Hello From
Lakeland!
“City of Lakes“
Lakeland
A City in Polk County, Florida
Lakeland is a thriving Central Florida city known for its scenic lakes, historic architecture, and growing economy. Positioned between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland offers the balance of big-city opportunity with a more relaxed, community-focused atmosphere. The city’s revitalized downtown features a mix of restaurants, breweries, boutiques, and cultural venues, while surrounding neighborhoods showcase beautifully preserved historic districts. Lakeland is also home to Florida Southern College, which boasts the world’s largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture on a single campus. With expanding logistics, healthcare, and education sectors, Lakeland continues to attract new residents and businesses.
Lakeland, Florida gardens at dusk
Photo by Sean Pavone via Canva
Location & Size
Lakeland is located in Polk County in Central Florida and covers roughly 75 square miles.
The city sits about 35 miles east of Tampa and 55 miles southwest of Orlando.
Nearby communities include Plant City (about 20 miles west), Winter Haven (about 18 miles east), and Bartow (about 12 miles southeast).
Its location along Interstate 4 makes Lakeland a major logistics and transportation hub.
Founded
Lakeland was founded in the late 1870s and incorporated in 1885. Early settlers were drawn to the area by its many freshwater lakes and fertile land suitable for agriculture. The arrival of the railroad helped accelerate growth and commercial development. Throughout the 20th century, Lakeland evolved from a farming town into a diversified regional center for business, education, and transportation. Preservation of historic neighborhoods and reinvestment in downtown have played a major role in shaping the modern city.
Population
Lakeland has a population of approximately 115,000 residents, making it one of the largest inland cities in Florida.
Known For
• Frank Lloyd Wright architecture at Florida Southern College
• Numerous lakes and outdoor recreation
• Revitalized downtown and local dining scene
• Logistics and distribution centers
• Historic districts and preservation efforts
Cost of living
Median Income: $60,947
Median Home Price: $229,100
Median Rent: $1,299
Lakeland’s cost of living is considered average, offering good value relative to nearby major metros.
Things to do
• Tour the Frank Lloyd Wright architecture at Florida Southern College
• Walk around Lake Mirror and Hollis Garden
• Explore downtown restaurants and breweries
• Visit local museums and theaters
• Enjoy boating, fishing, and trails around area lakes
Fun Facts
- “City of Lakes”: Lakeland gets its name from the 38 named lakes within its city limits, with Lake Parker being the largest.
- The swans on Lake Mirror are descendants of swans sent by Queen Elizabeth II after a Lakeland resident appealed to the Queen when alligators wiped out the original population.
- The city hosts one of the largest collections of Wright-designed buildings worldwide.
- Lakeland is home to the corporate offices Publix.
- In the late 1800s, Polk County led the world in phosphate production, crucial for fertilizer.
- Lakeland continues to rank as one of Florida’s fastest-growing inland cities.
- Elvis Presley performed at the Polk Theatre, and the iconic Southgate Shopping Center Arch was featured in Edward Scissorhands.
Nearby Cities
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