Lakeland at a glance

  • Population of ~12,000
  • Average home price of ~$412,500 (Jan 2024)
  • Developments devote 40% of acreage to pathways that allow people to run/walk/bike throughout neighborhood
  • Ranked 3 in cities to live in for young families
  • Crime rate is 50% lower than national average and violent crime rate is 40% lower
  • Schools:
    • New high school (Lakeland Preparatory High School)
    • Fairly new middle school (Lakeland Preparatory Middle School)
    • Established elementary school and private schools options close by as well
    • Lakeland School System is highly rated
  • Several parks, walking trails, and lakes
  • Youth recreation and family events year round
  • The Lake District
    • New retail and commercial development
  • Lakeland Town Square
    • Two story area with shopping and dining on the bottom and apartments on top
    • New mixed use built in the heart of Lakeland just a block from City Hall
    • Shopping and dining options continuously being added

Residential projects

*Data aggregated from US Census Bureau, MAAR, Neighborhoods.com and the City of Lakeland. 

About the City of Lakeland

If you’re thinking about moving into a new home close to everything with a touch of rural living, the City of Lakeland is the perfect place for you. This charming Tennessee community offers the ideal blend of modern convenience and countryside tranquility that so many families are searching for today. With brand new developments continuously breaking ground and a diverse variety of lots to choose from—ranging from cozy suburban plots to expansive acreage—Lakeland is sure to have the home and community of your dreams. Whether you’re a young professional looking for your first home, a growing family seeking excellent schools and safe neighborhoods, or retirees wanting a peaceful yet connected lifestyle, Lakeland welcomes you with open arms.

Incorporated in 1977, the city of Lakeland was formerly known as an amusement park city, a unique heritage that still echoes in the community’s spirit of recreation and family-friendly atmosphere. With its mile long and ½ mile wide lake, Lakeland holds some of the most serene views and natural environments you’ll find anywhere in Shelby County, making it a great city to settle down in. The city’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty while embracing thoughtful growth has created a community that truly offers the best of both worlds—rural charm meets modern amenities.

Lakeland is the perfect city for you to move to if you are looking for a city that is currently developing and evolving with careful intention. This city can be described as modern rural, as it is a suburban city that consists of rural areas, but with a modern touch that respects the landscape while providing contemporary conveniences. The growth happening throughout Lakeland isn’t haphazard or overwhelming—it’s strategic, sustainable, and designed with residents’ quality of life as the top priority. Some residential developments that are currently underway and have recently taken place include:

Lakeland meadows

Kensington Manor

Lakeland Commons

Lake District

And so many more! These developments represent a thoughtful mixture of residential communities as well as nonresidential spots for residents to shop, eat, and have a great time with family and friends. Each development has been carefully planned to integrate seamlessly with Lakeland’s existing character while adding value and convenience to residents’ daily lives.

For instance, The Lake District is a new retail and commercial development that’s transforming how Lakeland residents experience local shopping and dining. With an impressive 93,000 sf of inline retail and restaurant space, this development brings big-city amenities to a small-town setting. The project also includes 109 townhouses (the willows) currently available for sale, with even more residential units being built to accommodate the growing demand for homes in this desirable location. The Lake District exemplifies Lakeland’s vision of creating vibrant gathering spaces where neighbors become friends and communities truly thrive.

Another recent and large development within the city of Lakeland is Lakeland Town Square. This innovative mixed-use development includes a charming two-story area with shopping and dining on the bottom level and modern apartments on top, creating a live-work-play environment that’s becoming increasingly popular with today’s homebuyers. This new and mixed-use Town Square is located in the heart of Lakeland and just a block from City Hall, making it incredibly convenient for residents who want walkable access to both municipal services and everyday amenities.

Along with shopping and dining options continuously being added throughout the city, these developments are the perfect addition to an already thriving community. The growth isn’t just about new buildings—it’s about creating spaces where people can connect, where local businesses can flourish, and where the fabric of the community becomes even stronger with each thoughtful addition.

Lakeland is the perfect city to move to if you crave to be close to nature while not straying too far from the more urban areas. This balance is increasingly rare in today’s rapidly developing world, making Lakeland a truly special find for nature lovers who don’t want to sacrifice convenience. Surrounded by gorgeous trees that provide shade, beauty, and habitat for local wildlife, Lakeland has made a meaningful commitment to “preserving nature for future generations”.

This isn’t just empty rhetoric—the city backs up its environmental promises with real action and enforceable policies. For example, the city is very particular about which trees can be cut down, requiring permits and careful consideration before any significant tree removal can occur. New construction also indicates that a tree must be present somewhere on your property, ensuring that even new developments maintain the leafy, green character that makes Lakeland so appealing. This displays the city’s genuine admiration and respect for nature, treating the natural environment not as an obstacle to development but as a treasured asset to be protected and celebrated.

The tree canopy throughout Lakeland doesn’t just look beautiful—it also provides practical benefits like shade that reduces cooling costs in summer, improved air quality, wildlife habitat, and increased property values. Residents consistently cite the abundance of trees and green spaces as one of their favorite aspects of living in Lakeland.

And of course, we can’t forget about the lake! Garner Lake, also referred to as “Lakeland Lake”, serves as the largest lake in Shelby County. Spanning an impressive 241 acres, this lake remains remarkably clean and serves as an ideal spot for hanging out with family and friends during the summer months, as the water temperature remains comfortably in the 80s. Whether you enjoy fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply sitting by the shore watching the sunset, Garner Lake offers peaceful recreation right in your backyard.

The lake is more than just a body of water—it’s the centerpiece of the community, a gathering place that brings neighbors together and provides a serene backdrop to daily life. Walking or biking around the lake has become a cherished routine for many residents, offering both exercise and a chance to decompress while enjoying natural beauty.

As you can see, Lakeland loves nature! This commitment to environmental stewardship sets Lakeland apart from many other growing communities and ensures that the character that makes it special will be preserved for generations.

When describing the convenience of living in Lakeland residents boasted “With ready access off of, I-40 residents love the fact that they’re only a quick car ride from city life but can come home to beautiful tree lined streets, tight knit communities, and sparkling clean lakes”, and they couldn’t have said it better!

This perfect location means you’re never more than a short drive from Memphis and all its urban amenities—major shopping centers, diverse dining options, entertainment venues, medical facilities, and employment opportunities—while still maintaining the peaceful, relaxed atmosphere of small-town living. You get to enjoy city perks without city problems like heavy traffic, noise pollution, and the general hustle and bustle that can wear you down.

Whether you’re wanting several acres of land for horses or a farm, an upscale tight-knit neighborhood with amenities like pools and clubhouses, a house on hole 7 of one of the area’s beautiful golf courses, or a house on a lake with your own dock; you’re in the right spot, because Lakeland offers residential options for everyone. The diversity of housing options means that families at different life stages and with different budgets can all find their place in this welcoming community.

The community of Lakeland offers neighborhoods that are oriented around family values and connections, because of this Lakeland has their own school system that provides a top of the line education without the top of the line cost. The Lakeland School System has earned an outstanding reputation for academic excellence, innovative programs, and a genuine focus on developing well-rounded students who are prepared for success in college and careers. Parents consistently praise the dedicated teachers, modern facilities, and strong sense of community within the schools.

Not only is the proximity of the city ideal but also the convenience of having an amazing school district and community-minded businesses right in your backyard. You don’t have to spend hours commuting or sacrifice family time just to access quality services—everything you need is close by, allowing you to invest more time in what truly matters: your family, your hobbies, your health, and your happiness.

The convenience factor extends beyond just location and schools. Lakeland offers a responsive local government that listens to residents, well-maintained infrastructure including roads and parks, excellent public safety services with low crime rates, and a genuine sense of community where neighbors look out for each other. This isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to belong, to put down roots, and to build lasting memories.

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