Lakeland

Homes for sale and local insight in Lakeland.

About Lakeland

Lakeland is a city in Polk County, Florida. It sits along Interstate 4, with Tampa to the west and Orlando to the northeast. The city was named for the many lakes near the original town site, and dozens of named lakes lie within its limits. Lake Parker is the largest. Much of the city's layout and many of its neighborhoods are built around these lakes.

Lakeland took shape in the 1880s around Henry Plant's South Florida Railroad. Abraham G. Munn bought land in what is now downtown, and the city was incorporated on January 1, 1885. Munn Park, the city's first park, still serves as its historic town square. The surrounding Munn Park Historic District includes 1920s buildings such as the Terrace Hotel, the Marble Arcade and the Polk Theatre.

Lake Mirror has the Frances Langford Promenade, Hollis Garden and Barnett Family Park, and Lake Morton is a designated bird sanctuary that is home to the city's swans. Florida Southern College's campus, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, was named a National Historic Landmark in 2012. Each year the city hosts the SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo and the Lake Mirror Concours.

Why Live in Lakeland?

Lakeland sits along I-4 between Tampa and Orlando, giving the city direct interstate access in both directions.
Dozens of named lakes lie within the city limits, from small downtown lakes like Lake Mirror and Lake Morton to Lake Parker.
Florida Southern College's campus holds a collection of buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, with guided tours from the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center.
Downtown Lakeland includes the Munn Park Historic District, with brick streets and 1920s landmarks such as the Polk Theatre and the Terrace Hotel.
Detroit Tigers spring training is held at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium.

The Lakeland Market

Every neighborhood moves at its own pace. Reach out to Bernard Sells The Bay for a current, no-pressure look at what's happening in Lakeland right now.

Schools in Lakeland

Lakeland is served by Polk County Public Schools.

Local Favorites

Lake Mirror Complex (Park): 121 S. Lake Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801 — A historic lakeside park downtown with the Frances Langford Promenade, a loggia and an amphitheater.
Hollis Garden (Garden): 614 E. Orange Street, Lakeland, FL 33801 — A formal botanical display garden in Lake Mirror Park with patterned flower beds, fountains and public art.
Barnett Family Park (Park): 730 E. Orange St., Lakeland, FL 33801 — A park at the top of the Lake Mirror Amphitheater with a splash pad, playgrounds, a labyrinth and a covered picnic area.
Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center at Florida Southern College (Architecture): 840 Johnson Avenue, Lakeland, FL — Starting point for guided tours of Florida Southern College's Frank Lloyd Wright-designed campus.
Polk Theatre (Entertainment): A nonprofit atmospheric movie palace that opened in 1928, showing films and hosting a Performing Arts Series.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lakeland

What county is Lakeland, FL in?

Lakeland is in Polk County, Florida.

Where is Lakeland located?

Lakeland is on Interstate 4 in Central Florida, between Tampa to the west and Orlando to the northeast.

How did Lakeland get its name?

Lakeland was named for the many lakes near the original town site.

When was Lakeland incorporated?

Lakeland was incorporated on January 1, 1885, after the South Florida Railroad reached the area.

Can you tour the Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in Lakeland?

Yes. Florida Southern College offers guided tours from its Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center at 840 Johnson Avenue.