Georgetown is a secluded lakeside community near Palatka
Georgetown, nestled into the natural landscape about 25 miles south of Palatka, is a laidback waterfront community that offers a rural residential setting with appealing access to outdoor activities. The community is located where the St. Johns River flows into Lake George, and it is surrounded by natural attractions. With waterways on the doorstep and forest lands all around, Georgetown is a popular destination for outdoors enthusiasts of all kinds.
Rural settings, lakefront views define the housing market
There is plenty of land available in the community, and the great majority of listings are for residential lots. As for existing housing, manufactured homes in rural, wooded settings are common. Georgetown Cove is a large neighborhood within the community where homes are spread out along quiet country roads. Many of Georgetown’s roads are not paved, but as more lots sell in places like Georgetown Cove, roadwork has become a priority. “I live in Georgetown, and we have two paved roads that are crossroads and little side roads that are more grass than dirt or sand, but they are easily accessible,” says Vicki Adams of Century 21 Triton Realty, who adds that residents often travel by golf cart. “The POA here is pretty new, with new members, and they are working to keep up with the community, because it’s growing in this area.”
Manufactured homes mingle with midcentury designs and other single-family homes closer to the water in less-rural settings. Waterfront homes typically feature private docks. “There’s a variety of homes on the lake; you even have mobile homes,” Adams says. “But for the true lakefront homes, the prices are pretty comparable with what you’d find in Palatka." Live Oak Estates is a new home community that offers contemporary designs with driveways and attached garages. Acreage homes are also available. Prices typically range from around $100,00 to about $600,000, although some waterfront properties can list for more. Residents can expect typical Florida summers, but freezing temperatures during the winters are not uncommon. Flooding is not a major issue, but wind damage can be a significant risk during hurricane season.
Residents have access to a lake, a river and other natural attractions
Lake George is large enough to support boating, fishing and an array of watersports. Many homeowners have direct access, and there is a boat dock in Georgetown Cove. “We have gated access to the lake and a pavilion,” Adams says. “There’s a good mix of people. It’s a very friendly area and we all get along really well.” Lake George connects residents to the St. Johns River, the region’s premier recreational destination. “It stretches from the ocean down south all the way up to Jacksonville. It has really good fishing,” says Adams, who adds that there are seasonal shrimp and crab runs as well. “There’s a lot to do on the St. Johns.”
The surrounding landscape offers plenty of additional recreation. Featured nearby attractions include the Welaka State Forest and the Ocala National Forest, which are havens for hikers and wildlife watchers, and Salt Springs Recreation Area, a part of the Ocala National Forest that is known for its colorful spring-fed waters. Residents also have access to designated conservation and wildlife management areas that provide space for hunting and exploring natural habitats via foot, bike and even horseback.
Putnam County School District is rated C-plus by Niche
The community is served by the Putnam County School District, which Niche gives a C-plus. Younger students can attend Middleton-Burney Elementary, a C-rated school that serves students in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. Crescent City Jr.-Sr. High is a C-plus-rated school that offers an afterschool academic enrichment program for students in seventh through 12th grades. Florida’s controlled open enrollment allows students to apply for transfers out of their geographic zones.
Porky's is a longstanding community dining destination on the water
Porky’s Lodge Bar & Grill is a popular dining destination that is part of a community resort. The restaurant is open to the public and features dockside dining. Originally known as Porky’s , and then Idle Awhile Resort, an ownership change resulted in the return of the original name. Renegades on the River is another waterfront restaurant nearby. More dining options can be found in neighboring Welaka and Crescent City, both of which are about 10 miles away. Residents looking for big-box retailers and more shopping options can travel to Palatka.
Easy access to Crescent City, Palatka
Crescent City is easily accessible from the community, and regional roadways offer convenient access to Palatka, home of HCA Florida Putnam Hospital, and relatively convenient travel to regional destinations such as DeLand. Getting to Interstate 4 south of the community and Interstate 95 near the Atlantic coast requires about an hour’s drive. Daytona Beach International Airport is about a 55-mile drive. “It’s centrally located, but it’s still a pretty remote area,” Adams says.
Written By
Matt Pallister
