Introduction to Alachua County, Florida
Alachua County is located in north-central Florida, bordered by Bradford, Clay, Marion, Levy, Gilchrist, and Union counties. Founded in 1824, Alachua County has a rich history tied to Native American culture, Spanish colonization, and later developments as a center for education and healthcare. Gainesville, the county seat, is home to the University of Florida, making Alachua County a hub for research, education, and healthcare services.
With a population of approximately 270,000 people, Alachua County experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The county offers a blend of urban amenities, particularly in Gainesville, and rural charm in its smaller towns.
- County Seat: Gainesville
- Number of Cities and Towns: 9
- Major School Districts: Alachua County Public Schools
Gainesville
City Overview
Gainesville is the largest city in Alachua County and serves as the county seat. Founded in 1853, the city grew rapidly with the establishment of the University of Florida in 1906, which has since become one of the largest and most respected public universities in the United States. Gainesville is a vibrant cultural and educational hub, with a mix of students, academics, and professionals. The city’s economy is driven by education, healthcare, and research industries.
Gainesville experiences hot summers and mild winters, typical of Florida’s subtropical climate. Major landmarks include the University of Florida campus, the Florida Museum of Natural History, and Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. Gainesville is also known for its natural beauty, with numerous parks, trails, and nearby freshwater springs offering outdoor recreation.
City Facts
- Population: 141,085 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 2,200 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 32601, 32603, 32605, 32607, 32608, 32609, 32641
- Road Network: Interstate 75, U.S. Route 441, State Road 24
- Nearest Airports: Gainesville Regional Airport
- Libraries: Alachua County Library District – Headquarters Library
- Hospitals: UF Health Shands Hospital, North Florida Regional Medical Center
Major Schools
Gainesville is served by Alachua County Public Schools. Gainesville High School (grades 9-12) has an enrollment of about 1,800 students and offers a wide variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, arts programs, and extracurricular activities. Buchholz High School, known for its math team and academics, enrolls around 2,300 students. For younger students, schools like Westwood Middle School (grades 6-8) and Littlewood Elementary (K-5) provide a strong educational foundation. Gainesville is also home to several private schools, such as Oak Hall School, which offers college preparatory programs.
Alachua
City Overview
Alachua is a small city located in the northern part of Alachua County. Established in the late 19th century, the city has grown from its agricultural roots into a quiet, residential community. Alachua is often called “The Good Life Community,” reflecting its small-town charm and quality of life. Its proximity to Gainesville makes it a convenient location for residents who want to live in a rural area but have easy access to city amenities.
Alachua experiences the same warm and humid weather patterns as the rest of the county. The city’s historic downtown area is one of its main attractions, featuring old buildings, quaint shops, and restaurants. San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park, located nearby, offers hiking, birdwatching, and biking trails.
City Facts
- Population: 10,574 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 800 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 32615, 32616
- Road Network: U.S. Route 441, Interstate 75
- Nearest Airports: Gainesville Regional Airport
- Libraries: Alachua Branch Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Gainesville (UF Health Shands Hospital)
Major Schools
Alachua is part of Alachua County Public Schools. Santa Fe High School, located in Alachua, serves grades 9-12 with approximately 1,000 students and offers a range of academic courses, including honors and AP classes. Mebane Middle School serves grades 6-8, and Alachua Elementary School provides education for students in grades K-5. The schools emphasize community involvement, academic achievement, and participation in extracurricular activities such as sports and arts programs.
High Springs
City Overview
High Springs is a small town located northwest of Gainesville. Known for its natural springs and outdoor recreation, High Springs has a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s when it was a railroad hub. Today, the town is a peaceful destination with a strong sense of community and a growing reputation as a tourist spot due to its proximity to natural attractions like Ginnie Springs and Poe Springs Park.
The climate in High Springs is warm and humid, similar to the rest of Alachua County. The town’s historic downtown district is lined with antique shops, cafes, and galleries. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the region for its freshwater springs, perfect for swimming, kayaking, and diving.
City Facts
- Population: 6,215 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 700 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 32643
- Road Network: U.S. Route 441, State Road 45
- Nearest Airports: Gainesville Regional Airport
- Libraries: High Springs Branch Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Gainesville (UF Health Shands Hospital)
Major Schools
High Springs is served by the Alachua County Public School District. High Springs Community School is a unique K-8 institution that enrolls approximately 800 students. For high school, most students attend Santa Fe High School in nearby Alachua. The schools in High Springs focus on providing a well-rounded education, with an emphasis on academic excellence, character development, and extracurricular activities such as athletics and clubs.
Newberry
City Overview
Newberry is a historic town located west of Gainesville. Founded in the late 1800s, Newberry was once a thriving phosphate mining town before transitioning to agriculture. Today, Newberry is known for its agricultural fairs and sporting events, particularly archery and equestrian competitions. The town has experienced steady growth in recent years due to its location and quality of life.
Newberry enjoys a warm, subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The town’s major landmarks include the Newberry Historic District, which features buildings from the early 20th century, and the Easton Newberry Sports Complex, which is a major center for archery training.
City Facts
- Population: 7,342 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 320 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 32669
- Road Network: State Road 26, U.S. Route 27
- Nearest Airports: Gainesville Regional Airport
- Libraries: Newberry Branch Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Gainesville (UF Health Shands Hospital)
Major Schools
Newberry is part of the Alachua County Public School District. Newberry High School (grades 9-12) enrolls about 600 students and offers a variety of academic programs, including honors and AP classes. Oak View Middle School serves approximately 700 students in grades 6-8, and Newberry Elementary School enrolls around 500 students in grades K-5. The schools emphasize academic success and community involvement, with a strong focus on athletics, arts, and technology education.
Archer
City Overview
Archer is a small town located southwest of Gainesville. Named after James T. Archer, Florida’s first Secretary of State, the town was founded in the mid-19th century. Archer is a quiet, rural community with a rich history tied to the railroad and agriculture. The town’s historic homes and churches provide a glimpse into its past.
Archer experiences warm summers and mild winters. The town’s major landmarks include the Archer Historic District, which contains several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Archer is known for its small-town charm and proximity to Gainesville, offering residents a rural lifestyle with easy access to city amenities.
City Facts
- Population: 1,225 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 300 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 32618
- Road Network: State Road 24, U.S. Route 27
- Nearest Airports: Gainesville Regional Airport
- Libraries: Archer Branch Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Gainesville (UF Health Shands Hospital)
Major Schools
Archer is part of the Alachua County Public School District. Students in Archer typically attend schools in nearby Gainesville or Newberry. Archer Elementary School serves students in grades K-5, with an enrollment of about 400 students. Middle and high school students usually attend Oak View Middle School or Newberry High School. The schools offer strong academic programs and extracurricular activities, preparing students for future educational opportunities and careers.
Hawthorne
City Overview
Hawthorne is located in the southeastern part of Alachua County. Founded in the late 1800s, the town grew around the railroad and agriculture. Today, Hawthorne remains a small, rural community known for its proximity to lakes and natural attractions. The town has a rich history, with several historic buildings and landmarks.
Hawthorne experiences hot summers and mild winters. Major landmarks include Lake Lochloosa and Hawthorne Historical Museum, which showcases the town’s history. The town is popular for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities, making it a destination for nature lovers.
City Facts
- Population: 1,417 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 200 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 32640
- Road Network: U.S. Route 301, State Road 20
- Nearest Airports: Gainesville Regional Airport
- Libraries: Hawthorne Branch Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Gainesville (UF Health Shands Hospital)
Major Schools
Hawthorne is part of the Alachua County Public School District. Hawthorne Middle/High School serves grades 6-12 with about 400 students, offering academic and extracurricular programs that cater to a small student body. Chester Shell Elementary School serves K-5 students with an enrollment of around 250 students. The schools in Hawthorne emphasize personalized education and community involvement, with many students participating in sports, clubs, and local service projects.