7 Best Independent Living Communities in Lake City, FL

Independent Living

For those who wish to live primarily without personal care assistance but would like the assistance of having housekeeping maintained by professionalls, an Independent Living Community may be the perfect option. Basic needs such as meal planning and housekeeping are handled by staff and a calendar of recreational and social activities is maintained, allowing residents an opportunity to use their time as they see fit, free from daily obligations. Along with their daily needs being met, residents can enjoy an opportunity to live among peers, in a community with others of similar age groups and backgrounds. Typically consisting of a private living area and a full kitchen, these communities offer residences with many of the amenities of apartment life but with none of the hassle. Guests can be invited over and entertained, and there will be more time to spend with them with the basic maintenance of daily tasks out of the way. While policies vary between locations, a number of residences allow pets as well. If medical or nursing assistance is desired, residents may always utilize the services of independent care providers. There are a number of costs and benefits to consider when selecting an independent living community. It is important to learn if these amenities are included in the care plan: internet access, private phone, field trips, parking, laundry, wellness program, transportation, and utilities. The benefits associated with independent living include beauty salon & barber shop, healthcare center, laundry service, golf course, fitness center & swimming pool, security guards, community activities, and concierge services.

Demographics and Values

Lake City has a population density of 396 people per square mile. In Lake City, 15.9% of the population are veterans. Out of the total city population, 49.9% are male and 50.1% are female. The median age of Lake City is 36 years old. Of the population of Lake City 6.9% have a graduate degree, 18.8% have a college degree, and 37.7% have a high-school diploma. Out of the total population of Lake City, 21.1% do not have health insurance, 18.4% have some form of disability, 57.2% participate in the labor force, and 26.1% live in poverty. Racially, the population of Lake City is 5.8% Hispanic, 1.3% mixed race, 0.1% Native American, 2.2% Asian, 56.2% white, 39.7% black, 0.0% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, and 0.5% other or not specified.

Cost of Living

The overall cost of living is a motivating factor in deciding what community works for your family. Monthly, the median rent in Lake City is $720 per month and the median value of a home in Lake City is around $110,869. The rent burden for Lake City is about 19.2% of the average person’s monthly income.

State Information

An overview of Florida

There are 218 hospitals and 108 health centers that service a population of 21,626,797. The top three hospitals in the state are considered to be St. Joseph’s Hospital, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, and Jupiter Medical Center. Out of a national average of 100, Florida has a cost of living index rating of 99, a grocery index rating of 104, and a housing index rating of 95. Based on natural beauty, Florida ranks 21st in the nation. Overall, Florida ranks 13th in quality of life and 29th in healthcare compared to other US states.

Social demographics of the state

The state of Florida ranks 8th in the country for diversity, and the state is considered LGBTQ friendly. In terms of religion, 35% of Florida residents attend religious services among the 15,611 different congregations that are available in the state. The top three Christian denominations in the state are Evangelical Protestant-24%, Mainline Protestant-14%, and Historically Black Protestant-8%. The top three non-Christian denominations in the state are Jewish-3%, Muslim-<1%, and Buddhist-<1%. In Florida there are 290 masonic lodges. In the last presidential election 48% of Florida residents voted Democrat and 49% voted Republican. In Florida, 34% of the population is over the age of 55. The median age in the state is 42.

State-wide weather information

The average amount of precipitation peaks during the month of June at around 11.50 inches. The average monthly precipitation for the state of Florida is around 4.54 inches. The average air quality index rating in Florida is 37.0 AQI. The highest seasonal air quality index rating occurs in the month of April with a rating of 47.9 AQI. The average temperature in the winter falls to around 60F. During the winter, the average high temperature peaks at around 79F during the month of February. In the winter months, the average low temperature falls to around 36F during the month of January. The average temperature in the summer rises to around 82F. Over the summer months the average high temperature peaks at around 95F during the month of July. The average low summer temperature is around 66F in the month of June. The average humidity across the state is 75%. The highest monthly average humidity rating is 78% in the month of September. While residents of Florida mostly enjoy pleasant conditions, it’s important to be aware of inclement weather as well, which in Florida can include hurricanes and floods.

Wildlife to be found in Florida

The state of Florida has a diverse array of plant and animal life. Local plant life can consist of water oak, southern magnolia, beautyberry, and orchid. While venturing throughout the state, you might see animals such as the wild hog, the shortnose sturgeon, the herons, or the Florida panther. The state animal of Florida is the Florida panther.