Lake City has been called many things over the years. To the Seminoles who settled this North Florida community, it was Alligator Town, dubbed for the Alligator Warrior who once served as chief. To the tourists who visit the nearby natural springs, it has become Florida’s Springlands. And to the travelers who pass through on their way to Disney World, it is Florida’s Gateway. But for those who simply call it “home,” this quiet, rural spot is the perfect location for country living. “Pickup trucks, hunting dogs and shotguns – that was my childhood,” says Chuck Brown, owner of Propertunity Real Estate Pros. Brown grew up on a chicken farm just outside Lake City and has sold homes in the community for 41 years. “When we went into town back then, we knew everyone,” he says. “That’s changed. Now, faces are less familiar but still friendly.”
Olustee Park holds a plaque of the history of Lake City, which was once called Alligator Town.
Lake City is a humble, quiet city, that anyone would be proud to call home.
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Florida’s Springlands
Lake City is surrounded by state parks, national forests and natural springs. Ichetucknee Springs State Park is about 20 miles south of the city and attracts around 200,000 visitors annually with its spring-fed river and natural, crystal-clear pools. Almost 30 miles northeast, Suwannee Springs is a hidden gem in the over 1,800-acre Suwanee River State Park. While there aren’t any natural springs within city limits, there are four big lakes. Lake Montgomery and Alligator Lake are favorites among local anglers. Alligator Lake anchors the Alligator Lake Recreational Area, which sprawls across 1,000 acres of wetlands and parkland, featuring picnic pavilions, trails and a playground. The verdant space offers a peak into the stunning greenery of the Osceola National Forest on the city’s east side.
Alligator Lake Park is a beautiful recreation area where you can fish or hike with your family.
Walk the trails at Osceola National Forest and enjoy the rich history of the area.
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Historic homes in Downtown Lake City
The median home price in Lake City is around $300,000, which is roughly more than $100,000 less than the national median. The city’s historic district, focused around downtown, features vintage ranch-style homes and bungalows built as early as 1900. Moving away from the heart of town, various planned communities, typically featuring New Traditional properties with open floorplans, developed between the 1980s and early 2000s.
Flood insurance and hurricane-proofing updates are recommended across Colombia County. Despite Lake City’s northcentral location, the community experienced widespread power outages, damages and flooding in 2024 due to Hurricane Helene.
There are quite a few bungalow Homes that can be found in Lake City.
Beautiful new traditional homes can be found in the Lake City area.
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Shopping and dining on Marion Avenue
Downtown Lake City is a quaint area focused around U.S. Route 441, locally known as Marion Avenue. The walkable strip is lined by local shops and restaurants, such as Marion Street Bistro and Brewhouse. Although its flatscreens aren’t exactly period-accurate, the gastropub champions Lake City history. It is situated in a century-old brick building with walls lined by old articles, vintage black-and-white photos and antiques. Interest piqued by the historic decor might lead visitors down the street to the Lake City-Columbia County Historical Museum.
The Marion Street Bisto is a popular place for people to eat and gather.
The Lake City Historical Museum is free to the public and has guided tours of the area's history.
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Colombia County Public Schools and Florida Gateway University
Lake City is served by Colombia County School District, which ranks No. 20 with an A-minus grade on Niche’s list of Florida’s best school districts. Higher education is on the city’s east side at Florida Gateway University. What started as a small forestry school in the late 1940s has grown into a community college with a strong industry, manufacturing, construction and transportation program.
Lake City Middle School take price in giving the students a quality education.
Florida Gateway College in Lake City is a state college offering four-year bachelor's degrees.
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Farms, ranches and major highways
Lake City developed as a hub for mixed farming after its incorporation, and those agricultural roots hold strong today. Getting in and out of town takes folks past dozens of ranches and farms. The green stretches border Interstate 10 and Interstate 75, which respectively run through the north and west sides of town. Downtown Lake City has a Greyhound bus station with direct routes to surrounding cities like Jacksonville, which is 60 miles east and has the closest international airport. Gainesville is roughly 50 miles south of town.
On the outskirts of Lake City, you will find many farms and ranches.
Interstate I-75 runs through Lake City and will take north to Georgia, or south to Tampa.
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Niche on Lake City crime
Although recent crime statistics for Lake City or Columbia County aren’t readily available, Niche grades Lake City a C-minus for crime and reports that crime in the city and county is significantly higher than the national average.
The Columbia County Sheriff's Office stands ready to protect the residents of Lake City and all of Columbia County.
The Lake City Police and Fire Departments are together in one building. in Downtown Lake City.
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Written By
Micaela Willoughby
Photography Contributed By
Lori Smith
Video By
TJ Wengert
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Debra Bernardo,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Lake City, FL sell after 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Lake City, FL over the last 12 months is $285,500, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Discover your new home at Sundial Apartments. This property is situated in the 32025 area of Lake City. Compare 0 to 1 bedroom apartments then schedule a tour. The professional leasing team is ready to show off our wonderful community. Start living the good life at Sundial Apartments. Contact us or stop in to discuss your new apartment.
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