As a magnificent man-made pond, Garner Lake was built in 1959 specifically for the now defunct Lakeland Amusement Park. Today, it's the centerpiece for the city of Lakeland and residents who flock to live there. This gives new meaning to "build it and they will come." The lake is a major appeal that covers about 235 acres with just over seven miles of shoreline.
To get to where it is now, Lakeland had to go through somewhat of an identity crisis: first being an amusement park and then a drag strip racing venue before finally settling into the rural wonderland of communities it is today. Residential real estate consists primarily of medium to large single-family homes, though there is some rental property. You might even stumble upon a mobile home or two. Lakeland is a good example of the finer side of rustic living: wooded seclusion with easy access to urban excitement. Only 12,430 people live there, packed like sardines in a 23.5 square mile area, per 2010 census data.
Lakeland Living
What it Costs
Voted as one of the top best places for home ownership in Tennessee by the Nerd Wallet Financial Blog, Lakeland is a sought after community. It has the coveted rural and natural landscape people yearn for, but you have to pay to play. It costs more for developers to include parks and greenways in neighborhood designs and to build in a way that preserves natural resources. Accordingly, average rental prices are higher than the average for most other Tennessee neighborhoods. Even so, available rental housing is scarce. But don't let that small detail keep you from your slice of Lakeland heaven.
When to Start Looking
Short supply means competition, so start searching weeks in advance. Allow for time to personally check out neighborhoods that interest you. While you might want to look at condos or townhouses for rent, don't rule out detached rental homes in the various communities.
What You Need
Landlords want to know who they're renting to, so make sure your credit checks out in your favor before you try to rent. And, of course, favorable or not, you will have to pay the landlord for this privilege of snooping. You will also have to put down a deposit to secure your chosen unit. Be prepared for these costs and have a ready list of references who will positively attest to your rental worthiness.
Neighborhoods to Know
Lakeland is a bedroom community where the majority of residential real estate is owner-occupied. As a renter, you may have to stay on the outside looking in and rent in nearby towns like Bartlett, Cordova, Millington or Memphis. But if you enjoy the thrill of the hunt for a rental property, several Lakeland communities are worth a look.
East Shores: A gated community located on Garner Lake. This is a low-density populated area that is perfect for those who like fishing, swimming or boating.
Plantation Hills: This is a residential community not far from shopping and a major interstate. The Wolfchase Galleria and adjacent marketplaces provide for plenty of retail therapy and popular restaurants to quench thirsts and appetites brought on by serious shopping.
The Point: This is another gated community that's located in a heavily wooded development on Garner Lake.
TheWoodbridge: Woodbridge is a rustic, tranquil neighborhood, also convenient to shopping. The homes are built on wooded lots with walking trails.
Brunswick: Brunswick is a neighborhood that is part unincorporated and part within Lakeland city limits. Go for the Lakeland side if you want the benefits afforded by incorporation -- whatever they may be.
Oliver Creek Acres: A community constructed near Oliver Creek, a Lakeland watershed that's an offshoot of the Loosahatchie River. The bad news is that snagging a rental property in this community is going to be tough. Of the people that live in Oliver Creek Acres, close to half of them have been there for more than five years. People go in, but they don't come out.
A Day in the Life
Amenities
Can you say "lakes and parks and fishing, oh my?" Lakeland is not just hot in the residential world. It also has plenty of lakes, streams, parks and recreational areas for fishing, walking, hiking, biking and picnicking. The popular IH Park is the area's largest city park that comes with a clubhouse that residents can use for private functions. The City Hall Park, located next to Lakeland City Hall, has a children's playground and open space for sporting activities like soccer. There are plenty other parks accessible through some of the neighborhoods.
City Life
On paper, Lakeland is a city. But it's really a rural community that's a suburb of city, namely Memphis. So expect a scenic, relaxing and laid-back existence not normally associated with city life. When boredom strikes -- after all, you can only gaze at a beautiful sunset or play in local parks for so long -- you can trek on down to downtown Memphis and take in some of the cool spots on Beale Street for dining, dancing and people gazing. Or you can stroll along the banks of the Mississippi and watch the sunset from there -- different view, same pretty. You'll also find sporting events like basketball and baseball. Metropolitan Memphis area residents are rabid fans of University of Memphis Tigers, NBA Memphis Grizzlies and Memphis Redbirds baseball.
Getting Around
Living comfortably in suburbia requires an automobile. The best way to get to and from Lakeland amenities and the surrounding cities is via vehicle. This doesn't mean you can't get your walk in somewhere - like around your own neighborhood or in the parks. Exercise is always an important part of having a good quality of life! However, depending on the neighborhood, you might have to drive to your recreational sweet spot. Also, if you work for a living outside Lakeland, you'll need some form of motorized mobility - a car or truck will do. If you are a more adventurous traveler, you can check the Memphis Area Transit Authority for bus schedules and pick up points. Don't be surprised if you have to walk or perhaps even drive to a bus stop. It's a small price to pay to live in a beautiful natural setting.
There you have it - arguably one of the best places for small town living. If you've gleaned nothing else from this spiel, know that the Lakeland amusement park is gone, but the big lake remains, providing thrills with beautiful views versus roller coaster rides. If you can come to grips with that and the fact that neighborhoods are carefully developed for the sake of maintaining a natural woodsy, rural appeal, you might be ready to make Lakeland, Tennessee your new home.
