As the JudyMac team continues our monthly city spotlight to showcase Memphis-area communities, it’s time to turn to another budding suburb: Lakeland, Tennessee. With a growing local economy, excellent schools, and expansive neighborhoods, new home buyers are rushing to the area to claim their slice of the Lakeland pie. Keep reading to get to know Lakeland and the new Lake District.
Neighborhoods
One of Lakeland’s most attractive qualities is its scenic views and wide open spaces, where nature is always right outside your front door. Many Lakeland neighborhood lots are expansive, giving ample room for barbecues, in-ground pools, playdates, and more.
You’ll also find a variety of residential options, from single-family homes to townhouses and apartments. The city also has a number of new construction projects, each offering modern homes and a wealth of unique amenities, so whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a growing family, or a retiree looking for a peaceful community, you are sure to find a home that suits your needs in Lakeland.
Safety
When you’ve got a family to care for, you place a premium on safety, and for good reason. Lakeland prides itself on its family-friendly atmosphere, cleanliness, and commitment to maintaining a community feel. The city quickly addresses any issues or complaints to keep neighborhoods in top shape, ensuring that every area in Lakeland is well-maintained and inviting.
Unsurprisingly, this abundance of community resources is what keeps crime to a strict minimum. In fact, Lakeland’s crime rate is a whopping 50% lower than the national average, making it an ideal location for anyone looking to find peace and tranquility in the suburbs.
Schools
Like everything else in Lakeland, the educational opportunities are unmatched, and the awards and distinctions these schools have collectively received feel almost endless, including these highlights:
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As one of five Exemplary ACCESS districts statewide, the Lakeland School System is committed to academic achievement, athletic prowess, and artistic creativity inside and outside of the classroom.
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The LSS has received the “Best Communities for Music Education” title five years running.
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Lakeland Elementary has been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School.
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Both Lakeland Prep and Lakeland Elementary have been named Tennessee Purple Star Schools for their dedication to military families.
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The Tennessee Department of Education has named the Lakeland School System an “Exemplary” district, which is an honor claimed by only 16 other districts in the state.
The school system also has big plans for growth. The recently completed high school facility, which currently accommodates 9th and 10th graders, is part of a strategic plan to evolve into a comprehensive K-12 system by the 2025-2026 academic year, allowing the system to grow with its students and accommodate all age ranges.
Community Attractions
Another standout feature of this suburban oasis is its wealth of community attractions. Lakeland is home to several parks, each offering unique features and amenities. For instance, the International Harvester Managerial Park is a 65-acre park with rolling hills, a 5-acre fishing lake, an amphitheater, and multiple pavilions. There are also over 20 picnic facilities and a large multi-purpose clubhouse, making it a perfect spot for family outings.
Lakeland is also home to one of the largest lakes in the county, Garner Lake, which boasts 8 miles of shoreline and a private environment for relaxation. With a residential neighborhood surrounding the outer edge of the lake, it’s actually the former site of Lakeland Amusement Park, which gave the town its name in the 1960s. The amusement park is no longer there, but the community atmosphere and love of the lake remain.
For pet owners, the Lakeland Dog Park is a 5-acre park conveniently located behind the Lakeland Pet Hospital. In addition to these outdoor spaces, Lakeland is also home to the Delta Blues Winery for wine enthusiasts and the Lakeland Senior Center, which welcomes all area seniors for various activities.
Not to mention, the new Lake District is becoming a central focal point for local charm and activity – so keep reading to learn more about it.
Growth & Development
Although many residents already know and love the Lakeland area, the Memphis suburb is growing rapidly. Developments like the new Lakeland Town Center and The Lake District are bringing in new businesses, enhancing the city's retail and dining options. These developments add to the city's economic growth and contribute to the community feel Lakeland prides itself on – and you’ll appreciate them, too!
The New Lake District
For fans of Frost Bake Shop, Villa Castrioti, Gloss Nail Bar, and so much more, you’ll love Lakeland’s new Lake District. This mixed-use development is designed to be a walkable community offering a variety of amenities and experiences, including chef-driven restaurants, cafes, curated retail, and planned luxury living options.
The Lake District features five distinct districts: the inline retail district, Main Street, the hotel district, the office district, and the residential. Each district offers unique features that contribute to the area's overall appeal.
The residential district and inline retail districts are especially impressive, as they are expected to be a daily destination for area residents and commuting professionals alike, bringing new jobs to Lakeland and boosting the local economy. The Lake District is worth checking out even if you’re not a Lakeland resident.
Discover Lakeland with JudyMac
When you’re on the hunt for a new family home, you need an area expert to help you get the most out of your investment. Lakeland has so much to offer, no matter what lifestyle you’re looking to support, and there’s no better way to explore the opportunities than with the JudyMac team. Call us today to get started!
