Old Town is a rural community that offers a slower pace
Old Town is a small community along the U.S. Route 19/98 corridor on the eastern edge of Dixie County about 40 miles from Gainesville. Residents enjoy an Old Florida lifestyle that offers space, privacy and freedom from residential restrictions. At the same time, residents enjoy easy access to nearby recreational attractions. “It’s a rural community with access to natural resources,” says Dewey Hatcher of Hatcher Realty Services, who sells homes throughout the area. “A lot of people there are just looking to slow down the pace of life.”
The area remains appealing to those escaping the city
“When COVID hit, so many people from the city didn’t want to deal with the restrictions,” Hatcher says. “They were short-lived, but that made our market accelerate, and that is still going on.” Almost all of the community’s non-HOA homes are located outside the city limits. Manufactured homes are the most common offerings. Traditional single-family homes feature different styles and sizes in country settings, where quiet roads and mature trees are common. “In Old Town, they’ve got larger lot sizes,” Hatcher says. “They sell for a little bit more money, but you can get 5 acres.” Fixer-uppers and investor specials can start around $50,000, but, overall, prices typically range from around $100,000 to $300,000-plus for manufactured homes, and $100,000 to $400,000-plus for single-family homes. The largest and most expensive options are found along the Suwanee River. The Gulf Coast is nearly 30 miles away, so flooding is rarely an issue. However, wind damage can be a major risk during hurricane season.
Shopping and dining options are prevalent in nearby communities
A grocery store is a highlight of the shopping and dining options along the highway that runs through the heart of the community. The commercial corridor is also home to several independent businesses offering a variety of goods and services, gas stations and a post office. More shopping and dining options are located along the highway heading into neighboring Fanning Springs and farther south in Chiefland, a city about 12 miles away.
Trail, river, state parks are featured attractions
Old Town is one of several communities through which the Nature Coast State Trail runs. Just east of the Old Town trailhead is the Historic Suwannee River Railroad Bridge, one of the most popular destinations along a trail that follows the path of an old rail line. There’s a boat ramp at nearby Joe Anderson Park along the river, which is a haven for canoers, kayakers, boaters and anglers. Just across the river is Fanning Springs State Park, a regional attraction whose blue-green waters flow directly into the Suwannee. Farther south along the river is Manatee Springs State Park, where one of Florida’s most lovable creatures roams freely.
Community elementary school rated B-plus by Niche
The community is served by Dixie District Schools, which earns a B-minus from Niche. Old Town Elementary, which earns a B-plus, is the highest rated of three above-average schools that make up the standard PK-12 pipeline. Ruth Rains Upper Elementary and Dixie County Middle-High School are rated B-minus. Students at the Middle-High School can take Career & Technical Education courses.
Access to nearby towns, jobs in Gainesville
Route 19/98 provides a direct route to nearby towns, including the county seat of Cross City, less than 10 miles away. The regional highway also provides access to Gainesville, which is home to the University of Florida and UF Shands Hospital, two of the region’s largest employers. “Since Covid, it’s amazing how many people have left Gainesville and now drive an extra 20 miles to work,” Hatcher says. Gainesville Regional Airport is the closest facility for commercial flights.
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Written By
Matt Pallister
