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Tampa Bay New Home Finders

Your Ultimate Guide to Moving to Lakeland, Florida

If you’re looking for historic charm, urban convenience, and lakefront views—all without leaving Central Florida—Lakeland might just be the total package. As Polk County’s largest city, Lakeland blends small-town friendliness with city-sized opportunity, offering everything from vintage bungalows and modern condos to new master-planned communities.

Whether you’re relocating for work, upgrading to a dream home, or just looking for a vibrant place to land, Lakeland offers big-city benefits with a laid-back Florida feel.

Where is Lakeland?

Living in Lakeland: Historic, Diverse & Full of Life

Lakeland sits in the northwest corner of Polk County, right along the I-4 corridor between Tampa and Orlando. It’s one of the few cities in Florida that’s equally commutable to both metro areas.

  • To Tampa: About 40 minutes

  • To Orlando: About 1 hour

  • To Disney & Theme Parks: 45–50 minutes

  • To Winter Haven: 25 minutes

  • To Lakeland Linder International Airport: 10–15 minutes

With easy access to I-4, Polk Parkway, and US-98, Lakeland is a commuter-friendly hub with a strong local economy all its own.

Lakeland offers neighborhoods for every lifestyle, from charming historic districts with 1920s architecture to golf course communities, suburban enclaves, and luxury lakefront estates.

You’ll find:

  • Walkable downtown areas with art, food, and culture

  • Mid-century and ranch-style homes in quiet, established neighborhoods

  • New construction communities with modern amenities on the city’s edges

  • Lakeside living with waterfront views and wildlife galore

  • 55+ communities and low-maintenance villas in all price points

Lakeland is big enough to offer options, but small enough to still feel like home.

Community Amenities

schools

Lakeland checks all the boxes for convenience and quality of life:

  • Over 38 named lakes—many with public access, boat ramps, and walking trails

  • Lakeside Village – Outdoor shopping center with restaurants, boutiques, and movie theater

  • Downtown Lakeland – Local coffee shops, Saturday farmers markets, First Friday events, and boutique shopping

  • Major hospitals and medical facilities, including Lakeland Regional Health

  • Art museums, theaters, and local breweries

  • Publix headquarters, Amazon facilities, and growing logistics & healthcare job hubs

 

Whether you’re commuting, working remotely, or building your business, Lakeland has the resources to support your lifestyle.

Lakeland is part of the Polk County School District and is home to a wide range of public, private, charter, and magnet school options—plus several higher education institutions.

Top schools and programs include:

  • Lincoln Avenue Academy – Magnet elementary with high ratings

  • Harrison School for the Arts – A highly selective visual and performing arts high school

  • Lakeland High School – Home of the nationally recognized Dreadnaught football program

  • George Jenkins High School – Serves south Lakeland with strong academic and extracurricular programs

  • Lakeland Christian School & All Saints Academy – Two of Polk County’s premier private schools

  • Florida Southern College – A beautiful lakefront campus known for architecture and liberal arts

  • Southeastern University – A growing private Christian university

Pro Tip: Lakeland offers school choice and open enrollment options, so it’s worth researching based on your child’s interests and address.

Lakeland

Parks and Outdoor Fun

Real Estate Market Report

With its namesake lakes and sunny skies, Lakeland is packed with ways to stay active and outdoors year-round.

Local favorites include:

  • Hollis Garden – Stunning botanical garden overlooking Lake Mirror

  • Lake Morton – Famous for its swans and walkable path near downtown

  • Circle B Bar Reserve – 1,200+ acres of trails, wildlife, and serious birdwatching

  • Lake Parker Park – Great for boating, fishing, and playground fun

  • Cleveland Heights Golf Course – Public course with clubhouse and views

  • Bonnet Springs Park – Lakeland’s newest crown jewel, featuring miles of trails, event spaces, and family fun

Whether you love kayaking, jogging, birdwatching—or just soaking in sunset views—Lakeland makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors.

Lakeland’s popularity continues to rise, driven by its location, affordability, and lifestyle perks. Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, or investing, there’s something here for everyone.

  • Median Home Price: Around $325,000 as of early 2025

  • Time on Market: Homes typically sell in 20–35 days

  • New Construction: Strong growth in south Lakeland and along the Polk Parkway

  • Rental Market: High demand, with average rents from $1,900–$2,600/month

  • Vacation/Short-Term Rentals: Allowed in select areas, especially near downtown or lakes

Lakeland offers better price-per-square-foot than most Tampa or Orlando suburbs—without sacrificing location or lifestyle.

Home Pricing

Lakeland’s real estate market has something for every budget and style:

  • Entry-level homes and townhomes start around $250K–$300K

  • Updated mid-range homes with 3–4 bedrooms typically range from $325K–$450K

  • New construction homes in communities like Riverstone or Lakes at Laurel Highlands fall between $350K–$500K+

  • Lakefront homes or properties in golf/luxury communities range from $500K to $1M+

  • 55+ communities and low-maintenance villas start around $300K–$400K, with options in north and south Lakeland

No matter your budget, you’ll find a variety of neighborhoods, home styles, and settings to match your lifestyle.

Ready to Call Lakeland Home?

If you’re searching for a Central Florida city that offers charm, community, and convenience—without the chaos—Lakeland is a smart move. From lakeside living to modern neighborhoods, historic charm to new construction, there’s a home here for every chapter of life.

Let’s find your perfect Lakeland property. Click here to start your search or connect with a local expert who knows the neighborhoods, the builders, and the best deals on the market right now.

Contact Your Local Expert
Carla Goddard
📞 Call/Text: 813-590-4054
📧 Email: carla@tampabaynewhomefinders.com
🌐 Visit: www.TampaBayNewHomeFinders.com

Nationally Certified New Home Specialist | REALTOR® | Local East Pasco Expert

⚠️ Disclaimer
Community details and amenities are subject to change. Confirm availability, pricing, and HOA information.

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