Find your ideal Lakeland neighborhood

Looking to find your ideal neighborhood in Lakeland? Of course you are — Lakeland is amazing.

This quick two-minute quiz will help you discover where you should put down roots. Or, if you’d rather browse to see your options — and pick up a few restaurant recommendations while you’re at it — you can read about Lakeland’s key neighborhoods below.

Crystal Lake

Anchored by none other than a crystal clear lake (hence the name), this neighborhood offers a dense suburban feel and is rated as one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city. Close to local universities such as Southeastern University , which offers 100+ degree programs, this area is a prime spot for those furthering their education.

Try This

• Eat: West Caribbean Cuban Restaurant . Inspired by home-style Cuban food, this restaurant’s menu features items such as pan con lechon (a shredded pork sandwich with onions) and rabo (oxtail).
• Drink: Pho Tan . Don’t sleep on the Trà Thái Trân Châu (iced Thai tea with boba) and pick from an assortment of boba flavors like lychee, jackfruit, and mango.
• Outdoors: Holloway Park . Eight parks surround the area, including Holloway Park — which is home to an 18-hole disc golf course.
• Nightlife: Isle of Capri . This long-standing family-owned bar serves up more than beverages — karaoke and pool tournaments are also on the menu.
• Explore: Victory Field . Catch a Saturday night game at Southeastern University’s Victory Field and cheer on the Fire.

Live Here

• Home: The average home price in Crystal Lake is $224,877 .
• Walkability: Considered somewhat bikeable, this area is ranked as the No. 24 most walkable area in Lakeland with a score of 32.
• Schools: Crystal Lake Elementary School, Crystal Lake Middle School, Tenoroc High School
• Nearby: Combee Settlement and Lake Bonny Park
  

Dixieland

A historic home lover’s dream, this dense suburban neighborhood is a tight-knit community. Residents often have families, which accounts for Dixieland’s proximity to several schools. It’s also in walking distance of many nearby small businesses.

Try This

• Eat: Born & Bread Bakehouse . Now open Wednesday-Saturday, this bakery is a crowd favorite — try its signature cruffin once and you’ll be back again and again.
• Drink: Concord Coffee . Start your day off with a fresh latte or pour-over at this coffee shop where beans are roasted in-house.
• Outdoors: Dobbins Park . Take advantage of 10 acres of open park, with two playgrounds and a covered picnic area.
• Nightlife: Union Hall . Cut a rug, grab a drink, and enjoy live music at this event venue.
• Explore: Dixieland Relics . Shop for the perfect antique pieces to add to your new home, along with plants from Austin’s Backyard Garden, located on-site.

Live Here

• Home: The average home price in Dixieland is $254,306 .
• Walkability: Considered somewhat bikeable, this area is ranked as the No. 7 most walkable area in Lakeland with a score of 59.
• Schools: Dixieland Elementary School, Southwest Middle School, Kathleen Senior High School
• Nearby: Camphor and Beacon Hill
  

Lake Morton

Lakelanders looking to connect with culture will find a home around Lake Morton, which has an urban-suburban mix . With an art museum, library, and several fine dining options, it’s easy to fall in love with this neighborhood’s historic charm — and its royal swans .

Try This

• Eat: The Patio Lakeland . Dine outside in the Florida sunshine with chef-inspired fare made with seasonal ingredients.
• Drink: Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro . Order a seasonal specialty coffee before browsing the stacks — this coffee shop makes its home inside the Lakeland Public Library, along with the Lakeland History and Culture Center.
• Outdoors: Lake Morton . Meet the swans that give Lakeland its “Swan City” moniker on a walk around this picturesque lakefront.
• Nightlife: Ax-Caliber . Just a short drive to the edge of downtown will bring you to this ax-throwing venue with a cafe and restaurant — it’s open late on weekends.
• Explore: Polk Museum of Art . See works from world-famous and local artists on display at this free art museum.

Live Here

• Home: The average home price in Lake Morton is $336,250 .
• Walkability: Considered somewhat bikeable, this area is ranked as the No. 8 most walkable area in Lakeland with a score of 59.
• Schools: Phillip O’Brien Elementary School, Sleepy Hill Middle School, Lakeland Senior High School
• Nearby: Downtown Lakeland and Lake Horney
  

Lake Hollingsworth

Some of Lakeland’s grandest homes can be found in the sparse suburban neighborhood around Lake Hollingsworth. It’s also home to Florida Southern College , the oldest private college in the state. Enjoy sunsets over this 354-acre lake and special events like boat races and ski shows.

Try This

• Eat: LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken . Turn up the heat at this hot chicken joint, located just a three-minute drive from Lake Hollingsworth.
• Drink: Tuckers’ Southside Package and Lounge . Grab a cocktail from this bar, or build your own six-pack in the liquor store.
• Outdoors: Lake Hollingsworth . You can’t beat a nearly 3-mile walk, run, or skate around this lake — it’s a bustling hub of activity no matter the season.
• Nightlife: Cob & Pen . Stop by for unique twists on your favorite foods — you can’t miss the weekly changing Ultimate Fries — and take advantage of daily happy hour starting at 10 p.m.
• Explore: Florida Southern College . Home to the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, you can book a tour of this historic college.

Live Here

• Home: The average home price in Lake Hollingsworth is $447,609 .
• Walkability: Considered somewhat bikeable, this area is ranked as the No. 19 most walkable area in Lakeland with a score of 43.
• Schools: Cleveland Court Elementary School, Southwest Middle School, Lakeland Senior High School
• Nearby: Edgewood and Cleveland Heights

Midtown

With an influx of new businesses, Midtown is enjoying a recent resurgence as an urban-suburban mix area . It’s now a hot spot for new murals by Lakeland artists, and local businesses are getting a boost thanks to the co-working and entrepreneurship space The Well .

Try This

• Eat: Sweet Cup Cafe . Grab a seat on this restaurant’s patio for fresh Mexican food, including tacos, aguas frescas, and more — we recommend grabbing a hot churro after your meal.
• Drink: Quinteassence . This kava bar hosts regular community events where you can try unique teas and kava creations.
• Outdoors: Lake Parker Park . Play a game of pickleball or lawn bowling, or take your boat out on Lakeland’s largest lake at this public park.
• Nightlife: The Yard on Mass . Every night is a backyard party at this event space that hosts food trucks and serves up craft beers on tap.
• Explore: Lakeland Flying Tigers . When the Detroit Tigers aren’t spring training, head to Joker Marchant Stadium at Publix Field to cheer on our local Minor League Baseball team.

Live Here

• Home: The average home price in Midtown is $175,035 .
• Walkability: Considered very bikeable, this area is ranked as the No. 2 most walkable area in Lakeland with a score of 66.
• Schools: Phillip O’Brien Elementary School, Crystal Lake Middle School, Lakeland Senior High School
• Nearby: Downtown and North Lake Wire

Cleveland Heights

Looking for something a little quieter? Check out Cleveland Heights, a sleepier, dense suburban neighborhood. Professionals and families tend to move to this historic area — it’s a bit further from downtown, but businesses and restaurants are easily accessible by car.

Try This

• Eat: Antojitos Navideños . Get a taste of Puerto Rican cuisine at this family-owned spot that regularly features live musicians.
• Drink: Tea Largo . Try a colorful tea creation, smoothie, or acai bowl at this local favorite filled with eclectic art.
• Outdoors: Dog Leg Woods . Take Fido for a walk down the connecting Three Parks Trail and finish with a run around this public dog park.
• Nightlife: 1916 Irish Pub . Meeting friends for a drink at this pub — located on the Cleveland Heights Golf Course — is a great way to end a day.
• Explore: Common Ground Playground . Children of all abilities can play together at this inclusive playground.

Live Here

• Home: The average home price in Cleveland Heights is $260,128 .
• Walkability: Considered somewhat bikeable, this area is ranked as the No. 13 most walkable area in Lakeland with a score of 49.
• Schools: Carlton Palmore Elementary School, Southwest Middle School, Lakeland Senior High School
• Nearby: Lake Hollingsworth and Edgewood

South Lakeland

Slow down with a home in South Lakeland, a semi-rural area comprised of neighborhoods like Medulla and Lakeland Highlands. With expansive properties and a ~30-minute drive from the hustle and bustle of downtown, this is a great area to get away from it all.

Try This

• Eat: Curry Mango . Indulge in Indian cuisine like chicken tikka masala and samosas — visit on Sunday afternoons for an all-you-can-eat buffet.
• Drink: Purrology Cat Cafe . Pop into this cafe for a specialty coffee or tea, then book an appointment to cuddle adoptable cats.
• Outdoors: Se7en Wetlands . Keep an eye out for alligators as you hike through 1,600+ acres of marshes, swamps, and lakes.
• Nightlife: Winners Circle Sportsbar & Comedy Club . Catch your favorite team’s big game or a local comedian’s new set.
• Explore: SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo . Check out the aviation fun found at this annual air show and expo, plus events happening year-round.

Live Here

• Home: The average home price in South Lakeland is $399,676 .
• Walkability: Considered to be not very bikeable, this area is ranked as the No. 40 most walkable area in Lakeland with a score of 3.
• Schools: Medulla Elementary School, Lakeland Highlands Middle School, George Jenkins Senior High School
• Nearby: Imperial and Medulla

Downtown

Be right in the heart of the city with a new home in the downtown neighborhood. Most events and businesses in this urban-suburban mix area are walkable from nearby homes and open to your furry friends.

Try This

• Eat: The Joinery . There’s something for everyone to enjoy at this food hall featuring barbecue, pizza, ramen, and more.
• Drink: Revival . Try a new take on your favorite cocktail at this bar serving fine spirits.
• Outdoors: Bonnet Springs Park . Just a five-minute drive from downtown is this 168-acre park with walking trails, kayak rentals, and dining options.
• Nightlife: Lakeland Loft . Catch live jazz every weekend at this bar and cigar lounge.
• Explore: Lake Mirror . Walk around the Frances Langford Promenade to take in the downtown skyline, attend community events, and explore Hollis Garden.

Live Here

• Home: The average home price in downtown is $314,148 .
• Walkability: Considered very bikeable, this area is ranked as the No. 5 most walkable area in Lakeland with a score of 63.
• Schools: Phillip O’Brien Elementary School, Sleepy Hill Middle School, Lakeland Senior High School
• Nearby: Dixieland and Lake Beulah

North Lakeland

If you’ve got the travel bug, this area offers the quickest access to I-4. Residents here enjoy many recreational activities, especially golf fanatics. Life here is slower than in other areas, with a retirement community and plenty of parks.

Try This

• Eat: Mr. Pollo Mexican Grill . Choose your favorite California-style tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and more.
• Drink: Jona-Bells . Pop in for a cold-pressed juice, fresh fruit smoothie, or gourmet coffee.
• Outdoors: Gator Creek Reserve . Trek down seven miles of trails or have a picnic among the wildlife.
• Nightlife: Music Ranch . This event venue often hosts concerts by local and traveling music artists.
• Explore: Lakeland Antique Mall . Shop for one-of-a-kind treasures, including vintage items and collectibles — including an extensive collection of Walt Disney World memorabilia.

Live Here

• Home: The average home price in North Lakeland is $202,200 .
• Walkability: Considered to be not very bikeable, this area is ranked as the No. 31 most walkable area in Lakeland with a score of 26.
• Schools: Griffin Elementary School, Kathleen Middle School, Kathleen Senior High School
• Nearby: Webster Park North and Pinehurst