Lakeland is a beautiful, vibrant Florida city situated about 40 minutes from Tampa and slightly under an hour from Orlando. It offers residents the opportunity to enjoy all of the amenities of the bigger cities, while still offering plenty to see, do, and enjoy in its own right. As home to several big corporations including Publix, it is a city that offers many opportunities, as well as many chances to have fun and relax, whatever your interests. Even better, it is a city with a welcoming LGBTQ community where all can feel welcome and at home. If you’re thinking of finding your next home in Lakeland, chances are, you’ll find plenty about it to love!
A Look at Lakeland's History
Lakeland was officially incorporated as a city in January of 1885 after Abraham Munn moved to the area from Louisville and purchased 80 acres of land there. It grew slowly at first, but then quickly after the railroad arrived in the area. As it grew, it became an important center for agriculture and industry, and as a central hub between the cities of Tampa and Orlando, It remains so to this day. It also became increasingly diverse as it grew, and today it is a thriving, welcoming, vibrant city where all can find their place and feel at home.
A Few Fun Facts About Lakeland
Read more fun facts about Lakeland here.
Lakeland’s LGBTQ Community
Lakeland is a city with a thriving and diverse LGBTQ community that is supported by various resources, including:
PFLAG Lakeland/Polk County is Lakeland’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization. PFLAG is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country and has 500 chapters with more than 200,000 members in the United States. PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community, and offers monthly support meetings, as well as resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities for the LGBTQ community, friends, and allies.
What's the Weather Like in Lakeland?
Lakeland offers plenty of the sunshine that Florida is so well-known for, and generally, any time is a good time to enjoy the outdoors. Winters are usually short and mild, while summers are typically hot and very humid. The average high temperature in July is around 92° F and the low in January is around 50° F. From June through to September, afternoon thunderstorms are a common occurrence. Lakeland receives an average of 53 inches of rain per year, and no snow.
Can’t-Miss Events in Lakeland
Polk Pride is Lakeland’s local LGBTQ pride celebration each year, and it’s one party you won’t want to miss. The festivities include a parade, parties, family-friendly activities, and many other events. It’s one event that you'll definitely want to put on your calendar.
The Best Neighborhoods in Lakeland
If you're considering moving to Lakeland, you will find that the entire city is very welcoming. Unlike some cities that tend to have one specific “gayborhood,” the LGBTQ community in Lakeland is sprinkled throughout the city, so there are many neighborhoods that would make wonderful places to call home. It is always advised to contact a Lakeland gay realtor who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find the perfect home in the ideal neighborhood. The current median list price of homes for sale in Lakeland is around $340,000.
Arts and Entertainment
Lakeland has a truly unique, vintage drive-in theatre, which has been open since 1948. Visitors can enjoy a variety of movies throughout the year, while also enjoying a little slice of nostalgia from times gone by.
Lakeland is a city with much to offer in the way of music, plays, musical theater, and other performing arts. The Polk Theatre is one of the most popular and unique – it offers guests a night of excellent entertainment in a vaudeville-style setting. A variety of performances are offered throughout the year. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy one for yourself!
Parks and Recreation
In a city full of beautiful lakes, Lake Mirror is one of the most popular. It is surrounded by more than 10,000 flowers and other beautiful plants, as well as fountains, public art installations, stunning architecture, playgrounds, picnic areas, and more. It even has an amphitheater that hosts festivals, concerts, and other events year-round.
Downtown Lakeland describes itself as a “Little Mecca of Cool,” and it lives up to that title. It is a wonderful place to spend the day shopping, dining, and having fun. It is also home to an antiques district that is second to none! There are antiques stores, dealers, and galleries of all kinds, enough to suit the tastes of a casual browser or a seasoned collector.
Lakeland Nightlife
The Parrot calls itself “Florida’s Oldest Gay Bar,” and it’s one spot you’ll definitely want to put on your list for a fun night out in Lakeland. The bar offers regular karaoke and theme nights, strong drinks, friendly crowds, and plenty of space to kick back, relax, and have fun.
TA Slammers is another very popular LGBTQ nightspot in Lakeland. Always busy and full of lively crowds, it’s a great place to have fun with old friends, or meet some new ones.
Contact a Lakeland Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Lakeland, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Lakeland, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Lakeland gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
