At a glance
| Typical home value | $327,300 (−2.1% in a year, Zillow, Aug 2026) |
|---|---|
| County | Alachua County |
| Population | 10,574 (2020 Census) |
| Area | 36.56 square miles |
| Incorporated | 12 April 1905 |
| Main ZIP | 32615 (City Hall, 15100 NW 142nd Terrace) |
| City utilities | Electric, water and wastewater |
| Preliminary 2026 millage | 21.4446 total |
Where Alachua is and how it grew
Alachua sits northwest of Gainesville, with Interstate 75 passing west of downtown and US 441 running through the center. The town was founded in 1884 when the railroad bypassed nearby Newnansville, and it incorporated as a city on 12 April 1905. It is the second most populous city in Alachua County and part of the Gainesville metro area.
Main Street is the core of the Downtown Historic District. The city's other anchor is Progress Corporate Park, home to the UF Innovate Sid Martin Biotech incubator and San Felasco Tech City, which together make up one of the state's larger life science business clusters. Distribution centers are concentrated near the I-75 interchange.
Home prices in Alachua
Zillow's typical home value for Alachua was $327,303 in August 2026, down 2.1% from a year earlier. That is above Gainesville's $295,760 (down 1.2%) and close to Newberry at $329,546 (down 2.0%).
| Place | Zillow typical home value, Aug 2026 | 1-year change |
|---|---|---|
| Alachua | $327,303 | -2.1% |
| Newberry | $329,546 | -2.0% |
| Gainesville | $295,760 | -1.2% |
A falling typical value gives buyers more room to negotiate, but it is an average across very different homes. Ask a local agent for closed sales in the subdivision you are considering, and see the Gainesville housing market page for metro days to pending and price-cut trends.
ZIP codes and city limits
City Hall's address is in ZIP 32615, but a 32615 address does not mean a home is inside the city. Census Bureau data show the City of Alachua covers only about 24.5% of the land in the 32615 ZIP area, with most of the rest unincorporated. A small part of 32653 is also inside city limits.
This matters for taxes, utilities and permits. Check the parcel on the Alachua County Property Appraiser's site to confirm whether it is in the city, and see the Gainesville ZIP code guide for the surrounding areas.
Taxes and utilities
The Alachua County Property Appraiser's preliminary 2026 table lists a total millage of 21.4446 for the City of Alachua, including the city's 6.2500 operating rate. That compares with 21.9243 inside Gainesville and 18.7624 in unincorporated areas of the same water district. Final rates are set each September, and exemptions such as homestead reduce the taxable value. The Alachua County property tax guide explains the rest of the bill.
The City of Alachua provides electric, water and wastewater service inside its service area, so your utility bill comes from the city rather than Gainesville Regional Utilities. The city also levies a 10% utility tax on electric, gas and water charges. Ask the seller for 12 months of utility bills.
What to check before you move
- City or county. Confirm the taxing district and utility provider for the parcel.
- Schools. Santa Fe High School is in Alachua. Confirm zoned schools for the exact address with Alachua County Public Schools.
- Commute. Drive the route to your workplace at rush hour on I-75 or US 441 before you commit.
- New construction. Ask about impact fees, HOA dues and any special district assessment. The Gainesville new construction guide explains CDD checks.
For the wider move, see the Gainesville relocation guide.
Common questions
How much is a house in Alachua, FL?+
Zillow's typical home value for Alachua was $327,303 in August 2026, down 2.1% from a year earlier. That is higher than Gainesville's $295,760 and similar to Newberry's $329,546. Prices vary widely by subdivision, age and lot size, so ask a local agent for recent closed sales near the home you like.
Is Alachua, FL part of Gainesville?+
No. Alachua is a separate city, incorporated in 1905, with its own government and utilities. It is part of the Gainesville metropolitan area and sits northwest of Gainesville on I-75 and US 441. Its 2020 Census population was 10,574, making it the second most populous city in Alachua County.
What are property taxes in Alachua, FL?+
The Alachua County Property Appraiser's preliminary 2026 table lists a total millage of 21.4446 for the City of Alachua. On $300,000 of taxable value that is about $6,433 in ad valorem tax before non-ad valorem charges. Homestead and other exemptions lower the taxable value, and final rates are adopted in September.
Who provides utilities in Alachua, FL?+
The City of Alachua runs its own electric, water and wastewater utilities, so homes inside its service area are billed by the city instead of Gainesville Regional Utilities. The city also levies a 10% utility tax on electric, gas and water charges. Confirm the provider for a specific address before you buy.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Alachua, Florida
- City of Alachua: Official website
- City of Alachua: Economic development
- Alachua County Property Appraiser: Preliminary 2026 millages (4 August 2026)
- Gainesville Regional Utilities: FY26 residential rate sheet (effective 1 October 2025)
- US Census Bureau: 2020 ZCTA to place relationship file