Always dreamed of living in a small town in Central Florida with natural beauty and affordable home prices? Then you should consider moving to Auburndale. Auburndale, Florida, is located in the heart of the Sunshine State, between Orlando and Tampa.
First incorporated in 1911, the city was originally known as Sanatoria after a local hotel but later changed to Auburndale when the railroad first arrived, after a town in Massachusetts. Auburndale is known for its many lakes and bodies of water, making it a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. Today, Auburndale, FL, is a good place to live, offering a central location and family-friendly atmosphere.
Table of Contents
Where Is Auburndale?
Auburndale is in Polk County, Florida, within the Lakeland-Winter Haven, Florida Metropolitan area. Adjacent communities include Polk City, Fussels Corner, Jan Phyl Village, Inwood, and Lake Alfred. Auburndale is also home to several lakes, including Lake Ariana, Lake Arietta, Lake Lena, Lake Marina, and Lake Van. It’s also right beside the Tenoroc Public Use Area and close to the Hilochee Wildlife Management Area.
Auburndale, FL, is 5 miles or a 12-minute drive from Winter Haven, FL, and 11 miles from Lakeland, FL. It’s also 54 miles or an hour’s drive from Orlando and 48 miles of a 45-minute drive to Tampa.
Auburndale Population & Demographics
Auburndale is a small city with a population of 15,616, according to the 2020 census. More and more residents are drawn to Auburndale’s unique appeal, and the population has steadily grown by 14.4% since 2010. It’s also relatively spread out, and the population density is 1,151.8 residents per square mile.
It’s a very family-oriented community, and about 50% of residents over the age of 15 are married. There are 5,265 households in Auburndale, meaning the average household has three people, which is 20% higher than the Florida average. Married couples make up 58% of households.
Other Auburndale Demographics
- Auburndale has more men than women, and the population is 52% female and 48% male.
- It tends to be an older demographic, and the median age is 39.8
- The median household income is $60,514, which is only about 2% lower than the statewide average but 10% higher than the rest of the Lakeland-Winter Haven MSA.
- The racial and ethnic breakdown is 81.4% White (69.7% non-Hispanic), 16.4% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 2.9% two or more races.
- About 83% of residents have a high school diploma, but only 20% have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- The foreign-born population is 9.2%
Auburndale is very safe, although it does feature a higher rate of property crime. The total crime rate is 3,262 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 51.5% higher than the state and 39% higher than the rest of the US. However, the violent crime rate is very low at 305 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 20.5% lower than the statewide average and 21.3% lower than the national average. However, the property crime rate is inflating the numbers at 2,957 per 100,000 residents, which is 67.1% higher than the rest of the state and 51% higher than the country. So lock your doors if you plan on living in Auburndale FL.
The Auburndale Police Department controls crime in the city with 45 law enforcement employees, including 37 sworn officers and eight civilians.
Cost of Living in Auburndale
Living in Auburndale FL is very reasonable compared to the rest of the country. The cost of living index is a good metric to use, which compares the affordability of an area to the rest of the US, which is represented by 100. The COLI for Auburndale is 89, which indicates it’s 11% less expensive than the rest of the country.
The Family Budget Calculator, created by the Economic Policy Institute, states that the average family of four with two adults and two children would need to earn about $75,690 per year to afford to live comfortably in Polk County.
Typical Auburndale living expenses:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $11.25
- Domestic beer: $4
- 12 oz bottle of water: $2.25
- 1 gallon of milk: $4.46
- Regular cappuccino: $2.83
- 1 pound of chicken filets: $6.39
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.35
- Average Auburndale utility bill: $283 per month
Source: Numbeo
The Auburndale Fl real estate market is also very affordable compared to the national average and even the rest of Florida. Redfin states that the median listing price of homes for sale in Auburndale, FL is $335,000, which is 32% lower than the median price of buying a home in Florida. The median price per square foot of Auburndale real estate is $185, which is down by 7.7% since last year.
Auburndale also has plenty to offer renters as well, as about 34% of residents rent while 66% own a home. According to RentCafe, the average 3-bedroom apartment in Auburndale ranges in price from about $2245 to $2280.
Auburndale Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Auburndale
Auburndale is a good place to live, with many desirable neighborhoods offering affordable homes and lakefront views. If you plan on moving to Auburndale, here are a few of the best places to live.
Water Ridge | A Lakefront Auburndale Neighborhood with Custom Homes
Water Ridge is a custom home community located in between Lake Van and Lake Alfred, offering resort-style amenities, affordable lakefront estates, and a luxury lifestyle.
Lake Juliana Estates | An Exclusive Auburndale Neighborhood with Lakefront Views
Lake Juliana Estates is an upscale, gated community on Lake Juliana and Lake Tennessee, with a private boat ramp, fitness center, community pool, and homes ranging in price from $350,000 to $715,000.
Auburndale Heights | A Peaceful Auburndale Neighborhood with Affordable Homes
Auburndale Heights is a quiet neighborhood in South Auburndale along Magnolia Ave, which features affordable single-family homes ranging in price from $100,000 to $280,000.
Weather in Auburndale
According to the Koppen climate classification system, Auburndale has a subtropical climate, which indicates long, hot summers and mild winters. The temperature typically ranges from about 51°F to 91°F although the summers can get up to 95°F, while the winters can get as low as 38°F. The best times to visit Auburndale are usually before the summers get too muggy, from either late March to mid-May or mid October to early December.
Although it’s too far South for any snow, it does rain a fair amount in Auburndale and averages about 52 inches of rainfall per year. So, pack an umbrella if you plan on moving to Auburndale.
Things to Do in Auburndale
Although it’s a relatively small city, there are still plenty of fun things to do in Auburndale, FL. For shopping, residents should head down to Imperial Plaza or Havendale Square. You’ll also find plenty of shops around Magnolia Ave, such as the Modern Me Boutique. Here are a few other things to do in Auburndale, FL.
Lake Myrtle Sports Park
Lake Myrtle Sports Complex is a multi-purpose sports facility with nine baseball fields and 11 soccer fields that hosts regular kids’ sports leagues and college games.
2701 Lake Myrtle Park Rd, Auburndale, FL 33823 (863) 551-4750
International Market World Flea and Farmers Market
International Market World is an open-air venue with booths from local artisans, vendors, farmers, and craftsmen that also hosts frequent events such as collectible shows and a weekly circus.
1052 US-92, Auburndale, FL 33823 (863) 665-0062
Elite Cable Park
The Elite Cable Park is a water park specializing in cable-based water sports like wakeboarding, waterskiing, and kneeboarding. With summer camps, group events, and courses, it’s one of the best things to do in Auburndale with kids.
330 Denton Ave, Auburndale, FL 33823 (863) 356-3499
Additional Attractions Near Auburndale
- LEGOLAND Florida Resort
- Auburndale Speedway
- Camp Margaritaville Auburndale
- Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium
If you’re looking for more fun things to do in Auburndale, FL, the City of Auburndale Parks Department maintains ten community parks that are open to the public.
Auburndale Restaurants
There are also many amazing restaurants in Auburndale, FL, from barbecue joints to craft breweries. Here are a few of the best Auburndale, FL restaurants.
Crave & Copper
Crave & Copper is a local craft brewery in downtown Auburndale offering shareable plates like jalapeno poppers and pretzel bites, wraps, sandwiches, fish tacos, lobster rolls, and a wide selection of beers.
117 E Lake Ave, Auburndale, FL 33823 (863) 968-2971
View this post on Instagram
Smokin’ Jim’s House of Bar-B-Q
Smokin Jims is one of the best restaurants in Auburndale, FL if you’re in the mood for barbecue with classic menu items like ribs by the half slab and sliced beef brisket.
3615 Havendale Blvd, Auburndale, FL 33823 (863) 965-0230
The Brack Shack Restaurant
The Brack Shack is a restaurant and catering company serving innovative comfort food such as pulled pork egg rolls and fried sweet pickles.
231 E Lake Ave, Auburndale, FL 33823 (863) 875-8540
Jobs in Auburndale
Living in Auburndale, FL also offers a stable economy with plenty of great job opportunities in healthcare, education, sports, recreation, and scientific and technical services. The city of Auburndale is home to countless businesses, including Coca-Cola North America, Florida Brewery, Adams Cold Storage, and Bright House Networks.
According to Payscale, the average hourly worker in Auburndale earns about $17.98 per hour. Some of the highest paying jobs in Auburndale, FL include director of communications, physical therapist assistant, and medical assistant.
The 2022 City of Auburndale Annual Comprehensive Report identified these major businesses as some of the largest taxpayers and creators of Auburndale, FL jobs.
- Coca-Cola
- Duke Energy
- Bel Lakeland LLC
- MRE Propco LP
- Amazon
Employment seekers will find many high-paying Auburndale jobs, ranging from patient care coordinator to shop foreman.
Auburndale Schools
Moving to Auburndale, you’ll be able to send your children to great schools. The Polk County School Board is in charge of the Auburndale School District. There are five elementary schools in Auburndale, FL: Auburndale Central Elementary, Lena Vista Elementary, Boswell Elementary, Caldwell Elementary, and Berkley Elementary, which is a charter school.
Auburndale High School and Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy are the two main high schools in Auburndale, although Tenoroc High School in Lakeland also serves some students in Auburndale. Auburndale High School is well-respected and ranks within the top 500 high schools in Florida, with a graduation rate of 90%, according to US News and World Report.
There are also a few private schools in Auburndale, including All Hope Christian Academy and Life Christian Academy. The Southern Technical College also has a campus in Auburndale. Polk County residents living in Auburndale FL also enjoy 24/7 card catalog access to the public library system as well as free services, and there is a branch on West Bridgers.
Auburndale Statistics & Information
- County: Polk County
- Auburndale area: 20.58 sq mi
- Auburndale, FL zip code: 33823
- Auburndale area code: 863
- Auburndale elevation: 141 ft
- Auburndale zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
- The closest airport to Auburndale, Orlando (MCO) Airport, is 38.9 miles away
Auburndale FL Map
Find more attractions, restaurants, and fun things to do in the Auburndale zip code with this map!
Ready to relocate to this peaceful city in Central Florida? Trust our Auburndale movers to make your relocation smooth and simple. Call 813-922-1528 for a free, personalized estimate.
