Lakeland, TN is on every published list of the best places in Tennessee to live. Depending upon the criteria used in the ranking, Lakeland is consistently in the top 25, and most often in the top 10. You can stay on top of the homes for sale, the best deals, and the most up-to-date real estate information about this Memphis suburb at Movoto. The number of listings generally follows seasonal trends, as do most markets. Look for a larger selection of homes as winter ends and warm weather arrives.
Fitness
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In Lakeland, fitness and sports aren’t just for kids anymore. In addition to youth leagues in all sports, and indoor gyms and fitness centers located in the city, the Lakeland Parts and Recreation Department conducts several adult co-ed sports leagues throughout the year for anyone over the age of 18. Basketball is played at Lakeland Elementary School where the city boasts that “everyone has home court advantage.” The most popular sport on the schedule is flag football, with a waiting list each year for spots on the rosters. Plans include expanding the adult leagues to include men’s, women’s, and co-ed softball, and soccer as well. Lakeland is a young, outdoor, family-oriented place where all ages come out to see all ages at play.
You don’t have to be a team player to keep fit, though. Stonebridge Golf Club is a regionally known course available to the public since the early 1970's.
Lakeland residents are quick to tell newcomers that there are “unlimited options and no excuses” for staying physically active
Employment
Largely a bedroom community for Memphis, employment is readily available for Lakeland residents. The unemployment rate here is one-third the national average, and the median household income is almost two-thirds (62%) higher than the national average. The commute time into Memphis is typically under 30 minutes, which is not excessive.
No single industry or type of occupation is dominant, which helps regulate the employment level, and permits the city to “ride out” fluctuations in the economy. Transportation, wholesale/retail, and manufacturing are the three top categories, but primarily the residents tend to be white collar managers and executives.
Schools/education
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Lakeland schools are top performers. The only city in Tennessee with a perfect score of 10 for its schools, Lakeland students and their parents excel in virtually every measurable education category. The test scores average a full 22% higher than the national average (and over 30% higher than the Tennessee average). Education is a priority here, as evidenced by the educational level of residents. Almost half (43%) have college degrees, and 93% are high school graduates, both well over the state and national averages.
Types of homes
Homes are mostly single family, ranch-style with 2-3 bedrooms in a variety of forms. The inventory is stable, with little fluctuation year-to-year, although seasonal trends follow the larger market. The median home price is high for the area at $232,000, but the overall appeal of the small town-like lifestyle makes it worth reaching upward for. In a survey of the best Tennessee towns for first-home buyers conducted by NerdWallet, Lakeland was ranked number seven, based on affordability, growth potential, and family-friendliness.
An important consideration not included in the study was the crime rate. Lakeland would only have received a better rating had it been included, as the crime rate there is lower than Memphis city, and slightly below the state level as well.
Family-oriented Activities
For lovers of the outdoors there are plenty of activities for the entire family. There are a total of seven municipal parks within the city, encompassing over 124-acres of green space with several lakes and ponds suitable for canoeing, kayaking, and swimming. All parks are well equipped with playground equipment, misters, and paths and trails for walking, jogging, and biking. With City Hall and IH parks in the north, Cool Springs Trail, Windward Slopes and Zadie Kuehl Park south of the interstate and Plantation Hills and Oakridge Park, everyone should be within a short drive, walk, or jog from a neighborhood park.
Healthy Lifestyle
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Lakeland’s location as a close-in Memphis suburb puts residents within a short drive of no fewer than 25 local farmers markets spread throughout the metropolitan and adjacent areas, and the mild climate means that fresh produce and value-added goods are available nearly year-round. In addition, as a part of Lakeland’s move toward a healthy lifestyle, the city was able to attract a Sprouts Market, which opened in 2015. This retail market adds an outlet for local farmers and vendors for their products, and adds to the fresh, healthy food available to city residents and visitors.
Entertainment
Lakeland is small enough (population 12,300) to retain a community and family atmosphere. Shopping outlets, restaurants and bars are available, but the proximity to Memphis, with its blues, rock-n-roll, and barbeque affords Lakeland residents access to literally any entertainment venues desired, within just a short commute. Local entertainment trends toward community dinners, dances (with free lessons), and team sports events.
It is easy to see why the small city of Lakeland is thriving, and is trending toward steady growth. The lifestyle belies its closeness to a major city, and its government and residents actively work toward keeping its identity intact. Seemingly little things are magnified in importance. As an example, the Mayor and City Council passed a “Do Not Knock” registry for the city, and host it on the Lakeland City website. It permits residents to register their addresses with City Hall to keep solicitors from coming to their homes.
