The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 33853 sells for about $313,125, or $189 per square foot.
Prices are down 2% from a year ago, which gives buyers more room to negotiate. Homes take about 34 days to sell. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,059 a month.
ZIP 33853 — Lake Wales
The housing market in 33853 is experiencing a period of price stabilization following recent national trends, with a median sale price of $313,125. While year-over-year prices have softened slightly, the area benefits from active residential development and proximity to key regional employers. Demand remains steady, supported by a mix of local buyers and those attracted to the area's walkable development initiatives.
This ZIP is well-suited for families and local workers seeking a walkable, master-planned environment near Lake Wales, offering a more affordable entry point compared to the broader Lakeland metro.
Median prices moved down 2.0% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 34 days on market with 5.2 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
22% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 97.06% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 7.3% · poverty 21.2% — a mixed stability profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 10.0%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 5.4%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
in-migration and out-migration balanced
ZCTA 33853
The area is served by the Lake Wales Charter Schools system, which operates a network of public charter schools including Bok Academy.
The region faces standard Florida wind and storm risks; property insurance markets remain tight due to regional hazard exposure.
Development momentum is driven by the Lake Wales Envisioned initiative, with significant residential projects like the Groves at Orchard Hills adding hundreds of units to the local pipeline.
Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (Florida) — Statewide Uniform Property Tax Lien Priority & Tax Deed Sale Enforcement: Unpaid real ad valorem and non-ad valorem taxes become a first-priority sovereign lien on January 1 of the tax year, superior to all mortgages and private liens. If unpaid by April 1 following the tax year, tax certificates are sold via competitive bidding under § 197.432. State (Florida) — Community Development District (CDD) Special Assessment & Financing Lien Mandate: Binds the parcel to non-ad valorem assessments levied directly by the CDD board to fund infrastructure bonds (capital assessments) and operations/maintenance (O&M assessments). State (Florida) — Florida Constitutional Homestead Exemption & Save Our Homes (SOH) Assessment Cap: Reduces taxable value by up to $50,000: base $25,000 exemption applies to all taxing authorities (including school districts); second $25,000 exemption applies to assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000 for non-school millage. State (Florida) — Florida Ad Valorem Real Property Assessment & Tax Mechanics: Parcels are assessed annually at 100% just value (market value) as of January 1 by county property appraisers. Tax formula: Tax Bill = (Taxable Value / 1,000) * Total Levied Millage Rate. Assessed Value = Just Value - Assessment Limitations.
The area is approximately five minutes from downtown Lake Wales, with regional access provided by major highway corridors connecting to the broader Lakeland-Winter Haven metro area.
The area features proximity to Bok Tower Gardens and various local parks, with shopping and dining options concentrated in the nearby Lake Wales commercial core.
The rental market shows moderate pressure with a median rent of $1,850; vacancy rates are influenced by the influx of new residential inventory.
The local economy is anchored by healthcare, education, and regional services, with significant employment opportunities at the nearby AdventHealth hospital.
Transportation is primarily auto-dependent, with regional connectivity facilitated by state highways serving the Polk County area.
Development is guided by the Lake Wales Envisioned standards, focusing on walkable, mixed-use growth in the vicinity of the city center.
Parcels are subject to Polk County property taxes and the Lake Wales Charter Schools district assessments.
Property insurance premiums are subject to Florida's statewide market volatility and hazard-risk adjustments.
Data retrieved from Census Reporter and IncomeByZipCode profiles for ZCTA 33853.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
- LEGOLAND® Florida Resort4.48.5 mi
- PEPPA PIG Theme Park Florida4.18.3 mi
- LEGOLAND® Florida Water Park4.58.7 mi
- Lake Eva Aquatic Center4.513.6 mi
- LEGO® NINJAGO® World4.68.6 mi
- Lake Myrtle Sports Park4.619.4 mi
- AdventHealth Fieldhouse and Conference Center4.510.9 mi
- Bella Cosa Wedding Venue4.74.8 mi
- Golden Corral Buffet & Grill4.18.5 mi
- Auburndale Speedway4.615.1 mi
- Bok Tower Gardens4.82.1 mi
- PEPPA PIG Theme Park Florida4.18.3 mi
- LEGOLAND® Florida Water Park4.58.7 mi
- Incredibowl Entertainment Winter Haven4.410.1 mi
- Spook Hill3.90.4 mi
- Bok Tower Gardens4.82.1 mi
- Spook Hill3.90.4 mi
- Wonder House4.815.2 mi
- Bok Tower Visitor Center4.92.1 mi
- The Singing Bok Tower and Carillon4.92 mi
- Trailhead Park Playground4.612.1 mi
- South Lake Howard Nature Park4.712.3 mi
- Poinciana Community Park4.69.8 mi
- Lake Wailes Park4.70.6 mi
- Lake Shipp Park4.511.8 mi
- Camp Mack4.513.7 mi
- Marine Supply, the Boating Center4.711.6 mi
- Freedom Boat Club - Winter Haven - Lake Eloise4.89.7 mi
- The Harbor Waterfront Resort4.410.3 mi
- Scooters Boat Rental Florida511.1 mi
- Cypresswood Golf and Country Club3.88.3 mi
- The Country Club of Winter Haven4.69.9 mi
- Lake Wales Country Club3.93 mi
- Lily Lake Golf Club4.412.4 mi
- Rural King4.52.1 mi
- T.J. Maxx4.310.3 mi
- Publix Super Market at Winter Haven Square4.68.2 mi
- Publix Super Market at Southgate Shopping Center4.51.1 mi
- Publix Super Market at Northgate4.612.6 mi
- Lakeland Linder International Airport4.726.8 mi
- Taxi Sol FL4.828.2 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area from Google Maps, ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
A historic landmark and botanical garden located just north of the area.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.