Countryside living and a strong equestrian community in Williston
In the heart of Florida’s Nature Coast, Williston is a rural community known for its quiet streets and as the birthplace of the 1975 Kentucky Derby champion. Surrounded by farmland and within 30 miles of numerous wildlife and nature preserves, the small, Levy County city offers a secluded countryside atmosphere that feels far from urban activity, while downtown Gainesville is just 20 miles away. “Williston definitely has that small town feel and is surrounded by rolling farmland dotted with horses,” says Sarah Eastman, a Levy County Realtor with United Country Smith & Associates Chiefland. “The town has a strong farming and equestrian presence and is not far from the World Equestrian Center in Ocala. It has maintained a small-town feel even with the development of new subdivisions and businesses.”
Spacious properties and new subdivisions
Mature trees and Spanish moss shade the streets of Williston and provide privacy between neighbors. Ranch-style homes make up the majority of the market, and most houses sit on quarter to half-acre lots, with some reaching over an acre on the outskirts of town. “There are some new subdivisions in development in the area,” says Eastman. The Country Lane Estates neighborhood features brand new builds. Fixer-uppers in need of renovation range from $60,000 to $120,000, while most move-in-ready builds can go for $150,000 to $490,000. Multi-acre, equestrian properties range from $500,000 to $820,000. Price tags increase with lot size and interior upgrades.
Dual enrollment at Williston Middle High School
Pre-kindergarten through second-grade students can attend Joyce Bullock Elementary School, which earns a B grade from Niche. The B-minus-rated Williston Elementary School serves third through fifth grade students. Also with a B-minus, Williston Middle High School partners with the College of Central Florida for its dual enrollment courses. The Williston Public Library hosts regular community events, from family story times and book sales to a summer reading program.
Athletic facilities and nearby natural areas
There are several equestrian facilities and stables in the Levy County area, including Horseman’s Park, which has a lighted arena and hosts barrel racing events and horse shows. Foolish Pleasure, the 1975 winning steed of the Kentucky Derby was born in the Williston area and is memorialized with a bronze statue in Heritage Park. “Goethe State Park is a popular spot for horseback riders, with miles of equestrian-friendly trails,” Eastman says. The 20-acre Cedar Lake Woods and Gardens was once an abandoned quarry and is now home to hundreds of flora species with peaceful walking trails and botanical gardens. Cornelius Williams Park has a playground, a basketball court, soccer fields and baseball diamonds. In the summer months, locals can pick their own blackberries at Sweet Berry Farms. Around 20 miles northeast, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park has over 30 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, wildlife viewing areas and the 300-acre Lake Wauburg, where visitors can use the boat launch or cast a line from the shore to reel in bass or speckled perch.
An outdoor market and locally owned businesses on Noble Avenue
Noble Avenue serves as Williston’s downtown corridor, with a small selection of shops, restaurants and amenities. Sister’s Place Southern Kitchen serves classic comfort food from fried catfish to locally raised beef burgers. “Homestead Park is a cool business on the north side of town,” says Eastman. “It’s an old shopping center that was turned into an open-air market. It’s especially popular on the weekends, with food trucks, shopping and line dancing.” Sad Donkey Coffee is the go-to spot for espresso, tea and baked goods, while Cafe Trolley Deli & Dawgs offers made-to-order sub sandwiches and specialty hot dogs. For dessert, Flamingo Freeze serves hand-scooped ice cream and Italian ice. Winn-Dixie and Hitchcock’s Markets are nearby options for groceries. Local farmers and horse owners can stock up at the local Tractor Supply Co. or Spar Building & Farm Supply.
Driving to Gainesville or Orlando
Downtown Gainesville is around 20 miles northeast via Florida state Road 121, while Orlando is roughly 100 miles southeast. Gainesville Regional Airport is around 26 miles away.
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Written By
Jillian Pillow
