Meet the Communities of Alachua County, FL
Considering its great jobs, food and arts scenes, outdoor recreation options and family-friendly amenities, Alachua County is truly a perfect place for folks to reside. The only question … which community suits you best? The county is made up of various sized communities that have different personalities and offerings. If you are thinking about moving to Gainesville, FL, here’s what you need to know about all the communities that make up Alachua County.
In This Article
Enjoy the Good Life in Alachua
With its Main Street packed with family-owned shops and restaurants, Alachua offers plenty of small-town charm. But this city of nearly 11,000 residents is also home to several manufacturing and tech companies, many of which are housed in biotech hub Momentum Labs and business park San Felasco Tech City. It’s truly a place where the past and the future blend together beautifully.
“The city of Alachua is known as ‘The Good Life Community’ and distinguishes itself as a place where tradition meets progress in a truly unique way,” says Jessica Hurov, Alachua County tourism development director for Visit Gainesville.
Just 10 minutes from Main Street, you’ll find San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park, which features 40 miles of mountain biking trails and plenty of nature trails for hiking.
Moving to Gainesville, FL: Excellence Everywhere
Situated in the heart of north-central Florida, this city of 146,000 residents fosters a strong sense of community through its diverse population, local businesses and year-round festivals. Home to the University of Florida, the Alachua County Sports & Events Center and the Gainesville Raceway, it is recognized as a community of excellence in education as well as regional, national and international sports.
“The city’s vibrant arts and culture scene, world-class sporting facilities, incredible restaurants, breweries and dozens of special events every weekend draw millions of visitors annually to Alachua County and create a wonderful quality of life for residents,” Hurov says.
Moving to Gainesville, FL, also means you get to enjoy plenty of great arts and parks. From thought-provoking exhibits and world-class collections at the Florida Museum of Natural History to Artisans’ Guild Gallery exhibits, the Downtown Festival & Art Show, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens and Sweetwater Wetlands Park, this city caters to those who appreciate art, history and nature.
Score Great Outdoor Activities in High Springs
The city of High Springs, population 6,600, is welcoming, friendly and fun. It allows for plenty of outdoor adventures – think paddling down the Santa Fe River or hiking, biking and fishing at O’Leno State Park.
“What makes this creative and innovative community beloved among residents and visitors is the diverse opportunities for antiquing, arts and outdoor recreation,” says Elizabeth Reyes, Alachua County tourism development manager for Visit Gainesville.
Fun activities include classes and workshops at Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies, the monthly Art Walk, High Springs Farmers Market and signature festivals, like Santa Fe Springs Plein Air Paintout, where local and out-of-town artists come in for almost a week and paint the local springs and downtown. Live music and a taste of local flavor can be found at High Springs Brewing Co., along with a growing list of exceptional restaurants.
Find Picture-Perfect Living in Micanopy
As Florida’s oldest inland town, Micanopy is known for its antique shops, fall festivals and picture-perfect scenery.
“A visit to the town center on Cholokka Boulevard is an opportunity to rediscover the joy of the leisurely stroll as you browse Micanopy’s numerous antique shops, like Antique City Mall, hear bluegrass tunes floating up from the front deck of dining establishments, like the Old Florida Cafe, and explore attractions like the Micanopy Historical Society Museum,” Reyes says.
Nearby, Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center and Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park offer an unforgettable glimpse of Florida’s natural beauty.
All Aboard Enchanting Newberry
Once a bustling mining town, this community of 8,000 residents has transformed itself into a thriving agricultural and sports hub.
“Newberry believes in enhancing the future while embracing the past,” says Sean McLendon, Alachua County economic development and food systems manager.
The Tioga Town Center, for example, offers modern shopping and dining, while the iconic Little Red Schoolhouse and the Newberry Fire House Art Gallery & Studio showcase the city’s dedication to preserving its heritage and promoting local art.
Every summer, the annual Watermelon Festival celebrates the city’s rich agricultural roots, and signature events, like musical festival WestFest, draw visitors from all around the region. And throughout the year, outdoor enthusiasts and athletes flock to Champions Park and Easton Newberry Archery Center, which offers classes, group activities and coaching.
Experience Relaxed Living in Hawthorne
Incorporated in 1881, this beautiful city offers a rural feel and a friendly, welcoming vibe. Each year, it hosts the Windsor Zucchini Festival, which features – you guessed it – zucchini. Additionally, the city is home to Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park, Little Orange Creek Nature Park, Lochloosa Lake, and the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail. In other words, there are plenty of places for outdoor recreation. Oh, and if you are a fan of wine, make sure to check out Island Grove Wine Co.
Get to Know Gainesville, FL
Want to learn more about living and working in Gainesville, FL? Check out the new edition of Livability Greater Gainesville, Florida.