About The City

Lakeland, Florida is a dynamic, growing city nestled in the middle of the state. We are located on the I-4 corridor, approximately 40 minutes from Orlando and Tampa! Two universities call Lakeland home (Southeastern University, Florida Southern College). Along with being home to the largest on-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, there are dozens of locally owned restaurants and businesses in our Dixieland Historic District.

We were recently ranked by Forbes.com as one of the 25 fastest growing cities in America!

Along with all of the exciting things to do in the city, we were also ranked as the 5th best housing market in 2018!

With a 3% sales growth projection and a 7% price projection, there is no better time to find your home in Lakeland, Florida!

Here are the Top 20 Things To Do in Lakeland according to visitcentralflorida.org:

1. See a movie at the historic Polk Theatre.
2. Visit the museums: Polk Museum of Art, Explorations V Children’s Museumand the Usonian House at Florida Southern College.
3. Experience local culture, beauty, and architecture when you tour Lakeland on a bicycle from Swan City Cycles.
4. Pile into the car and enjoy a first-run movie at the Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre. Be sure to visit the nostalgically decorated refreshment center where you’ll find photos of drive-in theatres from days gone by.
5. Visit the Downtown Farmers Curb Market on Saturday.
6. Explore the antique and vintage shops: Lloyds of Lakeland Antiques, Vintage Warehouse, Vern’s Antique Mall & Art Gallery, Dixieland Relics, Pumpernack’s, and Scout & Tag.
7. Stroll down the Frances Langford Promenade and through Hollis Garden, a botanic garden set in a neo-classical architectural setting with patterned flower beds, public art and fountains.
8. See a show at The Lakeland Center, Lakeland Community Theatre, or Imperial Symphony Orchestra.
9. Eat breakfast, lunch or dinner at Reececliff Family Diner, Lakeland’s longest running restaurant.
10. Sample food from 20+ food trucks during the Thursday Squared Food Truck Rally.
11. Visit Florida Southern College and tour the world’s largest one-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture.
12. Enjoy a cup of coffee at Concord Coffee, Mitchell’s Coffee House or Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro
13. People watch along Kentucky Avenue while dining at Fresco’s Bakery & Bistro, Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grill, Palace Pizza or The Chop Shop.
14. Check out the craft beer breweries: Brew Hub, Cob & Pen, Beer Rev and Red Door Wine Market.
15. Go on a wildlife safari by vehicle or camelback at Safari Wilderness.
16. Find out why USA Today Travel recognized Circle B Bar Reserve as one of the 51 Great Places to See Wildlife in 2011. Hint: lots, and lots, and LOTS of alligators, ducks, birds, bald eagles, and butterflies.
17. Take in a baseball game during Detroit Tigers’ spring training season or Lakeland Flying Tigers’ minor league season. The Tigers have called Lakeland home every February-March since 1934.
18. Eat at some of our Local Favorites: Posto9, Café Zuppina, Gosh! Asian Bistro and Sushi, Fat Jack’s Deli, Scarpa’s Italian, Mister Fish, Texas Cattle Company, Jimbo’s Pit Bar B-Q, Purple Onion Deli and Grill, and Tapatios Restaurante Mexican.
19. Hike through pine forests, cypress domes and open pastures in the Green Swamp Wilderness Area at Colt Creek State Park.
20. Shop, eat, drink and enjoy live entertainment at 801 E. Main St., which plays host to The Poor Porker (fresh beignets), The Corner Store (healthy food options) and The Ruins Bar.