Apartments for Rent in Lakeland and Winter Haven, FL
Lakeland / Winter Haven: Where History Embraces Progress
Located in Central Florida between Tampa and Orlando, the Lakeland / Winter Haven metro area combines small-city charm with convenient access to major attractions. Known for its abundance of lakes—38 in Lakeland alone—this region offers a distinctive blend of natural beauty and urban living. Home to the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in a single site at Florida Southern College and the spring training location for the Detroit Tigers, this growing metro area maintains its historic character while embracing modern development. If you're looking for apartments in the Lakeland / Winter Haven area, find your dream home with Greystar.
Location and Transportation
Positioned along I-4, Lakeland / Winter Haven provides access to both Tampa International Airport and Orlando International Airport. The Citrus Connection system also serves the metro area with public bus services.
Education and Innovation
The Polk County Public Schools system serves the region, with standout institutions like Lincoln Avenue Academy and McKeel Academy of Technology. Higher education options include Florida Southern College, Southeastern University, and Polk State College, contributing to the area's strong academic environment.
Lifestyle & Recreation
Lakeland / Winter Haven's numerous lakes provide year-round opportunities for water sports and outdoor activities. Circle B Bar Reserve offers wildlife viewing, while downtown Lakeland's monthly First Friday events showcase local artists and musicians. Winter Haven's LEGOLAND Florida Resort attracts families from across the Southeast.
Culture and Community
Historic districts in both cities feature well-preserved architecture and local boutiques. The Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market operates year-round, while the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art hosts rotating exhibitions and educational programs. The area's dining scene ranges from lakeside cafes to craft breweries, with notable spots in the downtown districts.
FAQs About Lakeland / Winter Haven, FL
What's the average cost of living in Lakeland / Winter Haven?
The Lakeland / Winter Haven area offers competitive living costs compared to larger Florida metros. Housing costs sit at 6% below the national average and 14% below the rest of Florida. Though the price of rent will vary by property and depend on factors such as location, amenities, and number of bedrooms, Greystar offers a variety of rental options in the area.
What are the best outdoor activities in Lakeland / Winter Haven?
The region is home to dozens of lakes and parks, including Lake Hollingsworth and Lake Parker Park. Circle B Bar Reserve also offers wildlife watching and hiking trails. Many of the lakes in the area allow fishing, boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. With proximity to Tampa and Orlando, residents also have access to major outdoor attractions like the beaches of Clearwater and St. Petersburg (about an hour and a half drive), as well as Disney World and Universal Studios.
Where are the best local restaurants in Lakeland/Winter Haven?
Downtown Lakeland features exceptional dining options, including Nineteen61 for upscale Latin cuisine, the Joinery—a modern food hall hosting an electric array of restaurant options—and Black & Brew Coffee House for artisanal coffee, breakfasts, sandwiches, and more. For seafood, Harborside and Harry's Old Place in Winter Haven are popular spots.
Which neighborhoods are best for families in the Lakeland / Winter Haven area?
South Lakeland, particularly near George Jenkins High School, offers excellent education options and family-friendly communities. The Christina area provides proximity to parks, while Winter Haven's southeast neighborhoods feature quiet streets and good schools. Other notable neighborhoods for families include Lakeland Highlands, Beacon Hill, Ruby Lake, and Winterset.
How pet-friendly is the Lakeland / Winter Haven area?
The area welcomes pets with numerous dog parks, including Dog Leg Woods Park, Douglas Cook Park, and more. Many local establishments, like Swan Brewing, welcome pets with outdoor seating, and the South Lake Howard Nature Trail in Winter Haven is a great spot for walks. There are several pet-friendly Greystar apartments in the Lakeland / Winter Haven area, including Arbor Glen and Prose Cypress Pointe.
What's the arts and culture scene like in Lakeland / Winter Haven?
The area's cultural hub includes the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art and the historic RP Funding Center, a multipurpose entertainment complex that has hosted artists like Elvis, Kiss, and Duran Duran. First Friday events in Downtown Lakeland showcase local artists, while the Florida Air Museum celebrates aviation history.
How's the transportation system in Lakeland / Winter Haven?
The Citrus Connection provides bus services throughout both cities. The area is primarily car-dependent, but Downtown Lakeland has several walkable and bikeable districts. The central location provides access to Tampa and Orlando via I-4.
What shopping options are available in the area?
Lakeside Village offers open-air shopping, while the historic Downtown Lakeland features boutiques like Amelia Paige and East of These. Winter Haven's downtown district has several local shops and antique stores. For larger shopping malls and complexes, Orlando and Tampa are about an hour drive away.
What are the best neighborhoods for young professionals?
Downtown Lakeland is an attractive neighborhood for young people, with its mix of historic architecture, local restaurants, and nightlife options. The Garden District offers trendy apartments near Florida Southern College, known for its Frank Lloyd Wright architecture.
What makes Lakeland / Winter Haven unique from other Florida cities?
The area combines small-city charm with metropolitan amenities, featuring historic architecture, beautiful lakes, and numerous parks. Home to the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in the world and LEGOLAND Florida Resort, it attracts residents of all tastes and lifestyles.
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