We have lived here full time since 2006 and are about 25 miles north/northwest of Orlando. We came here from Chicago. Real estate prices have increased considerably since we purchased our home in 2003 but, as previously mentioned, prices have fallen off a bit.

I dont know anything about Lakeland but follow with a link that shows crime statistics for the area. Lakeland Crime Statistics and Crime Data (Lakeland, FL)
I checked a couple of sites and all seem to indicate that crime stats are a bit worse in that area. But again, I do not live in the Lakeland area.

Orlando has been experiencing its share of crime problems, too. I'n not talking about traditionally high crime areas either. These statistics are all available through various web searches.

Traffic seems to be a real issue no matter how you get to Orlando/Kissimee area. After living in Chicago my whole life I thought I saw it all when it came to peoples driving habits but I'd say there is a different kind of crazy here. (I am in my mid 50's so I'm not a relic yet)

Homeowners insurance can be an issue partly because hurricanes have sent insurers scattering and a lot to do with location and insurer. Ours is a lot higher when compared to IL rates for the same value but it is not as ridiculous as some of the rates we see.

Cost of living generally a bit higher. Finding good meat (beef specifically) is nearly impossible unless you want to pay an arm and a leg for it. Power costs are not too bad. We are all electric so when I compare our electric costs here to our gas and electric costs from Chicago, its actually a little cheaper here. Water is higher but in Chicago we had Lake Michigan so water was cheap.

We love living here (surprised in view of my comments?) but I don't have to deal with commuting, etc. I am not retired and we are not on "easy street" by any stretch but we came here to slow down a bit and this is the place to do that.

If you are looking to buy a home consider in the area of the 429 Tollway, north of I-4. There seems to be a lot of residential and commercial building occurring in that area and whenever we have traveled on that road our experience has been good. Just my on the area based on no more than observation. It gives you easy access to Kissimee and Tampa, too.

Hope this helps. Good luck.