Covering nearly 15 square miles in Polk County, east of Tampa about 60 miles and south of Orlando about 55 miles, Lake Wales was founded in 1911 by a group of far-sighted businessmen. The 5,000 acres they bought surrounded a lake named for a post-Civil War state land agent, Sidney Wailes. Between the pine forests, the sandy soil, and the hilly terrain, they thought, they could scarcely go wrong. They were right.

Lake Wales 100 Years Later

Today Lake Wales is a small but thriving city and community with much to offer its residents. Convenient to both Tampa's and Orlando's international airports, a local municipal airport, Interstate 4, highways 27 and 60, Lake Wales is also nothing if not accessible. For all this, however, it retains its vintage charm while acting on forward-focused vision.

Citrus, of course, is important to the regional economy and long has been. Other businesses have begun to develop in the last decade or so as well--light industry, the service sector, and various electronic firms. There is also, however, an equally strong community focus--from a strong school system to a local arts council to an especially vigorous parks and recreation department. Lake Wales boasts not only a major skydiving center, 250 acres of public parkland, and biking/hiking trails, but as well a variety of community groups and activities.

Property values in the Lake Wales community are affordable enough to boot. Single-family homes today cover a range from perhaps $100,000 up to $600,000. If you're relocating to Florida, or even within the state, however, you'll do best in league with a local realtor. Lakes Wales has much to offer as a community in which to raise a family. You don't want to miss an opportunity.