Lake City is close to the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Lake City’s name is a bit misleading since the lake it was named after is now filled in. But its motto: “the city of friendly people” is spot on. Located 15 miles from downtown Atlanta, locals say it’s the kind of place where neighbors help each other out and readily participate in events like the semi-annual community cleanup day. For a city of just 3,000 people, there’s a diverse selection of places of worship here, including Buddhist and Hindu temples. “It is a good place to look if you want to be near Atlanta but not live in the city,” says Addison Corbin, a Realtor and team lead with Watkins Real Estate Associates, who’s been selling homes in the area for 10 years. “It is close to the airport and not too far from Stone Mountain, so it is in a good location."
Jonesboro Road serves as a hub for shopping
Lake City residents have access to plenty of nationally known chains along Jonesboro Road. At Lake City Commons Shopping Center, locals can start their day off at Dunkin’ Donuts, pick up prescriptions at Walgreens and stock up on groceries at Kroger. Even more retail options can be found at Southlake Mall, 3 miles south in the city of Morrow. The indoor mall hosts more than 100 stores, including Macy’s and H&M.
From McDonald’s to Sonic, Lake City hosts a wealth of fast-food restaurants. But for a taste of something local, residents head to Mr. Styles Family BBQ on Rex Road for classic Southern favorites like ribs, collards and mac and cheese.
Lake City’s curb appeal
Lake City offers a variety of home styles, including bungalows, ranch houses, Colonial Revivals and townhomes, a few located on Joy Lake. Properties were typically built from the 1950s through the 1970s and rest on sizeable grassy lots adorned with mature pines and maples that are common to the area.
The average sale price in Lake City hovers around $230,000. A cozy three-bedroom ranch could be found for $200,000, while a four-bedroom Colonial Revival might fetch $350,000. “The market has been consistent in Lake City, and most of the time, there are multiple offers on properties because there is still an inventory shortage,” Corbin says.
Forest Park High School is a slam dunk
Public school students may start off at Lake City Elementary before moving on to Babb Middle and Forest Park High School. Part of the Clayton County Schools district, the elementary and high schools score C Niche grades, while the middle school earns a C-plus. Home of the Panthers, the high school boasts a state championship-winning girls’ basketball team.
Go outside and play at Lake City Community Park
At Lake City Community Park on Phillips Drive, residents can watch their kids blow off steam on the playground or go for a jog on the paved trails. With a pavilion overlooking a lake, Willie Oswalt Park on Jonesboro Road offers a serene spot to feed the ducks or take a leisurely stroll around the water. And Stone Mountain, one of the most visited tourist sites in Georgia, is just 22 miles east via Interstate 285. In addition to the massive granite formation, park attractions include Skyrides, a scenic railroad, and miles of hiking.
Hop on Interstate 75 or US-23 to get to Atlanta
Lake City has easy access to major interstates in the Atlanta metro area, making for a hassle-free commute. The community is located between Interstate 75 and US-23, both of which lead to the city. To get away from it all, locals can reach Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport—the busiest airport in the world—with a 12-mile drive west on Forest Parkway.
Photography Contributed By
Isaiah Buchanan
