North Haines City · Polk County · 33844

Highland Reserve

Gated golf-course living in north Haines City with Florida Turnpike access at Exit 55 — mature landscaping, strong school zoning, and a community that works for both primary residents and investors.

Search Highland Reserve Homes Request Market Report

Live the MaxLife.

$320K – $560K

Price Range

18-hole course on-site

Golf

Exit 55 (< 2 miles)

Turnpike Access

Gated, deed-restricted

Community Type

Active Listings · Stellar MLS

Homes for sale in Highland Reserve

Live inventory updated daily — filtered to Highland Reserve zip 33844.

Get notified when new Highland Reserve listings hit the market

Loading live MLS listings…

Overview

Highland Reserve is a well-established gated residential community in north Haines City, developed primarily in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The community is built around an 18-hole golf course and organized into multiple sections with varying deed restrictions — some sections permit short-term vacation rentals while others are deed-restricted for primary or long-term residential use. This dual character gives Highland Reserve an unusual breadth: the same gated community serves year-round Polk County families who need Turnpike access for Orlando commutes, snowbird part-timers, and vacation-rental investors drawn by Disney proximity. Mature oak and pine landscaping throughout the community gives it a settled, established look that newer developments north of US-192 cannot match. HOA fees are moderate relative to the amenity package and gated entry.

Real Estate Market

Homes in Highland Reserve range from attached villas and smaller single-family homes in the $320K–$390K range to mid-size and larger single-family pool homes at $390K–$560K. Most homes were built between 1997 and 2007 in a Florida-traditional or Mediterranean style. Pool homes on or adjacent to the golf course command a premium. The resale market is active — Highland Reserve has enough size and name recognition that inventory turns steadily. Buyers should note that homes in the STR-permitted sections carry a meaningful premium versus restricted sections due to rental income potential. Always confirm the specific section's rental rules before purchasing for investment use.

Golf Course & Amenities

The Highland Reserve Golf Club is an 18-hole public-access course winding through the community, available to residents and outside players. The layout makes use of the natural terrain and water features common to this part of Polk County. A clubhouse with pro shop and restaurant serves both golfers and community events. Community amenities include a resort-style pool, tennis courts, and playground areas. The gated perimeter with staffed or controlled-access entry is one of the most cited features for buyers seeking privacy and a defined community identity. The combination of golf-course views and mature tree canopy makes the interior streets among the most visually appealing in the Haines City market.

Location & Commute

Highland Reserve's north Haines City location puts it within a mile or two of Florida Turnpike Exit 55 — one of the most significant location advantages in Polk County for buyers who commute to Orlando or travel frequently to the theme parks. Walt Disney World is approximately 22–25 minutes north via the Turnpike. LEGOLAND Florida is about 25 minutes east in Winter Haven. Davenport and the Posner Park retail corridor (Target, Starbucks, movie theater, and full restaurant strip) are 10 minutes north on US-27 — the most convenient big-box retail for Highland Reserve residents. Lakeland is 25–30 minutes south on US-27 for medical, professional, and regional services.

Schools

Highland Reserve falls within Polk County Public Schools. The primary high school feeder is Ridge Community High School in Davenport, which draws from the north Haines City / south Davenport corridor. Boone Middle School and several Polk County elementary schools serve the K-8 population. The schools in the north Haines City zone have seen enrollment growth consistent with the area's population expansion over the past decade. Families considering Highland Reserve specifically for school quality often benchmark against the Lake Wales / Winter Haven corridor — the north Haines City schools have improved but are not yet in the same tier as some south Lakeland or Winter Haven schools.

Who Buys in Highland Reserve

The buyer profile in Highland Reserve is broader than most comparable communities. Primary-residence buyers — many commuting to Orlando via the Turnpike or working remotely — are drawn by the gated security, golf access, and mature community character at a price point below comparable communities in Orange County. Investors seeking short-term rental income concentrate in the designated STR sections. Snowbird and seasonal buyers appreciate the resort-like amenities and easy Turnpike access to Orlando attractions. The community's established age means buyers get large trees, settled infrastructure, and a neighborhood with genuine character — qualities increasingly scarce in the rapidly developing US-27 corridor.

What Makes Highland Reserve Special

Gated community with 18-hole golf course winding through residential sections
Florida Turnpike Exit 55 within 2 miles — 22 minutes to Disney
Some sections permit short-term rentals; others deed-restricted primary residence
Mature 1997–2007 landscaping with oak and pine canopy
Resort pool, tennis courts, golf clubhouse with restaurant
Homes $320K–$560K — good value versus comparable Orange County gated communities
Strong commuter position for Orlando-area employment via Turnpike
10 minutes to Posner Park retail corridor (Target, restaurants, cinema)
Public golf access — non-residents and guests can play the course
Active resale market with steady inventory turnover

Highland Reserve FAQ

Can I use a home in Highland Reserve as a short-term vacation rental?

It depends on the specific section. Highland Reserve is divided into multiple phases and sections — some permit short-term vacation rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) under the HOA rules, while others carry deed restrictions limiting occupancy to primary or long-term tenants. Confirming the specific section's rental rules before making an offer is essential for investment buyers.

How close is Highland Reserve to Walt Disney World?

Highland Reserve is approximately 22–25 minutes from Walt Disney World via Florida Turnpike Exit 55, one of the most direct routes to the theme parks from Polk County. The Turnpike on-ramp is less than 2 miles from the community entrance.

What are the HOA fees at Highland Reserve?

HOA fees at Highland Reserve vary by section and home type. Single-family homes typically pay in the $600–$1,200/year range depending on section. Golf club membership is separate from HOA dues — residents can choose pay-per-play or purchase club membership. Always request the current fee schedule and verify any CDD assessments with the HOA during due diligence.

Is Highland Reserve good for full-time residents or just investors?

Both. The community has a healthy mix of full-time residents who use the Turnpike for Orlando commutes, snowbird/seasonal owners who are present October through April, and investors in the STR-permitted sections. The gated environment, golf access, and mature landscaping make it a legitimate primary-residence option — not just a tourism-investor product.

Recent Work

Recent sales in Highland Reserve

Browse all homes

Want similar Highland Reserve listings first?

Two to three hand-picked matches per month — 48 hours before MLS.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Neighborhood

Southern Dunes

Gated resort living on one of Polk County's most challenging 27-hole courses — short-term rentals permitted, 20 minutes to Disney via the Florida Turnpike.

Explore Southern Dunes→

Neighborhood

Haines City

Haines City sits at the strategic midpoint of the I-4 corridor between Orlando and Tampa, offering Polk County affordability, access to world-class golf, and a position that makes commuting in either direction feasible. New construction is abundant and prices remain among the most accessible in Central Florida.

Explore Haines City→

Neighborhood

Auburndale

Auburndale occupies a strategic position on the I-4 corridor between Lakeland and Winter Haven, offering Polk County affordability, a growing employment base, and easy access to both the Tampa and Orlando metros. New construction communities and a revitalized downtown make it an increasingly attractive option for buyers priced out of larger neighboring cities.

Explore Auburndale→

Neighborhood

Winter Haven

Winter Haven's identity is built on water: 26 lakes connected by canals that allow boats to travel across the entire chain. This unique geography, combined with LEGOLAND Florida, a revitalized downtown, and attainable waterfront prices, makes Winter Haven one of Central Florida's most distinctive real estate markets.

Explore Winter Haven→

Neighborhood

Kissimmee

Kissimmee anchors the southern end of the Orlando metro with the largest freshwater fishing lake in Osceola County, a revitalized historic downtown, and Florida's most active legal short-term rental market. Positioned 25 minutes from downtown Orlando and 15 minutes from Walt Disney World, it delivers metro accessibility at prices well below the regional median.

Explore Kissimmee→

Before making an offer

Verify key facts with official sources

All information on this page reflects market data and research as of April 2026. Markets change, HOA bylaws are updated, school assignments shift, and flood maps are revised. Before making an offer or relying on any of the following for a purchase decision, confirm directly with official sources:

•School zones & ratings: Verify current assignment at OCPS.net (Orange County) or your local district
•HOA fees & rules: Request current documentation from the HOA or property manager; fee schedules can change annually
•Flood zones & elevation: Check FEMA's Flood Map Service Center for current designations
•Market statistics: These reflect recent closed sales; verify with current MLS data before negotiating
•Zoning & restrictions: Confirm with Orange County Property Appraiser and county zoning records

Thinking about buying or selling in Highland Reserve?

MaxLife Realty is a boutique brokerage specializing in Highland Reserve and the Butler Chain of Lakes. Let's talk about your next move.