Livability Score

77
/100
i The AreaVibes Livability Score evaluates 9 different categories and creates an overall score out of 100. The higher the score, the better the area.

amenities F

There are not many amenities close to this location.
Coffee (15) F
Entertainment (14) A+
Food and Drink (60) F
Fitness (3) F
Groceries (12) F
Parks (38) A+
Shops (55) F
See more Lakeland amenity data

commute F

Of all people who commute, 0.6% take public transportation in Lakeland.
Public Transit Stops (6)
Stops & Stations
F
Workers Taking Public Transit
0.6%
F
See more Lakeland commute data

cost of living A+

The cost of living in Lakeland is 96/100 - which is 2% lower than Florida.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc.
B
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax
A+
See more Lakeland cost of living data

crime D+

Lakeland crime rates are 2,625 per 100k, which is 44% higher than Florida
Property Crime
2,253 crimes per 100k
D
Violent Crime
373 crimes per 100k
C-
See more Lakeland crime data

employment D+

The median income in Lakeland is $50,136 - which is 3% higher than Florida.
Med. Household Income
$50,136
F
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
C+
See more Lakeland employment data

health A+

There are not many hospitals, police and fire stations,
Health & Safety (43)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc.
A+
Air Quality
Median Air Quality
A+
See more Lakeland health & safety data

housing A+

Lakeland home prices are $160,400 - which is 4% lower than Florida
Home Price
$160,400
C-
Home Appreciation Rate
32%
A+
Home Affordability
3.2x (home price to income ratio)
B+
See more Lakeland housing data

schools C+

The Lakeland graduation rate is 84% - which is 1% higher than Florida
School Test Scores
52%
D-
High School Grad. Rates
84%
C-
Elementary Schools (71) A
High Schools (33) F
See more Lakeland education data

ratings A+

Lakeland has an overall rating of 87% from 21 reviews.
User Reviews (1)
From AreaVibes
A+
User Surveys (20)
From AreaVibes
A-
See more Lakeland user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings
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( 21 Ratings )

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Lakeland Reviews

Write a review about Lakeland Tell people what you like or don't like about Lakeland…
Lakeland, FL - Great Neighborhoods 4.5 rating By Anonymous ( Jul 28, 2010) Lakeland Florida is a city that is filled with quality neighborhoods, culture arts, excellent shopping, dining & community events. It's a great place to visit when you want to be close to everything but away from it all at the same time. Lakeland is centrally located between Tamp ...Read More a (45 mins) and Orlando (1 hour).

I was born and raised in Lakeland, FL nearly 30 years ago. I've lived here my whole life. I've traveled to many other places through the years but there is nowhere else I would rather live. There is so much to do: museums, theatres, the City spends a lot of money on recreatation programs for the children; the humidity tends to be thick, but it's that way no matter where you go in Florida. I've spent a lot of time in Orlando and Tampa too. If you're looking for a sort of "small hometown feel" Lakeland could be the right fit for you. Lakeland has a very warm & welcoming feel to it. I would recommend to anyone that is thinking of making a change in their lives to come to Lakeland for a visit and decide if this city is the right fit for you. Read Less
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Compare Lakeland, FL Livability

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      Lakeland, FL

      Lakeland is found in Polk County, Florida. It was incorporated in 1885 and named for its 38 lakes, the biggest of which is Lake Parker. The most stunning of the lakes is Lake Mirror, which has plenty of flowers and shrubs. Lake Morton, on the other hand, boasts of being home to beautiful, graceful swans. The city is situated quite close to two of Florida’s largest towns, Tampa and Orlando. Residents of Lakeland, therefore, enjoy a small- town living experience with large cities within reach.

      Lakeland, like most of Florida, is often hot and humid. The summers can be quite harsh, but the winters are a lot better than in most other parts of the country. Some years it does not even snow, and you do not necessarily have to use the A/C.

      The city has a lower cost of living than the national average. It, however, has a higher unemployment rate than the national median, although the difference is almost negligible. The household income is also lower than the national average. Nevertheless, the city is quite lovely, and crime rates are rather low.

      The town scores well when it comes to amenities. In terms of education, the city boasts of three leading colleges, the closest of them being Florida Southern College. Frank Lloyd Wright, the renowned architect, designed this college. It boasts the world’s most extensive collection of the architect’s works.

      Because of its proximity to Tampa and Orlando, students have the option of studying in these cities. The public schools in the area are also ranked higher than the national average. The public transport system in the city is excellent. Traffic is not an issue in the town, and the average commute time is lower than it is in the larger cities. Lakeland Regional Medical Center, easily one of the best hospitals in the country, also takes care of the residents’ medical needs. It has served the city for over 80 years and continues to provide stellar medical services to date.

      The city also has various theaters, the most prominent of them being Polk Theater and Lakeland Community Theater. The Harrison Center is known as a haven for lovers of the visual and performing arts. The Lakeland Center is also a great recreational facility for the whole family. If you love shopping, then you will love living in Lakeland. The downtown area has numerous boutiques that will fulfill your every need. The city also has numerous malls and dollar stores. The Dixieland Historic District is also home to numerous boutiques.

      For those who love engaging in outdoor activities, Lakeland may not have a lot to offer. Besides spending time near the lakes and few parks within the town, there is not much else to do. For the most part, Lakeland is a great place to live. There is little traffic, great amenities, and a lot of recreational facilities. The cost of living is also reasonable, and there are plenty of opportunities for growth.

      F Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Lakeland? Well, there are not many amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Adair Park
      Washington Park
      Munn Park
      Bonnet Springs Park
      Simpson Park
      Interlachen park
      Drane Park
      Interlarchen playground

      Entertainment

      Henley Field
      Bryant Stadium
      Theatre
      Auditorium
      Lake Mirror Amphitheatre
      Amphitheatre
      Polk Museum
      Joker Marchant Stadium

      Food & Drink

      Swan Brewing
      Jimmy John's
      Linksters
      Molly's
      Revival
      Pita Pit
      McDonald's
      Long John Silver's

      F Commute

      Is public transit available in Lakeland? Of all people who commute, 0.6% take public transportation in Lakeland.
      Drive to Work
      80%

      4% higher than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      1%

      4% lower than the US average

      Walk to Work
      2%

      1% lower than the US average

      B+ Health & Safety

      Is Lakeland a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are some hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center

      Pharmacies

      Walgreens
      CVS Pharmacy
      Walmart Pharmacy
      Publix

      Doctors

      Cleveland Heights Chiropractic Clinic
      Lakeland Dermatology
      Watson Clinic South