Winter Haven

Traditions at Lake Ruby

A gated lakefront haven for active adults with boating, clubs, and water activities.

Live the MaxLife.

$282K

Median Price

$110K$320K

552

Homes

$325–$325

Monthly HOA

2005

Established

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Background

A brief history

Traditions at Lake Ruby was established in 2005 by Lennar Homes as a gated 55+ active adult community on the shores of scenic Lake Ruby in Winter Haven. The community was thoughtfully designed to appeal to retirees seeking a vibrant, social lifestyle with world-class amenities. Development was largely completed by 2020, with 552 single-family homes built across two distinct floor-plan collections—the Estates Collection and the Executive Collection—offering low-maintenance living with a variety of square footage and bedroom options.

The feel

What it's like to live here

Traditions at Lake Ruby embodies the spirit of an active 55+ lifestyle centered on water, social connection, and recreation. The community's signature 19,000-square-foot lakefront clubhouse anchors daily life, hosting everything from card tournaments and line dancing to seasonal celebrations. Residents enjoy direct lake access with private dock slips, a boat ramp, and lakeside gazebo—perfect for fishing, paddling, or simply enjoying the Florida waterfront. Gated entry provides security and exclusivity, while well-maintained grounds and consistent HOA oversight preserve property values and neighborhood charm.

The culture here is fundamentally social and active. Year-round events, clubs (bocce leagues, bridge groups, aerobics classes), and water-based activities draw residents together. Whether you're watching the sunset from the dock, playing tennis on the community courts, or joining the book club in the clubhouse, Traditions fosters camaraderie among like-minded retirees. It's a place where new residents quickly find their people and settle into a rewarding, engagement-rich retirement.

The details

What to expect

Architecture & Homes

Traditions at Lake Ruby features two Lennar home collections. The Estates Collection offers five floor plans ranging from 1,582 to 2,032 square feet with at least two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a two-car garage. The Executive Collection provides five larger models from 1,779 to 2,599 square feet with two to four bedrooms and two to three-car garages. All homes are single-story, designed for low-maintenance living with attached garages and solid construction quality. Homes come in both original owner-occupied and resale status. Many feature screened lanais, upgraded appliances, and open floor plans ideal for entertaining.

Amenities & Lifestyle

The centerpiece is a stunning 19,000-square-foot lakefront clubhouse with a grand ballroom, card room (bridge, canasta, euchre tournaments), library, computer room, billiards room, and arts & crafts studio. Outdoor amenities include a resort-style heated pool and spa, two tennis courts, three bocce ball courts, two shuffleboard courts, a half basketball court, dog park, and walking and biking trails. Private lake access with dock slips and a boat ramp enable fishing, kayaking, and small-boat cruising. A calendar of activities includes clubs, seasonal events, BBQ parties, line dancing, aerobics classes, and holiday celebrations. The gated entry and 24/7 security provide peace of mind.

Schools

Traditions at Lake Ruby is an age-restricted 55+ community, so K–12 school quality does not directly apply. However, Winter Haven is served by the Polk County Public Schools system, one of Florida's largest districts. For residents with grandchildren or educational interests, Winter Haven High School and nearby middle and elementary schools are highly accessible.

Location & Access

Winter Haven is centrally located in Polk County, about 45 minutes southeast of Tampa and 40 minutes east of Orlando. Lake Ruby provides a scenic waterfront setting, while the city offers shopping, dining, and medical facilities nearby. The community is close to Highway 17/92 and I-4 access, making travel to larger metro areas convenient without the urban congestion. Proximity to natural attractions—lakes, parks, orange groves, and botanical gardens—epitomizes Central Florida charm. Traditions sits in zip code 33884, in a peaceful residential area that balances quiet living with accessibility.

Community

Amenities

  • 19,000 sq ft clubhouse with ballroom and billiards
  • Heated resort-style pool and spa
  • Two tennis courts
  • Three bocce ball courts
  • Two shuffleboard courts
  • Half basketball court
  • Dog park
  • Walking and biking trails
  • Private boat dock with slips and boat ramp
  • Lakeside gazebo
  • Card room and library
  • Fitness center and aerobics studio
  • Arts and crafts studio
  • Gated security entrance
  • Front-yard lawn maintenance
  • Cable TV and internet (included in HOA)
  • Exterior house painting service
  • Book clubs and card groups
  • Bocce and shuffleboard leagues
  • Line dancing and aerobics classes
  • Seasonal events and holiday parties
  • BBQ parties and social gatherings

Know Before You Buy

HOA rules worth knowing

  • Community is age-restricted to 55+ (at least one resident per unit must be 55 or older)
  • Monthly HOA dues of $325 cover lawn service, cable, internet, gate management, exterior painting on 6-year cycle, and clubhouse access
  • Gated entry with security monitoring
  • Single-story homes only (no multi-story construction)
  • Exterior color and design guidelines enforced by architectural review
  • Pet policies governed by HOA rules (dog park available)
  • No commercial operation or home-based businesses without approval
  • Community pool and water activities governed by safety rules
  • Boat slips and lake access subject to HOA availability and fees
  • Landscaping must meet HOA standards (lawn service included)
  • Renters permitted with HOA consent and registration

Market Commentary

What the market is doing

Homes at Traditions at Lake Ruby have appreciated steadily over the years, though the market softened slightly in 2025–2026. As of early 2026, homes are selling for a median of $282,000, down about 5% from a year ago. That said, pricing is still solid for a gated 55+ community with this caliber of amenities and lake access. I've seen strong interest in homes under 1,700 square feet with updated kitchens and bathrooms. Corner lots and homes with water views or screened lanais command a premium. The all-inclusive $325 monthly HOA fee—which covers lawn service, cable, internet, exterior maintenance, and full clubhouse access—is a major selling point. Buyers appreciate knowing exactly what they'll pay, with no surprises. If you're selling, positioning the lake lifestyle and the social calendar will resonate deeply with active retirees looking to make a move.

— Ryan Solberg, Broker · MaxLife Realty · License #BK3354351

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MLS GRID

Listings courtesy of Stellar MLS as distributed by MLS GRID

IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing.

Based on information submitted to the MLS GRID as of June 13, 2026. All data is obtained from various sources and may not have been verified by broker or MLS GRID. Supplied Open House Information is subject to change without notice. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information.

Ryan Solberg, Broker · MaxLife Realty LLC · FL License #BK3354351 · Equal Housing Opportunity · Full disclaimer · DMCA