Moving to Lakeland (Miami, Tampa, Orlando: mortgage, insurance, debt)

[FitCAGal]

Hi Everyone,

I am moving to Lakeland in February and am wondering what the area is like for someone in their early 30's? What's the night life like? What's to do in the area? Any advice on how to prepare from moving from California to Lakeland? I know about the climate change and can handle that pretty well since I was raised in a coastal region as a youngster.

I will be a newlywed, and my husband to be and I need some ideas of things we can do as a newlywed couple? Places to visit? How to meet 'new friends'? I would appreciate any advice

I am also a fitness instructor and would need to find a place to work. Any recommended gyms that we both can go to?

Thanks so much!!

[Prichard]

FitCaGal, try posting this on the Florida Board, rather than the Orlando board, if you haven't already done this. Orlando and Lakeland are still two completely distinct and seperate cities. Many people in Orlando have no idea what Lakeland is like, other than from what they see of I-4 as they are traveling to Tampa.

You really need a Lakeland person to answere you - and there are pleanty of them out there. FWIW, Lakeland is a nice town to live in, but it is growing! There are large warehouse districts that run along I-4 through Lakeland. But, once you get off of I-4, the downtown is actually quite nice, and there are some newer communities that are springing up all around Lakeland.

[FitCAGal]

Hi Prichard, thank you so much for your feedback. I couldn't find a Lakeland place to post this message. I only noticed the Orlando board under Florida - I'll keep checking and thanks once again!

[angiodave]

FitCAgal,
Do your homework first....I moved here (orlando area) 12 years ago from Los Angeles...and was shocked! I took a 60% cut in pay (and i'm in the medical field-radiology), and had to work my ***** of just to make ends meet. They say the cost of living is cheaper here, but you're still gonna bring your bills with you. I ended up becoming a Spin instructor on the side, and worked with the YMCA--they dont pay too well, but they have plenty of gyms so if you're hired by the "Y", you can bounce to all of them and get the one main paycheck-which is nice since i "subbed" at 4 different Y's. As far as night life--i dont know much about Lakeland nightlife, but downtown O-lando has quite a party variety--if thats what you're into!
Hope this helps--e-me if you have further questions and good luck moving--i ddrove straight through in 43 hours only stopping for gas--texas was 23 of them!!
Angiodave

[AJ67]

I still say Either Tampa or Miami for night life, orlando is'nt all that great...
either way Tampa and orlando or a short distance from lakeland, so you can try out both

[Prichard]

I still say Either Tampa or Miami for night life, orlando is'nt all that great...
either way Tampa and orlando or a short distance from lakeland, so you can try out both

Yes, that is the current state of things, I'd agree. In the '90's and early '00's, downtown Orlando was full of night life. Then Church Street closed down for good and many of the older buildings on Orange Avenue that hosted nightclubs were demolished for larger high-rises. Right now, there are 4 large construction projects that have crippled Orlando's nightlife. However, when these projects are completed, you will see a swift revitalization of the Orlando Downtown nightlife - and it should be much better than before. So, if you can hang in there, I think Downtown will be a happening place once again (still is, just not like in the '90's).

On the otherhand, by that time you might be married with three kids, a mortgage, debt and two jobs. Life comes at you fast.

[Floridasunshine]

Lakeland is great place to live, voted best prices in CNN Magazine this year.
We moved here a year ago from Tampa to get away from crowds and traffic,
Homes prices are so much better. Taxes, insurance, car insurance is cheaper you will be happy with all that. We were actually shocked when we got moved and discovered this.

There are some down areas like every city. Most areas are crime free, I avoid the area around the hospital as crime tracker shows crime in that area.

We love North Lakeland we are 3 miles from Mall. South Lakeland is nice too, they have a new outdoor Mall now. It is really like 2 communities.
We go to Casino for fun 30 mins away. We like brandon Mall too.

[hooch]

I am moving to Lakeland as well... Thanks to all who reply...

I am in my late 40's, no kids, single,

thinking of renting, can anybody recommend a condo/townhouse community?

[Floridasunshine]

In South Lakeland near Target there are some nice Apts called Willowbrooke, i think that is the name. My friend lives there he has 1 bedrom for 615 or 635 I can remember. But it is really nice apartment with pool etc. Near Crosstown to Tampa and orlando. It was recommened to him, It is near brand new development Lakeside Outdoor Mall, and also Oakbridge condos are that way,
Hooters and WingHouse are popular hangouts for my Sons.

[FitCAGal]

Thank you so much to all of you for your responses - this is definitely useful information. I really appreciate you taking the time to answer. One more question - how/where do you meet new friends? Are people in the area very friendly or do they seem to stay to themselves? Did you 'fit in' pretty quickly? I am more of a social type person, so I shouldn't have a problem but was wondering...

Thanks for the responses