Firstly why Lakeland, Florida?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Lakeland
• State: Florida
• Population: 113,195 people
• Lakeland’s quick summary would be Recognized for its beautiful lakes and the historic Polk Theatre.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 14,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 9,000 annually
• Net Migration: 5000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 2,000
• Number of Homeless people: 600

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features a central location in Florida with a family-friendly atmosphere attracting various residents

Perk #1: Lakeland Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 32%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 74%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $52,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Lakeland is $55,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $3000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Lakeland’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 95 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,056
• Property Tax %: 1.33%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,100
• Rent for an average house: $1,800
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Lakeland
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Lakeland, Bartow, Winter-Haven, Mulberry, and probably could include Plant-City
• Avg. Age of Homes in Lakeland: 53 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.4%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Lakeland’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Lakeland are  Agriculture, Healthcare, and Retail
• Lakeland Job Scene: moderate job market focused on logistics and services
• The General Tech Scene: modest tech landscape with focus on healthcare and local services , ,
• Lakeland Resident’s pay $1,200 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Lakeland: 7%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 100 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 10

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Lakeland

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $110 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-4 runs through Lakeland facilitating east-west travel
• Commute Time: 22 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic slowing on Florida Avenue
• Transportation Score: 46 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Lakeland: 65,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.6
• No. of Car Washes: 4 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Lakeland: flhsmv.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 60 of 100
• Local Airport: Lakeland Linder International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Lakeland’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Hurricanes
• General Weather in Lakeland is best described as has warm winters with temperatures in the 70s and hot humid summers with frequent thunderstorms
• Winter Weather in Lakeland i’d describe as mild with rain
• Spring Weather in Lakeland can be described as warm with rain possible
• Summer’s in Lakeland are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Lakeland is usually warm with sunny intervals
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 52 days in summer
• Days in a row in Lakeland below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 49 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality maintained through local regulations
• Lakeland Winter Air generally good air quality with some pollution risks

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Lakeland Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Lakeland 3
• While the number of trade schools inside Lakelands’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Lakeland Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Lakeland Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Lakeland only Doctors is about 65
• Local Hospitals here is  8
• Full-time Lakeland only Police Officers is about 240
• Crime Rate Index: 25/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Lakeland’s Monthly utility bill average is $130
• Lakeland’s Monthly Gym Membership: $38
• Lakeland’s Water Quality Score: 74

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Lakeland

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 8 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: small city with a friendly atmosphere and abundant parks
• You might enjoy concerts at local venues
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Lakeland  offers friendly local bars and eateries perfect for casual evenings with friends and families

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Lakeland

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers a variety of local diners and a mix of chain restaurants
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 40 scattered around Lakeland
• The Popular Sports Team is Lakeland Dreadnaughts
• Top Level Political Climate in Lakeland can be described as conservative city with strong community values and local business focus
• Lakeland’s Longer standing religious establishment is Victory Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Lakeland Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Lakeland has 35 Parks?
• Overlook Park is Lakeland’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Lakeland Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-2pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Cycling, hiking, and wildlife viewing

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Lakeland Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Lakeland can be described as moderate suburban pace with a historic downtown focal point
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Lakeland attending events visiting local parks exploring trails
• The Cities people commute to from Lakeland are Winter-Haven 22 miles away Tampa 35 miles away Bartow 17 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Lakeland or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic slowing on Florida Avenue. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Lakeland’s Hurricanes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Lakeland is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Lakeland are Winter-Haven 22 miles away Tampa 35 miles away Bartow 17 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 25 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Lakeland has 0 days in a row below freezing and 52 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Lakeland people have an average (positive or negative) $3000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   600 homeless people living in Lakeland. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general conservative city with strong community values and local business focus could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Lakeland.

Retiree & Senior Life in Lakeland

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can enjoy tax incentives targeting reductions in property taxes
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Grand Villa of Lakeland
• Lakeland Senior Center provides fitness classes activities and community events for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Lakeland, Florida?

If Lakeland, Florida ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Lakeland, Florida, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!