[gypsychic]

Well, it's been known for a few years that this area was growing like crazy, and is considered a "boom town" but saw this article that states Lakeland is actually first in the nation for real estate appreciation.

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"The Unexpected Florida Real Estate Market that Gained Over 25% in Value Over One Year (The Most in the United States) The Florida city that topped the nation in real estate appreciation is located in Polk County (in central Florida) and has a population of 112,000, which is about a fourth of Miami's.

Lakeland, Florida, gained a 25.3% value over the course of one year. The real estate market in Lakeland is currently valued at $82 billion. (Lakeland is pictured at the top of this article.)"

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Full article here:

https://original.newsbreak.com/@l-ca...ntent=laltoday

[LKJ1988]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

Well, it's been known for a few years that this area was growing like crazy, and is considered a "boom town" but saw this article that states Lakeland is actually first in the nation for real estate appreciation.

***********************

"The Unexpected Florida Real Estate Market that Gained Over 25% in Value Over One Year (The Most in the United States) The Florida city that topped the nation in real estate appreciation is located in Polk County (in central Florida) and has a population of 112,000, which is about a fourth of Miami's.

Lakeland, Florida, gained a 25.3% value over the course of one year. The real estate market in Lakeland is currently valued at $82 billion. (Lakeland is pictured at the top of this article.)"

***************************

Full article here:

https://original.newsbreak.com/@l-ca...ntent=laltoday

That main cop is having a ball on the News busting peeps.

[logybogy]

Lots of growth inland away from the immediate coast because of insurance premiums and hurricanes. This will continue for decades.

[Aquatique]

Gypsychic how do you feel Lakeland is handling the growth? Are you worried it will become an unpleasant place to live or are you seeing more pros than cons about the increasing population? Winter Haven is also booming right?

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Aquatique

Gypsychic how do you feel Lakeland is handling the growth? Are you worried it will become an unpleasant place to live or are you seeing more pros than cons about the increasing population? Winter Haven is also booming right?

For the moment, Lakeland seems to be growing in mostly positive ways - lower density apartments, a LOT more hospital and medical facilities, parks and recreation, etc. I know the locals here feel it's too much - but many of them have been here for years when this city was all orange groves and agriculture. We love it here because it has a small scale downtown built around a nice central park, lots of preserved vintage architecture, great parks, preserves and recreational facilities and more. Winter Haven which is just a hop and skip away is another little gem, also growing, but like Lakeland's little sister. It is really a great little town and we go there often (including tonight) to eat out.

It is hard to say if/when these areas will become overbuilt or overpopulated. Lakeland/Winter Haven metro keeps showing up as a "boomtown" and one of the fastest growing in the country. Even with all the price appreciation it is still far more affordable than the coasts, and has the benefit of being right between Tampa and Orlando. To answer your question, I do have some concern about the ever increasing population. But at this point my husband and I are at an age where we should be able to live out our lives here before it becomes an issue.

[Aquatique]

Thanks for that great info gypsy.

Does anyone know for sure if the home insurance issue is not as bad in the Lakeland - Winter Haven area as it is closer to the coasts? Is it any easier to insure an "older" home there (built 50s-80s yes I know that is not really an old home but in FL and for FL insurance purposes that is considered old.)

[Aquatique]

Another thing I'd love input on, what are considered the most desirable sections / neighborhoods of Lakeland (and Winter Haven) and are there parts of town with a negative reputation?

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Aquatique

Thanks for that great info gypsy.

Does anyone know for sure if the home insurance issue is not as bad in the Lakeland - Winter Haven area as it is closer to the coasts? Is it any easier to insure an "older" home there (built 50s-80s yes I know that is not really an old home but in FL and for FL insurance purposes that is considered old.)

Not going to lie, insurance is an issue all over Florida. HOWEVER, in central Florida you are away from the coast so flood insurance is usually not required (unless you are directly on a lake). But it also depends on the home, the style and construction, updated, etc. For instance, our home is 2,000 sq ft, built in 1975. It is a one story fortress of brick over block, with detached garage and a hip roof. All updated and in great condition. Our insurance is $1,800 per year; which is pretty much a bargain considering we used to have to pay $4,000 or so for a tiny 1950s rancher in Sarasota (two blocks from the bay).

As far as your question on neighborhoods, I don't know enough about Winter Haven neighborhoods to make recommendations, but it has some lovely areas, especially on the lakes.

Generally speaking; here in Lakeland, the area south of Lake Hollingsworth tend to be the nicest. There are beautiful mansions all around Lake Hollingsworth itself; and all of the nearby areas (we live in one) are just beautiful. Most of that area, and the areas just to the north (but south of downtown) are historic and desirable with eclectic architecture and canopy streets.

Going south from here, there are "newer" (but not brand new) development type areas that are gorgeous and upscale as well. This area is referred to as "Lakeland Highlands" and is considered very desirable. This is kind of giving you info in a nutshell.

[Aquatique]

^ "A one story fortress of brick over block" 2000 sq ft built 1975 sounds awesome to me! Thank you so much for your feedback about the insurance and the desirable sections of Lakeland.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Aquatique

^ "A one story fortress of brick over block" 2000 sq ft built 1975 sounds awesome to me! Thank you so much for your feedback about the insurance and the desirable sections of Lakeland.

You are welcome! Glad I could help!