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
Prepare for fall weather in Lakeland, Florida with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks.
“brat summer” is unofficially over, so we’re looking back on what was really hot in Lakeland thanks to Google Trends search results.
Ready for your lunch break? Check out these 25+ lunches from hearty salads to diner-style bites.
Check out some of the year’s cheapest flights leaving our nearby airports.
Learn who’s in charge of city decisions, how to grow your business, and how to get involved.
Lakeland’s hottest day on record was June 4, 1985 when Swan City hit 105°.
The City of Lakeland’s Community Redevelopment Agency is on the hunt for the next tenant to take over the space on North Massachusetts Avenue.
Discover a hidden gem or try a local favorite restaurant for the first time in this series.
Learn how this coffee shop is helping a Lakeland-based nonprofit in its mission to support children in foster care.
Make the most of good weather by taking your meals al fresco on one of Lakeland’s many beautiful patios.