Home to the University of Florida, Gainesville boasts numerous walkable neighborhoods. From the charming lanes of Pleasant Street to the lively sidewalks of Fifth Avenue, Gainsville the area is perfect for renters who prefer to navigate their surroundings on foot. Rentals are fairly affordable, too, with the average one-bedroom apartment costing $1,275.
In this ApartmentGuide article, we’ll uncover the most walkable neighborhoods in Gainesville, providing you with a comprehensive overview of the city’s pedestrian-friendly locales. So, get ready to explore Gainesville in a whole new way.
All data sourced March 2024.
1. Pleasant Street
Walk Score: 88
Pleasant Street is the most walkable neighborhood in Gainesville, with a Walk Score of 88. Known for its charming residential streets, residents and visitors alike can explore the area and take advantage of its walkable layout. Notable attractions include the historic Thomas Center and the lush Sweetwater Wetlands Park.
Search for Pleasant Street apartments for rent.
2. Fifth Avenue
Walk Score: 84
Fifth Avenue has a Walk Score of 84, making it the second most walkable neighborhood in Gainesville. There’s a lot to love about the area, from its historic homes to its proximity to downtown. While you’re walking around the neighborhood, check out the iconic shops along the neighborhood’s namesake Fifth Avenue.
See Fifth Avenue apartments for rent.
3. Duckpond
Walk Score: 70
Duckpond is the third most walkable neighborhood in Gainesville. There are numerous walkable areas and attractions throughout this historic neighborhood, like the Thomas Center and Roper Park. And if you’re in the mood for an adventure, you’re not far from the scenic Sweetwater Wetlands Park.
Find Duckpond apartments for rent.
[contextly_auto_sidebar]
4. University Park
Walk Score: 65
University Park has plenty of amenities a resident might need within walking distance. From the sprawling streets of the University of Florida to the Florida Museum of Natural History, you’re sure to find something to love. A notable amenity is the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, which is a great spot for locals and visitors alike.
Browse University Park apartments for rent.
5. Oakview
Walk Score: 65
As the fifth most walkable neighborhood in Gainesville, Oakview is known for its close proximity to the University of Florida. Consider exploring Oakview Park or grabbing a bite to eat at Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza with friends. There are plenty of other amenities in this bustling community as well, like the Harn Museum of Art and the Butterfly Rainforest.
Discover Oakview apartments for rent.
6. Springhill
Walk Score: 64
Springhill has a Walk Score of 64, making it the sixth most walkable neighborhood in Gainesville. Known for its quiet residential streets, residents and visitors can choose from walkable amenities such as the Cofrin Nature Park and Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille. While you’re out, check out the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens.
Look for Springhill apartments for rent.
7. Northeast Neighbors
Walk Score: 51
Northeast Neighbors is the seventh most walkable neighborhood in Gainesville. This quiet community has quite a few hotspots for residents to visit on foot, including the Ironwood Golf Course and Reserve park. While you’re walking, take a moment to enjoy the action at nearby Citizens Field.
Search for Northeast Neighbors apartments for rent.
8. Stephen Foster
Walk Score: 50
Stephen Foster has a Walk Score of 50, making it the eighth most walkable neighborhood in Gainesville. There’s a lot to love about the area, from grabbing a bite to eat at nearby restaurants, to taking a walk at the Loblolly Woods Nature Park. If you’re up for a longer outing, nearby Newmans Lake and its many state and regional parks is popular among locals.
Find Stephen Foster apartments for rent.
9. Sugarfoot
Walk Score: 40
The ninth most walkable neighborhood in Gainesville is Sugarfoot. Pedestrians can enjoy the variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, like the Oaks Mall and Gators Dockside. It’s also easy to walk over to Clear Lake Nature Park for a great day out.
Peruse Sugarfoot apartments for rent.
10. Hazel Heights
Walk Score: 37
Hazel Heights is the tenth most walkable neighborhood in Gainesville. Local attractions here include Northside Park and La Pasadita Mexican, providing residents a spot to get together and enjoy their community. However, with a walk score of 37, it may be a challenge to complete errands on foot here.
Discover Hazel Heights apartments for rent.
Check out more walkable cities in Florida.
Methodology: Walk Score, a Redfin company, helps people find walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly places to live, rating areas on a scale from 0-100. To calculate a Walk Score for a given point, Walk Score analyzes thousands of walking routes to nearby amenities, population density, and metrics such as block length and intersection density. Points are awarded based on the distance to amenities in each category.
