Lake City offers a tight-knit community and plenty of recreation
Lake City is one of the several communities in the rural area west of Erie . The borough has long drawn those looking for some privacy and access to plenty of recreation. This aptly named borough is right on the shores of Lake Erie, a massive fishing, paddling and boating destination. Other popular spots here include Elk Creek and Erie Bluffs State Park, where deer hunting, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are just a few of the outdoor activities. Home to just under 3,000 people, the borough otherwise offers a quiet and slower-paced setting far from any major city. “It’s a small town, where everybody takes care of everybody,” says Bill Luffy, owner of Tudor Hook-N-Nook, a fishing supplies store. “It’s a tight-knit community.”
Houses range from ranch-style homes to larger Colonial Revivals
Lake City has a mix of roads with and without sidewalks, and residents in some areas of the borough go on daily walks. Groups of tall and mature oak trees line several streets in the community. Buyers looking for extra space may look at the north end of Lake City or the rural area east of the borough, where some lots can run anywhere between half an acre and five acres. Houses here range from ranch-style homes, bungalows and two-story gablefront homes to larger Colonial Revivals and New Traditionals. Other housing options include manufactured and Victorian-era homes. Homes here mainly sell from $130,000 to $340,000. Some homes near the lake can go for over $500,000.
The community is popular for its walleye and steelhead fishing
Lake Erie and Elk Creek are easily some of the most visited fishing spots. “We have some of the world’s best steelhead fishing,” says Andrew Blackburn, a Realtor with Re/Max Real Estate Group. The creek is the place to go for steelhead, while walleye is one of the most popular fish in the lake. At the roughly 590-acre Erie Bluffs State Park, hikers may explore its oak woods and savannah or walk up one of its hills to get overlooking views of Lake Erie. A few boat ramps on Elk Creek provide launch points for kayakers and motorboaters looking to paddle and drift on the lake. Lake Erie Community Park has a playground and other similar attractions to Erie Bluffs.
Restaurants serve comfort foods, pizza and craft beers
Lake City’s institutions include All Aboard Dinor, which many have long gone to for coffee, pancakes, eggs and sausages. The restaurant is near the tracks, and it’s not uncommon for patrons to feel the passing train’s rumble while eating breakfast. “That’s a little bit of the appeal, when trains go by,” Blackburn says. Additionally, the diner has a model train that runs right under its ceiling. Jim & Sue’s Pizza has warm pies, while Penny’s Pub offers a late-night hangout and access to a bowling alley. Twisted Elk Brewery has stouts, ales and more pub fare. Giant Eagle outside Girard is the nearest grocery store, but many can go to the Millcreek Mall area near Erie to find more shopping options.
Students may attend Girard schools
Elk Valley Elementary and Rice Avenue Middle serve the community, and both schools receive B-plus grades from Niche. Students may then go to Girard High School, which gets a C-plus. The high school’s athletic program includes a basketball team that became district champions and reached a state semi-final during the 2023-2024 season.
Festivities include the fire station carnival and Dan Rice Days
The borough’s events include the Lake City Fire Company Carnival in June. During the multi-day event, the scent of grilled meats wafts from the station as attendees stop by rides and food, craft and game booths. The area’s other major festivity is neighboring Girard’s Dan Rice Days in July and August. Named after the famous 19th-century entertainer and clown, Dan Rice Days’ activities include live jazz performances and both a 5K and a bed race. “It’s what small towns do,” Luffy says about the event’s activities. “It just brings the community together.”
Route 5 connects commuters to Erie
Residents here usually drive to get around the region. Pennsylvania Route 5 passes through Lake City, providing a direct connection to Erie, less than 20 miles west. The borough is just north of Interstate 90, which goes to Cleveland , about 80 miles west. Many go to Erie for medical care, and the city is home to UPMC Hamot. The 445-bed hospital’s services include emergency, trauma and primary care. For air travel, there’s the Erie International Airport.
Newcomers should prepare for winter weather
The area typically gets about 80 inches of snow annually, about double the amount in other parts of the state, like Pittsburgh . That amount is even higher than in other parts of the country known for their frigid winters. For example, the Minneapolis area gets about 50 inches.
