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Lakeland, FL
Lakeland · Polk County · FL 33801
Updated October 28, 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
BAffordability
78/100
D+Safety
55/100
BSchools
74/100
D+Quietness
50/100
D+Commute
55/100
C-Walkability
59/100
WYLT Score62/100
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.
B.
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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
Budget‑conscious buyersFamilies looking for affordable homesPeople commuting to Tampa who are okay with a carRetirees seeking a quieter, low‑cost community
Risk Snapshot
Flood riskLow
Violent crimeModerate
Property crimeModerate
Air qualityModerate
Price volatilityLow
Crime & Safety
Lakeland, FL
D+
Safety grade
Safety score55 / 100
High riskVery safe
⚠️Violent Crime
Moderate3.9incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (3.7)11+
5% higher than the national average
🔒Property Crime
Moderate19.8incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (19.5)59+
2% higher than the national average
Verify with real-time data
City-Data stats →From Residents
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