Once known as the "Beat Capital of the World," the downtown Bean Market has been converted into a museum.
Lake City, in Florence County is a small suburban section in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. Displaying remarkable ingenuity in reinventing its image many times over, it claims distinction as the renaissance city of the south. In the 1700s, it was known as Graham's Crossroads and was part of the historical Williamsburg Township. In 1874, it was granted city charter and changed its name to Graham City. In 1883, a request from a nearby post office changed its name to the present-day Lake City. Its economic metamorphosis is as numerous as its names. At the turn of the 29th century, it was a leading strawberry producer in South Carolina. In the 1930s, it reigned as the Bean Capital of the World. Today, Lake City is one of the most prolific producers in the United States' southern tobacco belt.
Moving to Lake City
With 6,675 inhabitants packed in 4.8 square miles of land, Lake City can be a bit dense, but this should not stop anyone from moving here. As they say, the more the merrier. And in Lake City, there's definitely room for everyone. Just ask the Lake City Chamber of Commerce, who welcomes potential new residents with ample assistance and moving-in resources.
Its central location in South Carolina makes criss-crossing in and around Lake City a breeze. Interstates 1-95 North and 1-95 South along with Highway 52 South all lead to Main Street going to the downtown area. The city is also easily reached in less than two hours on a road trip from Myrtle Beach, Columbia or Charleston. Lake City has its own municipal airport located on Clifton Road, servicing private planes and small aircrafts.
Weather or Not
The city shares South Carolina's humid subtropical climate, with tolerable summer heat while winters are not extremely cold. You can plan your move-in days according to real-time weather conditions. A bit of advice: it's best to avoid the September crowd that troops to the city for the annual Tobacco Festival, a revelry centered on southern agricultural heritage with live music, street dances, agri-games, cook-offs, food and booze.
Lake City is upfront in highlighting its placid, small-town way of life in contrast to the rushed urban jungle living. If you're the ultimate city sleeker, Lake City may be a bit of an adjustment. But if you welcome lots of me time on your front porch rather than chasing the subway train, this is just the city for you.
Making the Move
The rental property market in the city is diverse. Rental housing, apartment complexes and condos for rent in Lake City are ample either for long or short-term lease. An allowance of four to six weeks should be enough to zero in on some potential future homes. Preparing a list containing the exact details of the lodging you prefer, the amenities essential to you and a profile of the neighborhood you want to join will greatly help in narrowing down choices.
To really speed up your move, be ready with the documentation basics: proof of your income (payslips, Individual income tax returns, payment receipts for other sources of income), credit history (bank or auto loan, previous rental property payment history), reference letters (preferably from your employer or former landlord) and IDs.
Lake City Neighborhoods
The Ron McNair Boulevard divides the city's neighborhood areas into East Main Street, West Main Street and South Main Street.
East Main: With proximity to public amenities and shopping plus convenient transport access, this is a prime neighborhood in Lake City, and the rental rates are higher compared to other areas. There are a number of apartment homes, from studio apartment for rent to 2 bedroom apartments. Mid-size 2- to 3-bedroom family homes are also available. The area is a mix of owners and tenants, with renters coming from management, professional and services industries in and near the city.
West Main: This is a less dense neighborhood on upper north Lake City and is accessible via Bus Route 241 and runs parallel to State Road S 21-281. The Pee Dee Medical Training Center is the usual landmark here. Apartment developments also abound in the area, and if you're lucky, you can chance upon apartments with paid utilities as well.
South Main: This is a rectangular patch of neighborhood covering Moore Street, Maxie Thomas Road and the areas along Road S 21-1413. This area is slightly off the downtown route but offers convenient Interstate and local transport access. A mix of rental homes and few hi-rise developments are found here.
Apartment Complexes
Bailey Garden Apartments: This apartments complex is found on East Main area, on Rertha Street, which is a short distance from Lion's Park and the Bean Market Museum.
Swann Lake Apartments: Found on Peggy Court on West Main Street. It is near the Ward Memorial Stadium, La Bamba Family Mexican Restaurant and Pizza Roma.
Palmetto Ridge Estates: Located on North Matthews Road south of West Main Street. A short distance from here is the Barn House Restaurant on Turbeville Highway and Red Barn Steakhouse on Olanta Highway.
Palmatto Frond Apartments: This complex is located on Frond Circle and are near the Lake City Municipal Airport. The nearest restaurant would be Bojangles' Famous Chicken on South Ron McNair Boulevard.
The Lake City Life
Lake City has capitalized on its storied past to create a present city vibe that throbs with a mix of history and art, agriculture and nature and modern commercial development. It prides itself with self-sustainability, with everything one needs right in the city.
The National Bean Market Museum on Henry Street is an important link to the city's glorious past, the site of what was once the biggest bean market in the world. Today, it hosts the weekly Farmer's Market with fruits, veggies and even local crafts on sale.
The Browntown Museum on Johnsonville Highway provides a feel of local farmstead life before the civil war, featuring the antebellum house of the Brown family and its antique farm machinery.
On a recent historical note, the Ronald E. McNair Life History Center on East Main Street is a scientific tribute to the late astrophysicist who was a Lake City native and who perished in the Challenger space shuttle explosion in 1996.
A walking tour of Main Street is the best way to get to know the city's urban facade. This downtown strip has various antique shops, retail stores and restaurants. Popular spots include the wine bar called Table 118, the seafood haven Shrimper of Lake City and the Mexican-themed El San Jose.
Shopping hubs here include the Eastside Plaza Shopping Center and the Lake City Shopping Center. Nearby is the Lake City Library Community Center on 221 East Main Street. Along the tour, one cannot miss The Village Green, a 750-square-foot venue on Henry Street adjacent to downtown Main Street hosting free concerts and art performances.
