[Minniemom]

Hi again all!
Thanks for the info on fishhawk. Now we are considering Lakeland. I have heard that it is the 4th fastest growing area in FL. Is that good? Does anyone know about the commute to Tampa or Orlando? How are the schools there? Are there any master planned communities like fishhawk? How are the taxes and insurance rates?
Thanks for any info.

[Prichard]

I once knew a newlywed couple that lived in Lakeland. Husband worked in Tampa; wife in Orlando. This was about 10 years ago, and the commute for both was at least one hour during rush hours. That lasted about 1 year until they couldn't stand it anymore and they ended up moving to Tampa.

[shedav]

My father two uncles and grandparents all live in Lakeland over 20 plus years and it is an hour either way as prichard wrote. The only part I did not like about it and the reason I would not consider moving to Lakeland is because I love the water and ocean. When I visited my father I had to drive down to Tampa (which is an effort) due to the drive time. I felt like I was at home here in WV because there was no water. Otherwise he lived in a very nice little neighborhood and had a nice lot of 1 acre. My aunt also says she has never had any real hurricane damage because of it being centralized. The big hurricanes that has hit over the past few years all she sustained was a little bit of roof damage. Her insurance is lower too.

[Floridasunshine]

Lakeland is about 30 mins from I-75 , It would all depend on whre you will be working, all my neighbors work in Tampa, and Orlando, I-4 is 3 lanes now.
Lakeland has North and South communities going up. North is north of Interstate 4 , Large Mall and new communities going up everywhere. We wanted to stay in Brandon Area which is east Tampa. but way to expensive.
We bought a 2140 new home built sept 2005 for 170000. in Tampa would be 35000. THe schools are good, smaller classroom size then tampa I have heard. Not crowded like tampa when you go out at night.
Taxes are are cheaper, ours are 2600 yr, Our homeowners Insurance is 1200
We were happy when we moved here Our car insurance dropped a lote.
Homes in Lakeland are still a bargain compared to Tampa, Sarasota, Orlando area. Polk CIty is a country area close to Lakeland and Land is still cheaper there. Kathleen is also near lakeland and is country feeling.
Planned Communities have development fees, called CDD fees , Watch out for them.
We checked out several builders in Lakeland and Tampa, and we walked away from CDD fees ,no need to pay them.
Tampa builders require preconstruction loans, Most Lakeland Builders just want 1000 up front deposit. then you pay when you buy.
We have learned a lot thru our 3 homes we built.
We like North Lakeland, But I like walking the mall for exercise.
South Lakeland is nice too, but is alittle further to drive to tampa or orlando.