Is Polk County, Florida a Good Place for Assisted Living?
Yes, Polk County, Florida, is a great place for assisted living. Located in the center of Florida, Polk County has quietly become one of the most attractive places for retirees seeking affordability, accessibility, and quality of life. Polk County also allows seniors access to well-known health care systems, socialize with fellow retirees, and enjoy nature and beautiful weather.
Polk County is situated between the major cities of Tampa and Orlando. This central Florida location enables residents to access the amenities of a big city – such as hospitals, entertainment, and major airports – while being removed from the busy city lifestyle.
Polk is home to several growing and retirement-friendly cities, each offering its own lifestyle appeal. These include:
- Lakeland: The county’s largest city; blends historic charm with modern convenience
- Winter Haven: Ideal for people who love nature and water views
- Davenport: One of the fastest-growing areas in Polk County
- Bartow: Historic charm, quiet neighborhoods, and a small-town feel
- Lake Wales: Known for its scenic beauty and landmarks
There are plenty of attractions in Polk County that appeal to people of all ages, including visiting family members. Some of the most popular include LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, Bok Tower Gardens, and Circle B Bar Reserve.
Seniors thrive in Polk County due to the wide range of senior living options available throughout the area. There are plenty of independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities in the county and surrounding areas. These communities offer supportive environments with amenities such as gourmet meals, social events, transportation, and fitness programs designed to promote an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Polk County, Florida?
In 2026, the average cost of assisted living near Polk County, Florida, is $4,600, according to CareScout. This is lower than the 2026 average cost of assisted living in Florida, $5,648. It is also lower than the average cost of assisted living in the United States, which is $6,295.
Top Assisted Living Communities in Polk County, Florida
The following are 10 of the best assisted living, memory care, and independent living communities in Polk County, Florida:
1. Lake Morton Senior Living – Lakeland, Florida
Photo credit: Lake Morton Senior Living
Lake Morton Senior Living is a premiere retirement community in downtown Lakeland, Florida offering independent living and assisted living. Ten stories high, the views from this Lakeside community are top-notch. They are located right in the center of Downtown Lakeland, only one block from plenty of restaurants, shops, and the culture of downtown Lakeland.
Lake Morton Senior Living offers an aging in place, all-inclusive lifestyle that is customized for each resident’s needs. This community offers the highest quality of service through their plethora of activities, amenities and inclusive services.
At Lake Morton Senior Living, residents live enriching, satisfying lives where they can stay active, involved, and engaged. Their social programs and activity schedule allow residents to always be involved in something fun. Explore all there is to enjoy at Lake Morton Senior Living.
Services offered: Independent living, assisted living
Pet friendly: Yes
Call (800) 969-7176 to set up a tour!
2. Astoria Senior Living – Winter Haven, Florida
Photo credit: Astoria Senior Living
Astoria Senior Living in Winter Haven, Florida, offers a warm, all-encompassing approach to senior care designed to help residents truly live well. With a focus on personalized wellness, the community provides a seamless continuum of care. This includes assisted living, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation, allowing residents to receive the support they need while maintaining a fulfilling, engaging lifestyle.
Astoria also emphasizes the importance of family involvement, creating opportunities for loved ones to stay connected while the dedicated team handles day-to-day care. Blending the comfort of home with exceptional services and a vibrant, active environment, Astoria Senior Living is designed to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. They prioritize giving both residents and their families peace of mind.
Services offered: Assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation
Pet friendly: No
Call (800) 969-7176 to set up a tour!
3. Lake Howard Heights – Winter Haven, Florida
Photo credit: Lake Howard Heights
Lake Howard Heights in Winter Haven, Florida, offers a welcoming and vibrant senior living experience. They offer both independent living and assisted living options tailored to each resident’s needs. Designed to promote connection, comfort, and ease, the community blends supportive care services such as medication management and daily living assistance with a lively, social atmosphere.
Residents enjoy a pet-friendly environment, restaurant-style dining with chef-prepared meals, and a full calendar of engaging activities ranging from fitness classes to social events and outings. With its scenic setting and focus on enriching daily life, Lake Howard Heights provides the perfect balance of independence, support, and meaningful connection.
Services offered: Independent living, assisted living
Pet friendly: Yes
Call (800) 969-7176 to set up a tour!
4. Lake Gibson Village – Lakeland, Florida
Photo credit: Lake Gibson Village
Lake Gibson Village in Winter Haven, Florida, offers a charming lakeside senior living experience that blends timeless character with modern comforts. Nestled along the shores of Lake Gibson and surrounded by beautiful oak trees, the community provides a relaxed, maintenance-free lifestyle where residents can focus on enjoying each day.
With private apartments, chef-prepared meals, housekeeping, and scheduled transportation, every detail is designed for ease and comfort. Residents can stay active and connected through a variety of social programs and amenities, including lakefront views, a heated pool, and a historic theatre.
Supportive services such as medication assistance and help with daily activities are available, along with a compassionate memory care program that emphasizes dignity, purpose, and overall well-being. Overall, Lake Gibson Village is a place where seniors can truly live life on their own terms.
Services offered: Assisted living, memory care
Pet friendly: Yes
Call (800) 969-7176 to set up a tour!
5. Celebration Villa of Winter Haven Assisted Living & Memory Care – Winter Haven, Florida
Photo credit: Celebration Villa of Winter Haven
Celebration Villa in Winter Haven, Florida, offers both assisted living and memory care on two different campuses. They also offer short-term respite stays and hospice coordination.
Nestled among picturesque lakes and lush landscapes, this inviting community offers more than just a home—it’s a place to thrive. Residents enjoy easy access to local shopping, dining, and cultural experiences, with opportunities to explore destinations like Bok Tower Gardens, serene nature trails, and the charm of Winter Haven’s downtown. At Celebration Villa of Winter Haven, every day is filled with possibilities for relaxation, connection, and discovery.
This community is committed to providing a vibrant lifestyle and personalized care catering to residents’ unique needs and well-being. Here, seniors’ needs are met with utmost attention and mindfulness. Residents have an active part in influencing daily events and community cuisine.
Services offered: Assisted living, memory care, respite care
Pet friendly: Yes
Call (800) 969-7176 to set up a tour!
6. Grace Manor at Lake Morton – Lakeland, Florida
Photo credit: Grace Manor at Lake Morton
Overlooking scenic Lake Morton in Lakeland, Florida, Grace Manor at Lake Morton provides compassionate and dependable memory care services for seniors in Polk County. Designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, this welcoming community supports residents with structured routines, personalized care, and a socially engaging environment that promotes comfort and connection.
Residents enjoy thoughtfully designed suites, 24/7 awake care staff, assistance with daily living activities, and restaurant-style dining that makes everyday life easier and more enjoyable. With enriching activities and supportive programming tailored to cognitive needs, Grace Manor fosters both companionship and a strong sense of belonging. Combining specialized dementia care in Lakeland with the warmth of Southern hospitality, Grace Manor at Lake Morton is a trusted choice for families seeking quality memory care in Polk County.
Services offered: Memory care
Pet friendly: No
Call (800) 969-7176 to set up a tour!
7. The Glades at ChampionsGate – ChampionsGate, Florida
Photo credit: The Glades at ChampionsGate
The Glades at ChampionsGate is an upscale, resort-style senior living community near Davenport, Florida. They offer independent living, assisted living, and memory care all in one beautifully designed community. Focused on comfort, wellness, and convenience, The Glades combines personalized care with a vibrant lifestyle, allowing residents to stay active and engaged every day.
From luxury apartments with private balconies to four unique dining venues featuring chef-prepared, locally inspired meals, every detail is thoughtfully curated. Residents enjoy access to premium amenities including a heated outdoor pool, fitness center, full-service spa and salon, and scenic surroundings near world-class golf courses and shopping. The Glades supports physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual well-being, creating an elevated senior living experience centered on living life to the fullest.
Services offered: Independent living, assisted living, memory care
Pet friendly: Yes
Call (800) 969-7176 to set up a tour!
8. Brookdale Highlands – Lakeland, Florida
Photo credit: Brookdale Highlands
Brookdale Highlands is an assisted living and memory care community in Lakeland, Florida. This community blends creativity, happiness and a true sense of belonging. Everything at this community is designed to feel familiar, secure and full of purpose, whether it involves help with daily tasks or specialized dementia care.
Brookdale Highlands offers plenty of opportunities to connect with others with their exciting activities and events calendar. Residents can experience a life without chores, housekeeping, laundry and daily to-dos – instead enjoying retirement without the stress of maintaining a home. For peace of mind, staff is present on-site around the clock in case of emergency. Explore what Lakeland has to offer at Brookdale Highlands.
Services offered: Assisted living, memory care
Pet friendly: Yes
Call (800) 969-7176 to set up a tour!
9. Spring Haven Senior Living – Winter Haven, Florida
Photo credit: Spring Haven Senior Living
Spring Haven Senior Living in Winter Haven is more than just a Florida retirement community. It’s a place where seniors can enjoy their independence, enhance their social life, and maintain an active lifestyle all while receiving the benefits of retirement living.
Spring Haven specializes in senior living, with plenty of amenities, services, and activities. They offer top-notch Independent Living, Memory Care and Assisted Living. Qualified staff are available 24/7 to provide compassionate care and support.
The all-inclusive lifestyle at Spring Haven Senior Living includes three chef-prepared meals a day, round-the-clock onsite staff, housekeeping, utilities, daily social activities, scheduled transportation and more. Enjoy all that retirement has to offer at Spring Haven Senior Living.
Services offered: Independent living, assisted living, memory care, respite care
Pet friendly: Yes
Call (800) 969-7176 to set up a tour!
10. Grace Manor Suites – Lakeland, Florida
Photo credit: Grace Manor Suites
Located in Lakeland, Florida, Grace Manor Suites offers comfortable and supportive assisted living in a warm, homelike setting for seniors throughout Polk County. Designed for older adults who need help with daily tasks while maintaining as much independence as possible, Grace Manor Suites provides personalized support in a welcoming community environment.
Residents enjoy thoughtfully designed private suites, 24/7 attentive care staff, assistance with activities of daily living, and nutritious, restaurant-style meals. An engaging social calendar and shared spaces encourage connection, companionship, and an enhanced quality of life. Combining dependable assisted living services in Lakeland with a caring, community-centered atmosphere, Grace Manor Suites is a trusted option for families seeking quality senior living in Polk County.
Services offered: Assisted living
Pet friendly: Yes
Call (800) 969-7176 to set up a tour!
Need Free Guidance Finding Senior Living in Polk County, Florida?
There are dozens of senior living options in Polk County, Florida. How do you decide which one is best for you?
When it comes to difficult decisions, it’s always wise to consult a professional. Our local senior living advisors can advise you on your best senior care options in Central Florida, customized just for you!
Looking for a community with a movie club? Swimming pool? Hair salon? Just let our advisors know, and we’ll take it from there.
Contact (800) 969-7176 or visit SeniorConsultingAdvisor.com to get started!
