Guide to Greater Gainesville, FL Explore the neighborhoods that make Gainesville FL one of the best places to live in the U.S.

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Welcome to Gainesville!

A university town with the amenities of a larger city and Southern charms to boot, Gainesville is consistently rated one of the best places to live in the country. The city boasts a world-class research institution in the University of Florida, its public school system is the best in Florida, the weather is warm most of the year, beautiful parks and springs provide for a range of outdoorsy activities, and the nightlife and cultural attractions bring in folks from all over the region. Not sure what part of Gainesville is right for you? Read on to get a sense of the flavor and character of some of the best neighborhoods in Gainesville.

Haile Plantation

Gainesville’s largest planned community, Haile Plantation combines a village sensibility with the leafy charms of a small Southern town. The 1,700 acre mixed-use development features a variety of custom homes, town houses, apartments and condos anchored by the walkable Haile Village Center and a golf course. Haile has been recognized by Southern Living for its exemplary traditional town planning and great restaurants.

To learn more, check out our Haile Plantation Neighborhood Guide and our Top 10 Things to Do in Haile Village.

Grand Oaks

Grand Oaks is one Gainesville’s newest planned communities to break ground in the Southwest Gainesville area, which is zoned for some of the best schools in the city. The homes are all built by renowned builder William Weseman.

Check out our Grand Oaks Neighborhood Guide for more information.

Downtown

Gainesville punches above its weight in education, health care and culture, and Downtown Gainesville is where a lot of the magic happens. From art and music events to the farmer’s market, cool shops, and great restaurants and bars, there’s something for everyone in Downtown Gainesville.

Arbor Greens

Arbor Greens is a peaceful planned community located off Newberry Road on Gainesville’s western edge. The development comprises 208 single family homes anchored by a spacious clubhouse and a swimming pool.

Learn more by checking out our guide to Arbor Greens.

Homes for Sale Near the University of Florida

Relocating to Gainesville for a job at UF? We’ve got you covered. See below for the most recently listed homes for sale within a 20 minute drive of UF’s flagship Gainesville campus. (Go Gators!)

The Duckpond neighborhood is especially popular with University of Florida professionals and graduate students.

Town of Tioga

Not your typical suburban subdivision, Town of Tioga is a walkable mixed-use community full of shops and amenities. Tioga’s forward-looking planner was inspired by the Duck Pond, a neighborhood in downtown Gainesville beloved for its tight-knit feel and Old Florida charm.

To learn more, see our Town of Tioga neighborhood guide.

Oakmont

Oakmont is a newly constructed planned community with homes by Gainesville’s top builders and some stellar community amenities.

Check out our Oakmont neighborhood guide to learn more.

The Estates of Wilds Plantation

The Estates of Wilds Plantation is a leafy planned community tucked between Haile and Oakmont in Southwest Gainesville. The wildly popular (pardon the pun) development comprises around 200 single family homes on large half-acre lots.

Feel free to consult our guide to The Estates at Wilds for additional information.

Longleaf

Longleaf Village is a master-planned community located off Archer Road in SW Gainesville. Combining affordability and comfort with luxury, the 550 home community is anchored by a stately clubhouse and a resort-style swimming pool.

See our Longleaf neighborhood guide for more info.