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Moving to Lakeland in 2025?
Complete Moving Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to Lakeland.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Lakeland.

Planning to move to Lakeland?

Lakeland is a charming city located in central Florida and is known for its beautiful lakes. The city was founded in 1833 and it has a rich history which is well preserved in historic locations across the city. It is generally more affordable than other cities in Florida. The city is located between Tampa and Orlando improving the access to both the cities. The city has a strong sense of community and is considered a good place to raise a family. There are several good schools and recreational opportunities. With a growing economy, the job market of the city is growing and offers opportunities in healthcare and more. There are several details other than these that are required for an easy transition. Explore this moving guide to learn all about Lakeland before you move there-

Quick Facts of Lakeland

Explore the city’s unique and interesting facts that will amaze you-

The city is often called the “Swan City” due to the large population of swans in many lakes.

The world’s largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright is available at Florida Southern College.

Elvis Presley gave an iconic performance at the Polk Theatre in Lakeland.

The corporate headquarters of Publix Super Markets is located in Lakeland.

Circle B Bar Reserve is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

The Florida Southern College Railroad Museum showcases a collection of historic locomotives.

The city hosts unique festivals year-round like the Spring Haven Festival and the Lakeland Arts Festival.

There are annual events celebrated in Lakeland like the Florida Strawberry Festival and the Sun’n Fun Fly-in.

Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. know the top-rated moving companies in Lakeland.

Top reasons to move to Lakeland

Moving is a big change and before you move to Lakeland, you must know the features that will make your life happy-

Cost of living- The city offers an affordable cost of living compared to other cities in Florida. Since, there is no state income tax so residents can enjoy some extra savings.

Weather- The city enjoys pleasant weather as it stays warm year-round. Residents can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities and this is the right place to escape from cold winters.

Location- Lakeland is centrally located between Tampa and Orlando providing access to both cities.

Natural Environment- The city is home to several beautiful lakes and waterways. There are open spaces providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water sports. Lakeland offers opportunities for hiking, biking and birdwatching.

Community- The city has a strong school system with safe and family-friendly neighborhoods. The city is considered an attractive place for families.

Pros & Cons of Living in Lakeland

Before your move to Lakeland, learn about the pros and cons of living there. There are several best and worst features that you can experience once you move there-

Pros of living in Lakeland	Cons of living in Lakeland
The cost of living in Lakeland is affordable	The summers in Lakeland can be extremely hot and humid
The city boasts rich cultural scene which can be explored at different places	The city is at risk of hurricanes
The city is located between Tampa and Orlando	The nightlife in the city is limited compared to other cities in Florida
Lakeland provides excellent schools, safe neighborhood and strong sense of community	The traffic congestion can be an issue during peak hours
The residents enjoy warm weather year-round with mild winters	Warm climate attracts various pests like roaches, ants and mosquitoes
There is no state income tax in the city	The homeowners and auto insurance costs can be higher in Florida

Tip: When you've got a home to move in Lakeland, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

Best Neighborhoods in the Lakeland

Relocating to a new city means, you need a new home and a perfect neighborhood to live a simple and affordable life. Before you move to Lakeland, you can explore various neighborhoods here-

Dixieland- This is a charming neighborhood with tree-lined streets and historic homes. The neighborhood can give you a nostalgic feel.

Cleveland Heights- This is a prestigious neighborhood with large homes and a golf course.

Lake Bonny Park- This is a family-friendly neighborhood with access to the lake. The neighborhood has a large park and playground.

Lake Hollingworth- This is a neighborhood offering stunning views of the lake. There is a variety of housing options and easy access to recreational activities.

Lakeland Highlands- This is a suburban neighborhood with good schools and newer homes. The locality has convenient access to shopping and dining options.

Cumberland- This is a popular neighborhood with various housing options like single-family homes and townhouses.

Cost of living in Lakeland

Moving can be expensive, and it is important to learn about the expenses will have to bear in the new city. The cost of living can help you determine your moving budget. Generally, Lakeland is affordable compared to other cities in Florida. Here is the breakdown of the cost of living in Lakeland-

Category	Lakeland (in USD)
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)	$1,000 - $1,500
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside City Center)	$800 - $1,200
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)	$1,500 - $2,200
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside City Center)	$1,200 - $1,800
Groceries (Single Person)	$250 - $350
Groceries (Family of Four)	$700 - $1,000
Monthly Public Transport Pass	$50 - $75
Gas Price (per gallon)	$3.00 - $3.50
Monthly Utility Bill	$150 - $250
Health Insurance (Private)	$100 - $300
Entertainment, Dining Out	$200 - $500

Housing Market in Lakeland

The housing market of Lakeland is a buyer’s market with several housing options. The median sale price for a house in Lakeland is around $315,000 which varies with the location, type, and size of the property.

Average rental cost in Lakeland

The average rental cost in Lakeland varies from $947-$1,556 depending on the type, size, location and amenities.

Lakeland job market

Lakeland’s economy is growing and attracting new businesses and offers a diverse range of job opportunities. Several sectors flourishing in the city including healthcare, education, and more.

Top Career Options in Lakeland

Most people relocate to a new city to find different career options or growth. Here, we have provided statistics for different job opportunities with their salary details and the total employees working in that role-

Job Title	Average Salary	Entry-Level Salary	Number of Employees
Nurse (RN)	$70,000 - $90,000	$55,000 - $65,000	High
Physician Assistant	$100,000 - $120,000	$80,000 - $90,000	Moderate
Teacher (K-12)	$40,000 - $60,000	$35,000 - $40,000	High
College Professor	$50,000 - $100,000+	$40,000 - $60,000	Moderate
Retail Salesperson	$20,000 - $30,000	$18,000 - $22,000	High
Restaurant Server	$20,000 - $30,000	$18,000 - $22,000	High
Construction Worker	$30,000 - $50,000	$25,000 - $30,000	High
Electrician	$40,000 - $60,000	$30,000 - $35,000	Moderate
Software Engineer	$70,000 - $120,000+	$50,000 - $60,000	Moderate
IT Support Specialist	$40,000 - $60,000	$30,000 - $35,000	Moderate

Median Salary in Lakeland

The median salary in Lakeland is $58,290 per year. The salary can vary depending on job role, experience, and more.

Transportation And Navigation In Lakeland

Transportation in a city has a direct impact on the quality of life. So, before you move to Lakeland, learn about the traffic, transportation, and navigation in the city. Public transportation- The city’s public transportation system offers bus services to various locations within the city and surrounding areas. There are rideshare services available in Lakeland like Uber and Lyft. Personal Transportation- Most residents of the city own a car and it is the most common mode of transportation. Because of bike lanes and trails people prefer to ride their bicycles and walk across the city. Navigation- The city is easy to navigate using GPS navigation systems like Google Maps and Waze. You can get real-time traffic updates and public transportation details.

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Major industries in Lakeland

Many industries in the city contribute to the economic growth-

Healthcare

Education

Manufacturing

Logistics and distribution

Agriculture

Food Processing

Tourism

Finance and Insurance

Education System in Lakeland

At the time of your move, one of your major concerns is the education of your children in a new city. So, this is listed as one of the essential tasks on your moving checklist. It is better to explore the schools in the city virtually and pick the school of your preference. Here, we have provided a list of some of the best schools, colleges, and universities in Lakeland-

Elementary Schools in Lakeland
Magnolia Montessori Academy
Lincoln Avenue Academy
McKeel Elementary Academy
South McKeel Academy
Valleyview Elementary School

Middle Schools in Lakeland
Ridgeview Global Studies Academy
Magnolia Montessori Academy
Lawton Chiles Middle Academy
Berkley Accelerated Middle School
Davenport School of the Arts

High Schools in Lakeland
McKeel Academy of Technology
Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School
Polk State College Collegiate High School
George W. Jenkins Senior High School
Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High School

Colleges and Universities in Lakeland
Florida Southern College
Florida Polytechnic University
Southeastern University
Polk State College
Keiser University

Best things to do in Lakeland

When you move to a new city, you need something to connect with the new place and surroundings. Here, we have some recreational options that can help you connect with the new city-

Visit Polk Museum of Art to admire a diverse collection of art including European, American, and Asian.

Catch a movie at the Polk Theatre.

Plan a hike or bike through the Circle B Bar Reserve to spot a variety of wildlife.

Rent a paddleboard or kayak and enjoy serene waters at Lake Morton.

Plan a picnic at Bonnet Springs Park where you can relax by the lake, and lay in the ground.

Plan a day out to discover life-size dinosaurs at the Dinosaur World.

Visit Legoland Florida and enjoy thrilling rides, character encounters, and interactive play areas.

You can feed the swans at Lake Morton, which is a beloved Lakeland tradition.

Taxes in Lakeland

Before you move to Lakeland, it is important to learn about the taxes applicable in the city boundaries. Taxes are considered a major expense and are used to calculate the cost of living.

Sales Tax - Florida has a flat sales tax rate of 6%. There is an additional sales tax of 1% in Polk County. So, a total of 7% sales tax is imposed in Lakeland.

Income Tax - Florida is a tax-friendly state with no state income tax.

Property Tax - Property taxes in Florida are based on the assessed value of your property. The tax rates vary depending on the location and type of the property.

Vehicle Registration Fees - When you register your vehicle in Florida, you have to pay registration fees for vehicles including cars, trucks, and motorcycles. The registration fees can vary according to the age and type of vehicle.

Excise Taxes - In Lakeland, taxes may apply to goods and services like gasoline, alcohol, and tobacco.

Type of insurance required in Lakeland

Each state in the US has laws for insurance, and according to that law, some insurances are mandatory while some are required for personal safety.

Auto Insurance - This insurance is mandatory by the law of Florida. All drivers must have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL). The PIP will cover medical expenses and lost wages, while PDL will cover damage to other people’s property.

Homeowners Insurance - This insurance protects your home and belongings from various risks such as fire, theft, and other covered events.

Renters Insurance - If you rent, this will cover your personal belongings in case of fire, theft, and other covered perils.

Health Insurance - Buying health insurance will cover medical expenses such as doctor’s visits and prescribed medication.

Life Insurance - This will provide financial security to your family in case of your untimely death.

Disability Insurance - This insurance helps replace lost income if you cannot work due to injury or illness.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.

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