Lakeland Apartments and Rentals

Located on Interstate 4 in the heart of central Florida, the city of Lakeland is conveniently nestled between Tampa and Orlando. With a population of nearly 99,000, according to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, Lakeland is a growing city with lots of promise. Close to everything that the two major cities have to offer, but far away enough to still have a charming, small-town atmosphere, many Floridians are giving a second look at Lakeland apartments for rent. With a low commuting time and many neighborhoods that are attractive to families, it makes sense that Lakeland is one of Florida's fastest growing cities.

The city was founded by Kentucky native Abraham Munn when he purchased 80 acres in the Lakeland area in the late 1800s. Soon after, many Floridians began making their move to Lakeland because of its busy train depot and high elevation. At the turn of the century, the community became famous for grapefruit and strawberry production, but all of that changed after electricity and telephone services came to central Florida.

The golden age of Lakeland happened in the 1920s when many world-class hotels and public buildings were constructed to provide New Englanders with a place to escape the frigid winter months. Soon after, the Detroit Tigers built their spring training camp here in 1934 and the team continues to prepare for their baseball season here to this day. World War II brought in aeronautical training for the B-24, and after the war, a supermarket entrepreneur George Jenkins expanded his Publix Supermarket chain with its headquarters in Lakeland.

Entering the 21st century, Lakeland continues to be a major leader in citrus and phosphate production, making the city one of the fastest growing areas in the state of Florida.

There are several institutions of higher learning in the area, but the most revered is Florida Southern College. A fixture in the Lakeland community, the college has been popular with students since its founding in 1883. Specializing in liberal arts and sciences, there are outstanding programs in business and medical professions for young people looking to start their careers. Make sure to narrow down your favorite Lakeland rentals before the student body arrives in early fall. With many people returning to the area for classes, apartments may be hard to come by if you don't snatch your perfect pad early.

The top private employer in the area is the headquarters for Publix Super Markets, one of the largest grocery chains in the Southeast. Other notable companies that employ many Lakeland residents are Geico and Fed Ex, according to the Lakeland Economic Development Council. Although the community is home to a variety of industries, many insurance and accounting firms make their home here.

Lakeland is a very attractive city for many people due to its low cost of living. According to information from city-data.com, the city boasts a cost of living index that is a staggering 12 points below the national average. As of 2009, the median gross rent in the area was $840 per month. With such an affordable lifestyle, it is no wonder that the city's population saw a nearly 24 percent jump from 2000 to 2010.

Many Lakeland residents will tell you where they live in approximation to the beautiful lakes in the area that gave the city its namesake, one of them being Lake Parker. Stretching over 100 acres, this park is popular with residents who love horticulture and bird watching. Lake Mirror is situated in the downtown complex and provides senior citizen activities, theater and beautiful views of the growing downtown area.

Rent.com® can help you get settled in a Lakeland apartment. Look through our rental listings and find the perfect home for your needs.