The Lakeland suburb of Kathleen is a haven for both commuters and folks looking to balance city living with a slightly more rural atmosphere. “Lakeland’s suburbs are right between Tampa and Orlando,” explains Clarisa Moody, a Plant City Realtor and six-year local. “A lot of people have to commute either way, so they like living right in the middle. Locals can acquire more land that way, and Polk County overall has slightly cheaper property taxes.” In addition, convenient access to Lakeland’s prominent thoroughfares means both amenities and vibrant hubs are a short car ride away.
Crape myrtle trees and Spanish moss in Kathleen
Ranch-style and manufactured homes occupy the northern region of Kathleen. Gravel driveways are sometimes shaded by crape myrtle trees and the occasional sighting of Spanish moss. Farther south, brand new gated communities feature modern Craftsman homes either recently built or up and coming. Meanwhile, the established subdivision of Rolling Oak Estates features a variety of architectural styles including bungalows and split levels. Most properties are priced between $200,000 and $500,000, though vacant land and new builds can reach above $800,000.
Craftsman homes add to the charm of Kathleen with their large front porches and curb appeal.
Kathleen offers home buyers plenty of opportunities.
Traditional-style homes are a common sight in Kathleen.
Larger ranch homes on larger lots can be found in the more rural areas of Kathleen.
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Food, flowers and custom cocktails
Daily amenities can be found in the heart of Kathleen. The Publix Supermarket at Kathleen Square is just a few miles up the road from Harvest Meat Market, a complete grocery store despite its name. US Highway 98 runs parallel to the community, cutting through Gibsonia, where folks can find a Target, Sam’s Club and the Lakeland Square Mall. A Cinemark theater and trampoline park accompany the mall’s handful of commercial retail and restaurant spots. Nearby, 716 Burgers and Brew is a locally owned joint with greasy burgers and fried seafood. And 8 miles down the road, The Joinery is a standout in Lakeland. The modern cafeteria and craft brewery offers food, flowers and custom cocktails alongside popular events like Cars + Coffee and After Dark.
Kathleen Square offers residents a plethora of retail options.
Lakeland Square Mall, where Kathleen locals go to shop the latest trends and fashion.
Kathleen locals can grab all their grocery needs at the neighborhood Publix.
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The historic legacy of the Florida Strawberry
The 7-mile commute to downtown Lakeland gives Kathleen’s residents a leg up on the city’s vibrant events. 863 Art Fest, in particular, is an annual celebration of the arts featuring more than 100 vendors alongside food trucks, local produce, and live music. To the west, Plant City is home to the Florida Strawberry Festival. Drawing folks from around the country, festival-goers partake in fair rides, live performances and agricultural exhibits honoring the historic legacy of the Florida Strawberry. “Plant City, in general, has a few really nice antique stores downtown,” Moody says. “You can spend an entire day checking out all the stores, walking around, having a bite. And it’s historic!” Closer to home, residents can catch a barrel race at the Chasin’ Dreams Arena or travel a bit farther into Tampa for the Florida State Fair.
Home of the Red Devils
Students in Kathleen are zoned for Polk County Public Schools, receiving a B on Niche with high scores in diversity and college prep. Kathleen Elementary and Kathleen Middle School are neighbors, separated by Sherertz Road, making for an easy commute. Each earns a C-plus and C on Niche, respectively. Kathleen Senior High School is home to the Red Devils. Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of athletics, including weightlifting, competitive cheerleading and football. The school receives a C-plus on Niche, with a student population of more than 2,000.
Once a strawberry school, Kathleen Elementary now serves nearly 500 kids in the community.
Kathleen Senior High School is home to over 2,000 students in grades 9-12.
Kathleen Middle School prepares students for success through core learning strategies.
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Immersing into the wetlands
Douglas M. Cook Park is around 6 miles from Kathleen, providing playgrounds for families as well as open fields, batting cages and a basketball court for everyday pick-up games. Some residents opt to join the Huntington Hills Golf & Country Club, an 18-hole golf course with a recently remodeled clubhouse. Those looking to connect with Florida’s wildlife can visit the Lower Green Swamp Nature Preserve. The expansive wetlands and marshes are ideal for bird watching, while nearly 20 miles of walking, hiking and equestrian trails offer an immersive experience. Farther west, the McIntosh Preserve has a 30-foot observation tower with an additional 2.2 miles of trails.
Lower Green Swamp Nature Preserve in Kathleen has miles of trails for hiking.
Huntington Hills in the Kathleen neighborhood is great for golf beginners.
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The highway to Lakeland
US Highway 98 allows Kathleen’s residents a 7-mile straight shot to downtown Lakeland, transitioning into N Florida Avenue closer to the city. The Citrus Connection bus system provides stops along the highway, with additional stops along Park Byrd Road and Green Road. On the other end of the neighborhood, Interstate 4 heads 36 miles west to Tampa and an additional 8 miles to Tampa International Airport, passing through Plant City just 14 miles from Kathleen. Lakeland Regional Health I-4 Campus is about 4 miles south, off Kathleen Road.
The intersection of I-4 and US-98 allows Kathleen travelers quick access.
The Citrus Connection Bus System allows Kathleen residents an alternate way of getting around.
Quick and easy access to Tampa and Orlando via Interstate 4
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Photography Contributed By
Jeffery Palmer
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