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
Dana Collins,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Alachua, FL sell after 65 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Alachua, FL over the last 12 months is $334,995, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Under Construction. Discover exceptional value in Kirkland Farms with this thoughtfully designed 4-bedroom, 2-bath new construction home. The open-concept layout creates a spacious feel from the moment you enter, with the kitchen overlooking the dining and living areas, making it ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The split-bedroom floor plan provides privacy for the primary suite,
Courtney BaysADAMS HOMES REALTY, INC.- GAINESVILLE
Pre-Construction. To be built. The timeless combination of beautiful white cabinetry and quartz countertops gives this 4-bedroom, 2-bath home a bright, modern feel while offering one of the most popular floor plans in Kirkland Farms. Available soon, this home combines stylish finishes with the functionality buyers are searching for. The spacious kitchen serves as the heart of the home,
Courtney BaysADAMS HOMES REALTY, INC.- GAINESVILLE
Under Construction. Why wait months for a new home when this move-in ready 4-bedroom, 2-bath home in Kirkland Farms is available now? Featuring one of the community's most popular floor plans, this home combines flexible living spaces, a spacious kitchen, and the convenience today's buyers are searching for. A front bedroom with French doors and double windows creates the perfect office, study,
Courtney BaysADAMS HOMES REALTY, INC.- GAINESVILLE
Virtually Staged. Some properties check a box or two. This one checks the whole list.Tucked into Shaw Farms — one of Alachua County's most respected equestrian communities — this 6.28-acre hilltop property delivers the kind of setup that takes most horse owners years to piece together. The community sits along the edge of San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park, putting miles of dedicated
Welcome to Baywood Hills, where everyday living feels like a private resort getaway. This spacious 5-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers over 2,800 square feet of living space, including a versatile bonus room that can easily serve as a home office, media room, playroom, fitness area, or additional guest space. While the interior provides plenty of room for family and entertaining, the true star of the
Beautiful upgraded 2 bedroom 2 bath condo on gorgeous lot. The all season screened porch is enclosed. It is heated and cooled. However, it is not counted in the square footage. The view from the porch is wonderful. You don’t see other residences for nearly an acre. The living room has a wonderful stone gas burning fireplace that gives the place a mountain air. One of the upgrades is the “on
Welcome to this charming farmhouse nestled on 21+ acres in beautiful Alachua County, Florida. This two-story home boasts a welcoming front porch, perfect for enjoying your morning coffee or watching the sunset. The back porch offers a serene retreat, where you can unwind and soak in the tranquility of the surrounding nature. Step inside this cozy abode and you'll find five spacious bedrooms,
TEAR UP THE "HONEY-DO" LIST! Every major update has already been done for you — just move in and enjoy. This pristine 3-bedroom, 2-bath, 2-car garage home offers 1,621 SF in Santa Fe Station, one of Alachua's most sought-after established communities. TOTAL PEACE OF MIND — All major systems are BRAND NEW in 2026 — NEW GAF Timberline HDZ Roof with Lifetime Limited Warranty and WindProvenTM wind
Spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath home situated on 1.27 fully cleared acres on a quiet paved cul-de-sac. This property offers a perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and outdoor space.Inside, you’ll find a large combined living and dining area with an electric fireplace, creating an open and inviting atmosphere. The entire home has been updated with luxury vinyl plank rigid core flooring. The
Virtually Staged. Over 10 Acres! Multi-family compound. One house is a 4 bedroom and 2- bathroom, The manufactured home is a three bedroom and two bathrooms. Additionally, there is she-shed. Country living in your own compound. This property offers two residences, making it ideal for multi-generational living. This is a retreat and a homestead to grow with loved ones. The main house is block with
Located in the gated golf course community of Turkey Creek, this spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offers over 2,200 heated square feet and a thoughtfully designed layout filled with natural light. Multiple living and dining areas provide flexibility for everyday living and entertaining, including formal living and dining rooms and a spacious great room with a cozy fireplace and built-in shelving.
Virtually Staged. Welcome to this beautiful and Only Cali available in this community where you'll enjoy an open floor concept but will also have the privacy of the primary room at one end of the house. This property has some upgrades that the new homeowners will enjoy including: fresh accent wall paint in all rooms, upgraded automatic faucet for the new homeowners to enjoy. It features 4
Completed in 2023, this custom-designed estate offers over 4,600 square feet of heated and cooled living space and more than 6,100 square feet under roof, set on 6 fully fenced acres within Foxridge. From the moment you enter, the home is defined by scale, light, and architectural detail. The main living space features soaring vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, and a striking fireplace, creating an
Welcome to Southern living at its best. This exceptional custom-built estate is nestled on 7.33 picturesque acres. Surrounded by mature trees and beautifully established landscaping, this private retreat offers the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and Florida outdoor living. Built in 2007, this impressive 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom home features 4,013 square feet of heated and cooled living space and
Move-in Ready Recently Updated 4BR/2BA House in Alachua! *LEASING SPECIAL: JUNE RENT FREE! Recently updated and move-in ready, this 4-bedroom, 2-bath home in Alachua offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and modern style. Ideally located less than a mile from downtown Alachua, you’ll enjoy quick access to local shops, dining, and community events, while being just minutes from San
Step into this beautifully maintained 2024 home that still feels brand new, offering a seamless blend of modern style, comfort, and practicality. Nestled in a quiet neighborhood just minutes from downtown Alachua, the location provides easy access to Gainesville, I-75, shopping, dining, and nearby schools. Inside, you’ll find a bright, open-concept layout enhanced by abundant natural light,
2024 Lennar Built home in Alachua! This expansive home features a split floor plan of 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms! A spacious kitchen with stainless steel appliances and quartz counters opens to open floor plan great room and dining room with room to spare. The large master suite includes two full sized walk in closest, en suite bathroom with a garden tub, walk in shower and double sinks!
April StricklandGOLDEN RULE REAL ESTATE AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
$2,700 per month
NEWER CONSTRUCTION - 3 Bed 2 bath Single Family Home
Welcome home to this beautifully built, newer construction nestled in a desirable and growing neighborhood. Located at 14491 NW 165th Rd, this modern, move-in ready residence offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience for today’s tenant.? Property Highlights:3 Car Garage ! new build – Open-concept layout ideal for entertaining and everyday
Beautiful one year old, 4 bedroom , 2 bathroom, 3 car garage in Trailhead Landing. Very spacious open floor plan with stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops. Lots of room for the whole family! Trailhead Landings offers a community pool and playground and is minutes away from San Felasco state park bicycle or hiking trail. It's the perfect place to call home!
Vladimir SklyarevskyGREEN PLANET REALTY
$2,650 per month
Beautiful 3BR/2BA Home with Oversized Garage on 1 Acre in a Peaceful Country Setting
Nestled on a picturesque pecan grove, this beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers the perfect blend of space, comfort, and charm.As you step inside, you’re welcomed by vaulted ceilings, a spacious living room, and a separate dining room. The large kitchen is ideal for entertaining and family gatherings, featuring ample cabinet space and a cozy breakfast nook. Double doors lead out to a
MOVE IN READY 4 Bedroom/2 Bath home located on a quiet street convenient to Downtown Alachua & Main Street or I-75 for an easy commute to Gainesville, Newberry or Lake City with a large partially fenced back yard. Newly renovated - Highlights include new interior/exterior paint, luxury vinyl plank in all bedrooms, and new appliances.
Bill HerringFLA HOMES, INC.
$2,600 per month
Beautiful newer-construction 4-bedroom, 3-bath home located in Trailhead Landing
Beautiful newer-construction 4-bedroom, 3-bath home located in the highly desirable Trailhead Landing community in Alachua. Offering the perfect blend of small-town charm, modern convenience, and outdoor adventure, this home is ideally situated near some of North Central Florida's most sought-after parks, trails, and recreation areas.Nature enthusiasts will appreciate being just minutes
Introducing a remarkable brick home nestled on over two acres in the distinguished Ivy Park neighborhood. This expansive residence boasts four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms, along with several additional closets for ample storage. Enhancements such as a wood-burning fireplace, plantation shutters, hardwood floors, a formal dining room, an eat-in kitchen, and a side-entry two-car garage
Available August 1 in the highly sought-after Turkey Creek neighborhood! This charming 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offers 1,703 square feet of comfortable living space plus an additional air-conditioned flex room created from a portion of the garage—ideal for a home office, hobby room, fitness space, or guest area. Inside, you'll find vaulted ceilings, natural light spilling in from an entire wall of
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
