Lakeland tops list of best places to buy a home, safest places to live

Here’s how Lakeland is nationally ranked in 13 important categories, including safety, home value, and places to start a business.

A wall height mural reading "Greetings from Lakeland" over a blue bridge.

Greetings from Lakeland

Photo via LALtoday Team

It’s no secret that we think Lakeland is the place to be. From its modern food scene to its breath-taking sunsets by the lake, the city’s beauty continues to capture the hearts of Lakelanders who call it home. Not only does it continue to thrive with economic and developmental growth, but it’s booming with innovative businesses.

See for yourself what publications like US News and Business Insider are saying. We’ve put together a list of some of the latest accolades Swan City has received.

No. 1 top city to buy a home (as rated by Business Insider)

No. 2 fastest-growing places in the U.S. (as ranked by US News)

No. 2 in number of people migrating to the region (as rated by CoreLogic, Inc.)

No. 5 safest places to live (as rated by US News)

No. 7 best city for Black professionals in the U.S. (as rated by Apartment List)

No. 12 best places to retire (as rated by US News)

No. 17 on the top 25 fastest growing metro areas by percentage of population growth (measured from 2019-2022 by Site Selection Group)

No. 22 fastest-growing metro areas by population increase (measured from 2019-2022 by Site Selection Group)

No. 29 hottest housing market in the US (according to Realtor.com)

No. 48 of the top “boomtowns” in America (according to SmartAsset)

No. 113 on the list of the best places to live in the US (as rated by US News)

Best place to start a business (as rated by Inc.com)

Want to learn more about what makes Lakeland such a special place? Check out our neighborhood guide and find out the best places to live in the city.

More from LALtoday
Ring in the season with a trip to one of these fall-exclusive spots for the whole family.
Halloween lovers and scaredy-cats alike will find something to enjoy at this popular Plant City attraction.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Hit the courts and grab a bite at this development, helmed by local entrepreneurs and pickleball fanatics.
The City of Lakeland has finalized its 2026 budget before the next fiscal year begins — let’s take a look at the $815 million bottom line.
From guilty pleasures to unexpected favorites, the “unfortunately do love” social media trend is taking over the internet — and we want your input.
From coffee to baked goods to cocktails, there’s a pumpkin spice or fall-flavored treat for everyone in Lakeland to enjoy this fall.
Directly north, east, south, and west of LAL, cities across the world await.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or the next Tiger Woods, these 13 golf courses in Lakeland are sure to make for a good round.
Polk Vision published the assessment in June 2025 after 18 months of data collection.