Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Crime
With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Schools
High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Alachua is a small city located in the state of Florida. The city has a population of 9,891 residents. The majority of Alachua residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Alachua your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 27 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Alachua, Florida could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. To help you find the best places to live in and around Alachua, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like cost of living, education, employment, housing and more.
Alachua has a livability score of 73/100 and is ranked #270 in Florida and #4,288 in the USA. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Alachua scores well for cost of living (A), education (B) and housing (A+) There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Alachua. The following was graded with a less than perfect score: amenities (F).
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Alachua apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Alachua real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Alachua. The median home price for Alachua homes is $203,500, which is 22% higher than the Florida average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Alachua, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.2, which is 5.9% lower than the Florida average.
| Statistic | Alachua | Florida | National |
| Average one way commute | 27min | 27min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 79.5% | 79.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 15.5% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 2.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.7% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.5% | 1.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.1% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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