$315,204Average Value$246Average Price per Sq Ft18Homes For Sale
Eclectic blend of local businesses and historic architecture
Downtown Lakeland, located at the city's center, offers unique dining options and local shopping in a walkable layout with wide stone sidewalks and bus routes branching off in every direction. "They have food and craft fairs," says Melissa Witter, local real estate agent at Keller Williams Realty Smart 1. "And all these niche boutique stores selling restored furniture and other neat items." Just east of the Main Street-style shopping, locals can enjoy the scenery surrounding Mirror Lake by visiting the Frances Langford Promenade or the Hollis Gardens. The neighborhood's south end is home to the Lake Morton Historic District, featuring early 20th-century architecture, as well as the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel, one of several buildings in the area designed by Frank Llyod Wright. With many distribution hubs for national retailers like Publix and Walmart scattered around the city, residents can commute to work by car or bus while living within miles of local eateries and community events like the annual Christmas Parade.
Local fine dining and boutique shopping
At the center of Downtown Lakeland, bars and restaurants are clustered together with brick storefronts and wide stone mosaic sidewalks. “There’s a lot of foot traffic on holidays, but it’s never too busy,” Witter says. “Pretty much every business is within walking distance.” For an upscale night out, Nineteen61 serves modern Spanish cuisine with Latin American and Southern U.S. touches. The good times keep rolling at Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille, a New Orleans-inspired restaurant serving modernized versions of cajun and creole favorites and operating under the concept of Lagniappe, meaning “to give a little something extra.” Locals can also find gift shops and businesses like Top Buttons Boutique and Jesse Carl Vinyl within a few blocks. Downtown Lakeland has a Cap Index Crime Score of 5 out of 10, compared to a national score of 4. In January 2024, the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority added 14 new security cameras to deter criminal activity in the main commercial districts. On the neighborhood's northern edge, The Lakeland Town Center Mall on Memorial Boulevard includes a Save-A-Lot grocery store.
Mother’s Day art festival on Lake Morton
The annual Mayfaire-by-the-Lake Art Festival takes place on the shores of Lake Morton throughout Mother’s Day weekend. One of the oldest and largest festivals of its kind in the state, it typically draws well over 100 artists who set up booths on the lakeshore. Residents and visitors can also gather Downtown for the annual Christmas Parade, where themed floats wind their way along a 1.25-mile course, ending with a visit for Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Historic properties from the 1920s and new builds
On the neighborhood’s south side, the Lake Morton Historic District features colorful two-bedroom bungalows from the 1920s that sell for as little as $250,000 and four-bedroom Spanish Revival-style houses that can sell for more than $500,000. On the north side, there are many investment properties available for around $150,000, including three-bedroom bungalows and ranch-style homes from the 1920s and ‘30s, as well as newly built Modern Craftsmen-style bungalows with covered front porches that sell for between $300,000 and $400,000. A few townhome and condo complexes dotted around the community also offer three-bedroom units for around $300,000.
Top-rated Polk County technology-focused charter schools
Two of Polk County’s highest-performing schools are in Downtown Lakeland, including McKeel Academy Central, a technology-focused charter elementary school rated B-plus by Niche. Graduates receive automatic admission into the McKeel Academy of Technology, an A-rated charter high school offering robotics, legal studies, and digital imagery programs. Another top-rated school in the area, the A-minus-rated Lawton Chiles Middle Academy, is one of only four middle schools that offers the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme. In addition to public schools, the Florida Southern College campus is located on the south end of the neighborhood, offering over 70 undergraduate programs.
Scenic promenades and gardens surrounding Lake Mirror
Lake Mirror is the highlight of the local landscape, surrounded by beautiful structures and greenspaces, including the Frances Langford Promenade, a stone walkway around the lake dotted with public art installations. Residents can also spend the day at Hollis Garden, a botanical garden divided into 16 “rooms” featuring rotating plant life and distinct architecture. Also part of the complex is Barnett Family Park, which offers a playground, splash pad and a maze.
CitrusConnection bus routes throughout Lakeland
Set at the center of Lakeland, Downtown is bordered on the east by U.S. Route 98, which runs north-south, and on the north by Route 92, running east-west. Residents can access Interstate 4 a few miles north, which runs 61 miles northeast to Orlando and 34 miles west to Tampa. CitrusConnection bus service offers 15 routes throughout Lakeland, most of which branch off from the Lakeland Downtown Terminal. There is a nearby Park & Ride station less than a mile away on the corner of Rose Street and Bartow Road and an Amtrak train station that can take passengers to Tampa, Orlando and beyond. Nearby airports include the Lakeland Linder International Airport, 7 miles south, and Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, a few miles north.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Michelle Howard,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Barnett Family Park
Lake
Picnic Area
Trails
Allen Kryger Overlook Park
Lake
Trails
Events
Munn Park
Trails
Parking Lot
Thomas B. Mack Park
Lake
Trails
Holis Gardens
The Morton Arboretum
Parker Street Park
North Lake Wire Park
Lake Mirror Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Lakeland
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Lakeland, Lakeland sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Downtown Lakeland, Lakeland over the last 12 months is $337,461, down 3% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located in the highly desirable Lake Morton South Historic District, this beautifully restored 3-bedroom, 2-bath bungalow seamlessly blends historic charm with unique custom high end finishes. Featured in the Parade of Homes, this residence was completely renovated down to the studs just eight years ago. Updates include new bathrooms, HVAC, roof, electric, plumbing, refinished hardwood floors,
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. Welcome to your new haven! This delightful 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom home offers the perfect blend of comfort and functionality; it’s designed to meet all your family’s needs. The kitchen is equipped with ample cabinetry and counter space, making meal preparation a joy. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting out, you'll appreciate this
Downtown Lakeland Gem with a Private Guest House! This fully renovated 3 bed, 2 bath home comes with a separate studio-style guest house/ADU with its own entrance—perfect for guests, rentals, or in-laws. The main home features all-new A/C, windows, water heater, flooring, kitchen, baths, and updated electrical & plumbing. You’ll love the modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite
THIS IS THE PLACE! Location, location, location! Perfectly situated in the Lake Morton Historical District providing a short walk to Lake Morton, Lake Hollingsworth, Florida Southern College, parks, dining, and SO much more! This pristine bungalow has all the desirable curb appeal and spacious front porch to sit and take it all in! Upon entering the home, you will love all the character it has to
Mirrorton is an apartment community that reflects hip and historic Lakeland. Designed to turn heads and raise eyebrows, Mirrorton delivers the ultimate urban lifestyle with bar-setting amenities and a wide variety of spacious apartment and stylish townhome configurations. Drawing inspiration from the city's architectural gems, youthful citizens and vibrant downtown, Mirrorton is luxurious and
Welcome to Lakelandia! Be one of the first to live in our completely renovated garden-style apartments located in the Lake Morton Historic District. This 2/1 home includes 852 sq. ft of living space plus 128 sq. ft. of outdoor patio space. Surrounded by mature landscaping and excellent residents, this unit has been completely renovated to include new plumbing, electric, roof, windows and doors. A
Discover your new home at Lakeland Manor Apartment Homes, nestled in the heart of Lakeland, FL. Our pet-friendly community offers a suburban oasis with a welcoming atmosphere and beautiful palm surrounding with easy access to the US-98, Kathleen Middle School and lots of dining and shopping. Choose from spacious 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedroom apartments featuring recently renovated interiors with modern
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Michelle Howard,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
12,146
Median Age
32
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$37,872
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$55,615
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
86.8%
College Graduates
27%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9%
% Population in Labor Force
51.5%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
56''
Average Winter Low Temperature
51°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
79/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
80/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
