Section Image

Lake City

Lake City

Located in Erie County

$228,447 Average Value
$152 Average Price per Sq Ft
3 Homes For Sale

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.”

Just under 3,000 people live in Lake City.
Just under 3,000 people live in Lake City.
Residents gather at Wendt Beach Park near Lake City for evening relaxation and lake vistas.
Residents gather at Wendt Beach Park near Lake City for evening relaxation and lake vistas.
1/2

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.

Typically homes in Lake City sell between $130,000 and $340,000.
Typically homes in Lake City sell between $130,000 and $340,000.
Bungalows are common homes style in Lake City.
Bungalows are common homes style in Lake City.
1/2

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.

Lake Erie Community Park in Lake City features playgrounds right by the water.
Lake Erie Community Park in Lake City features playgrounds right by the water.
Erie Bluffs State Park in Lake City has many trails to explore.
Erie Bluffs State Park in Lake City has many trails to explore.
1/2

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.

Penny's Pub is a popular spot in Lake City and features bowling alongside the bar.
Penny's Pub is a popular spot in Lake City and features bowling alongside the bar.
Twisted Elk Brewery in Lake City sells their own beer in cans.
Twisted Elk Brewery in Lake City sells their own beer in cans.
1/2

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.

Elk Valley Elementary School in Lake City has 553 students.
Elk Valley Elementary School in Lake City has 553 students.
Girard High School in Lake City has 505 students.
Girard High School in Lake City has 505 students.
1/2

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.

Yann Ranaivo
Written By
Yann Ranaivo
Stefan Ludwig
Photography Contributed By
Stefan Ludwig

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Tama Samol, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
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. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
1,194
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Median Year Built
1960
Months of Supply
0.90
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,504
Significantly below the national average
1,931
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
13,503

Homes for Sale

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Weather

Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
21°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
80''

Area Factors

Somewhat friendly

Bike Score®®

20 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Walk Score®®

20 / 100

Not friendly

Transit Score®®

10 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Lake City