Auburndale, FL Area Guide

When the railroad arrived in the 1880s, settlers from Auburndale, Massachusetts persuaded locals to rename the town, replacing its original name, Sanatoria, with the one it carries today. That Massachusetts town drew its own name from the opening line of Oliver Goldsmith's poem "The Deserted Village," which gives Auburndale, Florida a literary lineage few Central Florida cities can claim.

Downtown still reflects the city's 19th-century roots, with 1800s-era buildings thoughtfully preserved along the small commercial core. In its early years, the city attracted a number of prominent American artists, adding a layer of cultural ambition to what might otherwise seem like a quiet railroad stop. Walking through downtown today, the scale and architectural detail of those older buildings give residents a tangible connection to the town's long history.

Dining options in Auburndale tend to cluster along U.S. Route 92, where a mix of chain and locally owned restaurants serve everyday needs. For greater variety, residents often make the short drive into Lakeland, which offers a broader range of cuisines and dining experiences. With Orlando and Tampa both about 50 miles away, more extensive restaurant scenes are reachable for a weekend outing without requiring a far-off trip.

Living in Auburndale is made much easier when you have a car. U.S. Route 92 connects residents to Lakeland, Interstate 4 leads northeast toward Orlando, and Florida State Road 570 runs west toward Tampa.

Public transit inside city limits is limited; a single CitrusConnection bus route extends into Winter Haven, about 11 miles away. Commuter rail stations in Winter Haven and Lakeland are reachable within 25 minutes by car. Orlando International Airport sits roughly 50 miles to the east.

Lake Ariana anchors outdoor life in Auburndale, drawing residents to its boat ramp, shaded pavilion, and small playground at the spot locals call Mac's Beach. The whole town orients itself around this lake, which also supports fishing and motorboating along with the other four lakes within city limits.

Downtown City Park offers a large tree-shaded playground and the Auburndale Rotary Butterfly Garden, a calming green space right in the town center. The Lake Myrtle Sports Complex provides soccer and baseball fields for organized recreation, while the Auburndale Dog Park sets aside dedicated spaces for both large and small breeds.

Rental prices in Auburndale run notably below the Florida state average for one-bedroom apartments.

Grocery runs stay close to home, with a Publix on the city's north side and a Walmart on the south side covering everyday essentials. For broader retail, residents head to nearby Lakeland, where the Lakeland Square Mall includes stores like Dillard's and Bath & Body Works. Tampa and Orlando, each about 50 miles out, expand those options considerably for less routine shopping trips.

Five lakes, anchored by the beloved Lake Ariana at Mac's Beach, set the tone for a recreation-focused lifestyle in Auburndale. The preserved downtown, annual homecoming parade, and seasonal celebrations like Lights in the Park keep community traditions alive, all within an hour's drive of both Tampa and Orlando.