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.
This city boasts top-ranked medical providers and specialty services. Our comprehensive guide will help you find the care you need — whether you’re new to town or just looking around.
We want to hear from you + highlight all of the awesome things that make our city such a great place to live.
We narrowed down the list to 17 restaurants that encompass history, serve those classic dishes (like ‘za + okra), and have that strong, local pull.
We’d like to officially propose a new slogan for Lakeland, FL – “We make that here.” Why? Because from lottery tickets to cottage cheese and fragrance ingredients to fruit juices, we have a lot of locally made products.
Here is our breakdown of the most expensive and desirable neighborhoods in Lakeland, and the people who live there.
More from LALtoday
Prepare for summer weather in Swan City with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks.
Find a quiet place for reflection at Veterans Memorial Park, a serene green space near downtown Lakeland on the shores of Lake Beulah.
Who says summer reading is only for the kids? Check out these opportunities for every age around Lakeland.
Take the interactive quiz to see how much you remember about Lakeland’s geography, and learn about three of our favorite transformations from over the years.
See Lakeland from a new perspective — on two wheels.
Grab your tool belt — these five homes are primed and ready for you to unleash your creativity and put your vision into action.
Let us plan your nightly entertainment with movies, live music, and stage shows, plus the perfect places to grab a bite.
Plain, with cream cheese, or topped with an egg, bagels are sure to be a hole in one. Order one from these local bakeries, delis, and cafes.
Learn how this organization is impacting Lakeland through its educational and charity work.
The project is roughly halfway complete, with all phases expected to conclude by 2027.