Crystal Lake is a dynamic, culturally diverse neighborhood southeast of downtown. It is anchored by Southeastern University to the north, Bartow Road and CSX railroad tracks to the west, and its namesake lake to the east. Several streets are lined with tabebuia trees that bloom annually with yellow flowers.
The community was developed in two phases, with the Crystal Shores section platted in 1956 and the Crystal Grove section developed in 1981. The northern end of the neighborhood is mostly owner-occupied single-family homes. The southern end features several rental communities of multi-family homes in single-story buildings with private entrances.
Crystal Lake has an active neighborhood association that installed and maintains five Little Free Libraries in the community, including ones at Crystal Lake Elementary, Crystal Lake Middle School, and Crystal Grove Park.
The neighborhood association partners with the elementary school to identify community needs and provide onsite wraparound and outreach services at no charge. A community health clinic recently opened at the school to provide preventative and routine medical care and some dental services to the community.
President: Christel Graham
Email: crystallake.neighborhood@gmail.com
Meetings: The association meets quarterly (February, May, August, and November) on the third Tuesday at 6 p.m., Crystal Lake UMC, 2001 N. Crystal Lake Dr.