[Not4longNY]

I am new to posting here, but I have read many of the past threads. I have enjoyed many of the posts.
I am moving down next year and I have already done a lot of research online. I will down there next month for 2 weeks to narrow my search. I want Polk County because of its proximity to Orlando. I do NOT need to work, I will be on a pension. I do have a 9 yr old so schooling is an issue. I have located 2 Catholic Schools, which we would prefer, but I am open to a very good Public School. I was interested in Davenport, Auburndale, Lakeland/Highlands. I was crazy about Winter Haven, which I looked at briefly last yr. One of the concerns I have is that there are some nice areas in say, Davenport, but there are so many Vacation Rentals, it is difficult to be sure of a good area. Any help from anyone would be bery appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[brinkofsunshine]

Is there a reason you chose Polk County? There are much nicer areas closer to Orlando that have great schools. Polk County is known for having rather poor schools.

[Not4longNY]

Well I wanted to be on the west side of Orlando. I guess you are suggesting the east side??

[straw71]

I do not suggest Davenport, there are way to many vacation rentals, and quite honestly a lot of gang activity in that general area. Almost every school in the county dropped a letter grade. If you can do private school I would do that , probably the best private school in the area is Lakeland Christian School, it's not catholic though. Auburndale is a smaller town, and has more of a home town feel. Schools are ok there , Lakeland is a lot larger, with more to do , the better area of lakeland is the south side, within the 33813 area code. There is an elementary school, Highlands Grove Elementary, it was an A school, just dropped to a B, but in the area (Lakeland, 33813) it would probably be the best public school. Just be careful where you decide to go, because there are some areas, you do NOT want to be living in. If you find an area and have some more specific question, feel free to PM me, and I will try to answer.

[Not4longNY]

I agree about Davenport. Should I consider moving closer to Tampa? I was also wondering about the west Coast, like Bradenton or Sarasota. Any Ideas anyone?

[Lsmason]

I have heard Bradenton has become a not so nice place to live but that Sarasota is good. I don't live in Bradenton and only heard this from other people. No first hand experience.

[TXRyan23]

As someone that grew up in Hillsborough County, Polk was never really known as the education capital of Florida...

[gypsychic]

Lakeland Highlands and Winter Haven are beautiful areas (we used to live in southside downtown Lakeland). Winter Haven has Lego Land now and a beautiful restored downtown. Lakeland itself has a beautiful restored downtown with several public parks on the lakes - just gorgeous. Many art sculptures (including large swans and blutterflies) all over town. I don't recommend Davenport or many of the other towns in Polk county.

As for Bradenton, it's and up-and-coming small city; we live between Sarasota and Bradenton and it's a fantastic area to live, I wouldn't live anywhere else.

[Not4longNY]

Everyone, Thanks for the comments. I really appreciate the help. I am trying to make the right decision here and narrow my focus to a few cities. But it isn't easy as you all know. I will be sending my daughter to private schools so I think that helps. I will rule out davenport, thats for sure. I still have Winter Haven and Lakland on my list along with Auburndale.

[HeartofFlorida]

Originally Posted by TXRyan23

As someone that grew up in Hillsborough County, Polk was never really known as the education capital of Florida...

...and Hillsborough County was? Besides, the OP talked about private schools, not public.