[Redsoxfan34]

Could anyone tell me some basic facts about Lakeland? I am currently living in Syracuse, NY and have a job in the healthcare field.
The cost of living is what worries me the most. Is it possible to get a 2-3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home in a decent neighborhood in the Lakeland area for $300,000 or less?
Also what neighborhoods should I avoid? Crime isn't a huge factor for me since I've lived in Brooklyn, NY for about two years, but I would like to avoid the areas that seem to attract the drug dealers and other criminals.
I am also planning on having kids in the near future, would Lakeland be a good place to raise kids (mainly concerned with the schools)?
How is the traffic? As for traffic in Brooklyn, it usually took anywhere between an hour to an hour and a half to get to work. Is the traffic that bad in Lakeland?
If there are any other neighborhoods that you feel would better suite me than Lakeland please let me know. Any responses would be appreciated.

[gypsychic]

Hi there - is there any reason you are asking this exact same question again? I and several others responded to this same post two weeks ago. There is a lot of great info on Lakeland here - just do a search at the top of the page.

[Redsoxfan34]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

Hi there - is there any reason you are asking this exact same question again? I and several others responded to this same post two weeks ago. There is a lot of great info on Lakeland here - just do a search at the top of the page.

I was just trying to throw another thread out there in case some people missed my first post. I trust the posts that you and several others sent me earlier, but I guess you could say I was getting alittle greedy and trying to get more responses. I appologize if I offended.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Redsoxfan34

I was just trying to throw another thread out there in case some people missed my first post. I trust the posts that you and several others sent me earlier, but I guess you could say I was getting alittle greedy and trying to get more responses. I appologize if I offended.

Hey, no offense at all - I was just curious since about the duplicate post. This site only has a few regulars, so you probably got all the responses you will get - good luck!

[charscott]

Lake land is a good area, its close to disney and the beaches of Tampa. My fiancee and I can give you all the information that you require. She has a young son.
If you were intrested in the home we would gladlyhost you if you wished to visit prior to a move.
regards
Morris and Alaina.

[Floridasunshine]

You can find a nice new home for 140,000 and up why buy old. Lots for sale in north and south lakeland. Taxes are cheaper, Watson Clinic is always running ads in Lakeland Ledger newspaper.

[markhunt]

Originally Posted by Floridasunshine

You can find a nice new home for 140,000 and up why buy old. Lots for sale in north and south lakeland. Taxes are cheaper, Watson Clinic is always running ads in Lakeland Ledger newspaper.

I thought the same way, but I can say that one HUGE advantage of buying an older home is that you get into an established neighborhood and can see EXACTLY who your neighbors are before you take the plunge.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by markhunt

I thought the same way, but I can say that one HUGE advantage of buying an older home is that you get into an established neighborhood and can see EXACTLY who your neighbors are before you take the plunge.

Older homes are also closer to all the nice in-town amenities, too! Here in our Lake Hollingsworth neighborhood, I can walk to ANYTHING I need - Publix is right across the street, hardware store, restaurants, car repair, everything. Can't beat it with a stick, and I would live nowhere else. New homes also generally have HOA fees as well.

Lots of good bargains here right now; however the lower priced homes (below $200,000) are moving fairly quickly, lots of people are discovering this place!

[tyger800]

i came from buffalo to south lakeland...taxes are a lot cheaper than ny but housing is a little more...you could find something beautiful for around 250000..the avg home price per lakeland website is 195,000...it is a great time to buy....if you have kids, moving around south lakleland schools are the best (valleyview, george jenkins) there si a newer hospital in bartow that is only 10 min away

[spainbrit]

Lakeland is a fast growing city, my husband works there and commutes from Pinellas!
Not to be recommended by the way. I like the older areas, around the very pretty Frank Lloyd Wright designed college. However there are lots of newer homes on subdivisions that are under 300K.