Turkey Creek Neighborhood Guide A golf community with a winning story
Welcome to Turkey Creek in Alachua, FL!
Turkey Creek is a 1,100-acre golf development located 20 minutes north of Gainesville along US-441. Nestled between pine forests and wetlands midway between Gainesville and Alachua, Turkey Creek combines the woodsy vistas and leisurely pace of the countryside with proximity to all that Gainesville has to offer.
The approximately 1217 single and multifamily homes of Turkey Creek are a mix of established and new construction homes and condos ranging in size from 900 to 3,000+ square feet. Larger estate and villas lots occasionally come on the market as well.
Designed by former Gainesville council member Norwood Hope and architect Ward Northrup, Turkey Creek broke ground in 1978 as the area’s premier golf course community. Turkey Creek’s neatly landscaped streets meander around the network of small creeks that gives the place its name. The typical home sits on a half-acre lot backing onto the creek. Many homeowners enjoy lovely views of the golf course.
What’s It Like Living in Turkey Creek?
If you’re not a golf lover, Turkey Creek might turn you into one. Life revolves around the golf course and the recently renovated country club.
Like many golf-centric communities but more so, the folks who live in Turkey Creek are personally invested in the continued vitality of the golf course and the surrounding community. After a period of Recession-era neglect, Turkey Creek literally rose from the weeds with volunteer labor from the community. Golf Digest dubbed the volunteer-led revival the “Miracle at Turkey Creek”.
The golf club offers free introductory clinics led by PGA pros for adults of all ages. Lessons for the kids start in early spring. Monthly tournaments are an occasion for the community to come together and engage in some friendly competition.
Turkey Creek Golf Course
Turkey Creek Golf Course is the beating heart of the the Turkey Creek community. It’s one of only two public golf courses in Alachua, FL, after the closing of Meadowbrook in 2021. In early 2022, Turkey Creek Golf Club opened its fairways to the public for the first time in ten years. The reopening marked the culmination of a huge community effort to revive the defunct course.
Turkey Creek’s lush vista of green fairways are lined with shade trees and lakes teeming with wildlife. The vibe is laid back here as golfers follow 18 holes flowing over gentle slopes and mounds and bask in the shade of the 100-year-old live oaks.
Teaching youngsters the game and making golf accessible to the public is a big part of Turkey Creek Golf Club’s mission under the new owernship. Turkey Creek hosted five high school golf teams this past season, including the men’s and women’s teams from Santa Fe and Newberry high schools, a team from First Christian Academy, and a few other schools who use its facilities to practice. The homeowners of Turkey Creek have embraced the junior golfers to whom the torch is being passed, as WUFT has reported.
Nature Walks
Several serene nature walks are within a very short drive of Turkey Creek, including San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park, and Gainesville’s iconic Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park. Turkey Creek Preserve is the latest addition.
Turkey Creek Preserve
Turkey Creek Preserve opened to the public in February 2021. With its wide, shaded trails crisscrossing bubbling streams, the 375-acre park offers residents of Turkey Creek and folks from all over the area the opportunity to take a forest bath.
The 4-mile Turkey Creek loop is a serene half-mile walk along Turkey Creek. The Pineland Loop travels through former slash pine plantation being restored back to upland pine habitat. The Fitness Trail offers 7 exercise stations for those looking to add a workout to their visit.
More Fun Stuff To Do in Turkey Creek
- Scuba Monkey Dive Center – Gainesville’s best scuba resource, they offer all the gear you need to get into scuba diving, as well as a heated practice pool.
- Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary – Kari and Andrew have put their heart and soul into giving the best care for these monkeys. The sanctuary is a great place to volunteer and learn more about our mischievous primate friends.
Public School Zones in Turkey Creek
All of Turkey Creek’s schools belong to the Alachua County School District, one of the best in the state of Florida.
- Elementary: Irby and Alachua Elementary schools
- Middle: A.L. Mebane Middle School
- High: Santa Fe High school
The Homeowner’s Association
Turkey Creek Master Owner’s Association (TCMOA) is the community’s only homeowner’s association, and is overseen by Leland Management. Turkey Creek is a hands-on community, so there are many opportunities for homeowners to get involved with the HOA board and help improve their neighborhood.
TCMOA’s website addresses the question of covenants memorably:
“[The covenants] are one of the main reasons most people move here. [Residents] feel secure in knowing there won’t be a litter-strewn, run down, unclean, noisy, goat-keeping, car-repairing, orange-and-purple-housed neighbor beside them. Their elected board is required, by covenants and by-laws, to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
Final Thoughts
If you love golf, community, and access to well-maintained green spaces, we highly recommend Turkey Creek. Far enough from Alachua and Gainesville to have a rural feel, Turkey Creek is still close enough to enjoy all of the amenities and conveniences that Gainesville has to offer.
Thinking of putting down roots in Turkey Creek? Contact Rabell today to start your search, or click on one of the listings below to learn more about available properties.
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