Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Alachua, FL
Considering a move to Alachua, FL? With a population of around 10,800, Alachua offers a friendly, small-town feel with affordable living—median home prices are $325,000 and average rents about $1,340. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate (190 per 100k), short commutes of 28 minutes, and easy access to top-rated healthcare and higher education in nearby Gainesville. With 65% sunny days, a mild climate, and strong public schools, Alachua is an appealing choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Alachua, FL
Demographics - Alachua, FL
Alachua is home to about 10,800 residents, with a median age of nearly 40 and a population density that supports a comfortable small-town atmosphere. The community is predominantly White (72.1%), with Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups contributing to its diversity. Non-English speakers make up just over 6%, providing a welcoming yet close-knit environment for newcomers.
Population:
10,800
Density:
270 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.7
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
72.1%
Black:
15.5%
Asian:
2.2%
Others:
10.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Alachua, FL?
The cost of living in Alachua is slightly below the national average, with a median home value of $325,000 and average rent around $1,340 per month. Essential expenses like groceries and healthcare remain affordable, while state taxes are relatively low, making the city an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$325,000
Gross Rent:
$1,340
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$2,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,690
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$590
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
5.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
96.0
Grocery:
98.0
Housing:
91.0
Utilities:
104.0
Transportation:
97.0
Health Care:
98.0
Miscellaneous:
95.0
Crime
Is Alachua, FL a safe place to live?
Alachua enjoys a low violent crime rate of 190 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it a safe place to live. Property crime is modest, with a 1 in 61 chance, and overall crime rates are below many urban areas, offering peace of mind to residents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
190
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,650
Crime Index:
1,840
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 526
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 61
Weather
What is the weather like in Alachua, FL year-round?
Residents experience a mild climate with warm summers reaching up to 92°F and winters rarely dipping below 42°F. The area receives about 51 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 65% of the year, making outdoor activities enjoyable throughout the seasons.
Winter
Min:
42°F
Max:
67°F
Spring
Min:
55°F
Max:
80°F
Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
56°F
Max:
81°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
51 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
Households in Alachua have a median income of $72,000, and the poverty rate is relatively low at 10.4%. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, and commute times average just under 28 minutes, reflecting a balanced lifestyle in a supportive community.
Median Income:
$43,700
Household Income:
$72,000
Family Income:
$82,000
Per Capita Income:
$32,000
Income Male:
$46,000
Income Female:
$37,000
Poverty Rate:
10.4%
Non English Speakers:
6.1%
Rent:
$1,340
Unemployment Rate:
3.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
27.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.1%
Bachelors or More:
32.6%
Education
How are the schools in Alachua, FL?
Alachua offers strong educational opportunities, featuring well-regarded public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and access to private schooling options. For higher education, Santa Fe College and the University of Florida are both within a short drive, broadening learning and career prospects.
Public Schools
Name:
Alachua Elementary School
Street:
13800 NW 152nd Pl
Phone:
386-462-1841
Students:
680
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.0
Name:
A.L. Mebane Middle School
Street:
16401 NW 140th St
Phone:
386-462-1648
Students:
540
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Private Schools
Name:
Alachua Learning Academy
Street:
11100 NW 16th Ave
Phone:
386-462-2112
Students:
250
Colleges
Name:
Santa Fe College
City:
Gainesville
State:
FL
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
15,000
Name:
University of Florida
City:
Gainesville
State:
FL
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
55,000
Healthcare
Alachua residents benefit from proximity to major healthcare providers in nearby Gainesville, including UF Health Shands Hospital and HCA Florida North Florida Hospital. With 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 90% health insurance coverage, quality healthcare is accessible and reliable.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UF Health Shands Hospital
Address:
1600 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville, FL 32610
Phone:
(352) 265-0111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
HCA Florida North Florida Hospital
Address:
6500 W Newberry Rd, Gainesville, FL 32605
Phone:
(352) 333-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.8%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Alachua, FL?
The local housing market is stable, with a median home price of $325,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 74.2%. Home values are appreciating at a steady pace, and rental options are available, making the city suitable for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$325,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,340
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Alachua residents are served by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles located in Gainesville. The DMV provides a full range of motor vehicle and licensing services, easily accessible for new and current residents.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
5830 NW 34th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32653
Phone:
850-617-2000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.