Lakeland 68 Good
Lakeland Livability #89 ranked city in Tennessee#9,131 ranked city in the USARanks better than 68% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Lakeland

PROS
  • Crime

    This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.

  • Employment

    This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.

  • Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Schools

    A high score in the schools category could be the result of elements like top-notch test scores, high education levels and the convenient location of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Amenities

    It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.

  • Commute

    Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.

  • Health & Safety

    Factors like poor air quality and the absence of essential health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and pharmacies could have played a role in the low score in this category.

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What's it like Living in Lakeland?

Lakeland is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Tennessee. The city has a population of 12,644 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (86% White). Given that fact, Lakeland could be considered less diverse than other cities. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Lakeland is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 28 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Lakeland, Tennessee could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Finding the best places to live in Lakeland and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, cost of living, health & safety, employment, housing and other important metrics.

Using data and statistics Lakeland has received a livability score of 67/100. This score is ranked in the 69th percentile when compared to all other cities. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Lakeland has higher than average grades for the following: crime (B+), cost of living (B+), education (A) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Lakeland scores poorly for, including: amenities (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.

The unemployment rate in Lakeland has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.43%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.

Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Lakeland, the average school test scores reached an impressive 70%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Lakeland an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Lakeland apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Assuming that Lakeland meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Lakeland. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Lakeland are simply unattainable. The median home price for Lakeland homes is $279,200, which is 91.2% higher than the Tennessee average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Lakeland, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.6, which is 16.1% lower than the Tennessee average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Lakeland

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Lakeland?

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Compare Lakeland, TN Livability

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      Lakeland transportation information

      Statistic Lakeland Tennessee National
      Average one way commute28min25min26min
      Workers who drive to work86.8%83.6%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.4%9.2%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%0.8%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.5%1.4%2.8%
      Working from home6.2%3.9%4.6%
      Source: The Lakeland, TN data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).