Apartments for Rent in Lakeland, FL
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Renter's guide to Lakeland, FL

All aboard for Lakeland, FL! Founded by Louisville’s Abraham Munn in 1885, Lakeland, quickly became a railroad hub for Florida’s west coast. Conveniently set between Orlando and Tampa Bay, Lakeland has undergone numerous growth spurts and is a proud, historic community.

The city occupies 45.8 square miles and the population in Lakeland has grown by 30.5% since 2000 and reached six digits—smaller than Gainesville but larger than Miami Beach.  Lakeland is just 36 miles from Tampa and 55 miles from Orlando. New York City is 1,132 miles from Lakeland. When visiting Lakeland, most travelers use Tampa International Airport.

Lakeland enjoys a reliable climate with 240 sunny days per year. The area averages about 50 inches of rain and 118 days of precipitation each year. July high temperatures are in the 90s while January lows can touch 51°F.

Tips for renting in Lakeland, FL

Things to do in Lakeland, FL

Lakeland combines a happy mixture of contemporary and traditional entertainment. Thrills and chills happen at Lakeland Center, an 8,178-seat, multi-purpose arena and home to professional sports and numerous concerts. At Family Fun Center Lakeland, it’s all about family entertainment with a large video arcade, Laser-Tag, mini-golf, Funtasia and so much more.

To catch some movies in Lakeland, head to one of the movie theaters of the city such as the popular Cobb Theater, Lakeside 18 Cinemas or the Silver Moon Drive-in Theater.

Visitors find a host of congenial restaurants in Lakeland. Cafe Zuppina offers Turkish delicacies while Palace Pizza is distinctly Italian. Cajun food is the specialty at Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille while Grillsmith offers dinner and a movie. And, don’t forget Red Lobster, where the price for tasty seafood is right.

Expect sociability and good cheer at bars in Lakeland. Linksters Tap Room, the Paddywagon Pub or trendy Hurricane Alley are popular social hangouts. If the great outdoors calls, Circle B Reserve is a terrific walking venue, while families never tire of exploring Mirror Lake. Kids love Common Ground Park and all events at Joker Marchant Stadium.

Harrison Center for the Visual & Performing Arts and Lakeland Community Theater are popular attractions while legendary Polk Theater hosts special performances. The Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture & Visitors Center offers powerful insight and don’t overlook the Polk Museum of Art. At Florida Air Museum’s Sun ‘n Fun, enjoy a collection of Howard Hughes’ aviation memorabilia. Hollis Garden showcases more than 10,000 flowers and indigenous plants. And, be sure to shop at downtown Lakeland’s Historic Antique district.

Lakeland, FL employment & economy

Employment in Lakeland is stable at an unemployment rate of just under 6%, and jobs in Lakeland are projected to grow by almost 40% over the next decade. Openings for full-time as well as part-time jobs are constantly appearing on the local job market. About a quarter of the Lakeland work force is employed in sales, office and administrative work. More than 12% of local workers are employed in production, transportation, material moving and warehouse industries. The construction sector has been consistent at 7.33% for three years, while employees working in healthcare and technology up about the same share of Lakeland’s workforce.

Major employers in Lakeland include Publix Groceries with over 8,000 workers, Lakeland Regional Health employs over 4,500, while GEICO Insurance has a local staff of 2,300. Other major employers in Lakeland include Sykes, GC Services and Saddle Creek logistics.

Education in Lakeland, FL

Lakeland has a proud history of preparatory education that includes private, public and charter schools. Top rated schools include Dixieland Elementary, the Lakeland Montessori School, South McKeel Academy (K-8) and Lakeland Senior High School, the largest school in the district.

Lakeland, is also home to six diverse colleges and universities, including, Polk State University, Southeastern University and Florida Southern College  and others add vitality and jobs to Lakeland.