Question 1

Is 33853 a safe area?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 33853 in Lake Wales has a crime score of 50/100, which is roughly average for the region. Reported incidents per 1,000 residents track close to the Lake Wales city median. Both violent and property crime fall within the expected range for an urban ZIP code. Reviewing the Full Crime Report for 33853 and checking the local police department's crime mapping tool for current incident patterns before making decisions is recommended.

Question 2

What are the best schools near 33853?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 33853 has a school score of 100/100, based on NCES EdFacts math and reading proficiency data for public schools in and near ZIP 33853. Schools in this area perform significantly above state averages — proficiency rates consistently outpace both the city and national benchmarks. For families prioritizing public school quality, 33853 ranks among the stronger ZIP codes in Lake Wales. Scores reflect SY 2020-21 EdFacts assessment data; individual school performance may vary, and reviewing each school's most recent state report card is recommended.

Question 3

What is the average home price in 33853?

Accepted Answer

The median home sale price in 33853 is approximately $225K, based on recent Zillow Research ZHVI data. This places 33853 at a premium relative to the metro median, reflecting the neighborhood's above-average crime and school scores. Median rent in 33853 is available in the Full Market Report. Prices fluctuate with market conditions; Zillow data reflects trailing sale prices, not current listing prices.

Question 4

Is 33853 a good place to live?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 33853 has an overall NeighborScore of 72/100, placing it in the moderate range for Lake Wales. The score combines crime rate (40% weight), school quality (35%), and relative property value (25%), each normalized to the metro area. At 72/100, 33853 scores similarly to the middle tier of Lake Wales neighborhoods — neither among the strongest nor the weakest performers. Individual priorities (commute, school age, budget) should guide how much weight you give this composite vs. the component scores.

Lake Wales — ZIP 33853

Real Estate Snapshot

Crime Overview

Nearby Schools

Demographics

Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Nearby Neighborhoods

School	Grades	Students	Math ↓	Reading
MCLAUGHLIN ACADEMY OF EXCELLENCE	06–11	—	—	—
POLK AVENUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL	PK–05	—	—	—
HILLCREST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL	PK–05	—	—	—
SPOOK HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL	PK–05	—	—	—
JANIE HOWARD WILSON SCHOOL	PK–05	—	—	—
LAKE WALES SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL	09–12	—	—	—
EDWARD W BOK ACADEMY NORTH	06–08	—	—	—