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What BestPlaces Users Say about Winter Haven
Winter Haven, Florida is a mid-sized city located in central Florida, known for its lakes and outdoor recreational activities. It has a population of approximately 45,000 people and is considered to have a suburban feel with a mix of retirees and families. The cost of living is relatively affordable, with a median home price of $170,000. Its economy is driven by industries such as tourism, agriculture, and healthcare. With this context in mind, let's take a look at what residents have to say about living in Winter Haven.
According to user reviews on BestPlaces.net, Winter Haven appears to be a popular choice for families and retirees alike. One user, named John, praises the city's peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, stating "Winter Haven has a great small-town vibe with friendly people and plenty of outdoor activities. It's the perfect place to raise a family." Similarly, another user named Sarah appreciates the city's safety and sense of community, saying "I feel safe walking around Winter Haven and the people here are friendly and welcoming. The community events are a great way to get to know your neighbors."
However, not all reviews are entirely positive. Some users express concerns about the job market in Winter Haven. As Linda writes, "The job market here is limited and it can be tough to find well-paying jobs. I've had to commute to Orlando for work, which is about an hour away." Another user, named Tom, mentions the city's traffic as a downside, saying "Winter Haven is a great place to live, but the traffic can be a nightmare during peak tourist season."
Overall, many residents seem to enjoy the small-town charm and outdoor activities that Winter Haven has to offer. As user Michael states, "I love living in Winter Haven. The lakes and parks are beautiful, and there's always something to do outdoors. It's a great place to retire and enjoy a laid-back lifestyle." However, it's important to note that residents have varying opinions on the city's job market and traffic situation, which may be factors to consider for those looking to relocate to Winter Haven.
based on 9 ReviewsGet to know Winter Haven with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Winter Haven
Do your research! - 7/21/2023
I moved here 4 years ago from Sarasota FL., because it seemed quiet, calmer, less expensive, and a reasonable distance back to SRQ, Tampa, and Orlando. What a mistake! Winter Haven is busy, noisy, congested, and has very few amenities. Most of the buildings and businesses are run-down and homely. Most restaurants are not very good at all or progressive. There are a lot of run-down houses and poverty. Polk County is stopping the curbside recycling program and is very backward environmentally.
Florida is becoming stressful to live in. It is difficult and very expensive to get home insurance, car insurance is high, and the weather is hot, sticky, dense, and getting unbearable more often than not. The coastlines are rarely nice or usable, and the traffic is awful.
The small downtown in Winter Haven is somewhat quaint, and the people seem nice.
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Winter Haven FL is definitely not a safe place to - 7/10/2021
Definitely NOT a fan. My son moved me here without checking the rental home or neighborhood. WOW, we're we in for a surprise. It's total ghetto. I would NEVER recommend anyone living here. I'm running away from this place and never looking
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Not a bad place to live - 7/23/2017
I lived in Bartow, right down the road from WH for many years. This is not a metropolitan area. It is middle class, bedroom community. It will take you less than an hour to get to either Orlando or Tampa. There are many restaurants to pick from. Publix is the grocery store of choice. WalMart is better than any grocery except Publix.
The downsides are homeowners insurance is HIGH. Hurricane season lasts for about 6 months. As a west coast raised person, it put me on edge the entire season.
Utilities.... you must have central air. I had a 1500 sq ft 3/2 and during the peak summer season, my electric ran $350/mo in 2005. This was a new house with good insulation (R40/20). I did not have a pool which would be nice.
Car insurance is more expensive than Wa state where I am now. However, housing is cheaper.
As usual, it's a trade off. Living there does give you the advantage of getting annual passes to many theme parks. It's a cost savings and you needn't go for
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We are planning to move to Hawaii. - 2/18/2011
May GOD bless you all! My name is Vickie I live in Winter Haven,Florida. My fiance soon is going to retired and we are thinking to move to Hawaii. We are a Christian couple that wants a quiet area and a Church that we can go. I hope and pray that some could read this message and can let us know Where is a good place to live? And the cost of living over there. What area of cost of living is realiable? I would appreciate if anyone could give us more details about Hawaii. May GOD bless all! Please email me BORIVICKIE@YAHOO.COM
With Love, Vickie &
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live and retire in Winter Haven FL - 7/11/2010
We have lived in Winter Haven FL for 8 years and find it an extremely livable, safe, wholesome and great choice for our retirement lifestyle. Located between Orlando and Tampa off I-4 and about 40 minutes from Orlando International Airport with lots of reasonable flights to everywhere. Cruise ports of Tampa and Port Canaveral are 1.5 miles away. The city is on a chain of lakes, has an excellent park system and new public library. The downtown has been restored and is a beautiful place to spend time.Theatre Winter Haven is one of the top community theatres in the country with outstanding season ticket prices. The city has lots of restaurnats that are excellent and you can afford to eat in them. Local government is response to citizen needs. The city will become home to Legoland Florida in 2011 which will create 1000 new full and part-time jobs for local people. Polk State college is located here and has offerings for the public. Healthcare is outstanding with a 500 bed not for
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seasons - 9/7/2007
I grew up in NY state. There's a big difference between NY seasons and FL seasons. In Winter Haven there are two primary seasons: wet and dry. The wet/rainy season parallels hurricane season: June through November. Summers are hot, highs into the 90's most days, with afternoon thunderstorms as a general rule. The week I am writing this (1st week of September, 2007) we are predicted to have 6 days without rain. (Oops. It just started to rain!) Before that it has rained every day for several weeks, but the storms are short, and the water drains away quickly.
Winters are the dry season. Sometimes we can smell the smoke from wild fires in outlying rural areas. Tourists come to Florida for the winters. This is when I put the top down on my convertible, spend long hours in the garden, leave doors and windows open and the AC off. Some nights are even cool enough for a fire in the fireplace.
Wherever one lives, there are tradeoffs. I traded NY's frigid
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45 minutes from two of the worlds most toured citi - 3/27/2007
This town is awesome! I have lived in several parts of the state but this town is by far the best over all. Winter Haven has its own theme park called Cypress Garden's which brings some of the larger name star's for a bargain price.....like 15 dollar seats on the 3rd row from a Elton John concert.....try that out on ticketmaster...the park offers everything from boat tours of the local lakes and gardens to thrill rides....no I am not a spokesman for the town or the mayor. One problem is the amount of sidewalks are seriously lacking. The public parks and transportation are ok. The town itself is running feeds off larger towns like Orlando and Tampa travelors. I am not suprised people haven't said much about Winter Haven yet since the coast is what people think of when they think Florida. They will change they're minds when they visit....this town is something special. Thanks for reading look forward to having you
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