$301,262Average Value$270Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
A hub for nightlife, restaurants and development in Gainesville
On any given weekend, Downtown Gainesville is buzzing with activity, from live music in Bo Diddley Plaza to locals walking to restaurants before a night of bar hopping. The area is framed by University Avenue and lined with music venues, local shops and businesses. "There's so much history in Gainesville, especially downtown," says Cindy Bevilacqua, a local entrepreneur. "For a small downtown, it has so much culture. Between the museum, theaters and the University, it really is a big city in a little city." The neighborhood sits in the heart of the seat of Alachua County. The city has heavily focused on expanding Downtown Gainesville. About 20 years ago, Union Street Station became a mixed-used project for homes, office spaces and businesses. Today, the city block hosts condos, a record store, a tattoo shop and popular restaurants like Dragonfly Sushi and Marks Prime Steakhouse. In 2022, the City Commission developed an initiative to revitalize Downtown Gainesville, with plans to dedicate $12 million to connect greenways as well as update sidewalks and other infrastructure.
Bo Diddley Park is a place where the community comes together to enjoy a variety of activities.
Union Street Station is a mix of retail , office and apartments.
1/2
Dining at Union Street Station
Downtown Gainesville offers a mix of government buildings, restaurants and event venues. Many businesses are owned and operated by locals; some are inside early 20th-century homes that were converted into commercial spaces. The closest grocery store, Publix Super Market, is a mile west of Downtown Gainesville. Locals can have brunch at Alpin Bistro, order cocktails at The Top and visit Loosey's Downtown Gainesville for karaoke and trivia. Feeline Good Cat Café at Union Street Station offers coffee with fuzzy cats. The area contains several bar and club locations. The city’s nightlife is mostly concentrated around downtown. These streets come alive at night, from dancing at White Buffalo’s Three Point Thursdays events to line dancing at Vivid Music Hall on Fridays. Downtown Fats is known to have large crowds of college students on weekends. At the beginning of 2024, the city enacted an open container ordinance in downtown areas known as the Arts, Culture and Entertainment Districts for limited hours during the day.
Get you groceries at Publix, located just a mile from downtown Gainesville.
This friendly tabby needs a forever home, and you can find it at the Feeline Good Cat Cafe.
1/2
Condos and single-family houses in Downtown Gainesville
The housing market in Downtown Gainesville primarily includes condos and multifamily developments. Almost a quarter of the space downtown is occupied by apartment complexes. Some offer private, gated communities with luxury amenities like Union Street Station or The Palms. Condos often have two to three bedrooms and range in price from $175,000 to over $400,000. The community contains Victorian-inspired homes, worker's cottages and bungalows on pillar foundations. Although downtown has stand-alone, single-family houses, most don't enter the market. Housing prices vary, depending on the square footage and renovations. Single-story houses can start at around $275,000, while two-story homes range in price from $550,000 to $620,000.
The Palms condominiums offers a homeowner the convenience being downtown.
These craftsman bungalows are well cared for and are close to the heart of downtown.
1/2
Afternoons at Bo Diddley Plaza and Sweetwater Park
Gainesville is considered a national tree city, designated by the Arbor Day Foundation. The community has a green backdrop of oak trees, and many can walk to neighborhood parks. Sweetwater Park offers shaded paths and playgrounds close to home. Gainesville residents gather at Bo Diddley Plaza for concerts during the warm months.
Bring your dog to Sweetwater park were there is lots of room to run.
One of the many free fridays at Bo Diddley Park with a movie with the family.
1/2
Events at First Fridays and Hippodrome Theater
Downtown Gainesville is a hotspot for live music and festivals sponsored by the city and local businesses. From April to September, locals gather on the lawn at Bo Diddly Plaza for First Fridays. The outdoor gathering space also hosts yoga groups and a farmers market. The two-day Downtown Festival & Art Show has attracted locals for over 40 years. The event, celebrating culinary and performance arts, is the largest in the region. Throughout the year, art lovers will also venture past tall columns to enter the historic Hippodrome Theater for plays and gallery exhibitions.
The Hippofrome theater is a staple for theater lovers in downtown Gainesville.
Artists take advantage of the empty buildings in the area to make beautiful murials.
1/2
Downtown Gainesville is centrally located
The First Presbyterian Church has been a downtown landmark since 1954. Along 1st Avenue is the Historic Matheson House, one of the city’s oldest homes. Commuters often travel along University Avenue and Main Street. Along the roads are bicyclists and students on motorized scooters. Parking downtown can be a challenge, but bus stops run frequently through the city center. The local government recently converted many free downtown parking spaces into paid, time-restricted spots during the week. Downtown is less than 2 miles from the University of Florida campus and UF Health Shands. "Gainesville is so centrally located, it doesn't take long to get anywhere," Bevilacqua says. "You can get to the beach in 45 minutes, to the springs in 30 minutes, or Orlando and Jacksonville within 90 minutes."
The center of downtown Gainesville, is lively, with many food and entertainment choices.
There is a lot of student housing in downtown Gainesville, with two colleges located their.
1/2
Attending nearby Alachua County schools
Students to the east of Main Street attend Joseph Williams Elementary, while those to the west are zoned for Carolyn Beatrice Parker Elementary. The schools have B-minus and B grades, respectively, from Niche. Sixth to eighth graders attend Lincoln and Kanapaha Middle Schools, which have a B and B-plus, respectively. All high schoolers are zoned for Gainesville High, which earns an A.
Welcome to Joseph Williams Elementary School, were they strive for the best education.
Lincoln Middle School were the slogan is "Return of the Terrier".
1/2
Crime
The community has a CAP Index Crime score of 8 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4. This above-average score is driven largely by high scores for property crimes.
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
Are you familiar with the Downtown Gainesville neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Gainesville
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
9
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
9
4
Larceny
7
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Downtown Gainesville Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Gainesville, Gainesville sell after 92 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Gainesville, Gainesville over the last 12 months is $350,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
The Camellia Rose Inn is a landmark 1903 Victorian hospitality property located in Gainesville’s highly sought-after Bed and Breakfast District, just steps from downtown. Surrounded by mature camellia, azalea, and rose gardens, the property offers strong curb appeal and a long-established presence in the market.The inn spans over 4,500 square feet and is configured with 8 guest suites, 8.5
Spacious and upgraded 3 bed/3 bath condo with a two-story floor plan in the heart of Downtown Gainesville! Enjoy walkable access to dining, shops, and The Hippodrome Theatre. This residence has been substantially upgraded and features hardwood and tile flooring throughout - no carpet! Bathrooms include upgraded countertops and renovated showers, highlighted by a primary bathroom with a renovated
Bosshardt Realty Services is proud to have exclusively sold this rare development opportunity in the heart of Gainesville, Florida. This prime mixed-use development site is conveniently located on the corner of SW 2nd Ave and SW 2nd Street, offering a stellar location between the emerging markets of downtown and Innovation Square. The subject property is located within Opportunity Zone 3.
This property offers an unbeatable location close to downtown, with quick access to the business district, restaurants, shopping, and everything else the area has to offer. Within steps of the Innovation Hub @ UF and the 4th Avenue Food Park, which has some great places such as Fehrenbachers and Square House to name just a couple. The home is beautifully maintained inside. It’s versatile
The Laurel Oak Inn is a landmark Victorian hospitality property located on one of north central Florida’s most historically significant streets, just steps from downtown. Originally built in 1885, this grand mansion has long been regarded as one of the crown jewels of the district and underwent a comprehensive restoration in 2005 to preserve its architectural integrity while modernizing its
Discover luxury living at The Palms in Gainesville, FL! Just minutes from the University of Florida and UF Health Shands Hospital, these upscale condos feature gourmet kitchens with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and upgraded finishes throughout. Enjoy 10-foot ceilings with crown molding, spacious bedrooms, large closets, and private patios or balconies. Elegant 18-inch tile
Nestled in the heart of downtown Gainesville, Arlington Square Apartments provides a small-town community atmosphere just steps away from The Hippodrome Theater, charming boutique shops, and some of the city's finest dining establishments. Offering over 50 unique floor plans, our apartments showcase distinctive features such as beautiful bay windows, cathedral ceilings with skylights, custom
At Magnolia Residences, we believe that finding the perfect place to live is about more than just a roof over your head—it's about creating a luxury community where people feel at home, valued, and connected. We invite you to experience these values firsthand and let us help you find the perfect home. Magnolia Residences offers 39 loft-styled apartments in the heart of Downtown
Welcome to Grand Laurel Oak Estate, Gainesville’s largest private retreat blending historic elegance with modern luxury. This 7-bedroom, 7.5-bath mansion invites your group to feel at home in comfort and style. Perfect for groups, events, reunions, retreats, and more.Inside, 5,800 sq. ft. of living space means your group can spread out. There are three distinct living rooms, perfect for game
Feel at home in this charming 1-bedroom apartment in the heart of Gainesville’s historic district. Located on the second floor of a beautiful Victorian home, part of the Camellia Rose Inn property, this apartment offers a perfect blend of historic charm and modern comfort.Original heart-of-pine hardwood floors, a gas fireplace, and abundant natural light create a warm, homey atmosphere. The
Feel at home in this newly refurbished, bright, and cheerful 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom downtown duplex. Unit B of the historic duplex offers an ideal location to experience downtown Gainesville at your fingertips.This apartment sleeps up to 6 people and includes shared access to parking and the yard.A queen air mattress is available upon request at the time of booking. One pet is allowed if
Feel at home in this newly renovated apartment in the historic Hodges House at the Camellia Rose Inn property. This "Penthouse" features heart of pine floors and a perfect location.This apartment features a new full kitchen, a newly renovated bathroom with a large shower, and a spacious living/dining area.A car is recommended, but there is a bus transit system available.Walk to
Feel at home in Camellia Rose Mansion, a stunning Queen Anne Victorian home in Gainesville’s historic district. This estate features 7-bedrooms and 7.5-bathrooms, blending southern historic charm with modern luxury.Inside, you’ll find expansive spaces to gather and entertain. A grand living room (former parlor) offers elegant seating and a cozy fireplace. The formal dining room seats 14 under
Feel at home in this beautiful 1-bedroom apartment on the 2nd floor of a Victorian home. Located on the property of the Camellia Rose Inn, this apartment is situated in the quaint and quiet Bed and Breakfast district.This fully furnished apartment features beautiful hardwood floors, AC and heat, Wi-Fi, and lots of natural light. The apartment has the original heart of pine floors, a gas
Welcome to Grand Laurel Oak Estate, Gainesville’s premiere private retreat blending historic elegance with modern luxury. This 5-bedroom, 5.5-bath home invites your group to live in comfort and style. Feel at home whether you’re in town for a family reunion, University of Florida graduation, or a corporate off-site.The large living spaces mean your group can spread out. There are two distinct
NEWLY RENOVATED. CLOSE to UF and downtown . BIKE to UF in 3 minutes!! Walk to downtown action! Near all the great food trucks and music!! Near Depot park and concerts!HUGE rooms, spacious layout, hardwood floors. Very private room layout. HUGE fenced yard! VERY quiet street!NEW kitchen, NEW Central AC and heat, ceiling fans, washer /dryer/dishwasher. New appliances. New metal roof
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.