Trenton blends a rural farming community with downtown amenities.
Trenton is a small, rural city nested among the pastures and crop fields of Gilchrest County. Containing just over 2,000 residents, Trenton has long been an agricultural center, with multiple dairy farms and crop fields surrounding its small downtown. But despite its size, downtown still has multiple restaurants and attractions. The city is also on proximity to several state parks and natural springs along the nature coast. “We have more cows than people,” says Deen Lancaster, broker/owner of Deen Lancaster Realty Inc., whose family has lived in the area for five generations. “It's small, rural and like Mayberry from The Andy Griffith Show. There is only one red light in the county, and it's here.” While farming and cattle are a big industry, Lancaster notes that the town is also a bedroom community for Gainesville.
Lower-cost single-family homes with no HOA presence
Homes can vary from manufactured to ranch-style, bungalows and New Traditionals. While the median home price is $235,000, lower than the national and state averages, some homes can reach above $800,000 or into the million-dollar range. Lancaster says that there are no HOAs.
Properties are typically on gridded streets with smaller lots, with live oaks and bald cypress trees accenting lawns. Farmsteads and properties with more acreage are on the outskirts of town. Lancaster says that Trenton has attracted retirees from the larger cities in Florida who are seeking more affordable housing and space as well as families.
The Gilchrist County School District serves public students
Students can attend the Gilchrist County School District, rated B on Niche. They can start at B-plus-graded Trenton Elementary for kindergarten through 5th grade. Pupils can finish at Trenton Middle/High School, which also earns a B-plus and offers career courses in agriculture, accounting and information technology.
Outdoor adventures at local and state parks
Trenton Park has sports courts, a playground and a baseball backstop. Depot Park has a basketball court and a multipurpose field. It is also the starting point for the 32-mile Nature Coast State Trail, connecting to communities such as Fanning Springs and Chiefland. The city also has multiple houses of worship, including the Trenton Church of Christ and Ebenezer Baptist Church.
Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, 19 miles northeast, has multiple natural springs for swimming and paddling. The Andrews Wildlife Management Area is 9 miles east and has fishing and nature trails along the Suwannee River. Gainesville’s events and attractions are roughly 30 miles east.
Dining on Wade and Main streets, but shopping options are limited
Restaurants are along Wade Street or Main Street. Options include a mix of chain and local eateries. The American Grace Cafe serves breakfast items, baked goods and sandwiches. Off the Beet has pizza, pasta dishes and salads. Green Barn Prime has steaks, sushi and burgers.
Downtown has several boutiques, a Hitchcock’s Market and several dollar stores. A state farmers' market is also held on the northeastern edge of town. More big-box retailers are 10 miles south in Chiefland.
Weather risks in Trenton
According to maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, parts of Trenton are at risk of flooding. Lancaster says that hurricanes can be a factor, as remnants of Hurricane Helene came through in 2024. Still, the city is far enough inland that it did not cause much damage.
U.S. Highway 129 and Highway 26 are the main arteries
Trenton does not have any public transportation connections and is car-dependent. U.S. Highway 129 connects to Chiefland, 10 miles south, while Highway 26 connects to Gainesville and Interstate 75. Gainesville Regional Airport is 35 miles east. Several clinics are in town, but UF Health Shands Hospital is 31 miles east.
