This opening came as Lakeland is experiencing a shortage of homes for middle-income earners who make around $75,000 a year, according to Realtor.com. In 2024, the FLHealthCharts showed only 5.1% of vacant housing units available for rent in Polk County, below the statewide rental vacancy rate of 7.6%.
Rents at Pointe Grand start at $1,540 plus $199 per month fee for internet, renters insurance, pest control, valet trash, doorbell cameras, and other amenities. On average, residents pay $1939 per month, according to Ashley Peace, community manager at Pointe Grand.
Each unit at Pointe Grand is exactly the same: an open floor plan with a dining space, two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, quartz countertops, in-unit washer and dryer, and lots of closet space. The apartments are “1,170 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed space with modern finishes, smart technology, and pet-friendly community amenities,” according to the community’s website.
According to Apartments.com, the average 1,088 square-foot, two-bedroom apartment in Lakeland rents for $1,578 per month, and in the past year, rent has decreased by 0.6% or around $8 a month.
Meeting housing needs in Lakeland
For decades, governments and individuals have operated with the assumption households should spend around 30% of their income on housing and utilities. Those who pay more are considered housing burdened…