A Diamond in the (NOT-so) Rough!
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3/11/2021
Nearly 10 years ago, my wife and I moved to Lakeland; this time as a result of her employment opportunities. And, as it turned out, it was one of the best moves we'd made to date!
Now, I should state that I was (and still am) hesitant to write anything about Lakeland; certainly nothing GOOD, and purely for selfish reasons! You see... Lakeland is one of the rare gems that one finds that you just KNOW that if the word gets out, that it will be overrun; which is especially true during this pandemic, as people in droves are leaving the large metro areas (i.e., NYC, LA, etc.) for places much more affordable, AND with all of the benefits; BOTH fiscally, as well as for all things "safe."
Located directly between both Orlando (40 minutes away), and Tampa (30 minutes away), it allows access to every form of entertainment, dining, and sports offering that could be imagined. Not to mention that Lakeland itself boasts only headliner entertainment in their own RP Funding Center, Polk Theater, and other venues as well.
Lakeland is divided into two (or, in reality, three) basic sections: Southside ("old money") and Northside ("New Money"), with Downtown in-between. It boasts over 100 lakes (hence the name).
A few years back, Lakelandland was rated as the 10th BEST Place to Live in travel magazine. Similarly, just last year, it was also rated by Realtors.com to be the #1 place to purchase a new home! Lastly, it has been pegged to be the key link in the (eventual) High-Speed Rail leading from Tallahassee to Sarasota and beyond.
And, as the word is now obviously OUT... anyone owning property in Lakeland is SURE to land it as a lucrative investment. But for those of us that consider it HOME... it is a harbor of safe, honest, wholesome living; away from the metro "5th gear" overdrive. A place that enjoys its Christmas parades, and its Downtown feel. As well as the neighborhoods, and its neighbors!
George | Lakeland, FL