$443,575Average Value$245Average Price per Sq Ft0Homes For Sale
Duckpond is a unique downtown community
Lovingly restored late 19th and early 20th century homes line the narrow streets in Duckpond, a coveted neighborhood in the heart of Old Gainesville. "When you say you live in Duckpond, that has a certain clout," says Betsy Pepine, a Gainesville native and broker of Pepine Realty. Some front yards have signs that proudly display "Duckpond Love," while others showcase plaques from the local historical society. "We have so many cookie-cutter neighborhoods in this town," Pepine says. "Some people use their homes as a container in which to live, and others use them to express a part of themselves. Those people tend to like Duckpond." Duckpond's name originates from a small retention pond on the couplet road, Northeast Boulevard, where ducks once gathered. Today, the community still has a unique blend of homes, with many undergoing rehabilitation under the guidance of Historic Gainesville, Inc. Locals move to Duckpond to enjoy an established community and easy commute. "People love the location. You can walk downtown, it's a short bicycle ride to UF and it's becoming more family-friendly," Pepine says.
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church is an excellent choice for Duckpond residents.
Rows of beautifully restored houses line the scenic streets of Duckpond.
1/2
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.
The tree-lined streets of Duckpond enhance the beauty of its classic row houses.
Duckpond neighborhood homes are perfect for those who love historic architecture.
1/2
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.
Welcome to Tom Petty Park.
The Thomas Center offers a calming environment that makes it an ideal destination near Duckpond.
1/2
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.
Discover the vibrant Gainsville Shopping Center, perfectly situated around Duckpond.
Duckpond features an excellent sushi selection at Dragonfly that you won't want to miss.
1/2
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.
Standing at the bus stop in the charming Duckpond area.
Enjoy a morning walk at the University of Florida in the Duckpond area.
1/2
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.
Laniakea Montessori School offers private learning for Northeast Gainesville.
Welcome to W.A. Metcalfe Elementary School.
1/2
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.
The University of Florida, located in Duckpond, is a place where dreams come to life.
Enjoy the ease and accessibility of bus transport in Duckpond, making travel hassle-free.
1/2
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.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Julia Ariet,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Tom Petty Park
Transit
Airport
Gainesville Regional
12 min drive
Bus
Alachua County School Board Administration
Bus
Florida School Of Traditional Midwifery
Bus
Southbound NE 9th Street & NE 5th Avenue
Bus
Partnership For Strong Families
Bus
Fire Stone & N Main Street
Bus
Southbound NE 9th Street & NE 7th Avenue
Bus
City Hall
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 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Duckpond, Gainesville over the last 12 months is $361,900, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Own a piece of Gainesville’s history—beautifully preserved and ready for its next chapter. Nestled in the heart of the Duckpond neighborhood, this early 1900s former use blends architectural charm with modern flexibility and versatile functionality. Zoned for both residential and commercial use, it offers a unique opportunity to create a stunning live/work space in one of the city's most beloved
Charming brick cottage located just outside the historic Duckpond area. This 2-BR plus office/1-bath home with carport is conveniently located to downtown shops & restaurants and to UF & Shands. Parks and public pool are nearby. Home is freshly painted inside and out. Wood laminate and tile flooring. New light fixtures. Motion sensor security cameras. Remodeled kitchen with new solid wood
Timeless Elegance in the Heart of the Duckpond! Nestled directly across from the iconic Thomas Center, this exquisitely restored 1935 residence blends historic character with modern luxury. Situated on an expansive double lot, this rare gem offers approx 2,136 square feet of thoughtfully renovated living space surrounded by lush native landscaping and mature gardens. Step inside to discover
Adorable vintage cottage with expansive space and original wood flooring. Light and bright. Nice fenced outdoor space with back porch and storage shed. Only 1 mile to downtown Gainesville. 1.5 miles to Depot Park and Heartwood Soundstage. Owner pays for pest control and lawn care.
Discover the charm of this unique 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom Duckpond home built in 1927 with DETACHED OFFICE. The large front porch opens to a light-filled and spacious living room. A dining room just off of this flows into the gorgeous kitchen. Set along the historic Boulevard this home comes complete with a detached artist's studio and separate garage. It is set along the historic Boulevard on a
Beautiful corner lot home in the historic Duckpond neighborhood - 10 min walk to downtown, 10 min drive to the UF campus. Nice wood floors through living area and carpet in bedrooms. Remodeled large kitchen with pantry and new dishwasher, washer and dryer in 2023. Dining area plus countertop bar seating. Primary bedroom has attached bath. Home was painted in 2023. Washer and dryer included, 1-car
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Julia Ariet,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,962
Median Age
38
Population under 18
18.5%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$69,351
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$104,997
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.5%
College Graduates
72.6%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
38.8%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
77.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
43°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
87/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
75/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: 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.
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.
