Lakeland

Background Image

Lakeland, FL

Area Guide

Share Guide

Central Florida’s hidden gem between Tampa and Orlando

Suburban Affordable Historic Lakefront Active

Nestled about halfway between two of Florida’s major cities, Lakeland enjoys a tranquil locale along I-4. Lakeland’s laidback atmosphere is complemented by its close proximity to countless metropolitan attractions, sitting within 45 minutes’ driving distance from Tampa and about an hour’s drive from Orlando.

Lakeland is comprised of numerous historic districts and Old Florida-style neighborhoods as well as more modern residential communities. The cost of living in Lakeland is quite affordable, boasting an array of rental homes and apartments that fit a variety of budgets. The cityscape is full of beautifully preserved historic architecture and the Florida Southern College campus is home to a world-famous collective of Frank Lloyd Wright designs.

Lakeland’s vibrant offerings range from MLB spring training games at Joker Merchant Stadium to the vast art collection at the Polk Museum. The city’s relatively isolated location puts thousands of acres of unspoiled nature at your fingertips, from the many wooded areas to the 38 lakes that the city is named after. Some of the most popular outdoor destinations include Lake Mirror and Lake Parker, which feature scenic waterfront parks, as well as the Circle B Bar Reserve, offering nearly 1,300 acres of marshes, wildlife, and bird habitats to explore.

Many Lakeland residents enjoy easy commutes, with the Publix corporate headquarters and Florida Polytechnic University situated within city limits. Direct access to I-4, Amtrak, Greyhound buses, and Lakeland Linder International Airport makes commuting and traveling from Lakeland simple.

Rent Trends

As of January 2025, the average apartment rent in Lakeland, FL is $960 for a studio, $1,324 for one bedroom, $1,571 for two bedrooms, and $1,880 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Lakeland has increased by 0.2% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,324/month
720 Sq Ft
House
$2,041/month
1,403 Sq Ft
Condo
$1,481/month
941 Sq Ft
Townhome
$1,723/month
1,519 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Lakeland, FL

Transportation

41

Car-Dependent

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

This area is considered a car-dependent area and most errands will require a car.

1

Minimal Transit

out of 100 TransitScore® Rating

You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.

52

Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

While there’s some bike infrastructure in this area, you’ll still need a car for many errands.

Schools

Lincoln Avenue Academy

Public

Grades K-5

526 Students

9
out of 10

Valleyview Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

861 Students

8
out of 10

Rochelle School Of The Arts

Public

Grades PK-8

803 Students

7
out of 10

James W. Sikes Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

563 Students

7
out of 10

Oscar J. Pope Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

410 Students

7
out of 10

Rochelle School Of The Arts

Public

Grades PK-8

803 Students

7
out of 10

Lawton Chiles Middle Academy

Public

Grades 6-8

649 Students

6
out of 10

Lakeland Highlands Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

1,265 Students

5
out of 10

Polk Full Time Eschool

Public

Grades K-12

604 Students

5
out of 10

Sleepy Hill Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

1,090 Students

3
out of 10

George W. Jenkins Senior High

Public

Grades 9-12

2,451 Students

5
out of 10

Lakeland Senior High School

Public

Grades 9-12

2,043 Students

5
out of 10

Polk Full Time Eschool

Public

Grades K-12

604 Students

5
out of 10

Lake Gibson Senior High School

Public

Grades PK & 9-12

2,080 Students

3
out of 10

Kathleen Senior High School

Public

Grades PK & 9-12

2,051 Students

2
out of 10

Points of Interest

Top Apartments in Lakeland

Houses for Rent in Lakeland

Property Management Companies in Lakeland, FL

Search Nearby Rentals