Is Auburndale safe?
Winter Haven, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Auburndale as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on Auburndale
“Go. Auburndale is a quiet, family-oriented community nestled between Lakeland and Winter Haven with low levels of violent crime and a relaxed small-town pace. Visitors will find it peaceful, though standard precautions regarding vehicle security along commercial corridors apply.”
About the area
Auburndale is a scenic Polk County town surrounded by lakes, citrus heritage, and regional multi-use trails. It features a historic downtown city park, sports complexes, and quiet residential neighborhoods.
- Small-Town
- Lakeside
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Auburndale
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 58/100
Auburndale serves as the southern trailhead for the 6.5-mile TECO Auburndale Trail, which connects directly to the 29-mile General James A. Van Fleet State Trail. Dedicated bike-share is not available.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Lower violent crime rates compared to broader Polk County urban centers
- High rate of homeownership contributing to stable, well-kept residential neighborhoods
- Direct access to extensive regional recreational paths like the TECO Auburndale Trail
- Family-friendly public parks and scenic lakeside recreation areas
Cons
- Moderate property theft and vehicle break-ins along the US-92 and Havendale Boulevard commercial strips
- Limited street lighting and sidewalks in older rural and semi-industrial pockets
- Pockets of lower household income and aging rental stock in older quarters
- Heavily car-dependent with minimal transit coverage
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is generally minimal, though occasional unhoused individuals may be seen near bus stops along US-92 and major intersections. There are no major encampments in the central residential or park areas.
What Auburndale is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and pleasant, with joggers and dog walkers active around the lakes and downtown park.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and bustling with local traffic near schools, sports complexes, and local eateries.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and relaxed as retail slows down, remaining safe for dining out or strolling in central areas.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet with minimal foot traffic; stick to well-lit main thoroughfares and lock vehicle doors.
Transit, parking and getting around
Transit is provided by Citrus Connection (Polk County Transit), operating limited routes like Route 16X and Route 30 connecting Auburndale to Lakeland and Winter Haven. Service runs on wide headways with no local passenger rail or BRT.
Parking is abundant, easy, and virtually free everywhere, including free surface lots and curbside spaces in downtown Auburndale.
Things to do in Auburndale
- Bike, run, or walk along the scenic paved TECO Auburndale Trail
- Relax or catch community events at the Downtown Auburndale City Park and historic depot
- Spend an afternoon wakeboarding or dining at Elite Cable Park on Lake Myrtle
Local favorites
- Tantrums Lakeside Grill · American Restaurant · 4.4★ (1150)Casual waterfront dining overlooking the lake with classic burgers, wings, and outdoor seating.
- The Florida Tackle Company & Coffee Shop · Coffee Shop · 4.8★ (230)Unique local hangout combining specialty espresso, baked goods, and fishing gear.
- Peebles Bar-B-Q · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.6★ (1420)Historic, seasonal pit-barbecue spot serving hearty plates in a rustic open-air setting.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.