Culturally relevant and rich in history, the Pleasant Street neighborhood is known for being the first Black community in the state to land a historic designation. In the 1860s, after the Civil War, Pleasant Street attracted freedmen and formerly enslaved people from Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. Many families in the community have lived here for several generations. There is also a growing population of new residents and college students. Over the last few years, the area has undergone significant housing and commercial development. However, historical markers like Mount Pleasant Methodist Episcopal Church and Dunbar Hotel remain local landmarks. "What's unique about Pleasant Street is that there are a lot of historic homes in the area. A lot of old Gainesville started here," says Keelan Cox, a Gainesville native and Realtor with Keller Williams Gainesville Realty Partners. "This is a cool area, from downtown shows, events and festivals," Cox says. "It’s a nice place to live and grow up." Pleasant Street remains a more single-family residential area than the neighboring Fifth Avenue community.
Pleasant Street offers ample space for outdoor activities like jogging.
Local barber shops on Pleasant Street provide top-notch grooming services.
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A historic charm and varied streetscape in downtown Gainesville
Pleasant Street’s home styles range from Craftsman bungalows and cottages to Victorians and houses with Colonial influences. Several homes show vibrant, fresh coats of paint and exterior renovations while maintaining a historic charm. Most homes offer front porches suitable for enjoying a warm Florida evening. Pleasant Street has recently seen a surge in interest, leading to increased investment and the neighborhood's redevelopment. Today, the community is experiencing rising property values. Some homes entering the market are purchased by longtime residents who restore these properties to their original charm. “The historic society also focuses on restoring these homes and bringing them back to life," says Rocky Lyon, an Alachua County resident and Realtor with Pepine Realty. Houses under 1,000 square feet range in price between $175,000 to $275,000. Homes built over the last five years and larger turn-key homes are priced between $300,000 and $460,000.
Each house on Pleasant Street boasts a unique character and style.
Pleasant Street offers a blend of historic and modernized homes.
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Walking to Pleasant Park
Pleasant Park is a small neighborhood outdoor space with a playground and covered gazebo. Many locals can walk to the park from their homes. Rosa B. Williams Center sits at the previous site of Union Academy, a historic Black school dating back to 1865. The center offers a gallery, dance floors and space for adult lessons and events.
Discover the charm of the Pleasant Park Gazebo, nestled in the inviting Pleasant Street neighbor
The Rosa B. Williams Center on Pleasant Street provides invaluable support and resources.
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Local eateries inside the community
Publix Super Market At University Village Market is a mile from University Avenue. Caribbean Queen serves authentic Jamaican fare like oxtail, curried goat and spicy beef patties. Many popular restaurants have outdoor patio seating, including The Top and Lebowski's Pup Pub, which has an onsite dog park.
Experience creative dishes and a lively vibe at The Top in Pleasant Street.
Discover Lebowski's Pup Pub, a truly unique gem on Pleasant Street that you won't want to miss.
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5th Avenue Arts Festival
The 5th Avenue Arts Festival commemorates the cultural history of the city’s Black community through performance and visual arts. The three-day event can attract over 20,000 visitors each year. “Aside from the great food downtown, there are monthly movies playing, downtown shows, events and festivals,” Cox says.
Learning close to home
Elementary students west of Main Street can attend Carolyn Beatrice Parker Elementary, which holds a B grade from Niche. Students to the east can attend W.A. Metcalfe Elementary, which has a C-plus. Westwood Middle, earning a B-plus, has courses in robotics and coding. Gainesville High receives an A grade; the school offers magnet programs in health and education. Santa Fe College Charles L. Blount Center sits on the southern edge of the community, offering small class sizes for students.
Welcome to Gainesville High School.
Welcome to Carolyn Beatrice Parker Elementary School.
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Local houses of worship
Mt. Pleasant Methodist Church holds Gainesville’s oldest Black congregation. After the original building was destroyed by fire, the church was rebuilt in 1903, showcasing Romanesque Revival architecture in vibrant red. Friendship Baptist is another neighborhood landmark displaying the same Romanesque Revival style.
Pleasant Street is considered walkable and bikeable to downtown hotspots and The University of Florida. UF Shands Emergency Room and Children's Hospital are about 2 miles away on Archer Road. Bus stops are found along 6th and 13th Streets.
Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church is open to everyone on Pleasant Street.
Take a leisurely walk along Pleasant Street to enjoy the friendly atmosphere.
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Crime
The community has a CAP Index crime score of 8 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
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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.
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Located in the heart of the historic Pleasant Street neighborhood, this 3-bedroom, 1 bath bungalow is full of character and ready for its next chapter. Built in 1930, the home features beautiful original hardwood floors, a welcoming covered front porch, and a spacious layout that has been well loved over the years.Just blocks from the University of Florida, UF Health, Depot Park, and a quick
Zoma De Las EstrellasKELLER WILLIAMS GAINESVILLE REALTY PARTNERS
This property presents as a 4-bedroom, 1-bathroom home and is ready for your vision and renovation skills. A true handyman special, it offers strong bones and plenty of potential for customization or investment. Situated on a spacious lot with a fenced yard, there’s room to expand, garden, or create the outdoor living space of your dreams. Driveway parking included. Utilities are currently
Welcome to Brush Addition. This 1992 home has 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom with 930 sq ft of indoor living space. Laundry room with exterior access to the side yard. There is a large screened front porch. Driveway with plenty of space to park your boat, trailer, etc. Home is sold as is.
Available for Sublease until July 2025 with Option to Renew!Welcome to your charming Studio Style Cottage nestled in the heart of Gainesville, Florida, located in the historic Pleasant Street Cottage District. This fully remodeled cottage offers a perfect blend of modern convenience and cozy charm. Step inside to discover a beautifully renovated space featuring a kitchen equipped
Available August 2025. Spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, beautifully renovated with modern amenities. This charming property features a remodeled kitchen, pristine wood floors, and convenient in-unit washer/dryer. Stay comfortable year-round with central heating and air conditioning. Situated just steps away from downtown and only a mile from UF, it also offers easy access to the downtown
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Victoria Carlisle,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
891
Median Age
32
Population under 18
16.9%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.8%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$33,437
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$79,366
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.6%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
38%
Advanced Degrees
19.1%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
68%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
43°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
100/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
85/ 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.
