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.
Located in the state of Florida, Alachua is a moderately-sized city with a population of 10,184 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (67% White). Given that fact, Alachua could be considered less diverse than other cities. 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.
Living in Alachua can be a good experience for anyone moving to the area. Having said that, in the state of Florida, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. With useful information like amenities, commute, health & safety, education and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Alachua and in the areas around Alachua is a much easier task.
With a livability score of 77 out of 100, Alachua is ranked #2,742 in the United States and #196 in Florida. Clearly, Alachua is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Alachua also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! Based on the rankings for each individual category, Alachua has been rewarded with high marks for crime (B+), cost of living (A+), education (B+) and housing (A+). Unfortunately for Alachua, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F).
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Alachua market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
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. Median real estate prices in Alachua come in at $367,865, which is 22.8% higher than the Florida average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Alachua, the home price to income ratio is 3.9, which is 7.1% lower than the Florida average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| 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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