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.
Prepare for spring weather in Lakeland, FL with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks.
Our town has become a regular star on the silver screen — how many of these movies have you seen that were filmed on location in Lakeland?
We’re on a mission to map out Lakeland’s top destinations for foodies, art lovers, and pet parents. Learn how you can help.
Our guide may even make you want to grab your passport and head for our sister cities in Japan or Jamaica.
Did you know that our city has around 100 vibrant and diverse neighborhoods? Try these ways to do some good in your ‘hood.
From where to park to finding the agenda online
Never run out of juice again with these nine charging stations around Lakeland.
Get an inside glimpse at downtown Lakeland’s newest coworking space.
A holiday guide to must-see attractions, restaurants, and activities for out-of-town guests in Lakeland, Florida.
Real estate experts explain what Lakeland home buyers should know and predict whether we’ll see prices continue to rise in 2022.
Never run out of things to do with this guide to the community center facilities and complexes available to the public of Lakeland.
More from LALtoday
Whether you’re hosting at home or bringing your team to a sports bar, we’ve got a game plan that will have your guests naming you the MVP.
Grab your boo or your bestie to celebrate love, friendship, and everything in between at these Valentine’s Day events around Swan City.
The Polk Senior Games will draw 2,000 competitors and 700 volunteers to this year’s events. Learn how you can compete, help, or cheer people on.
We’re digging through the Lakeland Public Library photo archives to relive winter memories from years gone by.
Several familiar names were nominated for Catapult’s biggest night of the year. See who won big at the Lakeland Entrepreneur Awards.
The rest of the country is feeling the effects of Winter Storm Fern, but Central Florida won’t get off that easily. Stay up to date — and warm — with Lakeland’s top winter weather stories.
Born & Bread made the shortlist for the Outstanding Bakery category, becoming the first in the Lakeland area to be recognized by the prestigious James Beard Awards.
This Catapult member business has gone nationwide. Find out what happened when its owners appeared on “Shark Tank.”
What did Lakeland look like in 1926? We’re firing up the time machine for a 100-year trip to the past.
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.