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.
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.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
