Nearly half of this Florida city is actually covered by water, not land.
In short: Auburndale, Florida, is defined by its unusual geography. While it sits in the Central Florida Highlands, nearly 44% of its total area is water. Originally founded as a refuge from harsh northern winters, the city has evolved from a small settlement into a hub connected by major rail and highway networks.
Located in Polk County, Auburndale occupies a unique position within the Atlantic Coastal Plain. Its terrain is characterized by flatlands and rolling hills, yet the city's footprint is dominated by its aquatic features. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city spans 9.3 square miles, with 4.1 square miles—or approximately 43.87%—consisting of water. This high ratio of water to land is a defining aspect of the city's physical landscape, distinguishing it from many other municipalities in the region.
The city's history is tied to the movement of people and goods. Founded in 1880 by Frank Fuller, it was initially called Sanatoria, named after a local hotel. When the railroad arrived later in the 1880s, settlers from Auburndale, Massachusetts, renamed the town. They drew inspiration from the opening line of Oliver Goldsmith’s poem, "The Deserted Village." This connection to New England settlers eventually helped the city become a destination for prominent American artists, marking a distinct cultural chapter in its early development.
Today, Auburndale functions as a transit-oriented community within the Lakeland-Winter Haven metropolitan area. It is served by major infrastructure, including I-4, the Polk Parkway, and two significant CSX railroad lines. While Amtrak trains pass through the city on these lines, they do not make stops. The city maintains a commission-manager form of government, with five elected commissioners and a mayor chosen from among them. With a population of 15,616 as of the 2020 census, the city continues to balance its historical roots with its modern role in the Central Florida landscape.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Auburndale, Florida
- Also: Wikidata — Auburndale · CC0
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