[time2moveon!]

My wife and I are looking to relocate from Michigan to the Lakeland area, and we are looking for input on this city, the good and the bad. We do have children, with that said we would like a family friendly city and safety is obviously a concern, as we do not wish to move our children into an unsafe environment. My wife will have a degree in Medical Office Administration and I have 13 years experience as a machinist including CNC, laser, and water jet experience. We would like to know if either of these careers have a good job outlook in this city. How are the schools in these areas? Also, we will be renting, is it better to rent an apartment or find a house to rent? Any information would be greatly appreciated and thank you in advance for your time!!

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by time2moveon!

My wife and I are looking to relocate from Michigan to the Lakeland area, and we are looking for input on this city, the good and the bad. We do have children, with that said we would like a family friendly city and safety is obviously a concern, as we do not wish to move our children into an unsafe environment. My wife will have a degree in Medical Office Administration and I have 13 years experience as a machinist including CNC, laser, and water jet experience. We would like to know if either of these careers have a good job outlook in this city. How are the schools in these areas? Also, we will be renting, is it better to rent an apartment or find a house to rent? Any information would be greatly appreciated and thank you in advance for your time!!

How did you land on Lakeland? The unemployment rate is fairly high and it's somewhat family-friendly but doesn't offer the best schools.

[Broker Dave]

Lakeland is out there, must be the home prices?

Why not Clermont, family friendly and odds are better for job's as you are closer to the Orlando area but I'd still research your fields before you make that move.

Hope this helps,

[rcaks]

We landed upon Lakeland because I have family there. Does Clermont have good school systems?

[rcaks]

Right now our options are open, we would just like to stay within an hour or so of family. Thank you for your input

[Hialeah_Rules]

Lakeland without a a job? Oh my...

Don't.

[Broker Dave]

Clermont is a good choice, check out their schools,

Lake County Schools

Clermont Schools - Clermont Florida School Ratings - Public and Private

Hope this helps,

[AnnieA]

Lakeland has some good schools, just do your research. I would check out the job situation first.
Winter Haven isn't too far from Lakeland and has some good schools, as well. Same with Lake wales. All fairly close to Lakeland, 20 minutes away. Do your internet research as well as getting feedback from here. Good luck.

Broker Dave, do you cover the Clermont area ?

[time2moveon!]

We will not move without having employment first! That would be poor planning and irresponsibility on our part, if we were to move without securing employment first. We know this is a big move, that is why we started researching early, as our target move date is June 2013! We are allowing ourselves ample time to do our research and make sure that our decision is the best for our entire family. We have looked on greatschools.org and some of the schools getting good ratings. We refuse to sacrifice our children's education, thus, another reason we would like to move as the school district we live in gets poor ratings. Are there a lot of family friendly things to do around Winter Haven? What are the pros and cons to that area? Thanks for your input, we greatly appreciate your willingness to help!!!

[HarryWho?]

If you're a young couple, I would think there are far better places for work and schools. Read this article. It gives you an idea of the problems Florida is facing,

Twilight in the Sunshine State: Florida's Vision of Boomer-Land