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Can moving save you money?
Welcome Canary offers two- and three-bedroom units in west Lakeland. | Photo by LALtoday
Lakeland has many multi-family developments built in recent years to keep pace with rising rental demand. But how does Swan City stack up against other Polk County cities when it comes to affordability?
The average or median monthly rental price differs widely across rental data sources:
We averaged those numbers to arrive at an estimated average monthly cost of $1,510 for Lakeland renters — now let’s compare that to other cities in Polk County.
Lakelanders looking to save may want to look in Lake Wales and steer clear of Davenport.
Graphic by LALtoday
Winter Haven
Average rent: ~$1,526
1.1% more than Lakeland
Auburndale
Average rent: ~$1,665
10.2% more than Lakeland
Bartow
Average rent: ~$1,482
1.9% less than Lakeland
Lake Wales
Average rent: ~$1,364
9.7% less than Lakeland
Haines City
Average rent: ~$1,500
0.7% less than Lakeland
Davenport
Average rent: ~$1,832
21% more than Lakeland
Asked
Asked
Would you live in another Polk County city?
A. I would love to B. If the price is right C. Only if I had to D. Never
Polls are open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. today for a special election to choose a new Florida House representative. Find out if you live in Florida House District 51, which covers much of north Lakeland and nearby cities, before heading to your polling location. (LkldNow)
Ranked
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America released its 2026 Allergy Capitals report, and Lakeland ranked the 20th most challenging city for pollen allergies. While Lakeland has an average pollen count, the number of local allergy specialists is below the national average. We’re handing you a digital tissue.
Job
Orlando Health + Watson Clinic are holding another hiring event for support services personnel ahead of their hospital’s opening this summer. Bring your resume to Polk State College’s Lakeland campus this Saturday, March 28. There are two sessions: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m.
Coming Soon
Einstein Bros. Bagels is coming to the former site of Benson’s Canine Cookies on South Florida Avenue. It will be the breakfast spot’s first standalone location in Lakeland. Can’t wait for a fresh bagel + shmear? Try it out on the Southeastern University campus.
Kids
Remember the Scholastic Book Fair from your childhood? Relive those memories through Friday, March 27 at the Florida Children’s Museum. Bring little readers to shop for children’s books + gifts (or finally get those toys your mom didn’t let you buy with your allowance back in the day).
Biz
Calling all entrepreneurs — for the first time, Catapult is offering small business owners an entire week of membership for free. Reach out to learn how this incubator and coworking space helps up-and-coming businesses take the next step.
Sports
Golf course architect David McLay Kidd revealed that the next course at Streamsong Golf Resort will be called Bone Valley. The course gets its name from the Central Florida region known as a prehistoric fossil hotspot. It’s set to open in October.
Featured Deal
What’s cooler than being cool? Carrier Cool Cash. Score up to $1,900 in instant rebates when you install a qualifying new Carrier system with Payne Air for a limited time. Get the offer and upgrade your home’s comfort + efficiency.*
Community
Mark your calendar for Friday, May 1: StrokeCare-Community Summit 2026 is a free, uplifting morning for stroke survivors, caregivers, and community members. Enjoy expert talks, wellness activities, a survivor celebration, and lunch — 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Register to save your spot.*
Category
Mailbag
Reader-recommended restrooms
Find gilded mirrors and fixtures at Parlor Doughnuts and the Polk Theatre. | Photos by LALtoday
A restroom can make or break your experience at a business, but which biz has Lakeland’s best? We asked readers to share their powder room picks, and the responses rolled in.
The restroom at the Gore Building, home to Parlor Doughnuts, was the most-recommended by far. The women’s features a pop art-style Queen Elizabeth II wallpaper + golden swan faucets, and you’ll find Publix founder George Jenkins on the walls of the men’s.
Reader Wendy S. said, “The bathrooms at Parlor Doughnuts are so bright and fun! I love the ornate gold mirrors, the portraits of Queen Elizabeth, and the pops of pink throughout!”
If it’s opulence you seek, you’ll find it at the Polk Theatre, shouted out by Susan S. Where else can you find a lounge to wait for your moviegoing pals?
Reader Carol B. said Lakeland Loft’s restroom offers “comfort and beautiful decor,” and Devon O. said the one at Scout & Tag is “just so elegant.”
A customizable body pillow for head-to-toe comfort. Seamlessly adjust the fill to your ideal level for plush, full-body support all night long. Plus, it’s machine washable + never loses its shape and softness after multiple washes.
Looks like I stumped a lot of readers with our first edition of Spot the Swan, but eagle-eyed reader Melissa S. was the first to guess that this swan is found outside the Summit building. Find it downtown on Massachusetts Avenue, facing the Main Street parking garage.
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