque location--what more do you need?
Twin Lake Park: This neighborhood offers three a low crime rate, together with easy access to a variety of local amenities.
Waverly: Waverly offers good access to local amenities, and plenty of freshwater fishing opportunities. A beautifully scenic part of Lake Wales with low recorded crime rates and premium views all around.
Life in Lake Wales
Getting around Lake Wales is easy thanks to an efficient road network. U.S. Highway 27 travels north to connect with Interstate 4 and Haines City. Hesperides Road (otherwise known as State Road 60) journeys east from Lake Wales to Florida's Turnpike and Vero Beach. To the west, the highway leads to the Tampa Bay region. The Scenic Highway--State Road 17--runs through the town center, and parallels U.S. 27, traveling to the south and on to Frostproof. The local bus service travels to Frostproof and Winter Haven. There's nothing you can't reach here if you have reliable transportation.
The nearest airport is Lake Wales Municipal Airport, which is located just 2 miles to the west of the city's business district. Orlando International Airport in Orlando is 55 miles away from central Lake Wales. The closest train station, located just over 11 miles away from the city, is on 7th Street SW at Winter Haven.
How do folks in Lake Wales keep themselves busy? Lake Kissimmee State Park offers the residents of the area plenty to do. You'll find just about any outdoor sport: swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, camping, trail walking, and horseback riding, to name a few.
Outdoor sporting, safe neighborhoods, and a low cost of living make Lake Wales the ideal location for your next rental.