Lakeland is a suburb of Memphis, hugging up to the north-eastern side of the city, located in Shelby County. Lakeland is known as the cream of the crop among Memphis’ various suburban communities in almost all categories, including crime, attractions, cleanliness, schools, and more. Nerdwallet put Lakeland in its top 3 cities for young families, and top 10 cities for home owners in Tennessee, and Lakeland has received similar awards from other news aggregators and journalists as well. Lakeland is one of the top places to be in Memphis — about that, there’s no doubt. If you’re looking for the number one affluent community in all of Tennessee, you’ve come to the right place!
Lakeland, TN Population & Demographics
Lakeland has a population of 12,606 distributed over 23.5 miles at a population density of about 500 people per square mile. The median age here is 38, which is about the same as the Tennessee average of 38.7. The median household income in Lakeland is $103,074, which is around double the average household income for the state of Tennessee, being $53,320.
The demographics of Lakeland’s population are primarily Caucasian, with Whites making up 76% of Lakeland’s population. Lakeland also has small Hispanic and Black communities, with Blacks making up 11% of the population, and Hispanics making up 10% of the population. Lakeland’s gender ratio is skewed towards men, at 51%.
Lakeland’s singular zip code is 38002, while the area code is 901. Being right on the border with Memphis, a commute from Lakeland to Memphis will be a quick and easy breeze, with the average drive being 25 minutes, covering a distance of around 20 miles. Lakeland’s time zone is Eastern Daylight Time, and sits at an elevation of 194’.
Thinking about moving to this community, but wondering if Lakeland is a safe place to live? With a good A- score on Areavibes, Lakeland is a very safe community where you won’t have to worry about becoming the victim of a crime. The crime rate here is 50% lower than the national average, while the violent crime rate is 40% lower. Lakeland’s property crime is also significantly lower than the national average, by a degree of 52%. Lakeland’s police department is the Lakeland Police Department, and has 238 active duty officers.
Cost of Living in Lakeland, TN
Lakeland is affluent compared to the Memphis metropolitan area, but despite its affluence, it’s not significantly more expensive than most places in the United States, as shown with the cost of living here only being 5% higher than most places in the United States, according to Bestplaces. Homes in Lakeland will cost you around $257,400, which is around 1.5 times higher than the average Tennessee home price of $167,200. If you choose to move to Lakeland, you’ll find that you’ll be paying less for things like transportation and utilities, but more for things like groceries. In terms of renting in Lakeland, for an area so close to an urban center while also being very affluent, an average cost of $1,230 per month for all units is fairly reasonable.
Lakeland is affluent, and has the pricey properties to show for it. However, these pricey properties may surprise you with just how affordable they are, especially when compared to property in other big cities in the U.S.
Best Neighborhoods in Lakeland, TN
Lakeland is decently large, at 23 square miles, but is very spread out. Similarly, neighborhoods in Lakeland are very spread out, so choosing which community you want to settle down in is very important, and should be done with care! Check out some of your neighborhood options below:
Lakeland has a variety of residential developments spread out among its limits. For instance, Brunswick Hills and Windsor Grove are located in Lakeland’s northernmost part, farthest away from Memphis city limits. There’s a cluster of neighborhoods in the center of Lakeland, around Garner Lake, that include communities like Plantation Hills and Woodbridge. The southernmost section of Lakeland is the most dense, featuring communities like Fairway Meadows and Clubview.
If you want to make yourself a part of any of these communities, you should check out the latest listings for homes for sale in Lakeland, TN.
If you want to know where things are, check out this map of Lakeland.
Lakeland, TN Climate & Weather
Like most of Tennessee, you’ll find that Lakeland is humid, hot, rainy, but generally very pleasant winters. Be sure to pack that mosquito spray! You can expect lows of 30 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months, and highs of 92 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. Lakeland experiences more than the average amount of rainfall when compared with the rest of the United States, with 55 inches per year as compared to 38 inches. Meanwhile, Lakeland experiences much less snow than the national average, with only 3 inches as compared to 28. The best times to visit Lakeland, in terms of comfort rating, are May and October.
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Things to Do in Lakeland, TN
Lakeland is the very finest of Memphis’ suburbs, and that means there’s plenty to do for the whole family! Whether it’s shopping or fun attractions for the whole family, Lakeland has just about everything you need! Check out shopping centers nearby like the Lake District or Lakeland Commons for all your shopping needs! You should also check out some of the best things to do in Lakeland, TN below:
International Harvester Managerial Park
Situated on Garner Lake, the rather oddly named International Harvester Managerial Park is a favorite among Lakeland residents looking for a relaxing day out. It’s main attraction is a beautiful lakeside forest trail, perfect for a walk with the kids or a run with the dog.
4523 Canada Rd, Lakeland, TN 38002, (901) 867-2717
Delta Blues Winery
Lakeside is filled with classy clientele, and for an evening tasting of wine with live music and wonderful views, there’s nothing quite like Delta Blues. If you’re a wine lover, you’ll love this Lakeside winery!
6585 Stewart Rd, Lakeland, TN 38002, (901) 829-4685
Lakeland, TN Additional Attractions:
The city of Lakeland’s parks & rec department operates more than 70 parks within city limits for residents to enjoy. See all of Lakeland’s parks at the Lakeland parks & recreation site.
Places to Eat in Lakeland, TN
Alongside its host of things to do, Lakeland is also home to plenty of great eats! Check out some below:
El Mezcal
A city without a great Mexican restaurant is hardly a city worth living in. Thankfully, Lakeland residents are blessed by El Mezcal, catering to all their Central American dining needs. There’s a reason many locals choose to eat their lunch here!
9045 US-64 #101, Lakeland, TN 38002, (901) 383-4219
Emerald Thai
Want to taste some of the finest dining of the East while living in Lakeland? Look no further than Emerald Thai! With excellent dishes served by chefs with top pedigrees, Emerald Thai is sure to scratch your Thai food itch.
8950 US-64, Lakeland, TN 38002, (901) 384-0540
Lakeland, TN Schools & Colleges
Served by the Lakeland School District, Lakeland’s excellent schools are the reason many choose to move here. 100% of the (albeit few) schools in this district are rated “Above Average” by Greatschools, with top marks in all categories. Some highlights in terms of local schools include the Lakeland Elementary and the Lakeland Middle Preparatory School. You can rest easy knowing your child will have some of the best education in the state during your stay in Lakeland!
Jobs in Lakeland, TN
Those planning on making a living in Lakeland should know that wages and cost of living have generally been static, according to Payscale. The most popular positions of employment are Executive Administrator, Family Physician / Doctor, and Human Resources Information Systems Analyst. The average salary for a worker in Lakeland is $58k a year, while the average hourly wage is $9.80.
If you’re living in Lakeland, you’ve likely already got a job sorted out, but don’t despair if you don’t! Check out the latest listings for jobs in Lakeland, TN here.
Moving to Lakeland, TN Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Beautiful and safe neighborhoods
- Plenty to do and see
- Quick commute to Memphis
Cons:
- Pricey
Ready to take that last step and start your journey to making Lakeland your new home? Give Big League Movers a call at 901-486-6897! Our crew of highly-trained professional Lakeland movers will ensure your move is a stress-free process at affordable rates! Call now or fill out our online form for a free quote!
