[nik_drem97]

I have an awesome job opportunity in Auburndale, but I'm typically used to bigger cities(Not huge but not so small, I'm from Coral Springs-ish area and just finished school in Gainesville). I'd rather live somewhere with a younger population and fun stuff to do so I'd love to be in Tampa or Orlando area, but I'm worried a 45 minute drive to work 4 days a week will be pretty rough, especially if I-4 is bad.

So I figured it might be better to stay in the area, like somewhere in Polk County, and I've been looking at Winter Haven or Lakeland as my perception is that those are some of the bigger of the small town areas.

Of those two (or other cities in that area you might recommend!), what are the differences and maybe which do you think would be better suited for someone coming right out of school? Or should I just suck up the long drive to work and live in a city?

Let me know if anybody who knows the area has any opinion or can help, thank you so much in advance if anybody answers!

[kyle19125]

Lakeland is a nice city of just over 100K people and has a pretty active downtown with a pretty sizable younger demographic also and might be worth checking out. However the drive to/from Auburndale is more like 30 minutes from Lake Buena Vista in SW Orlando which is where the Disney Springs nightlife venue is located, so there's plenty to do in your own backyard if you decide to go that direction as well as downtown Orlando which is an easy Uber ride away from LBV.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by nik_drem97

I have an awesome job opportunity in Auburndale, but I'm typically used to bigger cities(Not huge but not so small, I'm from Coral Springs-ish area and just finished school in Gainesville). I'd rather live somewhere with a younger population and fun stuff to do so I'd love to be in Tampa or Orlando area, but I'm worried a 45 minute drive to work 4 days a week will be pretty rough, especially if I-4 is bad.

So I figured it might be better to stay in the area, like somewhere in Polk County, and I've been looking at Winter Haven or Lakeland as my perception is that those are some of the bigger of the small town areas.

Of those two (or other cities in that area you might recommend!), what are the differences and maybe which do you think would be better suited for someone coming right out of school? Or should I just suck up the long drive to work and live in a city?

Let me know if anybody who knows the area has any opinion or can help, thank you so much in advance if anybody answers!

I would recommend Lakeland. Short drive from Auburndale, and it has a young and lively demographic. There is plenty to do here, although if you need lots of nightclubs and that sort of nightlife this might not be your place. But there are plenty of breweries, bars, events, live music venues and that sort of stuff to keep you occupied. And Lakeland is an easy drive to Tampa (or even Orlando) for even more to do. Check it out!

[flguy1988]

i Highly recommend orlando, tampa, or st pete. Lakeland can work but still a major drive (45 min) from any decent cities with a good scene. Do you want to uber to go out or maybe you don't drink alot?

[cjairo191]

If in Polk County, I guess Lakeland proper, but it will be way different than Gainesville or Coral Springs. Good luck.

[EscAlaMike]

Lakeland is plenty big enough for you to meet people and enjoy your life.

[Huasho]

Stay away from Frostproof and Dirt Roads !!!!!

[Arcenal813]

Originally Posted by Huasho

Stay away from Frostproof and Dirt Roads !!!!!

The proper advice should be to stay away from meth heads.

[Huasho]

Originally Posted by Arcenal352

The proper advice should be to stay away from meth heads.

Then for that REASON don't ever moved ANYWHERE !!!!!! America is Surrounded by them !!!

[LKJ1988]

Originally Posted by Huasho

Then for that REASON don't ever moved ANYWHERE !!!!!! America is Surrounded by them !!!

Lots of meth heads fred in polk for sure. And don't go fishing at nite dwight and end up getting killed.