You may be asking “why Lakeland?” From neighborhoods to schools to our favorite coffee spots, we’ve made it easy to answer this question by creating an ultimate guide to living, working + experiencing the city.
Becoming a new resident is easy with our Lakelander 101 guide to all things Lakeland citizenship.
Need that big backyard for the kiddos to roam? Or does a vibrant street scene draw you in? Our fun quiz will help you pick the Lakeland neighborhood that’s right for you.
From comedy shows and Broadway tours to local organizations supporting Lakeland’s arts community, we’ve rounded up 19 places to get your arts and culture fix around Swan City.
Explore the leading economic drivers in Lakeland, from exciting, new technology to top leaders in growing and distributing delicious eats.

A newcomer’s guide to Lakeland in partnership with the Lakeland Economic Development Council

Live
Becoming a new resident is easy with our Lakelander 101 guide to all things Lakeland citizenship.
In this guide to schools in Lakeland, we’ll explain all the options, including charter schools, school choice, demographics, enrollment information, and more.
Need that big backyard for the kiddos to roam? Or does a vibrant street scene draw you in? Our fun quiz will help you pick the Lakeland neighborhood that’s right for you.
From churches to mosques to synagogues to temples, Lakeland is home to a wide array of religious organizations.
Experience
From comedy shows and Broadway tours to local organizations supporting Lakeland’s arts community, we’ve rounded up 19 places to get your arts and culture fix around Swan City.
This list of volunteer opportunities in Lakeland includes everything from packing food for children in need to fostering pets.
We’re highlighting the top parks that Lakeland has to offer — complete with splash pads, playgrounds, WiFi, walking trails, and even a few dog-friendly spots.
There’s a reason they call it Lakeland. With 38 lakes, this guide takes a deep dive into the must-visit spots and how best to enjoy our city’s most iconic features.
Work
Lakeland has experienced abundant growth and development over the past several years. Check out the city’s 15 largest employers, and learn a thing or two about each of them.
Explore the leading economic drivers in Lakeland, from exciting, new technology to top leaders in growing and distributing delicious eats.
With many companies transitioning to hybrid or remote work models in recent years, Lakeland’s options for remote workers have continued to expand.
Need a new job or new connections for professional development? Try one of these networking opportunities in Lakeland to take the next step in your career.
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.
Check out winter and holiday events happening in and around Lakeland in this seasonal guide.
Tell us you’re from Lakeland without telling us you’re from Lakeland.
Whether you’re looking to shop, dine, or just enjoy Swan City without a car, we’re talking about our local public transportation + walkability.
Check out summer-themed events happening in and around Lakeland in this seasonal guide.
Finding the right school for your family can be a challenge — but we’re here to help. Check out our list of the top elementary, middle, and high schools in Lakeland based on Florida Department of Education ratings.
Canopy roads, bungalows, brick streets, and royal swans — you’ll find all this and more throughout Lakeland’s seven historic districts.
Learn about the historic places and faces that influenced the streets you drive every day here in Lakeland, FL.
Prepare for spring weather in Lakeland, FL with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks.
While you really can’t go wrong in Swan City, this quiz will guide you to the perfect Lakeland neighborhood just for you.
Lakeland history is the gift that keeps on giving. Read on for key moments in Swan City history.
More from LALtoday
Dive into how nearly a century and a half of history is kept alive with historical markers around town.
Celebrate Lakeland Community Theatre and the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra, which have reached 40 and 60 years in the local arts scene, respectively.
Jonathan Mott has qualified for three Olympic trials, coached hundreds of local runners, and competed all over the world. Here’s how you can follow in his fast footsteps.
Does your neighborhood go all out with decorations? Do you set up a drive-thru lights experience? Add it to our map of holiday decoration destinations.
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When it comes to national charts, Swan City often gets skipped. Tell us which artists, podcasts, and genres you listened to all year long so we can wrap them up ourselves.
Buckle up — it’s time for a driving lesson before you try this new traffic pattern on Drane Field Road.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Check out what you can expect for the 44th annual parade, taking place Thursday, Dec. 4.
See who will take the stage in Plant City when the festival returns in February 2026.
The 16th annual edition of Small Business Saturday falls on Nov. 29 — the perfect time to help you add a local sparkle into your holiday shopping.