Cities Near Lakeland Florida 🗺️ Explore Cities & Towns Near Lakeland FL + Winter Haven

rus Lakeland is a peaceful, fast-growing landlocked city in central Florida, located in Polk County. The city offers affordable living and a convenient location. It’s also very close to some of Florida’s most popular cities, including Orlando, Tampa, St. Petersburg, and others.

Many families, retirees, and young professionals love living in Lakeland because it offers beautiful scenery and easy access to key commuter routes, including Interstate 4 (I-4) and Polk Parkway/State Road 570. Home prices are reasonable, and the park system offers 994 acres of open space. The city hosts notable attractions like the Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium and Legoland.

Some people want to live smack in the middle of Lakeland’s quaint antique shops and cafes, while others prefer the lesser-developed cities near Lakeland Florida, that offer similar benefits. If you’re looking for sunshine and a central location, here is a complete list of the best towns near Lakeland, FL, you should consider calling home.

Largest Cities Near Lakeland, Florida

Tampa – 35.8 Miles From Lakeland

• Population: 414,575
• County: Hillsborough
• Median home price: $432,500
• Crime rate: 2,170 crimes per 100,000 residents

Tampa is the largest city in Hillsborough County and the third largest in the state of Florida. Located on the Gulf Coast, Tampa is the closest city to Lakeland, Florida, with a population of over 60,000. Living in Tampa offers fantastic weather, a strong economy, and no shortage of action and excitement.

If you plan to live in Swan City and commute to Tampa, note that your 35.8-minute drive will take about 53 minutes during moderate traffic. It’s a very diverse city with a racial and economic composition of 54.9% white (44.1% non-Hispanic), 26.7% Hispanic or Latino, 21.8% Black or African American, 4.6% Asian, and 13.7% two or more races. Tampa is also a very family-friendly city with attractions like Busch Gardens and the Florida Aquarium, and a crime rate that is 6.6% lower than the rest of the US.

It’s a short distance from Lakeland to Tampa, making it one of the best cities near Lakeland Florida, especially if you plan to commute from one to the other for work or school.

St. Petersburg – 57.7 Miles From Lakeland

• Population: 267,073
• County: Pinellas
• Median home price: $495,000
• Crime rate: 3,292 crimes per 100,000 residents

Across the bay from Tampa is the picturesque city of St. Petersburg, Florida, a Pinellas County city known for its outdoor recreation, green living, and history dating back over 150 years. With a population of over 200,000, St. Petersburg is the fifth-largest city in Florida by population. Nicknamed the Sunshine City, those living in St. Petersburg experience an ideal climate, with an average temperature of 76°F and 361 days of sunshine per year.

Seeking cities near Lakeland FL with diverse age demographics? St. Petersburg is a popular destination for retirees and growing families with plenty of golf courses, parks, boat marinas, and sandy beaches. It’s also home to cultural attractions like the Dali Museum and the Mahaffey Theater. So if you’re in search of cities near Lakeland Florida, with culture and outdoor recreation, St. Petersburg is a great choice.

Clearwater – 56.3 Miles From Lakeland

• Population: 116,821
• County: Pinellas
• Median home price: $395,000
• Crime rate: 2,295 crimes per 100,000 residents

Just north of St. Petersburg is the county seat of Pinellas, Clearwater, the third largest of all the cities near Lakeland Florida. Living in Clearwater offers all the benefits of the Tampa Bay area, including award-winning beaches and fantastic weather. However, it tends to be slightly more affordable than Tampa, with a median home value of $395,000 and an average rent of $1798.

Located on a 3-mile barrier island, Clearwater Beach is the top destination in western Florida for aquatic activities, and the city also features a walkable downtown full of restaurants, hotels, and BayCare Ballpark (formerly Spectrum Field), where the Phillies MLB team does their spring training.

Town ‘N County – 45.1 Miles From Lakeland

• Population: 86,253
• County: Hillsborough
• Median home price: $440,000
• Crime rate: 2,343 crimes per 100,000 residents

Considered one of the best Tampa suburbs, Town ‘N Country is a census-designated place in Hillsborough County that offers affordable homes and easy access to amenities. Served by Hillsborough Avenue (U.S. 92 / SR 580) and Veterans Expressway / SR 589, Town N’ Country is only 45.1 miles from Lakeland (1 hour and 7 minutes) and about 10 miles from downtown Tampa. Living in Town ‘N Country offers peaceful residential neighborhoods, parks, nature preserves, and easy access to the beach.

Upper Tampa Bay Park is a notable attraction offering hiking trails, picnic areas, a canoe launch, and a nature center. Residents will also find plenty of family-friendly fun, from ax-throwing to laser tag. You won’t find as much action and nightlife compared to larger towns near Lakeland FL, like Tampa. But Town ‘N Country is a great option if you’re looking for a centrally located city near Lakeland Florida, that offers a high quality of life.

Largo – 57.5 Miles From Lakeland

• Population: 82,343
• County: Pinellas
• Median home price: $324,000
• Crime rate: 2,648 crimes per 100,000 residents

Are you looking into cities near Lakeland Florida that are between Clearwater and St. Petersburg? Consider the city of Largo, a residential community with local businesses and more than 500 acres of public park space. Known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, living in Largo offers all the best aspects of coastal Florida, with fantastic weather, sandy beaches, and upscale shopping centers like Largo Plaza.

Largo Central Park is a popular attraction with playgrounds, parks, picnic areas, walking trails, and regular community events like concerts and festivals. Largo Mall is another local hotspot with more than 70 shops, restaurants, and service businesses, plus a movie theater. “City of Citrus” also has a very family-oriented community, with 37% of residents being 39 or younger. The community-centric atmosphere is more small-town than some of the larger cities in the Tampa Bay region, making it one of the best cities close to Lakeland FL for raising a family.

Kissimmee – 60 Miles From Lakeland + 14.7 Miles From Winter Haven

• Population: 84,767
• County: Osceola
• Median home price: $294,990
• Crime rate: 1,962 crimes per 100,000 residents

Kissimmee is a city in Osceola County near Orlando that offers outdoor adventure, world-class golf courses like the ChampionsGate Golf Club, bustling theme parks, and endless sunshine. It’s known for its close proximity to the Disney World Resort complex and sits on the shores of Lake Tohopekaliga, offering a waterfront park with walking paths, playgrounds, and a fishing pier. It’s also very affordable, with a median home price of $284,990.

Kissimmee is one of the cities near Lakeland Florida, that boasts a very convenient location, just 45 miles from Lakeland, 14.7 miles from Winter Haven, and 22 miles from downtown Orlando. So if you’re after cities near Winter Haven Florida, or Lakeland that offer reasonably priced homes and family-friendly entertainment, Kissimmee is the place to be.

Wesley Chapel – 32.7 Miles From Lakeland

• Population: 83,673
• County: Pasco
• Median home price: $440,000
• Crime rate: 1,925 crimes per 100,000 residents

Wesley Chapel is a census-designated place in Pasco County, Florida, with a population of just under 65,000. Located on the outskirts of the Tampa Bay area, Wesley Chapel is a quiet suburb with plenty to offer residents of all different backgrounds. It’s home to Epperson Lagoon, a water park and entertainment center with water slides, pools, cabanas, and food stalls. Wesley Chapel is also a major shopping destination with premium destinations like  The Shops at Wiregrass and Tampa Premium Outlets.

It offers a great blend of residential bliss and easy access to convenience, plus a crime rate that is 17% lower than the national average. Wesley Chapel is entirely landlocked, so sandy beaches are roughly an hour away. However, if you’re in search of welcoming cities near Lakeland Florida, with low crime and access to amenities, Wesley Chapel is a great place to live.

Lake Wales – 28.8 Miles East of Lakeland FL

• Population: 16,785
• County: Polk
• Median home price: $242,000
• Crime rate: 3,180 crimes per 100,000 residents

Lake Wales is the perfect place for growing families and young professionals to reside. With 48% of residents being 39 or younger, you can expect plenty of fellow couples with kids to meet and grow with. Although the median household income is $56,347, Lake Wales affordable cost of living likely offsets the area’s low earnings. According to the Economic Research Institute, Lake Wales is at least 9% more affordable than the average US city and 17% cheaper to live in than the average Florida city.

With a history dating back to 1911, “Crown Jewel of the Ridge” is a historic and unique place to call home. Historic landmarks like Bok Tower Gardens, Historic Lake Wales Depot Museum & Cultural Center, and Spook Hill further set Lake Wales apart from other Lakeland suburbs.

One of the best parts of living in Lake Wales is its easy access to Highway 27 and State Road 60, which serve as the main commuter routes taking residents to destinations like Lakeland and Orlando. The region’s weather is an additional perk. Although the summers can be hot and humid, reaching upwards of 100 degrees, the winters are incredibly mild, with January experiencing an average low per day of 50 degrees.

Other Cities Near Lakeland Florida in Southeast Polk County

Florida isn’t just a great place to visit; there are countless beautiful cities and communities to make your forever home.

You’ll also find plenty of medium-sized and small towns near Lakeland FL, that offer a similar atmosphere and advantages with a calmer pace of life. There are 17 other cities and towns within a 65-mile radius with populations between 15,000 and 60,000.

The most notable is Winter Haven, the nearest city to Lakeland Florida, with a population of over 45,000, making it the second largest in the downtown Lakeland-Winter Haven metro area. Winter Haven offers a central location and a small-town feel, with plenty of community lakes, parks, and wildlife preserves, making it ideal for nature lovers and those looking to raise a family.

Clermont is another one of the most notable cities close to Winter Haven FL in the Lakeland area, a city known for its gently sloping hills, breathtaking scenery, and Southern hospitality. Dunedin is a popular beach community in Hillsborough County with great golf courses and beaches, making it a popular destination for honeymooners and retirees. Zephyrhills is another notable city close to Winter Haven, FL, that is known for being the headquarters of Zephyrhills Bottled Water Company.

Map of Cities Near Lakeland and the Surrounding Area

Small Cities and Towns Near Lakeland

If you’re looking for a close-knit, community-oriented area, there are dozens of smaller towns near Lakeland FL that offer many of the same benefits. Jan Phyl Village is one of the idyllic towns near Winter Haven FL, and Southeast Polk County that offers breathtaking natural scenery, wide open spaces, and affordable homes with a median listing price of $320,000. Polk City is also a wonderful city near Lakeland, Florida, offering small-town charm and outdoor adventure. Here is a list of all the small towns and cities near Lakeland with a population under 15,000.

Major Cities Near Lakeland

Lakeland is the largest city in Polk County and the Lakeland Winter Haven MSA. However, it’s not the largest city in Florida, and some of the most popular cities in the South are just a day trip away.

Orlando is just a short drive, and Miami, Gainesville, and Jacksonville are all within a 250-mile radius. Plus, other major Southern cities, such as Mobile, Alabama, and Atlanta, Georgia, are only a few hours’ drive. Here are all the major cities in the Southeast that have a population of over 100,000 and are within 60 and 500 miles of Lakeland.

Lakeland Area FAQs

What Cities Are Near Lakeland FL?

Lakeland sits along Interstate 4 roughly halfway between Tampa and Orlando. Nearby cities include Winter Haven, Plant City, Bartow, Auburndale, and Haines City. Most of these cities near Lakeland Florida, are 10 to 30 miles from Lakeland and are connected by major roadways such as Interstate 4 and US Highway 98. Lakeland’s location in Polk County makes it a common residential and commuting hub for people traveling between the Tampa Bay and Orlando metro areas.

How Far Is Lakeland From the Beach?

Lakeland is located inland in Central Florida, about 35 to 45 miles from Gulf Coast beaches near Clearwater and St. Petersburg, and approximately 75 to 90 miles from Atlantic Coast beaches—think Cocoa Beach or Melbourne. Drive times typically range from 1 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and your beach of choice. Popular Gulf beaches that would work for a day trip include areas near Clearwater and St. Petersburg.

What Are the Closest Cities to Lakeland?

The closest cities to Lakeland include Auburndale, Bartow, Winter Haven, Mulberry, and Plant City. Many of these neighboring communities are located within 15 to 20 minutes of Lakeland by car. The area is part of the larger Polk County region and is connected by Interstate 4, the Polk Parkway, and several state highways. These nearby cities often share schools, shopping areas, healthcare services, and commuter traffic patterns with Lakeland.

What Major Cities Are Near Lakeland?

Lakeland is positioned between two major Florida metro areas: Tampa and Orlando. Tampa is 34 miles west of Lakeland, while Orlando is roughly 55.9 miles east via Interstate 4. Other nearby major cities include St. Petersburg and Kissimmee. Lakeland’s central location makes it a common place for commuters, logistics operations, and residents seeking access to both the Gulf Coast and Central Florida attractions.

What Towns Are in Lakeland?

Lakeland is a Polk County city, but the surrounding area includes smaller nearby towns and communities such as Kathleen, Highland City, Medulla, and Crystal Lake. These communities are part of the greater Lakeland area and often share local services, schools, and transportation routes. Lakeland is known for its central location along Interstate 4 and its connection to both the Tampa Bay and Orlando regions.

Let 2 College Brothers Move You to One of These Cities Near Lakeland Florida

Ready to relocate to one of the lovely cities near Lakeland Florida? Perhaps you’re looking for a town closer to Winter Haven. Regardless, 2 College Brothers is at your service with affordable rates and a dedicated team of Lakeland movers. Call (813) 922-1528 for a free moving quote!