Alachua County
North Florida’s Cultural Hub
Alachua County is the one of largest counties in the North Florida region with nearly 300,000 residents. While it is known as the home of the University of Florida, one of the top public universities in the nation, Alachua is more than a typical college county. The area is known for its high-caliber K-12 education, making it an education hub for all ages. With a thriving arts community, hundreds of acres of greenspace, eclectic downtowns and local craft breweries, Alachua County is a vibrant place for every stage of life.
- Education
- Arts & Culture
- Outdoor Recreation
Lifelong Learning
Alachua County schools are not only some of the best schools in Florida but among the best in the nation. More than 80 languages are spoken in the local public schools, making them a welcoming and inclusive place to foster knowledge. After graduating from high school, students have access to world-class colleges and universities without having to leave the county. The University of Florida is in Alachua County’s largest city, Gainesville. It is the top college for athletes and is the No. 5 top public college in the country.
Innovative Creativity
Alachua County has a vibrant arts community, with a plethora of opportunities for creatives to hone their craft. Actors, playwrights, and directors looking to experiment with new projects can find an audience at the Acrosstown Repertory Theatre. The space produces more than 7 mainstage plays a year with the intent of challenging not only the cast and crew, but the audience to engage with innovative theatrical works. For families, the Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention has many interactive exhibits, and outdoor education courses for young people to enjoy. Another activity is the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire where more than 160 artists travel to sell jewelry and period clothing and enjoy games, rides and performances. With such a wide variety of options, Alachua County is truly a cultural hub in the North Florida region.
Activities for All
While Alachua County is often known for its educational amenities, it also has an abundance of natural wonders and resources, with 7 state parks and tons of outdoor events and festivals throughout the year. The Poe Springs Park has the largest natural spring in the county along with 202 acres of woodlands and easy access to the Santa Fe River. This is an ideal location for families with small children since the water is relatively shallow. Another must-see in Alachua County is the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. It is the largest herb garden in the Southeastern U.S., and the garden hosts several events year-round to display the robust collection of flora. For more casual outdoor activities, people can explore any number of the other parks, such as the Hal Brady Recreation Complex and the San Felasco Hammock Preserve State, to find the perfect places to relax and have a picnic with friends.