Life in Lakeland Florida

[@debbiemurphy5050]

I lived in Lakeland for over 40 years. I just moved away three months ago. One of the reasons we moved out of state is the weather. It is very hot and muggy over 8 months out of the year. For me it was just too hot and muggy to even want to go out and do anything outdoors. It has become very crowded and it doesn't feel like a small town anymore. Traffic is horrible. I remember a time when you could definitely tell when the snowbirds would go back North but not anymore. So many people are moving to Florida that it has caused the cost of living to increase substantially. I don't miss the bugs, I don't miss the heat, and I don't miss the hurricanes. I lived through Charlie, Francis, Jean, Andrew, and moved during hurricane Ian. I'm not looking back, and I don't miss Florida.

[@zinatrahman8985]

Dear Debbie, I am so very nervous about snakes. Is there a chance or does snake come in the residential area or house. I would truly appreciate your reply

[@debbiemurphy5050]

@@zinatrahman8985 I've never had a snake come into the house. I have had a few snakes in the yard and on the pool deck. They were the harmless garden snakes. Now if you go swimming in the lakes, you will need to be aware of water moccasin snakes which are deadly, along with alligators. I would normally swim in a lake when I could enter from a boat. Alligators normally won't bother you in the middle of the day, and snakes normally like to hide around the edge of the pond or lake in the grasses. You will be fine. I was more afraid of the bugs!!!😆😆

[@livingintampatv]

The HOT and MUGGY is appealing to a lot of us from the great white north. Florida has definitely made a noticeable change from "snowbird/retirement state" to more of a "work and play state" - Where did you move to? Hopefully nowhere freezing cold!!! Thanks for being a great commenter and watching the videos. Thom.

[@zinatrahman8985]

Thanks a million for your reply. So you got snake in the yard and pool deck and that is really scary for me. Since I am so nervous about it, whether it is harmless or not, it gives me a shock. By any chance, is there any nei or hood you know where snakes are rare to come! Thanks again for your reply

[@debbiemurphy5050]

@@zinatrahman8985 You don't see them very often! But snakes are all over the country. I don't think you have anything to be afraid of

[@shawnmeyer2788]

A lot of Collages? Lol Great video! Thanks!😊👍

[@livingintampatv]

So many Collages…. lol. but seriously. our editor made a mistake and by the time we caught it… it was too late to fix. lol😂 thanks for letting us know.. we are doing a better job checking their work now. 😉

[@iamlakeland]

Great video! Thanks for sharing!

[@tanyawolcottrealtor]

Great video!

[@LuRybz]

I am a senior developer in Brazil and would change my life to work as a gardener in your country. Unfortunately it is really really hard to get a work visa there, so here I stay.

[@WhitmoreReads]

I lived in Lakeland for almost sixteen years. Moved and each time I visit the change is making it look like every other overpopulated city in America. Keep Lakeland like it is. Visit and go home. Cause I want to come back. 😂 😂

[@ethanshelbyskateboarding9980]

I miss living in Lakeland and I plan on moving back there soon

[@SB-mw1bg]

Like many areas of Florida, it's too expensive to purchase property. Everybody going to the state has driven the prices up. But that's about to change.

[@livingintampatv]

hi. no argument there... I wish I would have purchased pre-covid. The good news is, Florida is always moving... people in, people out and a lot of people moving internally to get closer to family and/or attractions. Its an awesome state, therefore it is very attractive for people!! Thanks for checking out our channel!

[@SB-mw1bg]

@@livingintampatv Now the housing crash is upon us, it's about to get ugly!

[@bryanleverett2830]

Don’t tell anyone that lives here and owns a home that lol. They all think it’s gonna drop 5% and then go up another 25% so they can keep using their homes as an ATM machine. 2005 all over again.

[@LoLoLifeinFlorida]

I was raised in Lakeland my whole life. If you want to know anything about it I can tell you. North and the South side are where you want to live North sides working class middle class individuals great place to live I grew up on the north side graduated from Lake Gibson High school, south sides are more upper class people who have money. The west side is like crackhead Central and when they shut the west side down oh that stuff came over to the east side which is combee road area used to be a lower class working place to live wasn't nothing fancy by any means but now it's all drugs mess everywhere just drugs everywhere.Grady Has done a very very good job of cleaning up that place but there's a lot left to do. Rent prices are skyrocketing over there right now so much so that I had to move from where I grew up living because I can no longer afford the cost of living there! I always found Lakeland to be extremely boring. That's why I have moved to Kissimmee because there's always something to do over here.

[@zinatrahman8985]

Dear Frazier, am so very nervous about snakes. Is there a chance or does snake come in the residential area or house. I would truly appreciate your reply

[@livingintampatv]

I have been meaning to reply to this one for awhile. I love this info... thank you for taking the time to break it down!! I'd love to meet for a coffee and grab some more facts from a lifelong "Lakelander" - If you'e up for it of course. thanks!! Thom

[@LoLoLifeinFlorida]

@@livingintampatv well I'm in Kissimmee Florida now. But you know if you want to exchange Facebook or something I would definitely be wanting to fill you in on some information about lakeland. Even kissimmee. I have witnessed Lakeland change so much and grow so much and since my childhood. Everywhere you go it's just building up. I'll look at old buildings and I'll say oh my God I remember when this used to be there or that used to be there. It's really growing. When I was growing up in Lakeland the mall used to be over there where the Church of the mall is and they save a lot across the street used to be a Publix the super Walmart was not in existence on either side of town LOL there's just so much stuff that has changed there.

[@livingintampatv]

I have a new condo listing in Kissimmee going LIVE this week. I am planning to shoot some video there real soon!! You can find me on FB facebook.com/Tillier7 - thanks again!!

[@LoLoLifeinFlorida]

@@livingintampatv oh really! That would be cool I'm still learning a lot about Kissimmee but boy has it grown out here. I just had to and my lease on my apartment because rent prices are so extreme over here. If you do any rentals let me know I am looking for something that's affordable and it's a studio or a one bedroom that's for sure because it's it's impossible to find anything over here but work is here so I have to stay here.

[@jeffdobski6111]

You’re a Michigan native, as am I. Tiger games @ Joker Marchant, awesome winters & all the fresh fruit your heart desires. I am considering a move to central Florida from Georgia myself.

[@livingintampatv]

Hi Jeff, Happy New Year!!! Please let me know if you need anything. Thank you for commenting. Where did you grow up in MI?

[@rondallegro3411]

Getting ready to Retire, like The Villages activities, but want more of a downtown. Where would you suggest to get a home.

[@livingintampatv]

Sorry for the late reply Ron. Lets chat offline, I have a lot more questions to narrow it down for you and help you. Please set something up here.. calendly.com/thomtillier/phone thanks!! Thom

[@lakelandtubs560]

Great shots of some of the more charming parts of the town. We love our customers here, great people.

[@livingintampatv]

thank you! I’ll stop in soon and meet you!

[@hildilrs]

Great Video Thanks YOU from South, FL

[@livingintampatv]

thank you Hilda! we are working on the page and will be posting many more!!

[@snowleopard1831]

To all planning to move to Florida: It's horribly overcrowded and has been made an abomination by the ugly too many subdivisions. It used to be beautiful in Lakeland and Tampa, and now because of all the people the beauty is gone and destroyed forever 💔 😢 😔

[@livingintampatv]

Thanks Snow Leopard.. actually Up North Michigan is Wonderful and there is not much population... considering your screen name, you might be a fan. We can recommend some good areas, it really is beautiful!!! In all seriousness. Yes, there is a lot of reasons Florida is attractive. I personally am right between Tampa and Lakeland and there is a TON of farmland and open space. I guess there is something for everyone.

[@angelajames9853]

Lakeland, a great place to be...show the farm plots as well...

[@livingintampatv]

We are going to make some more Lakeland videos very soon, I’ll talk about the Agriculture a bit more in the next one- thank you!!

[@snowleopard1831]

Agriculture is dead in Lakeland because local government has run all the animal people and growers out in favor of subdivisions. If you like Agriculture Lakeland is definitely not the place for you.

[@josephlucero8328]

What’s the high ends zip codes please ty

[@conntection11spirit19]

We are thinking about moving to Lakeland. We of a family of four and we are looking for the great elementary school. Childcare’s around Lakeland.

[@Roundtable1869]

Love this video

[@livingintampatv]

thank you!!!

[@Roundtable1869]

@@livingintampatv You're Welcome

[@godwins1298]

Rent can be pretty expensive here though I will be looking for a home to buy soon

[@livingintampatv]

thanks for reaching out, I’m available to chat anytime. Just call me or text me, I’d love to have a conversation!

[@godwins1298]

@@livingintampatv thank you

[@zinatrahman8985]

Aloha! I would truly appreciate if you kindly answer me. I live in Hawaii. But my husband wants to move to Lakeland city. I have phobia about snake. So, I am really nervous. If I live in a good residential area, is there a chance snake can come in the house?

[@livingintampatv]

Hi Zinat - There are snakes in Florida, just like Hawaii...but not to fear, they are not common in neighborhoods etc. I had a small coral snake show up in my back yard this summer, we removed it for the sake of the dogs, but that is the only snake I have seen here. Please let me know if you need assistance finding a home.

[@zinatrahman8985]

Thank you so much and I sure will let you know if I decide to move there

[@melindagordon5278]

Can you do a video on Winter Haven, FL?? Thanks!

[@lilypecic166]

"College" in your video is spelled wrong. The clip at 5.25.. Other than that, great video!

[@livingintampatv]

thank you!!! I don’t know how to fix it now, but how funny that college of all words is the one spelled wrong. 😄 thank you!!

[@Amck4237]

But what are the good parts to live in??

[@305pride1]

Can you do a video about Indian Lakes Estate in Polk County Florida. Thanks

[@Maria-fz1mu]

Looking into moving to Lakeland Florida but not sure if it's good. How are the schools over there?

[@livingintampatv]

Hi Maria. Schools in Florida are hit or miss in EVERY area. There are magnet (specialty) Schools, Charter, Public and Private. When we moved, we paid very close attention to the schools also. Please call or text me and I will give you all the info I can. Also, I will be digging deep on a school video very soon!!!

[@SUPERAFRASIABI89]

PLEASE AVOID POLK COUNTY WORSE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM IN AMERICA

[@fernandoaugustoguerr]

Hello good afternoon I am very interested in knowing about elementary schools from 6 years onwards I am thinking about the possibility of changing or as soon as possible but this information is fundamental for me, could you send me specific information about lakeland

[@ducheau100]

I only know Lakeland when I pass it on I4. Didn't realize it is pretty nice. It looks like a dump from I4

[@livingintampatv]

I cant disagree there... very commercialized looking from I-4, love the overall vibe of Lakeland, great place!!

[@snowleopard1831]

Lakeland is a dump now thanks to all the ridiculous migration from other states. Red Tide is here most of the year thanks to state government. Very soon everyone will be drinking poop water because there isn't enough clean groundwater for the too many people living and building in the aquifer system.

[@wesleysteeleiv]

Because like every video of Lakeland on KZbin, they only show you Downtown and people with money. If you want to see a real video of Lakeland on KZbin you need to look up one the News videos about a random crime that happened.

[@GulfsideMuralsFL]

Thanks for making this video. Two questions. Are there any bike and walking trails? I'm in Indiana, and we have miles and miles of river trails. Also, what are the best neighborhoods to look at under $400K

[@livingintampatv]

Hi Jeff! Yes, a ton of bike trails and year long outdoor activities!! That is exactly why we moved here from Michigan, got sick of the hibernation and the cold, now we can enjoy the outdoors!! Please text me your info at 877-222-4441 and I will set you up on a search. thanks, Thom

[@livingintampatv]

Here is a page I found for some trails. www.alltrails.com/trail/us/florida/loyce-harpe-full-mtb-trail-system

[@GulfsideMuralsFL]

Thank you

[@snowleopard1831]

Stay in Indiana. Lakeland is a sewer now thanks to far too many people moving here over the past decade. There's no place to ride bikes that is safe. There's no place in Lakeland that is safe or beautiful anymore, it's just a sea of disgusting ugly subdivisions.

[@unfvzedmak]

@@snowleopard1831you’re just saying that to gatekeep… it’s Lakeland not Orlando

[@rompemotores1]

I was there last night exploring and it is beautiful! Planing to move there as soon as I get my condo sold in Maitland.

[@livingintampatv]

Hi Victor - Please send me a message or find me at linktr.ee/thomtillier - I'd love the opportunity to help you, And if you need a good agent in Maryland... I know a guy...and he's the best. Let me know. Thom.

[@rompemotores1]

@Living in Tampa Florida my Condo is in Maitland Florida. Orlando north suburbs.

[@livingintampatv]

@@rompemotores1 sorry- I thought it was a typo..

[@michaelcummings8119]

Where are the cons??

[@livingintampatv]

Feel free to subscribe, there will be plenty of pros and cons videos in the future, but we weren't focused on those right now.

[@godwins1298]

Florida Southern is a private college my daughter got accepted there but she changed because they want her to stay and pay for dorms for her 1st year and we cannot really afford it

[@livingintampatv]

The college costs are insane, my oldest goes to CMU in Michigan, I feel your pain, especially with their housing!

[@darlenematthews2237]

I was wondering does Lakeland have tiny house committees?

[@bryanleverett2830]

No :(

[@livingintampatv]

Not that we know of, unless something small, private and off the grid. we do believe Tiny homes will be something you will see more of in the next 5 years for sure!!

[@destra1257]

I wanna move to Florida.. im from Pennsylvania, How's Rent there on average.. I've been told cost of living is High, is that true?

[@livingintampatv]

Hi Destra, somehow I missed this one... yes, Rent isnt cheap.. but I don't think it is cheap anywhere right now. Check out Zillow or Hotpads and maybe Facebook Marketplace to see if there is anything. Be careful for FB Marketplace... some scammers are on there.

[@Alannacannonm74]

Go to the ice cream, shop in Lakeland Florida twisted treats🌺 my grandma took me and my we were there when we were little I love Florida my favorite state in Lakeland is my favorite place🌺😁 in city part

[@livingintampatv]

I'll be sure to check it out!!!

[@Alannacannonm74]

@@livingintampatv ok yayaya thank you your very welcome 😁✨️🌺

[@melmasters9969]

Where would be a good area for 50+ safe clean plenty to do cafe's dining fishing, preferable not near a school or college. No 55+ communities. Thank you.

[@comradeyuri8492]

I've spent time in the lakeland area and like it. But the problem is it's in Florida with hurricanes, very high home owners and auto insurance prices, rampant development, over population, etc. No state income tax BUT so many add on fees on everything ! Summers are 10 months of heat and high humidity. I'm outta here as so as I can sell my home !!

[@livingintampatv]

Hi Comrade!! I was born in Fort Myers, but spent most of my life in Michigan, being back in Florida is heaven to me and my family. Let me know if you need me to come look at your home and help you get top dollar for it!! Thanks!!!

[@IgnacioCheese]

Yup - the hidden costs of FL! I lived in NY and NC and while I think I do benefit from no state income tax- it certainly isn’t super cheap to live in FL anymore. My grandparents moved to FL 45 years ago- been coming here all my life and things have certainly changed! I do love being closer to my family and to places/activities I enjoy.

[@Alannacannonm74]

Me and my siblings went there when we were younger I love Lakeland Flordia😀

[@williammckinney567]

Lakeland don’t want the attention, don’t over populate my city and change my beautiful Lakeland. Keep it a secret with I think is no more. All these KZbin people talking about lakeland not even born and raised from lakeland. Keep lakeland Lakeland don’t change it too much lol. Go and expose Bartow they need some attention.

[@unfvzedmak]

no we need attention

[@livingintampatv]

I appreciate the feedback, but Lakeland.... has so many cool things!!!

[@drbassface]

Exactly! Ha…yeah…send them to Bartow!

[@thorsaldos6024]

Haha where is bartwo sound like a hills have eyes town

[@godwins1298]

Lakeland has become a college town also good police watch here also

[@livingintampatv]

Good investment opportunities near the schools too!!!

[@GrayWolfVet]

Moving there next week 50-year-old, disabled veteran with a family, looking for a place to raise my granddaughter looking for a three bedroom, either rent to own or rent or at least down, but would really like to find a home or mobile home in the area and veterans community

[@randywindsor6674]

What do Lakeland for people with special needs adults and kids too

[@godwins1298]

It has become expensive I live here

[@livingintampatv]

everywhere. It’s crazy. The cost of everything has really hurt the average family.

[@zinatrahman8985]

Hi, I am so very nervous about snakes. Is there a chance or does snake come in the residential area or house. I would truly appreciate your reply

[@Bakerboy1958]

The original swans were a gift from Queen Elizabeth.

[@livingintampatv]

oh wow!! I had no idea. thank you for the comment and letting us know this awesome info!!

[@stewartwallace5741]

How do I contact you?

[@livingintampatv]

Hi Stewart - feel free to call me direct at 813.244.6689 or [e-mail]

[@made432]

Selling the Bright Future Program is 👎👎👎👎👎 The program has stipulations that do not include GED earners and requires students to earn a certain GPA and SAT/ACT Scores. Also, it is also a lottery program. NO guarantee that a student will get the scholarship. I left Lakeland because of lack opportunities, lack of diversity and the poor education system. We live in NY now and our teen gets a full ride to any state college/university (including schools at Cornell University) with a GED and no ACT/SAT scores needed through the Excelsior Scholarship. Florida Southern College is a PRIVATE school with literally no connections for employment.

[@livingintampatv]

Hi!! I just noticed this... sorry. Yes, you are right, does not include GED and the student has to get good grades, good test scores and also community volunteer hours, but if you do all of that, you are GUARANTEEd the scholarship. Not a lottery process. I appreciate the feedback, and I did move to Florida for this program, so I did extensive research.

[@made432]

it is still not worth it to be honest. Why go through all that volunteer hours and extra work to potentially get a state funded scholarship to attend a subpar college in Lakeland FL. The only colleges worth it in Florida is UF and FIU because of their connections and academics. No the scholarship is not guaranteed; it is even stated on the Florida state website. The excelsior scholarship in NY gives a full ride to students on top of TAP (state aid) and Pell Grants. NYS has top schools and top employers. The only requirements is the parents make less than 125k a year and the student works in NY state for the amount of years of scholarship. Which is fine because they are far more opportunities and high paying jobs in NY than down south. My teen has interned at two top Fortune 500 companies and will graduate with no debt from SUNY Stonybrook within the engineering department. Mind you, he is a GED recipient with no SAT/ACT scores nor did he volunteer for the scholarship.

[@Moneypower572]

Lakeland really have nothing to do , that’s why I move to Hallandale beach Florida it’s more to do beautiful beaches and restaurants and businesses, and a growing communities.

[@livingintampatv]

Hallandale Beach is definitely beautiful, but Lakeland also has a ton to do!! Here is a link to a great Flip Book about Lakeland.online.anyflip.com/aang/hpnx/mobile/ thanks for watching!!!

[@godwins1298]

I used to live in Hallandale tons of traffic because it's next door to Hollywood and North Miami it's terrible

[@sunbeam123]

Seems like the places that have lots to do are crime filled.

[@godwins1298]

@@sunbeam123 yes especially miami

[@IgnacioFlores.]

No state income tax, is not free.

[@livingintampatv]

Agreed. But coming from a state where I paid high state income tax, Im loving it!!!

[@michaelcummings8119]

Your a realtor.......where are the cons? Be honest

[@livingintampatv]

Thank you for chiming in.... I appreciate the feedback, but this wasn't meant to be a pros and cons video - It was an intro to the area.

[@jennaemullins7612]

Winter haven

[@livingintampatv]

Noted. Thank you Jennae!!

[@cleot151]

Don't forget the Farmers Market.

[@livingintampatv]

I will get to the Farmer's Market soon to catch some video!! It is awesome!!!

[@maryjoan1687]

Can you do a video about Ocala,FL

[@livingintampatv]

absolutely Mary, Ocala is on our short list. thanks for subscribing! Thom

[@michaelbonaiuto6968]

You spelled colleges wrong bud

[@livingintampatv]

lol - ha!!! I noticed that after the video was launched, my editors and QA team didn’t catch it.. so funny that out of all the spelling errors it was “Colleges” - so funny.. thank you!!!!

[@michaelbonaiuto6968]

@@livingintampatv no problem I was just being an ass anyway😄

[@lawrencewright2572]

There aren’t 554 lakes in Lakeland. Not even that many in Polk County. There might be 30 lakes in the City limits.

[@livingintampatv]

You ARE correct!!! We totally messed this one up. There are 554 Lakes in Polk County, but only 38 named lakes in Lakeland. I have my editor working to try to cut that part to make sure we don't mislead people. thanks for the note, we sincerely appreciate it!!

[@shihangl2457]

It’s interesting that not a word was mentioned about the crime rate, being born and raised there, I know the place backwards and forwards…and Polk county has serious crime problem my friend…no one wants to leave in certain parts of Lakeland, auburndale and winter haven….not the same places they were 45 years ago….but I guess you’re trying to sell it for potential buyers, another snowbird moving in and selling…..smh…and you should have talked to someone from Lakeland….gotten a couple of views…just an opinion

[@andresboyd8398]

what area is best for a military family with kids. ( want schools with armed security).

[@livingintampatv]

Hi Andres - Please send me a text or an email, I have some REALLY great info for you. Active Military? Proximity to MacDill AFB, or somewhere else?

[@williammckinney567]

Most people moving into Florida coming from ruff up north cities. Crime in lakeland and Polk county got nothing on north New Jersey, Newyork, and other up north and Midwest cities. Ha lakeland not the bad.

[@andresboyd8398]

serious crime problems?? 😂😂😂you aren’t familiar with other states or cities. NAME A PLACE WITH NO CRIME? don’t worry …. i’ll wait. crime rate you say? compare lakeland to crime rate to the national averages and the top cities and tell me how lakeland does? i swear to people like you number and stats don’t mean shit

[@debbiemurphy5050]

@@andresboyd8398 mayport, Pensacola. Naval bases.

[@drbassface]

Stay away and don’t drive up our housing! Rents are leaning lower finally.

[@livingintampatv]

Always one in the crowd, lol. The Florida economy is thriving because of the movement in and out... hopefully you own a home and can take advantage of the market!! Thanks for commenting!!

[@drbassface]

@@livingintampatv Nope. Renting. Lost a home bought for $160,000 in a Divorce. Now it’s worth $480,000.00 Renting.🙏

[@adelsonsousa743]

I am Brazilian. could you get me a job in lakeland?

[@pinkcat8855]

Is this the place where the crazy sheriff is making his ridiculous press conferences ?😤

[@livingintampatv]

yes!!! Sheriff Grady Judd is well loved in Polk County... assuming that is who you're referencing.

[@pinkcat8855]

@@livingintampatv I don't know his name. There is a sheriff in Florida who makes a show and tell stand up comedy shows. He arrested a young pregnant woman for throwing coffee cups at McDonald's. Have you seen that? What's the status on that case ?

[@debbiemurphy5050]

Hey we love our crazy sheriff. Grady. Don't do crime in Polk county.

[@pinkcat8855]

@@debbiemurphy5050 Why would I go to Polka County. I love watching your crazy sheriff on YT. He is a stand up comedian. 😤

[@Search4Facts]

@pinkcat... Yes he's an embarrassment. Less TV time and more cold cases , sheriff. Do sheriffs all over the u.s. go on TV and brag every dam time.

[@WalterMarcelo-ln7dy]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@jongaskins1]

More like Discover drive bys

[@livingintampatv]

yep- I can appreciate this considering the recent events

[@Silent-Tour-Act]

@@livingintampatvI live in central downtown and it’s definitely the hood drive bys thousands yes thousands of homeless gangs yes actual gangs like literally gangster disciples bloods ms 13 gun shots drive bys it’s ruff

[@Krystal_Lynn]

lakeland sucks only plus is Tampa 1 to 2 hours depending on traffic same as Orlando

[@livingintampatv]

thanks for your thoughts. I personally think Lakeland is awesome, but like any big city, even Tampa.. there are pockets of “suck” -

[@iceandflames]

I still prefer Hallandale Beach Florida more it’s a beautiful city with a growing communities and businesses and a good nightlife.🫡