Alachua is a thriving community located in the heart of North Central Florida and the educational and cultural hub created by the metropolitan area of Greater Gainesville and the main campuses of the University of Florida (top-5 public university) and Santa Fe College (top-10 community college). 

Alachua offers many advantages for both large and small businesses. 

Location and Quality of Life

• Its central location in north Florida with direct connections to I-75 and US Highway 441 makes it a logistical hub for distribution networks. 

• Biotechnology magnets in local schools and the Santa Fe College Perry Center for Emerging Technologies provide the opportunity for residents to receive training to work in one of the largest life science clusters in the state and home to Florida's largest life science's exhibit show.

• Its abundant natural resources ranging from the expansive San Felasco Hammock State Preserve to the several nearby, world-renowned fresh water springs along the Santa Fe River make it a nature-lover's paradise.

• The City Recreation and Culture Department has been recognized as one of the best in the area for years, offering a variety of activities for youth, adults, and seniors at our expansive Legacy Park Multipurpose Center or other recreational facilities or parks.

Great Schools and Highly-Educated Workforce

Education is our City Commission's top priority in its annual Strategic Plan, and the Education Task Force exists to direct community engagement to enhance the quality of childhood education.

Alachua Learning Academy, a K - 8 public charter school, is the #1 ranked middle school and #2 ranked elementary school in Alachua County.

A.L. Mebane Middle School and Santa Fe High School both have biotechnology magnet programs that prepare students for certification and further education for careers in the bio-life sciences.

Our residents are highly educated, with a high school graduation percentage of 95.8% (compared to Alachua County's 93.6% and Florida's 95.2%) and a bachelor's degree or higher of 44.1% (Alachua County 46.7%; Florida 32.3%).

Cost of Living 

The City provides the lowest residential electric power rate in Florida.

Median gross rent is lower than both the County and State averages ($1,191 and $1,444 respectively) at $1,119, as is median monthly owner costs with a mortgage (County: $1,608; State: $1,752; City: $1,584).

Florida notably has no State Income Tax.

The City millage rate is one of the lowest in the County at 5.95 mills, lower than the County rate of 7.6414 mills and Gainesville's rate of 6.4297 mills.

Demographic Information (US Census 2023 Estimates)

• Population: 10,770
• Median household income: $72,491
  • Alachua County: $57,566
  • Florida: $67,917
• Median home price: $269,300
  • Alachua County: $245,600
  • Florida: $292,200
• Median age: 39.9
  • Alachua County: 32.2
  • Florida: 43