With Sweetwater Branch Creek looping around its perimeter and tree branches hanging low with Spanish moss over the streets, Sugarhill looks like a neighborhood suited to rural outskirts. However, this small community is only 2 miles from the center of Gainesville, where University Boulevard and Main Street intersect. Craig Wilburn, a Realtor working with Keller Williams Gainesville who sits on the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, says this intersection is Gainesville's "point zero." The city is built in a grid-like system of numbered streets. Sugarhill is split in half by Southeast 4th Street for perspective on its downtown proximity. Its low price points while still being so close to downtown and the famed University of Florida is possibly Sugarhill's biggest appeal. "The University of Florida is our biggest attractor," Wilburn says. "Not only for students and jobs but for local flavor. Gainesville was more of a place to retire until the school expanded. Being near downtown is where you get the best sense of our city."
Midcentury ranch homes and Spanish Revival-inspired properties
Along the shaded streets, ranch-style homes and coastal bungalows from the mid-to-late 20th century sit, with front yards decorated with plants, some enclosed by chain-link fencing. Contemporary properties with Spanish and Mediterranean influences have sprung up in lots where dilapidated housing was torn down. Overall, however, the neighborhood is very much comprised of homes from before 2000. Properties here sell much lower than the Gainesville average – around $350,000 – instead selling anywhere between $125,000 and $250,000. On the lower end are investment properties, and on the higher end are rare new builds and completely renovated homes. The neighborhood has a CAP Crime Index Score of 3, with 4 being the national average out of 10.
Grabbing drinks downtown at Loosey's
There is a Winn Dixie and Dollar Tree almost immediately outside the neighborhood, and Sugarhill is only about 3 miles from a couple of main retail areas with shops such as Publix and Walmart. The neighborhood's proximity to downtown Gainesville means residents have quick access to the eclectic shops and locally owned restaurants along Main Street and University Avenue. The Top is a Gainesville favorite for cozy interior vibes and its upscale Americana menu, while Loosey's is a go-to for drinks after football games.
From punk festivals to art shows at University of Florida
With downtown Gainesville only a couple of miles away, residents can quickly head into the city's heart for any of the many events it puts on, whether big or small. "We credit the university for many things that I don't think we'd get otherwise. It draws in art events, cultural speakers, comedy shows," says Autumn Doughton, who works in administration as a Gainesville relocation specialist for Bosshardt Realty Services. "We have all kinds of sports games happening every week, of course, but we also have these cool, unexpected events. A punk music festival in October brings in thousands of people."
On the pathway to Gainesville High School
Sugarhill falls under Alachua County Public Schools. Idylwild Elementary School, rated a C on Niche, is less than a mile outside the neighborhood. Students progress to B-rated Abraham Lincoln Middle School before heading to A-rated Gainesville High School. Ranked in the Top 3 high schools for Alachua County, Gainesville High is well-known for its band, which has several performance accolades. In 2004, the Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education magnet was introduced, offering an internationally focused curriculum.
Exploring the diverse recreation at Depot Park
A tiny green space in the neighborhood, Barbara Higgins Park, provides a playground, pavilion and dog-friendly field within walking distance for most residents. Less than a mile to the north, Depot Park is one of Gainesville's most prominent green spaces, designed to be the city's "Central Park". It features a large children's area and splash pad, a promenade for strolling around the pond and a conservation area for sights of native wildlife. It's the site for several annual and weekly events, from live concerts to family movie nights.
Hitting South Main Street to get to highways
South Main Street, which borders the neighborhood's west side, runs north for about 1 mile to connect to State Roads 20 and 24, which funnel into the significant thoroughfare of Interstate 75. Bus stops are available on Southeast Williston Road and 4th Street via the Gainesville Regional Transit System. The Gainesville Regional Airport is about 6 miles away and is serviced by Delta, American and Silver Airlines. For any healthcare and emergency needs, Shands Hospital is only 2 miles away and one of Gainesville's leading hospitals.
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
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Parks in this Area
Depot Park
Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Barbara Higgins Park
Transit
Airport
Gainesville Regional
14 min drive
Bus
Southbound Williston Road & SE 1st Terrace
Bus
Chevron Gas Station & Williston Road
Bus
Springhill Baptist Church
Bus
Norwood Neighborhood (North)
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Sugarhill
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Home Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
80
Median Year Built
1958
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,156
Significantly below the national average
1,937
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,890
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Hope Harvey Webb,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
240
Median Age
40
Population under 18
25%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$44,062
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$57,642
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
90.1%
College Graduates
13.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6.2%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
59.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
43°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
67/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
28/ 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.
