Introducing: New to Lakeland

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.

Lake-Mirror---BeFly-Bike-Tours---biking-Lake-Mirror-2.jpg

Lake Mirror is one of the many lakes residents + visitors can take a ride around.

Photo by BeFly Bike Tours

Lakeland, Florida. Yes, we have our fair share of lakes as the name implies. And we may be a little obsessed with birds and royalty in the Swan City (don’t worry, we’ll explain that later).

The people who live here, however, would tell you there is so much more to discover about one of the country’s fastest growing cities.

In Lakeland, you’ll find a community genuinely connected to our authentic roots and Florida lifestyle, but also proactively evolving to anticipate the needs of our diverse, innovative, and growing number of residents.

The team that has brought you LALtoday has put together this ultimate guide to help those who may be asking, “Why Lakeland?” Whether you’re interviewing for a job in Lakeland, searching for a place to live that will enhance your quality of life, or you’re already here and want to learn more about the community, this guide is meant for you. And all you longtime Lakelanders might even discover something new about the city you call home.

This guide is categorized in a way to give you insight into the most frequently asked questions about our community, how to live like a local, find your community within the community, and hear from real people who live here.

More from LALtoday
The Comedy Cathedral is set to open by spring 2026 with entertainment, classes, and community events designed to keep Lakeland laughing.
Whether you’re looking for a charming bungalow or a stylish mid-century modern stay, Lakeland’s short-term rentals offer something for everyone looking for a staycation.
You won’t find an official Turkey Trot in Lakeland, but there are plenty of fun runs and nearby races to break a seasonal sweat.
Here’s a list of local restaurants open on Thanksgiving.
See who will take the stage in Plant City when the festival returns in February 2026.
The rebuilt store includes 55,701 sqft of space for shopping, dining, and relaxing. Scroll through photos from opening day.
Take a look inside the Ludd M. Spivey House, formerly home to Florida Southern College’s president who made a historic impact on the campus.
Over the next 10 days, we’re launching a reader-driven campaign to sustain what we do best.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
The Lakeland Margarita Society hosts the Margarita Ball every November to raise money to provide Christmas gifts for local children.