About 15 miles north and as many west of Gainesville, technology and nature meet here to make something beautiful. With Sid Martin Biotech, UF Innovate’s award-winning and world-renown biotechnology incubator on the east end and some of the world’s most beautiful springs and caves on the west end, these neighboring towns have the charm of days gone by and the excitement of what the future holds.

Alachua

Progress Park, San Felasco Tech City, and a handful of publicly-traded biotech companies, are turning Alachua into a hub of scientific discovery and tremendous growth. “The Good Life Community” is what long-time residents call the City of Alachua, and it’s that and so much more. It is both progressive and nostalgic. It has dozens of single-family home subdivisions and incomparable estates on acres of rolling pasture land. It boasts state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and mom-and-pop restaurants that have been there for decades. Yesterday’s charm has never gone away and tomorrow’s discoveries are being made. It’s a paradox and a jewel.

High Springs

You can’t have “Springs” in the town’s name and not have at least one to brag about! In High Springs there are several, and they’re known worldwide for their crystal clear waters that run a cool 72 degrees year-round, caves that attract the most skilled scuba divers, and campgrounds that provide beautiful views and plentiful activities for people of all ages. Many who work in nearby Gainesville and Alachua choose to live here for an even more laid-back lifestyle. Art and antique stores, an old-world downtown right out of a movie set, and restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters, High Springs is a great alternative for those who prefer to live at a slower pace without losing some city amenities or conveniences.