Lakeland ranks as #1 city to buy a home in 2019

Screen Shot 2019-01-03 at 2.54.29 PM

Photo by Bump Galletta

We’re kicking off the year with some exciting news for our city– this week, Business Insider reported that Lakeland is the number one city to buy a home in 2019.

Stemming from new data by Realtor.com, the list was created after analyzing the housing markets across the US, considering the health of new home construction, job growth, public school ratings and the number of millennials moving in.

Lakeland’s top ranking is followed by cities such as Boston, Chattanooga + Las Vegas– so the best places to buy a home aren’t always necessarily the cheapest. Although, with a median home price hovering around $161k, Lakeland provides more cost-effective options than both neighboring Tampa ($261,362) + Orlando ($299,950).

To make the final cut, the cities determined best to purchase in are those where wage growth and new-home construction are keeping up with home price increases + stabilizing affordability.

Since our team is still fairly young (somewhere within the millennial range), we went virtual home shopping on Zillow + found our dream homes in Lakeland.

Screen Shot 2019-01-03 at 5.58.31 PM

A dreamy Nantucket getaway at 918 South Blvd

- Kristin


More from LALtoday
We’ve got the ultimate list of Lakeland events you don’t want to miss out on each year. Mark your calendar for these community celebrations.
Shaken or stirred? Either one works, as long as it’s zero-proof. Check out this list of alcohol-free cocktails — mocktails — in Swan City.
Learn how artists Gillian Fazio and Katerina Santos plan to drench Lakeland in color through its first-ever mural festival, and how small businesses + muralists can get in on the artistic action.
Prep for the convention with events, guests, and exhibitions we wouldn’t miss.
With a Victorian vibe and shaved snow desserts, Vampire Penguin could become your newest downtown haunt.
Whether you’re looking for your next leisure read, a book for the whole family, or a thrilling fictional novel, we’ve got a list of books written by local authors in Lakeland.
We hear readers’ hopes for future Lakeland eateries all the time. Now, we’re compiling them all into a restaurant wishlist to see which foodie dreams come true.
From improving quality of life to wins for local businesses, find out how Lakeland measured up in last year’s rankings.
Avelo Airlines announced plans for two additional aircraft at its Lakeland International Airport base, as well as more flights on its schedule.
Create the city you want to live in by applying to serve in these volunteer roles.