At a glance
| Location | North Lakeland, Polk County |
|---|---|
| Community type | Gated 55+ community, resale only |
| Homes | 660, built from the 1980s to 1998; site-built and manufactured homes on owned land |
| HOA | About $218 a month reported (April 2026); 55places lists $108 to $240 |
| CDD | None reported |
| Golf | Private 18-hole executive course; annual membership fee |
| Original builder | Florida Leisure Communities |
What Highland Fairways is
Highland Fairways is an established, gated 55+ community in north Lakeland built by Florida Leisure Communities. It has 660 homes, and all sales now are resales. Sources give slightly different start dates (1983 and 1987), but both put the last homes in 1998.
What sets it apart from several other Lakeland 55+ options is land ownership. Some homes are manufactured homes, but even those sit on land the homeowner owns. That means no monthly lot rent, a property you can claim a homestead exemption on if it is your permanent home, and dues set by an owner-controlled association rather than a park owner.
Amenities and golf
The community is built around a private 18-hole executive golf course, available for a small annual membership fee. The clubhouse has an exercise room, great hall and catering kitchen, and outdoor facilities include a heated pool, spa, 10 shuffleboard courts, tennis, pickleball, walking and biking trails and a community garden. Residents run clubs for cards, games, arts and travel, and a local guide describes it as one of Lakeland's most active 55+ communities.
Prices and HOA fees
55places describes prices from the high $100,000s to the low $300,000s, which puts much of the community below Zillow's August 2026 typical value for Lakeland of $309,954. Manufactured homes and site-built homes sell at different price points, so compare like with like.
Fees reported by sources differ: about $218 a month in an April 2026 local brokerage guide, and $108 to $240 a month on 55places, including lawn care. Ask the association for the current fee for the specific address, what it covers, the reserve balance and any planned special assessment. No CDD was reported.
Compare the total with land-lease options such as Cypress Lakes, where lot rent replaces HOA dues, on our 55+ communities in Lakeland page.
What to check before you buy
- Age rules. At least 80% of occupied homes must have a resident aged 55 or older. Ask how the association handles younger spouses, guests and caregivers.
- Home type. Confirm whether the home is site-built or manufactured, and for a manufactured home, the year built and wind zone rating. Both affect insurance and financing.
- Roof and systems. Homes are now 28 to 40-plus years old. Ask for roof, HVAC, water heater and plumbing ages and permits. See our Florida home inspection checklist.
- Association documents. Budget, reserves, minutes, rental rules and pet rules.
- Golf membership. Whether it is optional and what it costs this year.
- Tax bill. Check the parcel with the Polk County Property Appraiser. See Polk County property tax.
If you are downsizing, our guide to downsizing in Florida covers the wider plan.
Common questions
Is Highland Fairways in Lakeland a 55+ community?+
Yes. Highland Fairways is a gated 55+ community in north Lakeland with 660 homes built from the 1980s to 1998. Under federal rules at least 80% of occupied homes must have a resident aged 55 or older. Ask the association how it applies its own rules for younger spouses and guests.
What are the HOA fees at Highland Fairways?+
A local brokerage guide reported about $218 a month in April 2026, while 55places lists $108 to $240 a month, including lawn care. No CDD was reported. Fees change each budget year, so ask the association for the current amount on the specific home.
Is there lot rent at Highland Fairways?+
No. Homeowners at Highland Fairways own both the home and the land, including owners of manufactured homes. There is no lot rent. You pay HOA dues and property tax instead, and you may qualify for a homestead exemption if it is your permanent residence.