I have come to realize in recent months, while residing for almost 16 years here in this charming and beautiful town, that Lakeland is a great place to live.
Just between Tampa and Orlando with a growing population of over 93,000 Lakeland is located in Polk County – voted in 2007 as the All-American County.
Did you know that in 1883 Lakeland’s citizens were going to name their town Munnville in recognition of Abraham G. Munn, a Kentucky businessman who purchased 80 acres which the town was located? I’m so glad that he declined the honor and eventually a more adequate name was sought out, due to the serenity of the many lakes surrounding this great community in Central Florida – the name Lakeland was selected!
Lakeland, Florida – The City of 38 Lakes
Lakeland has 38 named lakes – the most visited lakes are near downtown Lakeland at Lake Hollingsworth, Lake Mirror, Lake Morton and Lake Wire providing its residents with great recreational opportunities. Lakeland has the appeal of small town flair with its big city sophistication.
The downtown Lakeland location including the Dixieland neighborhood and various districts such as Lake Morton District has undergone extensive renovation influenced by its own charm, constructing pedestrian friendly walking areas. Moreover, predominantly enhancements were completed with gorgeous manicured lawn around Munn Park and the Antique District.
A fine collection of specialty shops, such as art galleries, boutiques, antique stores and a General Store, as well as exceptional dining facilities and cafes that enhances the quality of the City of 
Lakeland are all within leisurely strolling distance of Munn Park.
Annually, the city of Lakeland in conjunction with local sponsors hosts a number of fairs and festivals throughout the year. Each spring, one of the nation’s largest conventions, the Sun n’Fun Fly-In is held in Lakeland, drawing nearly 150,000 aviation enthusiasts from around the world, making Lakeland’s Regional Linder Airport one of the busiest airports in the world during this event. The downtown area is the site of many of the town’s activities, such as First Fridays, Farmer’s Market, Mayfaire by the Lake, the Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival, Lakeland Red, White & Kaboom – 4th July celebration, annual Christmas parade in December.
There are many things to love about Lakeland, Florida. The City of Lakeland’s financial stability, along with many local contributors and philanthropists providing support for its citizens quality health care, convenient public transportation, and its established public school system are just the tip of the iceberg.
Lakeland also boasts great inexpensive tourist attractions, such as the beautiful Hollis Botanical Garden and the adjacent Barnett Park, the Polk Museum of Arts, the world’s largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright at Florida Southern College, and the Florida Air Museum, just to name a few.
Majority of the Lakeland resident’s workforce finding employment in the wholesale and the retail trade sector, as well as in the manufacturing, production, mining, tourism, distribution and service industries.
In recent years Money Magazine ranked Lakeland at the 10th “Best Place to Live in America” among medium sized cities in the South, referring to issues such as affordable housing, public safety, modern health care and school systems. The city also enjoys an ideal subtropical climate that averages a balmy 72 degrees per year. With such a pleasant climate, outdoor activities are extremely admired in Polk County.
Lakeland residents tend to be highly involved in the community. The numerous volunteer groups and service organizations in the area have a strong presence in Lakeland.
Lakeland is known to its residents when being asked where you live in Lakeland to give an answer to live in North Lakeland or South Lakeland. To me there is no distinction or separation between the two besides the name; living in North Lakeland or South Lakeland has many valuable aspects and while I have traveled the roads of Lakeland, each location and each neighborhood brings value and its own characteristics to the city of Lakeland, which why I call Lakeland as “there is no place like home”.
You may now recognize that Lakeland has plenty to offer, nonetheless its closeness to Orlando and Tampa provide its residents with the opportunity to visit such notorious attractions as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, Sea World and Epcot. While visiting the Kennedy Space Center, the Daytona International Speedway and the white sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean you may realize that Lakeland is the perfect fit.
Lakeland, Florida may well just be the biggest little small town in America. With a cozy feel, friendly neighbors, and surely something to offer residents of all ages, Lakeland is truly one of America’s finest cities that I call home.
Have I enticed you yet! Well, if you are thinking about moving, consider Lakeland, Florida! As your Lakeland real estate professional, I’m here to help you find the home of your dreams!
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