A Southern Georgia community where neighbors know each other
Lakeland is a small city with a central lake in rural Southern Georgia. "Lakeland has that hometown feeling where everyone knows your name, and you know your neighbors," says Walter Scott, a Southwest Georgia Realtor with Legacy Realtors. "It's a good place to raise kids if you don't want to live in a bigger city. It's a small, quiet area. Even though you have that country feeling, you're not far from the city." Lakeland is the seat of Lanier County and home to several bodies of water. Banks Lake and Milltown Bay are the largest; creeks also flow through the area. Although many locals are from the region, there is also a significant military population. "A lot of people move here and fall in love because the Moody Air Force Base is right in Lakeland's backyard. I've sold to people stationed at the base who prefer to stay here over moving to Valdosta," Scott says. Most businesses are inside the city limits, close to downtown. The town center contains more than 30 murals depicting local life during the early 20th century.
Shopping at Piggly Wiggly and The Old Butcher Shop
Lakeland Farmers Market, across from the post office, is open on weekends. The small outdoor space has tables for vendors selling fresh produce and canned foods. Residents grab groceries at Piggly Wiggly and The Old Butcher Shop. Lakeland's dining scene includes casual restaurants such as M&B Wings & Things and Bits Country Fried Chicken. There are also a few national chain options on Main Street.
Country homes and undeveloped lots for sale in Lakeland
Lakeland homes dot along stretches of country roads; a few of these routes are unpaved and covered in sandy dirt. Downtown has Minimal Traditional dwellings, ranch-style houses and manufactured homes. Residences sit further apart in Lakeland's northern and southern sections. Here, buyers will find farmland and homes settled away from the road. Lakeland residences range in price from $190,000 to $350,000. Buyers can also find undeveloped plots of land, from three to over 200 acres.
Fishing, boating and sunsets at Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge
There are baseball fields and a pocket park within Lakeland's city limits. Some locals take walks along Lakeshore Drive for waterside views of Lake Irma. "Banks Lake has a wildlife refuge where people go for fishing. It's a very peaceful and serene atmosphere. You can go for nature walks, go fishing or watch the sunset. It can be a very romantic scene," Scotts says. Canoes and motorized boats float through marshy swamplands at the Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Scott says that locals often catch bass and catfish in the lake. The 4,000-acre space also contains alligators, turtles and waterbirds.
Lakeland contains every public school in Lanier County
All of Lanier County's public schools are inside Lakeland. Lanier County Elementary has a B-plus rating from Niche. Lanier County Middle has a B. The B-plus-rated Lanier County High offers academic pathways in nutrition and food science as well as agriculture.
Weather trends in the region
Lanier County has a history of wildfires, which may impact properties. The region is also prone to tropical storms and hurricanes, which may cause wind damage and flooding. In 2024, Hurricane Helene left many Lakeland residents with property damage and no electricity.
Flatlanders Fall Frolic and other events
Flatlanders Fall Frolic has been an annual tradition for over 40 years. The event began in a humble hay barn and grew into a popular event held at the Threatte Center. The festival features a beauty pageant, outdoor races, live music and artistic vendors. Scotts says that locals head to Valdosta for the Azalea City Festival.
Commuting on Route 129 and Main Street
The local hospital, SGMC Health-Lanier, is off Route 129. Scott says commuters travel along Main Street, which runs through downtown. The road leads through Ray City, connecting to Interstate 75 in around 20 miles. "Jacksonville is two and a half hours away. Valdosta is 20 miles away if you want nightlife or get to Wild Adventures," Scott says.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
