Newberry originated in the late 19th century as a phosphate mining town. After the need for phosphate dropped in the early 1900s, the city's rich soil yielded a prosperous agricultural community with a specific knack for cultivating watermelons – later kickstarting the city's annual Watermelon Festival.
Today, eyes are on Newberry for its location outside Gainesville and its small-town feel. "Newberry is in the midst of a big population boom," says local Realtor Nick Morales of Pepine Realty. He lives in Newberry. "We've seen a lot of growth, and I don't think that will stop." Over 8,000 people live in Newberry, nearly double the population in 2000. Morales emphasizes the city's costs compared to Gainesville. "Property values are lower here, and our utilities are a little bit cheaper," Morales says.
Newberry's primary industries are retail trade and health care, and many residents travel to Gainesville for work. HCA Florida Healthcare is one of the Newberry's largest employers.
Newberry is growing, but keeps it's rural roots close.
Farming is the main industry in Newberry.
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A new master-planned community is bringing thousands of homes to Newberry
The median home price in Newberry is around $354,000, about $50,000 under the national median. The market consists mainly of single-family homes. The oldest houses, mostly 20th-century cottages and bungalows, are clustered downtown. "There's a lot of new housing development right in the middle of the city or within a couple of miles of downtown," Morales says. Newer homes are predominantly in subdivisions on quarter-acre lots. A new master-planned community will bring more than 4,000 homes to Newberry over the next 50 years.
Historic homes can be found throughout Newberry.
New master planned communites continue to be constructed to aid in Newberry's population boom.
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Niche gives Alachua County Schools high remarks
Alachua County Public Schools scores an overall A-minus on Niche and serves nearly 29,000 students. The University of Florida, ranked no. five best public university in America on Niche, is about 15 miles away.
Newberry High School receives a B plus from Niche.
Newberry Elementary has a B grade from Niche.
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Ball games at Champions Park and day trips to the springs
Newberry dedicates over 80 acres of land to parks. Amenities range from archery ranges and volleyball courts to walking trails and baseball fields. Several community centers and municipal buildings have event rooms available for rent. Champions Park is popular for its baseball and softball complexes, attracting over 40,000 people a year for tournaments. Natural springs are accessible along the Santa Fe River about 15 miles north.
Baseball championships are held at Champion's Park in Newberry.
Freddie Warmack Park is a small community park in Newberry with a jungle gym, baseball field, and a basketball court.
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Newberry's historic downtown is a designated Main Street community
Locally owned restaurants and shops are concentrated in the city's historic downtown along Newberry Road. Downtown was recognized as a Main Street community by the National Main Street Organization and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. "It has a small, historic town feel," Morales says. "It's where we do festivals and farmers markets. Our local government is very communicative and always lets us know everything that is going on." The Spring Festival and the Blues & BBQ Festival are popular events that take place downtown.
A couple of grocery markets are available downtown, and a Publix is available on the city's eastern outskirts on Newberry Road. "We're getting a new Publix," Morales says. "More developers are coming in and putting up shops and restaurants. We've seen a new butcher shop and two or three new restaurants."
Shop and dine in Newberry's historic downtown.
Parts of Newberry seem frozen in time.
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Heading into Gainesville via Newberry Road
Gainesville is about 20 miles east of Newberry, connected by Newberry Road. The city is also served by U.S. Route 41, which runs directly through downtown. HCA Florida North is about 12 miles east of Newberry in Gainesville, and the Gainesville Regional Airport is about 25 miles away.
Newberry sits just twenty minutes outside of Gainesville.
North Florida Regional Hospital is a major employer for those living in Newberry.
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Florida's hot summer days
Newberry's summers are hot, and winters are mild; temperatures rarely go below 40 degrees. According to First Street, the city has a severe risk from heat, and temperatures can reach 100 degrees or hotter on more than 50 days a year.
Crime statistics for Newberry are not readily available.
Ruth B Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is popular for Spring Ridge locals looking to enjoy the Santa Fe River.
Blue skies and shaded streets makes Newberry an easy choice for those looking for a change in scenery.
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