Lake City, FL

Originally named Alpata Telophka by the Seminoles, Lake City's history dates back centuries. Its name changed to Lake City in 1859 when the current mayor's wife disagreed with a town named after alligators. Seven lakes call the city their home, so Lake City became its official name.

Lake City is a welcoming, friendly town with a population of just over 12,000 residents. Warm weather makes it easy to spend time outside throughout the year. Mean temperatures range from the 70s in the winter months to the 90s in the summer. Rain is usually heaviest in the summer with an average of six to seven inches from June to August. Lake City, Florida, realtors help you find the perfect home in this perfect community.

Lake City sits along the northern border of Florida. Gainesville, Florida, is about 45 miles to the south and Valdosta, Georgia, is 60 miles to the north. The location puts you in great reach of cities in both states. A year-round market allows residents to purchase local produce, dairy products and baked goods. The lakes are ideal for fishing or just enjoying the sun.

A yearly festival paying tribute to the Seminoles who founded the area used to take place in Lake City, but it moved nearby. The Alligator Warrior Festival is a good event to attend to get a good look at the city's cultural foundations. Head to O'Leno State Park to experience the arts and skills used by locals in the 1800s.

You'll find many communities within Lake City, Florida. With seven lakes in the city, many Lake City, Florida, realtors help you find the home of your dream, whether it's in a lakefront community like The Preserve at Laurel Lake or retirement communities like Eastside Village.

A dozen elementary and middle schools provide a solid education for children throughout Lake City. Once a child reaches high school, there are three schools and an alternative. Florida Gateway College has both two-year and four-year programs.

With dozens of stores and restaurants, the retail and hospitality industries do well in Lake City, Florida. Yet, the top employees in the city are Columbia County School System, the VA Medical Center and Anderson Columbia, a company that specializes in paving.

Lake City boasts multiple shops and restaurants within the city. They range from locally owned establishments to chain restaurants. Watch for the popular Gateway City Craft Beer and Wine Festival. It's held at Lake DeSoto and features local beers and wines.

Check the schedule for the Columbia County Fair. The fair takes place at the end of October and lasts a week. The fairgrounds also host rodeos, a BBQ festival, and charity events.

Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park is known for its recreation and history as the only site in Florida where a major Civil War battle took place. Each year, the city tributes this battle with a festival that features a parade, 5K footrace and battle reenactment.

Lake City is part of the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. Travel by water all the way to the coast. The Osceola National Forest is ideal for nature enthusiasts, anglers and equestrians.

If you're looking for Florida real estate, especially in the Lake City area, give Swift Creek Realty a call. Our agents specialize in both commercial and residential real estate in Florida.

Sources:

http://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=jax

http://www.lcfla.com/

http://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/articles/2004/december/148-live-oak-and-lake-city-area.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_City,_Florida

http://www.columbiacountyfair.org/

http://www.lakecitychamber.com/uploads/2/7/9/7/27970971/2015-2016_lc_chamber_com__profile.pdf

• Luxury Homes
• Commercial Properties
• Land Listings