Keystone Heights, Florida - A Quick Overview

Keystone Heights, Florida: A Hometown Haven

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  • What county is Keystone Heights FL in?
    • Keystone Heights is a city in southwestern Clay County, Florida, United States

Welcome to Keystone Heights, Florida! Known as the “Jewel of the Lakes,” this charming town is a true gem. With beautiful lakes, lush greenery, and plenty of outdoor activities, Keystone Heights offers something for everyone.

From fishing and boating to camping and hiking, this lovely community has all the amenities you could ever want!

Living the Small-Town Life in Keystone Heights

Wondering if Keystone Heights is a good place to live? When looking for a new place to live, you should look at the climate and cost of living, as well as the neighborhood and community.

The livability score for Keystone Heights is above average. It is calculated by combining several factors and weighing each. It factors in the cost of living, the number of crimes, and the general happiness of residents.

A livability score of a city can help you determine whether it is a good place to live.

This city has a diverse population and activities, and the overall quality of life is above average. It also offers a high-quality education and infrastructure.

Keystone Heights is home to a small population (with only 2,000 residents). Because it is a small town, economic conditions can be tougher. The median age of the population is 48 years. Most of the population are married and own their homes.

The state average per capita income is slightly higher than that of the state, while the unemployment rate is also slightly higher than that of the state. 

There are many jobs in Keystone Heights, with most being in healthcare, finance, and professional and technical services. Those who live in Keystone Heights commute to work by car, with an average time of 31.2 minutes.

Keystone Heights has a low crime rate, which means that there are fewer crimes per resident. While this may not seem like a high-risk area, the area does have a large concentration of retail establishments.

However, it is worth noting that most crimes occur in retail areas and blocks with few residents.

If you have children, the proximity to childcare centers is important. For working parents, this is particularly important.

You can also look at Keystone Heights’ walk scores, a measure of how accessible your neighborhood is to public amenities. Having a grocery store, daycare, and parks nearby can make a world of difference in your daily life.

 Keystone Heights Florida - Is it a good place to live?

The climate in Keystone Heights is humid and subtropical. It is hot during the summers, with an average temperature of 90degF. Winters are moderate and cool. The average rainfall is 51 inches per year. Neither winter nor spring temperatures ever reach freezing.

Keystone Heights, FL residents report speaking no language other than English at home, and most of them are U.S. citizens.

As of today, the median home value in Keystone Heights, FL is $168,400. The homeownership rate is 72.7%, a higher percentage than the national average of 64.7%. Most residents drive to work each day. The average household owns two cars.

What is Keystone Heights known for?

Keystone Heights, Florida, was originally established by the Keystone Company in the early 20th Century as a planned community.

Previously, Keystone Heights was a small town with a population of 100 residents, on the GS&F railroad route. There were also businesses like a drugstore owned by F. D. Hornbeck, a postmaster, a railroad freight agent, and a town notary named Tracey W. Baker.

Keystone_Heights_FL - History
Photo Credit: Author Ebyabe

The area was used by the United States military as a training ground during World War II.

The city’s other major businesses were the Keystone Heights Lumber Company and Wiggins Electric Light and Power Company.

Many hotels were built in order to welcome visitors. The area was promoted as a beautiful and healthy summer destination. Camp Blanding was located just north of Keystone Heights.

The area experienced growth after the war as many veterans moved to it, attracted by the affordable housing and beautiful location. Keystone Heights was a popular retirement spot in the 20th century.

It attracted retirees from all over the country because of its tranquil surroundings, low cost of living, and numerous recreational opportunities.

The Seasonal Divide in Keystone Heights

It has a cool and cold season

The climate index for the city is 7.1, making it one of the most comfortable places to live in the state. The most comfortable months are typically April, November, and March. July is considered the least comfortable month.

Many people confuse climate and weather, but these two are completely different things. Climate is a description of how the atmosphere changes over a long period of time.

While the weather can change minute-to-minute, the climate is the average of the conditions of that atmosphere over a long period of time.

Keystone Heights experiences moderate seasonal changes in wind speeds. Wind speeds are high during the warmest months, but are lower in the winter. The average hourly wind speed in Keystone Heights is over 5.7 miles per hour. March is the windiest month of the year, while July is the calmest month.

The water temperature is cold during the winter, but warm during the summer. During the winter, the average surface water temperature in Keystone Heights falls by about 6 degrees.

The wetter season is from June to September. Keystone Heights has an average of 112.0 rainy days per year. However, compared to other cities in Florida, this is still a relatively mild climate. Only four days a year experience less than 4 inches of precipitation.

8 Things to Do in Keystone Heights, Florida

Keystone Heights, Florida has many outdoor and recreational activities that residents and tourists can enjoy. These are some of the most popular activities in the area.

  1. Lake Geneva: This lake, which is spring-fed, is very popular for boating, fishing, and other water sports.
  2. Camp Blanding is a military training base that has been turned into a state park. It offers hiking, camping and wildlife viewing as well as hunting.
  3. Ravine Gardens State park: This park is home to beautiful ravines and sunken gardens. There’s also a scenic walking path.
  4. Keystone Beach: A popular spot along the shores of Lake Geneva, Keystone Beach is a great place for relaxation, swimming, and picnicking.
  5. Keystone Golf and Country Club: The picturesque Keystone Golf and Country Club is a favorite destination for golfers and boasts stunning views of the surrounding area.
  6. Keystone Heights Farmers’ Market – This weekly market features local produce, handcrafted crafts, and live entertainment.
  7. Bike trails: There are many scenic routes through rolling hills and beautiful countryside in the area around Keystone Heights.
  8. Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park – This park offers hiking trails, lakes, and rolling hills that offer opportunities for camping, picnicking, and wildlife watching.

Keystone Heights is a peaceful, outdoor-oriented community that offers opportunities for relaxation, recreation, and exploration in a natural, scenic setting. You will love the variety of restaurants and food options nearby.

From grabbing a morning cup of coffee at Moose Knuckles to enjoying a weekend brunch at Kangaroo Express, there is something to satisfy everyone’s appetite. Also, be sure to check out Keystone Cupcakery, which offers breakfast and lunch sandwiches and more.

It has a walk score of 48

Why are the lakes drying up in Keystone Heights FL?

Like many lakes in the area, Keystone Heights’ lake may be in danger of drying up.

  1. Drought: Lake levels can drop due to drought conditions, particularly during low rainfall periods.
  2. Groundwater pumping: Too much groundwater pumping from nearby wells can lead to a drop in the water table and a reduction of the water flow into the lakes.
  3. Evaporation: Increased evaporation can be caused by high temperatures and low humidity, which can lead to a decrease in lake levels.
  4. Runoff: An increase in runoff from development nearby can lead to increased erosion and sedimentation that leads to a decrease in lake levels.
  5. Overuse: The lake’s level can be affected by the overuse of certain recreational activities like fishing and boating.Why are the lakes drying up in Keystone Heights FL?

These are only general reasons. The specific reasons for Keystone Heights’ declining lake level may differ depending on the local environment and management practices.

Lake levels can change naturally over time. Short-term fluctuations in lake levels don’t necessarily indicate a long-term trend. For more information on the lake levels at Keystone Heights, contact your local authorities.

Keystone Heights is a tight-knit, small community that has a rural feel with a lower cost per capita than larger cities. If you’re looking for a day of fishing or a peaceful bike ride through nature, Keystone Heights is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

With its abundance of outdoor activities and its close proximity to major cities, it’s easy to see why Keystone Heights continues to be a favorite destination for travelers all around the world.

Whether you are looking to buy a home, rent an apartment, or simply want to get out and enjoy the sunshine and warm weather, Keystone Heights has something to offer you.

Keystone Heights is a town that welcomes families and friends. You won’t regret living in Keystone Heights.

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