Alachua has recently become one of the largest biotech industry hubs in the southeast U.S. But the city’s historic downtown and abundant natural beauty help maintain its Old Florida charm. Initially a farming town, Alachua is now home to a 204-acre corporate park packed with dozens of scientific research labs and biomedical companies.
Small businesses also play a major role in the local economy. “We all would rather support the local places around here than the fast-food chains,” says Assistant Deputy City Clerk Diane Amendola. Alachua’s Downtown Historic District is the heart of the city’s shopping and dining scene, with hometown restaurants and mom-and-pop shops.
Along with a thriving economy, residents enjoy a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, top-rated public schools and easy access to the much larger City of Gainesville.
Alachua is home to Progress Park, a major source of employment for the area.
Alachua is rapidly growing, but continues to hold old Florida charm.
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Historic homes, ranch-style houses and new suburbs
Alachua has a variety of housing styles and ages to choose from. Historic bungalows and Victorian homes date back to the late 1800s around the downtown district. Midcentury ranch-style homes and Spanish Revivals are scattered across the city in small subdivisions. Newly-built communities packed with traditional houses began popping up along the outskirts of town in 2021. Some colorful townhomes and condos overlook the greens at the Turkey Creek Golf Club. The median sale price in Alachua is about $340,000, more than 15 percent below Florida’s median.
Alachua boasts a rich collection of historic homes.
Keep your neighbors close in the modern developments of Alachua.
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Legacy Park hosts the "Largest Small Town Fireworks Display in America"
Alachua is home to San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park. The 7,000-acre wildlife sanctuary features a 30-mile trail system, providing opportunities for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Several trails back up to Turkey Creek Golf Club, one of the only two public golf courses in Alachua County. Pocket parks and corner playgrounds are found in neighborhoods closer to the center of town. Main Street is less than a 1-mile walk from the city’s largest recreation complex, Legacy Park. Its open fields and athletic facilities host the local youth sports leagues. Each summer, the Legacy Park Amphitheater hosts Alachua’s annual Fourth of July Celebration which features the ‘Largest Small-Town Fireworks Display in America.’
Settle in before the sunset at Legacy Park in Alachua.
Drop in and stick that new trick in Alachua.
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Local shops and restaurants in Alachua's Downtown Historic District
Bradford pear trees and vintage lampposts line Main Street in Alachua’s Downtown Historic District. This walkable area is the heart of the city’s retail and dining scene, with longstanding Southern restaurants, local boutiques and an old-fashioned candy store. Other hometown restaurants are hidden in small retail strips scattered across the city. Fast food chains, grocery stores and a few other national retailers border U.S. Highway 441 in the center of town.
Take music lessons or pick up some new strings at Music Junction in Alachua.
Grab a bite from the family favorite Conestogas in downtown Alachua.
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Alachua County Public Schools earn an A-minus on Niche
Niche rates the Alachua County Public School System an overall A-minus, making it one of the highest-ranking districts in Florida. Gainesville High stands out with a solid A grade. It houses the Academy of Health Professions, a four-year magnet program where students can get clinical experience and industry certifications.
A.L. Mebane Middle School offers easy student pickup for parents.
Welcome to Santa Fe High School.
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I-75 and highway 441 intersect in Alachua
Interstate 75 and U.S. Route 441 meet on the west side of Alachua. Downtown Gainesville is just 15 miles south via Highway 441. The Gainesville Regional Airport offers daily direct flights to Charlotte, Atlanta and Dallas-Fort Worth.
The city of about 10,500 has also grown to be the second largest city in Alachua County, only ranking below Gainesville.
Weather and crime in Alachua
Summers in Alachua are hot and muggy, while winters are short and mild. Though inland, the city still experiences flooding from heavy rains. Recent crime data for the area is not available.
Written By
Ryan Horton
Photography Contributed By
Jade Meadows
Video By
Dan Mack
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Carrie Cason,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Alachua, FL sell after 76 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Alachua, FL over the last 12 months is $329,990, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this 2024 built home in like-new condition and perfectly blends modern design with comfort and functionality. Located in a peaceful neighborhood just minutes from downtown Alachua. This location offers convenient access to Gainesville, I-75, shopping, restaurants and local schools. Step inside to find an open concept floor plan filled with natural light, featuring luxury vinyl plank
This stunning 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath custom-built home offers over 3,117 sq. ft. of indoor living space on 1.06-acre lot in the Meadow Glen community of Alachua. Designed with a split floor plan, soaring 11’ ceilings and elegant finishes throughout, this home combines comfort and sophistication. When you step inside there is a large foyer with a dedicated office to the left and half bath on the
This is a beautiful 3/2 home that has been cared for by owners. It has luxury vinyl plank floors, exquisite counter tops in kitchen and both bathrooms. It has beautiful shaker cabinets with soft close. Elegant features throughout the house! and beautiful front and back porches to enjoy morning or evening coffee. All common areas have luxury vinyl plank flooring. THIS BEAUTIFUL HOUSE BACKS UP TO A
Second chances don't come often! Buyers couldn't get all the way to the closing table! A blend of historic charm and modern comfort, this thoughtfully upgraded 3 Bed, 2 Bath home is nestled on 4 peaceful, fully fenced acres in Alachua. Signature archways, vaulted ceilings, mature oaks, bamboo, and fruit trees bring a unique combination of architectural character and natural beauty.The
Absolutely breathtaking home in the highly sought after gated community, Wyndswept Hills! This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home was once a MODEL HOME for the builder so it's loaded with upgrades. From the elegant Engineered Wood Floors to the 5 1/4" crown molding, the details make this home a one of a kind. Built in 2015, this Craftsman style home sits up high with stately curb appeal. The kitchen
Absolutely breathtaking home in the highly sought after gated community, Wyndswept Hills! This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home was once a MODEL HOME for the builder so it's loaded with upgrades. From the elegant Engineered Wood Floors to the 5 1/4" crown molding, the details make this home a one of a kind. Built in 2015, this Craftsman style home sits up high with stately curb appeal. The kitchen is a
Property Id: 1017478Available for immediate move-in. Looking for the new home? This newly constructed home is available for lease. This energy efficient home features high ceilings, a large great room, an open kitchen with granite counter tops. Lots of room to gather with family and friends. The owners retreat features a large walk-in closet and luxury walk in shower. Other features
Rare Find! Beautiful 2BR/2BA Duplex in Turkey Creek Golf Course CommunityDiscover comfort and convenience in this beautifully designed 2-bedroom, 2-bath home in the desirable Turkey Creek community of Alachua. This spacious 1,028 sq. ft. home offers an open-concept layout, bright living area with sliding glass doors for effortless indoor-outdoor living, and a large two-car garage. Homes offering
You will love living in this recently updated 3 bedroom, 2 -bath mid -century modern home. Conveniently located just minutes from Hwy 441 and I -75 just, it's a short drive whether you work in Gainesville or Lake City. Minutes to Publix. The large, spacious open floor plan highlights wood beams in the living room and a brick wall accent with an electric fireplace that adds to the charm of this
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