In a season when the housing market has been in a lull, activity in Lakeland has been making noise. Beyond just our housing market, the city’s current and projected growth are being noted across the nation.
Whether you were born and raised here, or are a recent resident, this may not come as much of a surprise: Lakeland is growing. And in more ways than one.
No doubt big businesses (as we will explore more on page 114) are elevating our job climate and boosting our economy. Universities are expanding our demographic of young people, pooling in students from across the nation and globe, and streamlining working opportunities for them right in the city. And local businesses are learning to evolve with the times, enticing more young professionals and families to travel and plant themselves as official Lakelanders. The aftermath of a larger, more appealing city only seems a natural progression. Especially when we see the day-in and day-out subtleties of developments, expansions, and innovations within what we, often naturally, simply refer to as our small, quaint city — if not hometown.
And yet, across the country, beyond the borders of Florida, Lakeland is being noted not only as an ideal small U.S. city in which to live, but currently acknowledged among nationally recognized business sources and publications as one of the fastest-growing metropolitan cities in the nation. Yes, a metropolis. In addition, in recent months Lakeland has been highlighted for its rich quality of life (including our neighborly grocers and dog-friendly restaurants), job-growth, and exceptional job market.
Although, while many continue to refer to our little home of Lakeland, it continues to make headlines for the “very large and densely populated industrial and commercial city” it has become.
If you can’t take our word for it, maybe you’ll take Bloomberg’s.
Highlighted for its proximity to LEGOLAND® and ideal weather, Lakeland makes Forbes’ list of top of the fastest-growing U.S. metro-areas list.
“The Lakeland-Winter Haven community, 35 miles east of Tampa, grew 2.9 percent from 2016 to 2017, according to the Census Bureau. The top 10 included four Florida metro areas and reinforced the notion that Americans love their sun. And the lack of a state income tax. And their Legos.”
FORBES: AMERICA’S FASTEST-GROWING CITIES
Highlighted for its proximity to LEGOLAND® and ideal weather, Lakeland makes Forbes’ list of top of the fastest-growing U.S. metro areas:
“The Lakeland-Winter Haven community, 35 miles east of Tampa, grew 2.9 percent from 2016 to 2017, according to the Census Bureau. The top 10 included four Florida metro areas and reinforced the notion that Americans love their sun. And the lack of a state income tax. And their Legos.”
THE 6 HOTTEST HOUSING MARKETS TO WATCH IN 2018
The criteria: Price and amount of existing homes | New home construction | Local economy and population trends | Median household income
“Lakeland’s allure lies in its location. Just outside of Tampa and Orlando, it’s desirable for cost-conscious commuters… The city is now growing, with a downtown revival and new subdivisions going up outside city limits. New amenities, along with lower prices, are a huge draw for homebuyers.” Median Home price: $224,950
