Average Rent
The average rent in Atlanta is $1,756 for a 970-square-foot rental; Zillow says the average rent in the Lakeland-Winter Haven area is $1,887. While renting in Lakeland-Winter Haven is more expensive than in Atlanta, it remains below the US average monthly rent of $2,005.
Median Household Income
Atlanta’s median household income is $81,938, which is above the US average. Lakeland’s is $60,947, which is slightly below the US average of $78,538. Although A-Town residents earn more per year than those residing in Lakeland, the poverty rate is 3.4% greater than Lakeland’s and 6.8% greater than the county’s average.
Sales Tax Rate
The sales tax rate in Atlanta is 8.9%, whereas the sales tax rate in Lakeland (and throughout Polk County) is 7%.
Income Tax Rate
Florida is a no income tax state, whereas Georgia residents pay an income tax of 5.39% annually.
Where to Live in Lakeland-Winter Haven
Lakeland-Winter Haven has many neighborhoods to choose from. While Atlanta has many notable neighborhoods, they likely won’t compare to the gated communities, golf-centric neighborhoods, and family-friendly options in Lakeland Winter-Haven.
The Lakeland-Winter Haven metro area comprises nine cities: Auburndale, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lakeland, Lake Hamilton, Lake Wales, Mulberry, Polk City, and Winter Haven.
- Auburndale: Unique attractions like Auburndale Speedway and many recreational activities like the Auburndale TECO Trail
- Haines City: Rural and affordable option, famous for its citrus groves and scenic pastures.
- Lake Alfred: Small town, old Florida charm that plays an integral part in citrus research. It hosts UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center and has a small population of 6,374.
- Lakeland: Easy access to larger cities while providing quiet streets, a low crime rate, and charm. It’s famous for its large Swan population and for hosting family-friendly attractions like Bonnet Springs.
- Lake Hamilton: Popular fishing town and airboating community where residents utilize its water access to catch Largemouth Bass and to participate in other recreational activities.
- Lake Wales: Just minutes from Legoland FL, Lake Wales is an excellent place for families to live who don’t want to be near the hustle and bustle of Winter Haven.
- Mulberry: Nicknamed both the “Phosphate Capital of the World” and "The Crossroads of Florida", Mulberry is a small town with a rich history.
- Polk City: Located within the Green Swamp, a 560,000-acre wetland preserve, Polk City is a nature enthusiast's dream home.
- Winter Haven: 49% of Winter Haven’s population is between the ages of 0 and 39, making it a popular destination for families with children. Home to LEGOLAND® Florida Resort and Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida, the attractions here are abundant.
Things to Do in Lakeland-Winter Haven
The Lakeland-Winter Haven region has various attractions, but most notably, you will find LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art (The AGB), and Hollis Garden.
Additional things to do in Lakeland-Winter Haven:
Atlanta to Lakeland-Winter Haven moving companies will get your belongings to your new address so you can focus on exploring your new city!
What Is the Best Way to Travel From Atlanta to Lakeland-Winter Haven
Your movers from Atlanta to Lakeland-Winter Haven will relocate your belongings, but you must get yourself to Florida from Georgia.
Driving
It’s 449 miles from Atlanta to Lakeland-Winter Haven via I-75. The trip takes roughly 6 hours and 44 minutes with minimal traffic.
Flight
You can fly with American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and United to get from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Tampa International Airport (TPA).
Greyhound
Greyhound offers bus routes from Atlanta to Lakeland, ranging from 11 to 19 hours. Prices range from $82.91 to $88.96 for a one-way ticket.
