Best Cities to Live In | Best Realtor Lakeland Florida
Our Little Town is Making Big News as One of Florida’s Top Cities to Live In!
DRJ Real Estate has always known about Lakeland’s charm and beauty. It looks like the rest of the country is finally learning about this secret little gem. Lakeland made US News’ list of “The Best Places to Live in Florida for Families”, ranking 10th. Overall, Lakeland is ranked #80 in the U.S., and is considered the 12th Best Place to Retire in the U.S.! Lakeland ranked higher than more well known cities like Miami, Daytona Beach, and Orlando. So, what makes Lakeland so desirable? Keep reading to learn more!
Location, Location, Location
Located in Central Florida, in between Orlando and Tampa, Lakeland is close to everything great about Florida. You get beautiful Florida weather, and access to two of the country’s most popular major metropolises. You are less than an hour and half drive from the great tourist attractions in Orlando, like Disney World and Universal Studios. Meanwhile, if you drive the other direction, you are about the same distance from the world famous beaches of the Gulf Coast.
However, don’t think you have to take a drive to experience Florida beauty! Lakeland earns its namesake with 38 local lakes, including Lake Mirror, Hollis Garden, and Circle B Bar Reserve.
Being located in Central Florida, Lakeland also has some amazing weather (if you love sunshine!). Summer months average about 86f degrees, and “winter” weather cools down to an average daily high of 75f.
Small Town Charm
One of the things that DRJ Real Estate loves most about Lakeland is that it has small town charm. While some downtown areas in larger cities feature tall office buildings and busy streets, Lakeland’s downtown scene is a little different. Downtown Lakeland is known for quaint shops, antiques, a thriving art scene, Farmer’s Markets, and live music. There are three lakes surrounding the main 
downtown area, countless locally owned restaurants, and plenty of parks.
One of the most popular recurring downtown events is our First Friday, which occurs every first Friday of the month. First Friday features free, family friendly entertainment that includes art shows, car shows, live music, and of course, GREAT FOOD! The streets are closed to vehicles to make it easy to navigate and enjoy all that Downtown Lakeland has to offer. Each month features a new theme with special activities and events to compliment the theme.
Downtown Lakeland is truly reviving what community is all about! LEARN MORE ABOUT DOWNTOWN LAKELAND HERE.
All This, and More, at an Affordable Price
Finally, one of the main reasons that Lakeland is being recognized as one of the best places to live is because of its affordability. The median home price in Lakeland is only $237,710 which is very low compared to a $348,000 median for Florida.
Additionally, the cost of living is a little lower in Lakeland. According to US News,
Lakeland residents need less of their income to cover the cost of living than many other Florida metro areas, with just 24.19% of the area’s median household income needed to cover mortgage and rent payments, property taxes and more.
While home prices are quickly rising in the Lakeland area, it is still a great time to make Lakeland your home. In addition to a great resale home market, there are many new home developments and communities building out as our Lakeland community continues to grow. Great housing options and affordable living are just one more reason Lakeland is considered one of the best cities to live in.
Make Lakeland Your Home
If you have been considering retiring in Florida, or are looking for an affordable, beautiful place to raise a family, then you should consider a visit to Lakeland! CONTACT DRJ REAL ESTATE today to get more information and to schedule a visit. Our team can tour you around our favorite Downtown Lakeland spots, while previewing some of the great housing options available to you.
Are you a Hero?? DRJ Real Estate is the official Polk County Homes for Heroes affiliate, which means if you are military, a teacher, a health care professional, firefighter, or LEO, you can save money and GET money back when you buy, sell, or refinance a home!
If you are looking to move into the beautiful Polk County Florida area, or you are looking to sell your house, then CONTACT DRJ REAL ESTATE right now to put us to work for you! We are Polk County’s premier, full service real estate team that specializes in Polk County and Lakeland real estate.
We are a proud affiliate of Homes for Heroes.
Are you a Hero?? Ask us how we can help save you thousands of dollars as a Buyer or Seller! Collect Your Hero Reward if you are a Firefighter, LEO, Medical Professional, Teacher, Military or Veteran, or Clergy!
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Best Cities to Live In | Best Realtor Lakeland Florida
