2021 $0 down, VA home loan limit for Columbia County is $548,250.
For over three decades, the impact of Columbia County, Florida, was felt by the nation every Sunday during the fall and winter. Unbeknownst to the audience, famed, National Football League Broadcaster Pat Summerall was born and raised in the county seat Lake City. Established in 1832, Columbia County holds the distinction of being the only site of a Civil War battle in the entire state. The Battle of Olustee occurred in February of 1864, resulting in nearly 3,000 American casualties. During the early 1900’s the county experienced an increase in population as Lake City became a railroad hub, operating as a connecting depot for the Georgia Southern Railroad, the Florida Railroad, the Seaboard Air Line and the Atlantic Coast Line.
Unlike many counties in the state, Columbia County is largely landlocked, with only 4 of its 801 square miles being water. Located in the northern portion of Florida, the county has a sub-tropic climate, although northeastern winds have been known to drift into the area, negatively impacting temperature sensitive crops.
Known as the “Gateway to Florida” because Interstate 75 cuts through the county, a person could drive directly to Santa Monica California from Columbia County if they so desired.
Known as a county that loves entertainment, the annual Olustee Battle Festival and Alligator Warrior Festival are area mainstays. The Olustee Battle Festival celebrates American History with a Civil War reenactment. The Alligator Warrior Festival celebrates county history and diversity with a celebration of Native Americans and the early African and European inhabitants of Lake City.
The local economy of the area is largely based in Agriculture. Tobacco, pulpwood, melons, timber, cotton, corn and peanuts are all produced in the county. The largest employers in the county are Wal-Mart, the Columbia County School System and PCS Phosphate.
The population has grown to 67,546 over the past 14 years, representing an increase of 20 percent. Reasons attributed to this growth include a cost of living 13 percent lower than the national average, an unemployment rate of only 5.5 percent, and a median home cost of only $94,100.
Interested in applying for a VA home loan in Columbia County? Follow this link.
Veterans in Columbia County
While only 7,604 veterans currently live in Columbia County, the VA Medical Center located in Lake City employees some 1,200 people. This center provides residents with long term care, specialty care and primary care options.
Disabled veteran homeowners in Columbia County qualify for a property tax exemption if they maintain a disability rating of 10 percent or greater, contingent on the injury having been sustained during service. This exemption is for $5,000. A complete exemption is available for veterans who have suffered a total disability in service. For more information contact the office of the assessor for Columbia County.
VFW Post
Post 2206 The Jimmie Vessels Post
PO Box 276
Lake City, FL 32056
United States
Phone: (386) 752-5001
Meeting Location & Time
343 Forest Lawn Dr
Lake City, FL 32025
United States
7:00 PM 3rd Monday
Quartermaster: Kenneth Dessert
Commander: John Courtney
Maximum VA Appraisal Fees Allowable In Columbia County:
- Single Family: $425
- Condominium: $425
- Manufactured Housing: $425
- Duplex $500
- Triplex: $550
- Fourplex: $600
- Repair Certification: $100
Columbia County Property Search
The VA HLC property search can be used for the following areas:
Fort White, Columbia City, Lake City, Lulu, Five Points, Watertown, Newco, Mikesville
Columbia County VA Approved Condos
Currently, there are no VA approved condos in Columbia County. For assistance with a condo approval project contact VA Home Loan Centers immediately at 888-573-4496.
Links
- Florida VA Loan Information: https://www.vahomeloancenters.org/florida-va-home-loan-limits/
- VA Loan Information by State: https://www.vahomeloancenters.org/va-loan-limit-maximum-va-loan-amount/
