Is Lakeland Highlands safe?
Lakeland, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Lakeland Highlands as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Lakeland Highlands
“Go. Lakeland Highlands is an affluent, peaceful suburban community in South Lakeland characterized by well-manicured subdivisions, high homeownership rates, and consistently low crime. Visitors will find a tranquil, family-oriented atmosphere with virtually no safety concerns typical of urban centers, provided you have personal vehicle transportation.”
About the area
Situated just south of central Lakeland, Lakeland Highlands is a leafy, residential area centered around master-planned neighborhoods, private lakes, and commercial corridors along major thoroughfares. It caters primarily to families and commuters who enjoy suburban amenities, golf courses, and quiet streets.
- Quiet Suburbia
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Spacious & Green
Walking and biking in Lakeland Highlands
Walk score: 18/100 · Bike score: 32/100
There are no bike-share programs available, and while internal subdivision roads are pleasant for casual riding, major arterials lack protected bike lanes.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent and property crime rates are significantly lower than the Lakeland and national averages
- High median household incomes and strong homeownership rates exceed 80%
- Well-maintained suburban infrastructure with quiet, low-traffic residential subdivisions
Cons
- Heavily car-dependent with high traffic congestion along Lakeland Highlands Road and US-98 during peak hours
- Limited pedestrian infrastructure outside of immediate subdivision loop roads
- Occasional opportunistic vehicle burglaries targeting unlocked cars in residential driveways
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent within the residential core of Lakeland Highlands, with occasional panhandling limited to busy retail intersections on major county highways.
What Lakeland Highlands is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and busy with school traffic, joggers, and dog walkers along neighborhood cul-de-sacs with complete safety.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm residential rhythms with moderate retail traffic along major connecting roads and no notable safety hazards.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and dimly lit in purely residential pockets, maintaining a secure and relaxing environment for evening strolls.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely quiet and safe with sparse vehicular movement; risk is limited to unlit roadways lacking sidewalks.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is very limited, provided by Citrus Connection (Lakeland Area Mass Transit District) with infrequent service on perimeter routes like Route 37, making a personal vehicle practically essential.
Parking is exceptionally easy, free, and abundant across all shopping plazas, community parks, and residential driveways.
Things to do in Lakeland Highlands
- Play sports, walk paved paths, or visit the playground at nearby Christina Park
- Explore the extensive scenic trails and birdwatching boardwalks at the adjacent Se7en Wetlands
- Enjoy casual shopping and dining centers along the South Florida Avenue and Highlands commercial corridors
Local favorites
- Saigon Bistro · Vietnamese Restaurant · 4.6★ (750)Popular local spot serving authentic pho, banh mi, and classic Vietnamese noodle dishes in a casual setting.
- Palace Pizza of Highland City · Pizza Restaurant · 4.4★ (680)Longstanding neighborhood pizzeria offering hand-tossed pies, calzones, and hearty Italian pasta entrees.
- Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro (South) · Coffee Shop & Cafe · 4.7★ (1150)Community hub offering craft specialty espresso, fresh paninis, flatbreads, and artisan salads.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.