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
This new arts hub will open on Saturday, Nov. 1 with an art-themed kickoff celebration.
Learn to arrange beautiful bouquets with the help of the expert florists at Bloom Shakalaka.
In need of a one-day getaway? We’re sharing our readers’ favorite things to do, see, and eat in towns within a quick drive of Swan City.
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
Keep an eye out and perhaps you’ll see one of these cryptid creatures in Lakeland — or maybe it will see you.
Could this be the real estate deal of the century? Learn how Publix is buying two downtown buildings for $10 each — and what you could get for that same price.
Find discounted clothing, accessories, shoes, and home goods at this national retailer’s first Lakeland location.
Pack your reusable shopping bags, because we’ve rounded up seven farmers markets around Lakeland, FL.
Due to the Moving Florida Forward Initiative, new I-4 express lanes are coming nine years in advance between I-75 and County Line Road.
Do you prefer to live in the past, or are you looking ahead to the future? Compare a 1925 home with a newly built house that just hit Lakeland’s real estate market.