Lakeland

Considered by many as a suburb of Tampa and Orlando, the city of Lakeland exudes a small town feel, but still provides the conveniences of a larger city. The city has even been touted as one of the Best Places to Live in America, by Money Magazine. Perhaps Lakeland’s greatest achievement has been its ability to maintain its historic roots in a state that had been rapidly affected by modern technology and urban expansion. The restored city center is a great place to walk around and take in the sites. Sandwiched between Lake Hollngsworth and Lake Mirror, the city boasts exquisitely scenic views, complete with swans, alligators, ducks and turtles. The weather in Lakeland is relatively mild, with average temperatures ranging from the low sixties to the low eighties year-round.

The colleges in Lakeland make a significant impact on the cultural scene of the city, hosting a number of artistic and educational events. Most of the colleges in Lakeland are smaller, with less than 3,000 enrolled undergraduates. Lakeland colleges are all generally similar in size and feel, though each one allows students to engage in a wide variety of academic interests and pursuits. Students of Lakeland colleges will be happy to know, that with large corporations such as Disney, the Lakeland Regional Medical Center, Publix Square Markets, Merril Lynch, NASA and the Detroit Tiger Baseball Club training center in close proximity, it’s easy to find internship and apprentice opportunities in Lakeland. Because the colleges in Lakeland play such a large role in the development of the community, it’s no surprise that a high percentage of residents work in education. Other popular departments include healthcare, accommodation and food services, construction and public administration.