ALACHUA COUNTY
County Offices
12 SE First Street
Gainesville 352-374-5210
https://alachuacounty.us/Pages/AlachuaCounty.aspx
Chamber of Commerce
300 East University Avenue
Gainesville 386-462-3333
http://www.alachua.com/
Services
Combining urban amenities with a relaxed lifestyle, Alachua County excels in quality of life. The powerful presence of the University of Florida in Gainesville enriches the region with research activity, intellectual stimulation, and cultural attractions. Graduating highly trained men and women, the university has positively affected the caliber of education on every level. Santa Fe Community College provides outstanding opportunities for an affordable start on a four-year degree or a wide variety of continuing education and career training programs. Regarded as one of premier public schools system in the nation, the Alachua County School district is recognized for the depth of its educational programs and services. The district consistently receives the “What Parents Want” award from SchoolMatch, the nation’s largest school selection consulting firm. Given to only 10 percent of the nation’s school districts, the award reflects high test scores, national recognition, and small class size.
Home to a world-class medical community, Alachua County supports six hospitals with more than 1,800 beds, including the Gainesville Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Florida Regional Medical Center, and the University of Florida-affiliated Shands Healthcare System. The University of Florida Medical Center is a world leader in biomedical research. The skill of more than 2,000 physicians is available in patient care, research, and service within regional healthcare facilities. Comprehensive hospitals provide a full range of routine and specialized services from heart and cancer care to women’s health, senior care, and orthopedic or neurosurgery.
Lifestyle
Consistently ranked by Money magazine among the “Best Places to Live in America,” Alachua County is alive with cultural and recreational activities. In addition to the Harn Museum of Art, Gainesville features the Florida Museum of Natural History with its education and exhibition center, a collection of fine museums and galleries, and a performing arts center. Three outstanding theaters present Broadway favorites and time-honored classics in comfortable, intimate settings.
This region boasts some of Florida’s most spectacular outdoor sites with more than 55,000 acres of lakes, excellent golf courses, and world-renowned freshwater springs. Shoppers can choose from Victorian antiques in Micanopy and High Springs, farm-fresh produce at the Alachua County Farmers Market, or the popular retailers in major malls. Attractive homes in a wide variety of architectural styles and settings are surprisingly affordable, whether you prefer the charm of an historic district, a family oriented neighborhood, or an upscale enclave. Colorful festivals and celebrations add to the quality of life, drawing together family and friends throughout the four seasons.
Alachua
City Hall
386-462-1231
https://alachuacounty.us/Pages/AlachuaCounty.aspx
Chamber of Commerce
386-462-3333
http://www.alachua.com/
The pleasures of small-town living attract new residents to Alachua, where local farmers still plant crops of beans, corn, squash, peppers, and cucumbers. The close-knit spirit of community is a part of daily life in this friendly town, where neighbors share the news of births and marriages and help each other in times of need. One of the focal points of community life is the Alachua Recreation Center, serving as a hub for sports play, summer recreation camp, and enrichment programs. Those who prefer the slower pace and old-fashioned charm of yesterday’s small-town America will feel as if they have stepped back in time in Alachua. Nevertheless, the urban advantages of Gainesville makes it possible to enjoy fine dining, expansive retail development, and the performing arts close to home.
Archer
City Hall
352-495-2880
https://www.cityofarcher.com/
Chamber of Commerce
386-462-3333
http://www.alachua.com/
Located in the southwestern section of the county, Archer was originally called Deer Hammock and later changed to honor James T. Archer, Florida’s first Secretary of State. This former railroad town is still home to an historic foundry, although the site no longer produces the iron horses that helped to shape Florida’s history. Archer harmonizes limited industry with commercial conveniences and quiet neighborhoods along tree-lined streets. The community hosts Yulee Day in midsummer and the African Fall Harvest each autumn. One of the most famous of the local celebrations is T. Gilbert Pearson Day, which pays homage to an Archer resident who helped to found the Audubon Society. Residents and visitors alike are drawn to the festivities, particularly birdwatchers, naturalists, and scholars.
Cross Creek
County Offices
352-374-5210
https://alachuacounty.us/Pages/AlachuaCounty.aspx
Chamber of Commerce
http://www.alachua.com/
This picturesque community in southeastern Alachua County was made famous by the books of Pulitzer Prize winning author of The Yearling, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. In fact, the story’s cracker farmhouse and orange grove are showcased at a Florida State Historic Site. The Rawlings home has been so authentically preserved that it appears as if the owner might walk around the corner and greet visitors. Unlike many of the cities and towns across America, Cross Creek remains remarkably the same in appearance it did in the Rawlings era. Towering pines and palmetto trees line the tranquil lanes, where some of the original families still maintain properties that have been passed down through the generations. Visitors are drawn to the area for the lush Florida settings described in Rawlings’ book. Cross Creek combines with Lochloosa and Orange Lakes to offer outstanding opportunities for quiet adventures like canoeing, fishing, and birdwatching.
Gainesville
City Hall
352-334-5000
www.cityofgainesville.org
Chamber of Commerce
352-334-7100
https://gainesvillechamber.com/
Home to Florida’s largest and oldest university, Gainesville has matured into a thriving center for education, healthcare, and culture. The University of Florida and Shands Hospital are major employers for the entire region. Acclaimed for the preservation of historic buildings and the beauty of its natural surroundings, Gainesville features lovely parks, fine museums, and sparkling lakes. The community continues to win accolades for livability with its panoramic landscape and urban “forest.” The city operates a regional transit system, a municipal airport, and a championship golf course. Residents are only a short drive from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, ensuring a wealth of outdoor adventure and water-sport recreational opportunities. From its elegant cultural venues to welcoming neighborhoods and suburban amenities, Gainesville is unrivaled for quality of live.
Hawthorne
City Hall
352-481-2432
https://www.cityofhawthorne.net/
Chamber of Commerce
352-363-5125
http://www.hawthorneareachamber.org
Situated just 15 miles east of Gainesville, Hawthorne is ideally located at the crossroads of State Road 20 and US Highway 301. More than 400 bodies of water within 10 miles makes this community a hub of recreational opportunities. The quaint city supports a thriving business base, and residents enjoy close proximity to regional services that include the University of Florida, three community colleges, and major hospitals. The thoroughbred country of Ocala is only a 30-mile drive from Hawthorne. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy golfing, tennis, swimming, camping, walking, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The multi-purpose 17-mile trail from Gainesville to Hawthorne is especially popular. The Hawthorne Historical Museum and Cultural Center is a recent addition to the many attractions, housed in a 1907 church that was moved and refurbished.
High Springs
City Hall
386-454-1416
http://highsprings.us/
Chamber of Commerce
386-454-3120
www.highsprings.com
Although prehistoric artifacts have been recovered from the springs and rivers near High Springs, today’s residents appreciate the waters for their recreational value. Scuba diving, swimming, fishing, canoeing, and inner-tubing are all popular leisure activities in this water-rich environment. Ichetucknee Springs State Park stretches along the crystalline spring-fed Ichetucknee River just 15 miles north of High Springs. Another popular attraction is Blue Springs, a family-operated site with 150 acres of “real Florida” that includes a picturesque boardwalk. O`Leno State Park stands on the site of the former town of Leno that disappeared when it was bypassed by the railroad. However, some rustic buildings remain and the suspension bridge built over the Santa Fe River is still in use. Newcomers to High Springs will find a delightful small town that offers quiet residential neighborhoods, a strong community spirit, and outstanding recreational opportunities.
Melrose
Chamber of Commerce
352-334-7100
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the charming community of Melrose is a paradise for antique collectors and those who appreciate the pleasures of country living. Ideally located just 20 miles from Gainesville in Florida’s “wine country,” the community of Melrose is known for its abundance of freshwater lakes and stately oaks. Many commuters to employment centers in Gainesville have discovered the convenient and pleasing residential neighborhoods in this area to offer the best of all worlds. Those who are looking for a nearly perfect climate for year-round activities can enjoy fishing, sailing, water-skiing, and golfing — or relaxing under the shade of a towering oak to watch the brilliant sunsets over six-mile Lake Santa Fe. Close proximity to the University of Florida, performing arts venues, major shopping malls, fine restaurants, and leading healthcare centers adds to the quality of life in tranquil Melrose.
Micanopy
Town Hall
352-466-3121
https://micanopytown.com/
Chamber of Commerce
352-466-3327
https://www.facebook.com/MicanopyChamber/
The quaint and historic town of Micanopy is known for an abundance of beautiful vintage homes with interesting architectural features. Located 13 miles south of Gainesville on U.S. Highway 441, the town invites visitors to catch a glimpse of Florida in the 1800s in the Micanopy Historical Society Museum as well as an 1845 mansion, cozy cafes, antique shops, and arts and curio boutiques. Distinguished as the state’s second-oldest town, Micanopy offers easy access to popular recreational sites such as Levy Lake and Lochloca Lake. This area captures such timeless charm and beauty that it served as the filming location for movies like “Cross Creek” and “Doc Hollywood.” Paynes Prairie State Preserve adds to the opportunities for outdoor adventure and nature study close to home.
Newberry
City Hall
352-472-2161
www.ci.newberry.fl.us
Chamber of Commerce
352-334-7100
https://gainesvillechamber.com/
While Newberry sprang up with the phosphate industry and railroad expansion, agriculture soon became the mainstay of the area. Today, residents and visitors alike look forward to the celebration of the region’s cash crop with the annual Watermelon Festival each June. Through the latter decades of the 20th century, Newberry saw a gradual replacement of its seasonal agricultural economy with diversified employment opportunities in the surrounding region. Well positioned for the westward growth in Alachua County, the community enjoys close proximity to the first-rate amenities and resources in Gainesville. This industrious and well-managed small city is debt free, so newcomers can look forward to city services that are among the most affordable in the region.
Orange Heights
County Offices
352-374-5210
Chamber of Commerce
352-334-7100
Situated at the junction of U.S. Highway 301 and State Route 26, the community of Orange Heights is surrounded by the natural beauty of lush forests and picturesque farmland. This stable, residential haven offers a variety of single-family older homes and a significant number of retirees. Many of the residents in Orange Heights have lived in the area for decades and planted firm roots in the area. Schools, retail centers, and daily services are located throughout the area to offer a small-town atmosphere that remains livable and convenient. Access to Lake Santa Fe is available just three miles from town on State Route 26. This recreational area offers boat ramps and picnic areas that are well maintained and open to the public.
Waldo
City Hall
352-468-1001
http://waldo-fl.com/
Chamber of Commerce
352-334-7100
The railroad that gave birth to Waldo as a population center in the 1870s is still a presence in the modern community. Distinguished as the only passenger train station in Alachua County, the Amtrak railway depot in Waldo continues to welcome passengers who are destined for northern and southern destinations along the eastern seaboard. After the civil war, a canal was dredged between Lake Alto and Lake Santa Fe, creating even more opportunity for tourism and commerce. As the large farms in this area disappeared in the 20th century, pleasure crafts took over the canal. Today, this waterway offers a panoramic cruise through the unspoiled natural beauty of northern Florida. Waldo continues to celebrate its railroad heritage every April with a festival, Waldo Railroad Day. Antique collectors enjoy browsing through the charming shops that line the main street, and residents look forward to farm-fresh goods and bargains at the Waldo Farmers and Flea Market. The market is the largest of its kind in north-central Florida and draws an enthusiastic crowd on the weekends.
