Lakeland, Florida

Lakeland, spring home of the Detroit Tigers baseball team in central Florida is located between Orlando and Tampa on Interstate 4 (founded in 1870). Its 94,000 residents enjoy the great Florida climate, which ranges between 60 and 80 degrees on average year round. This 67 square mile town has enjoyed tremendous growth since year 2000 (19% growth in population). It is now ranked as Florida's 2nd largest inland city. Lakeland apartments and single-family home developments have accelerated to accommodate the new residents. Resident choices are abundant in Lakeland's 52 neighborhoods. Local road, rail and bus lines have been expanded to continue the growth. Education is obviously emphasized with the nine local colleges/technical schools (7 more colleges within 50 miles). Architectural excellence abounds in Lakeland with the largest one-site collection of buildings created by world-renowned Frank Lloyd Wright (he built nine buildings in the 1930's). Florida's planned high-speed rail system that will pass through Lakeland will allow Lakeland to continue its growth economically in residential development.