Alachua County is a popular destination for families relocating to Florida. North Central Florida offers abundant job opportunities, access to the University of Florida, a variety of home styles, and limitless outdoor adventure. The Florida real estate market has fared well despite COVID, and homebuyers continue to flock to the sunshine state. At Showcase Properties, our agents know the best places to live in Alachua County. Let’s explore Gainesville, and the best small towns near Gainesville, Florida.
City of Alachua
With under 10,000 residents, Alachua boasts a small-town feel while remaining close to the bigger city amenities in Gainesville. Alachua offers easy access to state and national parks as well as the University of Florida campus. With convenient access to I-75 and I-10, it’s just a short trip to both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida.
Alachua offers numerous outdoor adventures for you and your family. The San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park provides countless hours of entertainment along mountain biking and hiking trails. Residents and visitors can experience horse country at the Retirement Home for Horses at Mill Creek. This equine retirement home is open to visitors each Saturday from 11 – 3 pm.
New Florida residents have an opportunity to experience the best of the area by exploring Alachua waterfront homes for sale. If you are looking to build your dream home, browse residential land for sale in Alachua, Florida to see what the area has to offer.
Take a peek at the latest homes to hit the market in Alachua –
Gainesville
Gainesville, Florida offers big city amenities without losing touch with the state’s natural beauty. Home to over 130,000 residents, the city’s diverse population includes students, young professionals, families, and retirees. The University of Florida is located in Gainesville and serves as a major employer for the area. Whether you prefer to spend your free time taking in the arts or cheering on the Florida Gators, there’s something for everyone in Gainesville.
- Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park – Winding stairs reveal an unexpected rainforest 120 feet below.
- Florida Museum National History – Visitors can explore diverse attractions from a butterfly rainforest to traveling exhibits that capture your imagination.
- Ichetucknee Springs State Park – Tubing, kayaking, and hiking await you where eight springs join the Ichetucknee River.
There are many different types of houses for sale in Gainesville. If a few acres of solitude is your desire, you’ll find farms for sale in Gainesville. You’ll also find waterfront homes for sale and Gainesville homes for sale with a pool. If you’re looking forward to brand-new appliances and the smell of fresh paint, new construction in Gainesville, FL is worth checking out. There are also many great healthcare options in Gainesville. Everything you need to know for a successful move can be found in our Showcase Properties’ Gainesville Moving Guide.
Want to learn more about why Gainesville is one of the best places to live? Check out these 8 Reasons To Move To Gainesville.
Browse the latest homes to hit the market in Gainesville –
High Springs
High Springs is a quintessential small-town boasting a walkable main street filled with cafes and shops. Just 20 miles northwest of Gainesville, High Springs’ residential population is around 6,300. With access to Poe Springs, Gilchrist Blue Springs, and Ginnie Springs, High Springs is known as the “Gateway to the Springs”. Perfect for water lovers, High Springs is also situated near the Santa Fe River.
If you’re considering a move to High Springs, Florida, you’ll find a variety of residential properties available. For some house hunters, a waterfront home in High Springs, FL is the perfect spot. Many others are drawn to Alachua County land for sale in order to build their perfect home or start a horse farm.
Take a look at the latest properties to hit the market in High Springs –
Newberry
Another small town with a population of around 6,300, Newberry is situated roughly 60 miles south of Florida’s border with Georgia. With a short 25-minute commute to Gainesville, residents often work in the larger city. Local attractions in Newberry include Dudley Farm, Watermelon Pond, and Lois Forte Park.
Newberry is a great place to live, especially if you’re looking for new construction homes in Alachua county as new homes are going up all over the town. If you’d like your next home to have a pool, browse local listings for Newberry pool homes that fit your style and needs. Professionals, college students, and young families all call Newberry home.
See what’s new in Newberry –
Micanopy
A small town off the beaten path, Micanopy is Florida’s oldest inland town. Dating back to 1780, Micanopy has a small population of little more than 600 residents and narrow, oak-lined streets. Micanopy residents and visitors enjoy the break from the hustle and bustle of larger cities. You can find Micanopy on the Alachua-Marion County border with easy access to both Ocala and Gainesville. Micanopy is home to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, the only place in Florida where wild bison and horses roam free.
For a slower pace, make the move to Micanopy today. You can find farms for sale in Alachua County as well as Micanopy homes with a pool and waterfront homes.
Here’s what’s new in Micanopy –
Archer
A small college town adjacent to Gainesville, Archer is located sixty miles south of Georgia. With a population around 1,200, Archer is a great town for new residents. From Florida farms for sale to new construction homes waiting for their first owner, Archer offers a mix of suburban and rural living. Living in Archer, Florida can provide a quiet retreat from the bustle of nearby Gainesville while still offering quick access to all that the larger city and University of Florida has to offer.
Take a look at the latest homes for sale in Archer –
LaCrosse
The small town of LaCrosse is conveniently located near Gainesville and Alachua, giving residents ample shopping and recreational opportunities. There are nearly 400 LaCrosse residents, and many commute to nearby Gainesville for work. You’ll find many different types of properties for sale in LaCrosse. If you dream of living on the water in Florida, explore waterfront homes in LaCrosse. A home in LaCrosse gives you access to all the recreational opportunities North Florida has to offer as well as employment, education, and healthcare in the larger Gainesville area.
Browse the latest homes for sale in La Crosse –
Hawthorne
Nestled between the Horse Capital of the World and the University of Florida, 1,500 Hawthorne residents have the perfect mix of rural Ocala and urban Gainesville. Hawthorne offers a close-knit, family-friendly landscape in North Florida. Cyclists and joggers will enjoy the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail, a paved walkway stretching from Boulware Springs Park in Gainesville to the Hawthorne Historical Museum. The trail meanders for 16 miles past woods, prairies, and lakes. New residents can live the Florida dream with a home in Hawthorne. Your toughest decision? Deciding between the Hawthorne waterfront homes and pool homes for sale.
Here’s the latest in Hawthorne –
Waldo
Right around 1,000 people call Waldo, Florida home. In the 19th century, Waldo’s train depot welcomed visitors arriving to explore the theaters, opera house, ice factory, broom factory, and El Toney cigar factory in town. Now Waldo is better known for some of the best antique shops in Florida. If you’d like a home with space for horses, solitude, or farming, Waldo has an abundance of land available for farmland. Waldo is also a great spot if you are moving to Alachua county to start a business. There is ample commercial land just waiting for your new endeavor.
What’s new in Waldo –
Buy a House in Alachua County
It’s clear to see that Alachua County has something for everyone. Whether you enjoy the urban buzz of downtown Gainesville, life on the water in High Springs, or a luxury property with acreage, an Alachua County realtor can help you find your perfect home. Explore the greater Gainesville area with a Showcase Properties agent. We’re experts in Central Florida real estate and can answer all of your questions about the area. Browse homes for sale in Alachua County or contact an Alachua County realtor today to get started!
Buying your first house? Check out our Alachua County First-time Homebuyer’s Guide.