Duckpond
Neighborhood in Gainesville, Florida
Alachua County 32601
Duckpond has some of the oldest homes in Gainesville
In Duckpond, two-story brick colonials are a few blocks away from gingerbread Victorians and modest cottages. "Duckpond is where you're going to find some of the oldest homes in Gainesville," Pepine says. "We get people from the Northeast looking for an old home. Most people think of a 1970s house. That's pretty new for Boston, but here it's considered old. So, if you really want old, old, you can head to Duckpond." Renovated homes in Duckpond maintain a historic character while showing remodeled interiors. Many homes in Gainesville have been restored by residents, including local legends Mark and Mary Barrow, who revitalized houses known as the "Barrow bungalows." Due to historic home regulations, renovations in Duckpond require licensed professionals and approval from Historic Gainesville, Inc.The Duckpond Historic District covers most of the neighborhood. Along the outer edge, such as north of 13th Avenue, are midcentury ranch-style homes. Some Duckpond properties were converted into duplexes and quadruplexes for University of Florida students and faculty. "You pay a little more than the rest of downtown," Pepine says. "In general, the price per square foot for a home is higher than what you will find downtown." Duckpond housing prices run the gamut, showing a 50% increase over the last five years. Houses under 1,500 square feet and midcentury ranch-styles range in price from $275,000 to $475,000. Larger residences inside the historic district can range between $400,000 and $650,000. Two-story colonials range from $725,000 to $850,000. Properties converted into multifamily units are priced between $750,000 and $900,000.
Visiting the Thomas Center and Tom Petty Park
Sweetwater Branch Creek flows through the southern half of the community, feeding into the namesake retention pond. The neighborhood space has a park bench facing the water. To the north is Tom Petty Park, an outdoor space honoring the rock legend who grew up in the city. The greenspace offers a playground, dog park, sporting fields as well as courts for tennis and racquetball. The Historic Thomas Center, a Mediterranean Revival-inspired landmark, has deep roots in the city. "Duckpond is anchored by the Thomas Center, a very historic building," Pepine says. "It used to be the original campus for Santa Fe College and now it's a venue for weddings." The building was once a family home as well as a hotel. Today, locals are seen exercising and meditating in the large garden under the shade of magnolia and oak trees. A small amphitheater hosts a summer concert series. The building showcases two galleries open to the public.Duckpond residents attend many schools
Pepine says that most families in Duckpond send their children to private schools or apply to public schools with magnet programs. Nearby private options include Laniakea Montessori School and St. Patrick Interparish School. Students are zoned for several public schools within Alachua County. W.A. Metcalfe Elementary has a C-plus from Niche. Students north of 8th Avenue can attend Howard W. Bishop Middle, while the remaining students attend Westwood Middle; both schools earn B-plus grades. Students south of 8th Avenue can attend Gainesville High while others enroll in Eastside High; both receive A grades and rank among the top high schools in the county.Walking to downtown events at Bo Diddley Plaza
Duckpond residents can walk to several downtown events throughout the year. "People love being able to go to the Hippodrome, it's a big feature downtown for plays," Pepine says. "And Bo Diddley Plaza has a farmer's market in the summers. On Fridays, they have concerts and movies on the lawn." Every November, the streets surrounding the plaza come alive for the Downtown Festival & Art Show. Running for over 40 years, the festival showcases more than 200 artists during a free two-day event featuring live music performances and a variety of cuisines.A walkable community in Gainesville
In Duckpond, many get around by bike or on foot, especially residents traveling to the University of Florida, a major employer in the city. Bus stops are found along University Avenue and 9th Street. Heading a mile west on University Avenue leads to campus, while the nearest Interstate 75 interchange is just over 5 miles from the community. UF Shands Emergency Room and Children's Hospital are around 2 miles away on Archer Road.Shopping in Gainesville Shopping Center
Gainesville Shopping Center sits on the opposite side of Duckpond on Main Street. The retail plaza has a Publix Super Market and national storefronts like Dollar General and Hibbett Sports. Many take to downtown for dining. "There's a whole college bar scene downtown, but that's not usually people living in the Duckpond," Pepine says. "A favorite place to eat would be Dragonfly, which is very, very well known." Pepine also recommends Mark's Prime Steakhouse and The Top.Crime
The community has a CAP Index Crime score of 7 compared to the national average of 4. Property crime contributes to the higher-than-average crime score for the neighborhood.


Agents Specializing in this Area
-
Andrea Webb
Responds QuicklyCOLDWELL BANKER REALTY
(813) 534-6761
166 Total Sales
1 in Duckpond
$435,000 Price
-
Julia Ariet
Responds QuicklyKeller Williams Gainesville Realty Partners
(352) 415-1725
112 Total Sales
3 in Duckpond
$255K - $550K Price Range
-
Mike Rust
Rabell Realty Group LLC
(352) 888-4052
89 Total Sales
3 in Duckpond
$250K - $580K Price Range
-
Rachel Kerensky
BHGRE THOMAS GROUP
(352) 559-9947
114 Total Sales
1 in Duckpond
$560,000 Price
-
Morgan Forrest
Responds QuicklyCROSS KEYS REALTY, INC.
(352) 389-3833
33 Total Sales
3 in Duckpond
$400K - $1.1M Price Range
-
CL
Cathy Lentz
Responds QuicklyBOSSHARDT REALTY SERVICES LLC
(352) 703-0446
36 Total Sales
1 in Duckpond
$338,000 Price
Schools
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to
, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Parks in this Area
Transit
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Duckpond | US |
---|---|---|
Homicide | 4 | 4 |
Sexual Assault | 6 | 4 |
Assault with Weapon | 4 | 4 |
Robbery | 5 | 4 |
Burglary | 8 | 4 |
Motor Vehicle Theft | 8 | 4 |
Larceny | 9 | 4 |
Crime Score | 7 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Duckpond Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Duckpond, Gainesville sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Duckpond, Gainesville over the last 12 months is $362,500, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Neighborhood Facts
Open Houses
-
Sunday, Jun 1512 - 2pm
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to
, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Finances
Education and Workforce
Weather
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Nearby Neighborhoods

The city is experiencing growth in Downtown Gainesville

A historic community along University Avenue and 13th Street

A longstanding suburb in Northeast Gainesville near downtown, UF and shopping

A historically Black community with deep roots in Gainesville

An established downtown community that has changed over the years

A downtown community cradling the busy Depot Park