Lakeland, FL
Lakeland · Polk County · FL 33801
Updated August 1, 2026 · Would You Live There?
Think twice
Verdict
$167K
Median Price
59/100
Walk Score
7.4/10
Schools
46 min
to Tampa, FL
Score Breakdown
Our Take
Lakeland offers a very affordable cost of living and decent public schools, but it’s heavily car‑dependent with almost no walkability or public transit. Crime reports and a lack of nightlife make it less attractive for younger families or commuters who want convenience.
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The Good
- ✓Very low median home price (≈$123k)
- ✓Median rent ($1,024) is below national average
- ✓Average school rating is 6.9, with several high‑rated schools
- ✓Commute to Tampa is about 46 minutes, a reasonable distance for many workers
Real Talk
- !Walkscore of 6 means you’ll need a car for most errands
- !Public transit options are essentially nonexistent
- !Limited nightlife and dining options reduce social appeal
- !There have been violent incidents reported, raising safety concerns
- $Higher utility bills due to older housing stock
- $Potential homeowner’s insurance costs for pit bull incidents
- $Car maintenance and gas due to lack of transit
- $Property taxes can be high relative to median income
Best For
Risk Snapshot
Crime & Safety
Lakeland, FL
Safety grade
5% higher than the national average
2% higher than the national average
Verify with real-time data
City-Data stats →From Residents
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