OT: Looking for info. Anybody live in Central Florida?

[Junction John]

Tell me what you know about Winter Haven... I've got a business opportunity down there - it seems to be in a good location geographically, but is it nice? It looks a little dated, but I have just started studying the area. Growing in the right way? How's the housing, retail, etc.? Anything you can tell me... Thanks

 

[MaroonCrusader]

Winter Haven is not a bad place at all. Small town, lots of good golf around you. Lakeland has a lot more stuff but is close. You’re not on I-4 which can be a good thing if you are going to be heading to Orlando. Tons of lakes everywhere, but Mosquitos the size of birds. Overall not a bad move if you are wanting the small town life but want to be close to big cities.

 

[Junction John]

Thanks for the input. I wouldn't be moving there, just possibly owning some stuff and wanting to know the feel of the place, so your comment is helpful.

 

[TheStateUofMS]

I live in Orlando. Describing Winter Haven as Central Florida is the right approach. You're on the West side of Disney, so every time I drive through Winter Haven, it's pretty smooth.

I haven't actually been to Winter Haven, so can't let you know about the "dated" look it has, but it's a fairly large town about 30-40min from downtown Orlando depending on the Disney congestion traffic.

Housing wise, I've got to think it's way more affordable than Orlando. Orlando home prices are high and you can find a nice deal on a home, but it'll be a mile from a bad area.

It's definitely a growing area as is the whole Central Florida area. It's dead smack in the middle of Tampa and Orlando. Tampa is about twice the size of Orlando if not bigger. Downtown area of Tampa is massive compared to Downtown Orlando, which is actually kinda small, but very nice.

What kind of business opportunity? Publix is headquartered in Lakeland, FL if I'm not mistaken and that's very close to Winter Haven.