Davenport: A Gem Near the Resorts

Located minutes from the Disney Parks and Orlando, Davenport is a beautiful city that’s the perfect place to live and thrive. Nestled in Central Florida just off of I-4 and Highway 27, our incredible city has easy access to nearby entertainment, activities, dining, both Gulf Coast and Atlantic Shore beaches, and so much more!The city finds itself at the heart of “Lightning Alley,” experiencing frequent afternoon thunderstorms during the summer months. However, its winters are typically sunny and mild.

Location and Growth:

Davenport is located just minutes away from the Disney Parks and Orlando. Nestled in Central Florida, it sits conveniently near Interstate 4 (I-4) and Highway 27.

While the city itself is relatively small, the area north of Davenport, close to I-4 and US 27, is experiencing explosive growth.

Davenport is part of the Lakeland–Winter Haven Metropolitan Statistical Area.

City Nickname:

Davenport proudly bears the official nickname of the “City of Oaks and Azaleas”.

Within its boundaries, three districts are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Notable landmarks include the Old Polk County Courthouse (built in 1909) and Bartow High School (formerly known as Summerlin Institute), which happens to be the oldest high school in the county.

Historical Significance and Economic Growth:

By the turn of the century, Davenport had become the most populous city south of Tampa on the Florida peninsula, surpassing even Miami and West Palm Beach.

Industries such as phosphate mining played a pivotal role in Davenport’s economy. Thousands of acres of land around the city were acquired by the phosphate industry.

Polk County, part of the Bone Valley, boasts the world’s richest source of phosphate rock. 75% of the United States’ supply and 25% of the world’s supply come from this region.

The largest employer in the phosphate industry is the company Mosaic, which employs over 3,000 people in the area.

Government and Economy:

Davenport’s economic engine is fueled by city, county, and state government.

As a small city serving as the county seat for over half a million residents, Davenport hosts an unusually high number of government jobs while maintaining an efficient and cost-effective tax structure.

Additionally, the city houses several regional, state, and federal offices.

Nearby Attractions:

Explore the endless fun and excitement located just minutes from Davenport:

Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park: An exhilarating zipline experience.

• • • Ridge Island Groves: Discover the local flavors and fresh produce.

Davenport’s rich history, economic diversity, and proximity to major attractions make it a captivating corner of Central Florida.