Lakeland? (Tampa, Orlando, Scott Lake: rentals, townhome, established neighborhood)

[Kevin and Sultana]

I was hoping there might be a separate forum on the Lakeland area, but no such luck.

Does anyone have general information or comments about it?

Our circumstances are somewhat unusual. We spend most of the year out of country, but looking to buy home/townhome in US for use during summer months, either renting or leaving vacant rest of the time.

Family in Tampa area is why we began our search (online) their, but it seems property in Lakeland somewhat more affordable. Our absolute maximum price would be around $200K.

Some possibility we would reside year-round on short term basis, and if so, schools would be important.

Commute/travel to Tampa a big hassle?

Pros and cons of Lakeland area?

Thanks very much for any input you might be able to offer.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Kevin and Sultana

I was hoping there might be a separate forum on the Lakeland area, but no such luck.

Does anyone have general information or comments about it?

Our circumstances are somewhat unusual. We spend most of the year out of country, but looking to buy home/townhome in US for use during summer months, either renting or leaving vacant rest of the time.

Family in Tampa area is why we began our search (online) their, but it seems property in Lakeland somewhat more affordable. Our absolute maximum price would be around $200K.

Some possibility we would reside year-round on short term basis, and if so, schools would be important.

Commute/travel to Tampa a big hassle?

Pros and cons of Lakeland area?

Thanks very much for any input you might be able to offer.

Hi there. I have written many posts on Lakeland in the past here, one way to pull them up is go to the top of the page and click "search" and look for Lakeland posts, especially ones by me.

We lived in Lakeland recently for 2 years, husband commuted to downtown Tampa, about 45 minutes commute time. Best areas of Lakeland are downtown southside and south Lakeland. There are many deals to be had in Lakeland right now, and cost of living is most definitely FAR lower than in Tampa. Pros - Lakeland is a smallish city (100,000) but self-contained, has nice shopping, some museums, etc. Great location - easy to get to either Tampa or Orlando, inland so no storm surge in hurricane situations. Cons, it will not have as much as the larger cities, kind of far from beaches (if that is important) and climate a couple degrees hotter because it is inland.

Good luck to you!

[Pretzella]

I have secured a job in Lakeland and will be moving there in the next few weeks. I have been talking to people about three different properties to rent, all nearby where I will be working but each one within a different elementary school district. Does anyone have details about which school is prferred - Philip O'Brien, Dixieland or Cleveland Court? The school board lists the grades, etc but if there are any parents that know why one is preferred over another - it would help me make a decision for my 8 year old, entering 3rd grade from out of state and a private school.

Thanks,

[Debb J]

Pretzella...I don't know a thing about how the schools are ranked academically, but I do know that Cleveland Court is in a nicer area with better neighborhoods than the other two you've listed. If you could move further south in Lakeland you'll run into better neighborhoods and better schools.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Debb J

Pretzella...I don't know a thing about how the schools are ranked academically, but I do know that Cleveland Court is in a nicer area with better neighborhoods than the other two you've listed. If you could move further south in Lakeland you'll run into better neighborhoods and better schools.

I agree with Debb, Cleveland Court is a much nicer area, I would go with that.

[Pretzella]

Since I am so new to the area the neighborhoods around the college seem pretty nice, but with having an alomst 8 year old in tow it would be great to get into a kid friendly area. Can you give me names of neighborhoods that I can check with the various rental resources? Like is Interlachen one?
Thanks for this help!

[Debb J]

Pretzella...Lakeland has a funny thing going on with zoning. You can be driving in a safe and beautiful neighborhood one moment and turn the corner and run into a really seedy area. They intertwine so closely that it's hard to be 100% correct about an area when you "generalize".

You happened to mention liking the area around "the college". I assume you're referring to Florida Southern. If so, you apparently want or need to be located on the south side of town. If so...

Florida Southern College is located on Lake Hollingsworth. The side streets off the lake have older, established neighborhoods with rentals mixed throughout. This is a very pretty area.

The one area of Lakeland that has safe and friendly "family neighborhoods" is The Highlands. I'm told the schools in this area are the best. This comes from teachers I know as well as people who can afford to live in any area they wish.

Three elementary schools I know of with great reputations in The Highlands are Carlton Palmore, Scott Lake Elementary and Valley View. Perhaps you could inquire with your "rental resources" as to whether they have properties available in these school zones.

I'm wishing you the best! Be sure to come back and keep us posted. Who knows, we may run into each other before long!

[goi_cuon]

Lakeland is not exactly a magnet for young singles, so unless you move into a 55+complex, they are all "family" neighborhoods. Most of Florida is not pedestrian friendly, so you won't want your child wandering wherever you live. When I was a kid, we could roam all over, but not any more.

I think that Interlachen is in the Lake Bonnie area near Southeastern College - you need to look on a map and see. I don't know what that area is like these days.

[Debb J]

Originally Posted by goi_cuon

Lakeland is not exactly a magnet for young singles, so unless you move into a 55+complex, they are all "family" neighborhoods. Most of Florida is not pedestrian friendly, so you won't want your child wandering wherever you live. When I was a kid, we could roam all over, but not any more.

I think that Interlachen is in the Lake Bonnie area near Southeastern College - you need to look on a map and see. I don't know what that area is like these days.

Run down.

[Pretzella]

Thanks again for the input - just the details that help make informed decisions. I will follow-up after my arrival.