Orlando vs Lakeland (Tampa, Celebration, Windermere: transfer, school district, income)

[stablegenius]

I just got pinged about a job in Lakeland. I could potentially make a lot more money, but money isn't everything. I'm currently interviewing for a remote job as well, which would be best because my wife and I could move around and work from wherever. But about Lakeland, what's in like? I supposed if it's far enough west I could live in Tampa. But is Lakeland itself any good? Looks like it's in the middle of the state, and I'm guessing it's less desirable than Orlando...

[Arcenal813]

There isn't anything particularly unique or special about Lakeland, but some parts of it are pretty nice. I consider it to be pretty much generic mid-sized American city 101... Nice thing about it is that it's close to both Tampa and Orlando.
What exactly are you looking for?

[Jimrob1]

I live in Lakeland but I'm not from here originally.
It is a small city with a very nice downtown, and a number of small lakes around town. I'd say its a very conservative family oriented, snowbirds type of population. Yes its between Tampa and Orlando, but closer to much of Tampa. There does seem to be quite a few commuters here to both Metros. Personally I would not want to live that way. I-4 would be the main route, and as far as many are concerned is a death trap.

Lakeland isn't a bad place to live, but liking or disliking it is an individual preference
Its not really an interesting place, and I think ones background will impact adjusting to life here. Its not bad though. I'd live here before Tampa or Orlando, way to much traffic and headaches for me.

[bmw335xi]

I'd never live in Lakeland regardless of the income, unless the income was high enough to consider commuting from Dr. Phillips, Windermere or Celebration. It's too small and isolated for my taste, but then again I don't like small towns unless they are very quaint and near a major city the size of SF, LA, NYC, Chicago, DC, Seattle, etc.

With that being said, there is nothing wrong with it, it's just completely the opposite of what I prefer.

[stablegenius]

Originally Posted by bmw335xi

I'd never live in Lakeland regardless of the income, unless the income was high enough to consider commuting from Dr. Phillips, Windermere or Celebration. It's too small and isolated for my taste, but then again I don't like small towns unless they are very quaint and near a major city the size of SF, LA, NYC, Chicago, DC, Seattle, etc.

With that being said, there is nothing wrong with it, it's just completely the opposite of what I prefer.

This is kinda what I figured. If I'm bored in Otown, I'm pretty sure I'll be bored in Lakeland.

[mom2cjj]

Originally Posted by Jimrob1

I live in Lakeland but I'm not from here originally.
It is a small city with a very nice downtown, and a number of small lakes around town. I'd say its a very conservative family oriented, snowbirds type of population. Yes its between Tampa and Orlando, but closer to much of Tampa. There does seem to be quite a few commuters here to both Metros. Personally I would not want to live that way. I-4 would be the main route, and as far as many are concerned is a death trap.

Lakeland isn't a bad place to live, but liking or disliking it is an individual preference
Its not really an interesting place, and I think ones background will impact adjusting to life here. Its not bad though. I'd live here before Tampa or Orlando, way to much traffic and headaches for me.

Do you have kids in the school district?

My husband may be transferring from NJ to Lakeland. His company is in area code 33811. We are considering FishHawk Ranch due to schools.

[Jimrob1]

Originally Posted by mom2cjj

Do you have kids in the school district?

My husband may be transferring from NJ to Lakeland. His company is in area code 33811. We are considering FishHawk Ranch due to schools.

No I don't have kids. I have friends that do though. Its a mix of where they send their kids to school. Some public others private. I have noticed more seem to go to private schools here, than other places I have lived. I have a friend whose kids go to public school. He has complained they are bused,to a public school not in his region of Lakeland. Actually a couple of people including a teacher told me about this. That's about all I know on the subject. Hopefully someone with kids here in Lakeland, will reply to this thread.

[mom2cjj]

Originally Posted by Jimrob1

No I don't have kids. I have friends that do though. Its a mix of where they send their kids to school. Some public others private. I have noticed more seem to go to private schools here, than other places I have lived. I have a friend whose kids go to public school. He has complained they are bused,to a public school not in his region of Lakeland. Actually a couple of people including a teacher told me about this. That's about all I know on the subject. Hopefully someone with kids here in Lakeland, will reply to this thread.

I've also heard about private schools. I priced a few Catholic high schools and with three kids, we couldn't afford it!

Thanks! Hope someone else can chime in

[chopchop0]

Personally, Lakeland is kinda a small town equally far from Tampa and Orlando, but less than an hour to each.

Personally, I'd live on the coasts if I was going to do a smaller town

[mom2cjj]

Originally Posted by chopchop0

Personally, Lakeland is kinda a small town equally far from Tampa and Orlando, but less than an hour to each.

Personally, I'd live on the coasts if I was going to do a smaller town

I'd LOVE to live on the coast! But hubby works in Lakeland and that would be quite a commute.