Lakeland was recently ranked as one of the “Best Places to Live” by U.S. news & World Report. Situated within close proximity to Plant City, Tampa and Orlando, and located just off I-4 and the Polk Parkway, Lakeland is convenient to both Tampa and Orlando. Access Florida Polytechnic University, a top engineering school in Florida, just a short drive north, or travel northeast to downtown Lakeland, which boasts a vibrant city center, plentiful. The City of Lakeland is home to many natural parks as well.