[gpg]

It seems to be in between Tampa and Orlando. Wondering what the job opportunitys would be in the city of Lakeland itself. Good schools are also a priority.

Any information on this city would be appreciated.

[suzj226]

If you don't mind being in the middle of nowhere. True it is right between Tampa and Orlando, but there is really nothing out there. I currently live in Orlando, planning to move within the next few months, before the dreaded heat and possible hurricanes arrive. I would strongly suggest Tampa over Orlando. I've lived here (moved from NY) for six years and, like another poster stated, it is nothing but tourists and theme parks. The housing market is ridiculous and the traffic is horrible, with no plans for improvement in site.

[dragonflytonic]

Lakeland is NOT in the middle of nowhere...it's in the center of everything!
I was raised in Lakeland, FL for nearly 30 years. After the military, I moved back home to Lakeland and LOVED IT! There is lots to do: museum, community theater, the City spends LOTS of money on parks and recreatation and programs for kids AND adults; the humidity is THICK, but it is everywhere in FL. I've spent a lot of time in Orlando and Tampa too...Orlando=tourists, and a much higher cost of living. Tampa--that's cool tool, lots of stuff to do as it is much bigger than Lakeland, and again, a higher cost of living. If you're looking for a sort of "small hometown feel" (pop. over 80.000) Lakeland might be the place for you. As a benchmark, 2.5 years ago I built a new home in a very nice neighborhood for $144,000---its was over 2,000 sf, a typical, Florida stucco home. There are houses new and old for much less, but this was in a great neighborhood called Deer Brooke in the south side of town (if you care to check it out w/ a realtor). I can send some pictures to you if you want. I still have family that lives in Lakeland.
But be advised of one thing for sure: all weather experts have predicted that the State of FL will experience at least 11 major weather events (including hurricanes) for the next 22 years (you can research my facts on weather.com). Knowing this, the whole state evacuates away from the coast, inland to the Lakeland/Orlando area. The four big hurricanes in the end of 2004 ran my new husband and I out of the state.... I just couldn't take the mandatory evacuations, loss of income, evacuating expenses, damage, etc. Even after living there my whole life. That is a HUGE thing to consider. No-one ever thinks it will happen to them, but it does. I know people have to live somewhere, but if you have any types of fears about severe tropical storms, hurricanes and tornadoes, FL might not be the place for you.......hate to burst your bubble, but it's a VERY real issue. Finally, other than the weather, Lakeland is a BEAUTIFUL place to live! It's NOT in the middle of nowhere---it's 30 mi. to Tampa and about 45 to Orlando....about 1 and a quarter hour to any beach, etc., etc., etc. Hope to hear back from you!

[dragonflytonic]

Addendum: The biggest employers are: Publix (corporate offices and stores), Lakeland Regional Medical Center, the City of Lakeland, the County of Polk, Polk County School Board & more. The cost of living is pretty low and there's no tax on food, no state income tax, and I have found that out of all the places I've lived, it is by far the least expensive.

[gpg]

I'm trying to convince my husband about the seriousness of the hurricanes. I am really worried about that. Also from reading other forums the schools do not seem to be that great. He thinks we should move closer in to Tampa around Riverview or Brandon for a better job commute. We're still trying to decide what to do. Thanks for all the information.

[dragonflytonic]

Hi, If you need more town-specific info., please don't hesitate to write/post to me again. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE take the hurricanes seriously... and if your hubby doesn't belive you, do a smidge of research on weather.com...You'll find their predictions for at least ELEVEN major weather events (hurricanes, tropical storms, ect) EVERY YEAR in Florida for the next 22 years! Good luck.

[Alan Rowe PI]

Lakeland is in Polk County. 318,000 people are moving to FL every year and Polk County is the fastest growing county, and the traffic in Lakeland is terrible. And the city is growing in all directions. There are plenty of jobs with a wide variety to choose from in Lakeland. But plan on spending a fortune for a place to live, the real estate market here is crazy, houses listed for sale don't last but maybe 2 weeks and the seller is getting what they ask for them usually. I live 10 miles east of Lakeland, and just as soon as my youngest daughter graduates high school in about 6 1/2 years we are packing and heading to Montana, and I have been here all my life.

[sasammsh]

I have lived in Florida for 40+ years from one end to the other. Lakeland was the first place we lived. I wish we had stayed. A wonderful town. If you do move there Good luck and yes the hurricanes can be rough but at least you have time to prepare for them most of the time. But then Charlie knocked us for a loop I live in Port Charlotte Florida ground zero for Charlie. all kidding aside I love Lakeland I go there often to visit our Old Church

[Skye]

Gulf coast is hotter than East coast. Central Fla. doesn't get any ocean breeze. I've lived from one side of the state to the other, including Tampa, Orlando, Lakeland/Winter Haven (Tampa's horrible) and now West Palm Beach. You should really check out the east coast (Boca and north). All of Fla. is expensive but taxes are cheaper in Martin Co. (just north of Palm Beach) than Palm Beach Co.

Hurricanes are too unpredictable to recommend a safe haven in this state. When you live in Fla, it's a toss up, regardless of where you live. 2004's Charley devastated mid & west side of Fla. - but did nothing to the east side. Wilma devastated just about everybody -- you just never know!!

Hope this helps. Good luck!
Skye

[thedude]

Currently live there and can't wait to leave. The town is a non-plesant mix of rednecks and people who moved in from elsewhere.
I can see how someone who spent thier live there would not know any better. I totally understand why you would think it's a nice place, but in reality it's a hot, sweltering place where old people move to die.
And yes, I've lived in several areas of the US, and overseas for numerous years, so I can compare it to other places.
Want to go to the beach? Plan on a long haul down I-4
Want a good resturaunt? Plan on a long haul down I-4