AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in Lakeland, FL — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every Lakeland neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$1,350/mo
Median Rent
112,641
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
Publix Super Markets
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why Lakeland? What Renters Need to Know

Lakeland is affordable with a cost of living about 5% below the national average. Median rent is around $1,350/month.

Quick Facts

Population 112,641
Median Rent $1,350/mo
Top Employer Publix Super Markets
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$1,350 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

Lakeland median rent is $150 below the national median of $1,500/mo — an affordable market.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in Lakeland is Publix Super Markets, making the South Lakeland area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in Lakeland

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

South Lakeland

Score: 84/100
Safety A
Walk Score 35
Avg Rent $1,450
Schools 8/10
#2

Dixieland

Score: 82/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 65
Avg Rent $1,300
Schools 7/10
#3

Lake Hollingsworth

Score: 81/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 55
Avg Rent $1,400
Schools 7/10

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#4

Grasslands

Score: 79/100
Safety A+
Walk Score 22
Avg Rent $1,500
Schools 8/10
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#5

Highland City

Score: 77/100
Safety A
Walk Score 18
Avg Rent $1,350
Schools 7/10
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#6

Medulla

Score: 75/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 22
Avg Rent $1,250
Schools 7/10
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#7

North Lakeland

Score: 73/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 35
Avg Rent $1,200
Schools 6/10
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#8

Kathleen

Score: 71/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 15
Avg Rent $1,300
Schools 7/10
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See All 8 Lakeland Neighborhoods Ranked

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How It Works

How ListWise Scores Lakeland Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every Lakeland renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for Lakeland.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with Lakeland properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About Lakeland

What is the cost of living in Lakeland?

Lakeland is affordable with a cost of living about 5% below the national average. Median rent is around $1,350/month. No state income tax.

Is Lakeland a good alternative to Tampa or Orlando?

Yes. Lakeland sits between Tampa (35 min) and Orlando (50 min) on I-4 with significantly lower housing costs and a small-city feel.

What are the best neighborhoods?

South Lakeland has newer development. Dixieland is historic and walkable. Grasslands is a premier community.

What employers are in Lakeland?

Publix Super Markets (HQ), Amazon, GEICO, and Lakeland Regional Health. The logistics sector is booming due to I-4 corridor location.

What is there to do?

Circle B Bar Reserve, Florida Southern College (Frank Lloyd Wright architecture), Lake Hollingsworth, and easy access to Tampa and Orlando attractions.

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Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.