Bartow

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Bartow, FL

Area Guide

Peaceful living between two of Florida’s major cities

Historic Convenient Affordable Quaint Quiet

Nicknamed the “City of Oaks and Azaleas,” Bartow is a scenic small city located between Tampa and Orlando in Polk County. Bartow is actually the seat of the county, containing a slew of local government offices along its historic Main Street, in addition to eclectic restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and antique shops.

Bartow is home to a close-knit community, coming together for an array of fun events such as the annual Bloomin' Arts Festival, monthly Friday Fests, weekly Farmers’ Markets, Classic Car Cruise Ins, and much more. Bartow is convenient to a variety of recreational destinations, including Mary Holland Park, Mosaic Peace River Park, Circle B Bar Reserve, and numerous area lakes. Getting around from Bartow is easy with access to U.S. 17 and U.S. 98.

Rent Trends

As of December 2025, the average apartment rent in Bartow, FL is $540 for a studio, $1,066 for one bedroom, $1,601 for two bedrooms, and $2,050 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Bartow has increased by 1.2% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,066/month
730 Sq Ft
House
$1,873/month
1,522 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Bartow, FL

Transportation

30

Car-Dependent

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

This area is considered a car-dependent area and most errands will require a car.

46

Somewhat Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

You might be able to find places to ride your bike in this area, but you’ll most likely want your car for most errands.

Schools

Bartow Elementary Academy

Public

Grades K-5

518 Students

Spessard L Holland Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

766 Students

Floral Avenue Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

611 Students

James E. Stephens Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

356 Students

Gibbons Street Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

228 Students

Union Academy

Public

Grades 6-8

396 Students

Bartow Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

1,046 Students

Hospital Homebound

Public

Grades PK-12

118 Students

Jean O'dell Learning Center

Public

Grades PK-12

73 Students

Bartow Youth Academy

Public

Grades 6-12

Bartow Senior High School

Public

Grades 9-12

2,125 Students

Hospital Homebound

Public

Grades PK-12

118 Students

Jean O'dell Learning Center

Public

Grades PK-12

73 Students

Bartow Youth Academy

Public

Grades 6-12

Points of Interest

Top Apartments in Bartow

Houses for Rent in Bartow

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Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in November 2025.