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Lakeland, Florida

Lakeland, Florida image 1

What It Is Like to Retire in Lakeland

Lakeland is east of Tampa, Florida. The dominant feature in Lakeland is the city's many lakes. Thirty-eight lakes are named. The population was 112,000 in 2020. Child of the Sun is the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in the world, and attracts 30,000 visitors each year.

Where to Retire in Lakeland and Home Prices

There are many active adult communities in the Lakeland - Winterhaven area. The Beacon Hill- Alta Vista residential neighborhood features historic homes. There are frequent mentions of the areas south of town as being a particularly nice part of town, as opposed to the east side. The National Association of Realtors reports the median sale price to be $335,900 in the Lakeland-Winter Haven area, during the 2nd quarter of 2023.

What Is Special about Lakeland

The Detroit Tigers have held their spring training here in Lakeland since the 1930's. Frank Lloyd Wright's  "A Child of the Sun" project for Florida Southern College is the largest one-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in the world. There are 9 buildings in the project. Lake Mirror Park in downtown Lakeland is a particularly beautiful setting. There are several historic districts.


What Is Not Special about Lakeland

Growth and sprawl, and hot and humid summers

Who Will Like Retirement in Lakeland

Retirees who want a reasonably sized town with a fair amount to do will probably like it in Lakeland.  You can live in a old neighborhood or move into a 55+ community. As an example of diversity, Lakeland boasts a Hindu Temple.

Local Economy Is Driven by

There are several corporations with headquarters here, including the supermarket chain Publix. Unemployment is above the national average.

Climate and Physical Environment

Lakeland is near I4 between Orlando and Tampa in central Florida. The terrain is flat with Lake Mirror a prominent feature. Winters are warm and summers hot and humid.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

There are frequent festivals and many residents say there is a lively cultural scene. Its several colleges provide additional culture. Polk State College shares a campus with a regional branch of the University of South Florida. It is an easy drive to Tampa or Orlando for more serious culture.  The Detroit Tigers have spring training here and there is a minor league as well.

Crime

Lakeland crime rate has been decreasing steadily over the past several years.

Medical facilities

The Lakeland Regional Medical Center provides the local hospital services. Other hospitals are nearby.

Transportation

Lakeland has an Amtrak station. Residents can use the Orlando, Tampa, or even the small Lakeland airport - a former Army Airbase.

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Comments on "Lakeland"

Admin says:
April 6, 2023

The Frank Lloyd Wright buildings are amazing!

 

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