Real Estate Investing in Polk County, FL: Where to Buy a Property (2024)

Polk County is an attractive county in central Florida that’s situated halfway between Tampa and Orlando. The fastest-growing county in the state, thousands of people are moving to Polk County every year because of its affordable real estate values, beautiful landscapes and lakes, and convenient access to major cities. Buying real estate in Polk County can make you money in the short-term or long-term, depending on your investment strategy.

The Best Investing Strategies In Polk County, FL

Many different types of investing strategies can work in Polk County, FL. The county’s proximity to major tourist destinations, including the theme parks and attractions of Orlando, mean that buying real estate to rent out on sites like Airbnb can be a lucrative strategy in Polk County.

However, strategies that rely on high levels of tourism – especially outside of tourist centers – can be risky. Short-term lets in Polk County bring in more money per night than long-term lets, but they’re also more likely to be unoccupied sometimes, especially during low season. They’re also more time-consuming to run and manage.

If you’re looking for a more hands-off investment style, you may be more interested in purchasing Polk County real estate to rent out to long-term residents. Otherwise, if you see a property with great potential, fixing and flipping is always an option in this affordable area of Florida.

Polk County, FL Real Estate Investment Tips & Tricks

Before purchasing real estate in Polk County, FL, read our tips and tricks to get the most out of your investment.

• Look up climate data: Look up data for extreme weather events in the specific area that you’re buying in, including flood data. This can significantly affect the price of real estate in Polk County, which has a history of major hurricane events including Hurricane Irma in 2017.

• Analyze local market trends: Real estate values across Polk County can vary significantly depending on the area you’re looking in. Analyze the prices of sold properties over the past year or two to identify what constitutes ‘good value’ in different areas and find areas that might be due a price rise.

• Work with local experts: Local real estate agents will have in-depth knowledge of the Polk County real estate market. Find a real estate agent that you trust to help you find the best properties and negotiate a good deal when it’s time to buy.

• Look at nearby amenities: Whether you want to rent or sell your real estate to young professionals or local families, everyone wants properties close to good local amenities. Look for real estate near uban centers with shops, bars, and restaurants and, especially if you’re looking at family homes, good schools.

Is Polk County, FL, A Good Real Estate Investment?

Polk County, FL is definitely a good real estate investment. The median property price in Polk County is $308,000, which reflects the affordability of Polk County. This relatively low price tag combined with the area’s proximity to big cities like Orlando and Tampa make Polk County one of the most desirable places to buy in Florida for many people of working age.

Many investors choose to buy real estate in Polk County with a view to renting it out to short-term visitors and long-term residents. Florida is a landlord-friendly state, which means that landlords pay fewer taxes and have more power in Florida when compared to other parts of the US.

This can be a successful way to make money in Polk County, especially if you choose the right property and know who to market it to. For example, if you want to rent your real estate out to long-term residents, you might look to buy a three or four-bedroom property in a family-friendly area like Auburndale near good schools.

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Is It A Good Time To Invest In Real Estate In Polk County, FL?

Yes, it’s a good time to invest in real estate in Polk County, FL. Polk County is the fastest growing county in Florida, and its location between Tampa and Orlando makes it attractive to young professionals and families with ties to both of these major metropolitan areas.

Real estate prices in Polk County, FL have increased significantly since the pandemic, and most experts think that they will continue to rise in the future. Real estate values have leveled off for the time being, but investors looking to buy and hold to make a profit in the long-term can find good bargains in Polk County.

The state’s popularity with both residents and tourists also ensures its enduring appeal as a destination to rent, either on a short-term or long-term basis. Areas like Davenport will even attract short-term visitors to Orlando’s theme parks.

Best Areas And Neighborhoods To Invest In Polk County, FL

Polk County is an extremely popular area of Florida, and many people move to the county looking for a safe, quiet neighborhood to raise children or commute to nearby cities from. Some of the most popular neighborhoods in Polk County include Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Davenport.

Lakeland is a gorgeous neighborhood that’s known across the state for its beautiful lakes, parks, and green spaces. It’s also home to the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world. Lakeland is extremely popular with families looking for a tranquil escape from the city.

Buyers into water sports and other recreational activities set on the water might be more keen to move to Winter Haven. Winter Haven is home to over 50 lakes as well as Legoland Florida, making it ideal for families as well.

Other popular areas in Polk County include Bartow, Eagle Lake, and Auburndale. Research the areas you plan to buy in before you make any offers and make sure they align with your investment goals and target demographic.

Main Activities, Attractions, And Employers In Polk County, FL

Polk County is situated between Tampa and Orlando, so many residents of Polk County commute to either city for work. Some areas of Polk County, such as Davenport, are closer to Orlando, while others areas are much closer to Tampa. Big industries in Tampa and Orlando include tourism, tech, healthcare, and finance.

The major attractions of Orlando, including Universal and Walt Disney World, aren’t too far from parts of Polk County either, which makes this area popular with families and tourists. Closer to home, some of the biggest attractions in the area include the Circle B Bar Reserve wildlife park and the Bok Tower Gardens.

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