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
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
How trendy are your tastebuds? Put them to the test with these drinks that are sure to take off in 2025.
Make the most of good weather by taking your meals al fresco on one of Lakeland’s many beautiful patios.
Lakeland might not have made the list for 2025 James Beard Award semifinalists — but that doesn’t mean we can’t get in on the fun.
Are you eligible to run for office in Lakeland? Learn how you can get started, as well as what positions are available this year, here.
This year, Zillow reports that homebuyers are getting cozy, feeling nostalgic, and looking for resilient homes.
Take a slurp of some of the best soups in Swan City.
Wellness
Lace up your most comfortable sneakers to go running or walking — plus, meet new friends.
Between October and April, roughly one million adults move from northern states to temporary residences in Florida — are you one of them?
Look into your crystal ball — what do you think will happen in Lakeland this year?