$435,551Average Value$256Average Price per Sq Ft13Homes 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
On average, homes in Duckpond, Gainesville sell after 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Duckpond, Gainesville over the last 12 months is $391,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Built in 1951, this 2 bedroom/ 2 bath home was originally the former home of the daughter of Arnold Palmer's (the famous golfer). Just 3 blocks from the Historic Thomas Center, this home was purchased by the 2nd owner in January of 1980. At that time, it underwent an amazing transformation with only the absolute best and latest technology that the 70's offered. Today, this home is an amazing
Charming 1940 Vintage Home – 4 Bed, 2 Bath Step back in time with this delightful 4-bedroom, 2-bath cottage, brimming with character and timeless appeal. Built in 1940, this wood-frame home rests on sturdy piers, offering classic Southern charm with a large back deck. Inside, you'll find warm, inviting spaces with original details that speak to the home's history—perfectly blending vintage
Stunning historic home completely transformed in 2019! The thoughtfully-designed addition brought valuable square footage and maximum function to this classic Duckpond home. Special features like the loft in the third bedroom, the hidden laundry behind a custom barn door and custom storage in the entry wisely utilize every inch of space. The kitchen features a decorative fireplace, updated
Light and bright fully-renovated cottage in the historic Duckpond neighborhood! Located on a unique lot, this home is tucked behind another home at 113 NE 7th Street that is also currently listed. If purchased together, these two homes would be ideal for multi-generational living or to have one as an income-generating property while living in the other. The open floor plan for the main living
Charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home in Gainesville’s beautiful Duckpond neighborhood! This historic area is known for its tree-lined streets, character homes, and community feel. The home features new flooring and a cozy layout with bright living spaces. Just minutes from downtown Gainesville, Publix, UF, and local restaurants, you’ll enjoy both convenience and charm in one of the city’s most
Charming upstairs 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment located in a beautiful historic 1900s Duckpond home, just a short walk from Downtown and only minutes away from UF Campus and Midtown! With its beautifully refinished hardwood floors and an abundance of natural light, this apartment offers a spacious living area, a generous bedroom, and a modern, updated kitchen and bath. Enjoy the convenience of
Charming 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom cottage-style rental in the heart of Gainesville. This 1,411 sq ft home sits on nearly half an acre and is just minutes from vibrant downtown Gainesville. Enjoy a welcoming front porch, spacious living area, and a bright kitchen with ample storage. Natural light fills every room, and the home offers both functionality and comfort with its thoughtful layout. Located
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