Black Acres, Gainesville

Updated · 295 residents

Black Acres is a quiet, secluded neighborhood characterized by its spacious, upscale residential lots and a strong connection to nearby natural areas. Residents enjoy a peaceful, low-density environment that offers significant privacy while remaining within reach of Gainesville's major amenities.

Key Highlights

Private and SpaciousQuiet, Sidewalk-free StreetsUpscale VisualsPet Friendly SpacesHighly RuralQuiet and Semi-RuralModerate Traffic NoiseClean AirPurely ResidentialHigh Insurance CoverageStrongly LiberalDiverse Age RangeUncertain Flood Risk
Map showing the location of Black Acres, Gainesville, FL
Explore full map

About Black Acres

Black Acres, a neighborhood in Gainesville, Florida, was developed during the 1950s and 1960s on land previously utilized for cattle grazing and watermelon farming. Initiated by the son of prominent local politician Robert Lucas Black, Sr., the neighborhood sits on a tract originally purchased by the elder Black in 1912. The area is historically significant for its collection of Mid-Century Modern architecture, featuring homes designed by University of Florida faculty, such as Professor F. Blair Reeves. Bounded by Hogtown Creek and located near the University of Florida, the neighborhood was designed to attract university staff and professionals. Its character is defined by large lots, tree-lined streets, and its integration with natural landmarks like Loblolly Woods, reflecting the post-World War II residential expansion of Gainesville.

The area maintains a tranquil, semi-rural atmosphere defined by its sparse commercial density and expansive, private properties. With a landscape that prioritizes residential space over urban development, the neighborhood feels removed from the bustle of the city. According to iHuus data, residents benefit from exceptionally high rates of health insurance coverage and a community that leans strongly liberal, fostering a stable and cohesive environment. The visual appeal is consistently high, marked by large, well-maintained residences that reflect the area's established character.

While the lack of sidewalks makes traditional pedestrian travel less convenient, the low-traffic streets provide a calm setting for outdoor activity, particularly for dog owners who benefit from the proximity to extensive greenery. Potential residents should be aware that the area experiences moderate traffic noise and lacks detailed flood studies, necessitating caution regarding environmental risks. Families should also note that while the local school district contains high-performing institutions, it currently faces significant administrative and financial instability.

Neighborhood Scores Across 15 Qualities

Privacy Index
Score: 7 out of 10

Spaced out residential lots offer more seclusion than typical Gainesville neighborhoods. Property separation is notably wider than the city average, providing a higher level of privacy according to iHuus data.

Ranked #4 in Gainesville →
Walkability
Score: 6 out of 10

Low traffic volume and calm streets make for pleasant strolls, although a lack of sidewalks distinguishes this area from more pedestrian-oriented parts of Gainesville. According to iHuus data, walking conditions here are slightly better than the city average.

Ranked #30 in Gainesville →
Visual Appeal
Score: 8 out of 10

Large residences and premium amenities define the local landscape, providing a level of aesthetic quality that is notably higher than the Gainesville average.

Ranked #6 in Gainesville →
Dog Friendliness
Score: 9 out of 10

Extensive access to large parks, trails, and open greenery makes this area significantly more accommodating for dog owners than the Gainesville average. According to iHuus data, the abundance of nearby recreational space provides ample opportunities for outdoor exercise.

Ranked #3 in Gainesville →
Urban-Rural Index
Score: 9.5 out of 10

Extensive forest and farmland characterize this area, offering a much more secluded environment than the typical Gainesville neighborhood. According to iHuus data, residential development is sparse and neighbors can expect minimal urban density.

Ranked #3 in Gainesville →
Neighborhood Vibe
Score: 3.8 out of 10

Daily activity remains low-key with sparse commercial density, though certain pockets near University Avenue provide more social energy than typical residential areas in Gainesville. Residents may find the atmosphere significantly more tranquil than the city average due to the limited presence of major retail hubs.

Ranked #25 in Gainesville →
Acoustic Comfort
Score: 5 out of 10

Steady sounds from nearby busy streets provide a noticeable presence, though this level of acoustic activity is more tranquil than the Gainesville average.

Ranked #6 in Gainesville →
Air Quality
Score: 7 out of 10

Air quality remains mostly clean with rare instances of elevated readings. According to iHuus data, the air quality in Black Acres is slightly better than the Gainesville average.

Ranked #33 in Gainesville →
Industrial Proximity
Score: 9 out of 10

Industrial activity is virtually nonexistent here, providing a much quieter environment than most of Gainesville. Residents will find predominantly residential streets and green spaces, with only minor commercial amenities like a gas station or restaurant nearby.

Ranked #12 in Gainesville →
Health Insurance Coverage
Score: 9.6 out of 10

Health insurance access is exceptionally high among residents, significantly surpassing the Gainesville city average according to iHuus data.

Ranked #7 in Gainesville →
Ideological Lean
Score: 9.5 out of 10

Voting patterns and census indicators show a significantly more liberal leaning than the Gainesville average, according to iHuus data.

Ranked #13 in Gainesville →
Population Age Profile
Score: 4.8 out of 10

A balanced mix of young adults, families, and older residents defines the community. This demographic variety is slightly more diverse than the typical age distribution found across Gainesville.

Ranked #22 in Gainesville →
Flood Safety
Score: 5.3 out of 10

Flood safety levels in Black Acres are slightly above the Gainesville average, though a lack of detailed FEMA studies means the precise risk level remains undetermined. Residents should remain cautious as official flood studies for this specific area have not yet been completed.

Ranked #27 in Gainesville →

Address-Level Insights for Black Acres

iHuus Neighborhood Intelligence Insights

Get address-level neighborhood insights for Black Acres

  • Street-level scores — see how individual blocks compare, not just neighborhood averages
  • Micro-zone boundaries — identify quiet pockets, flood boundaries, and walkable clusters before you visit
  • 15 dimensions in full — walkability, noise, air quality, school quality, insurance coverage, population age profile, urban/rural index, and more
  • Boundary risk alerts — know if your address sits near a block boundary where scores drop, the kind of detail no listing will ever mention
  • School insights — individual school ratings and insights, not just district-level data
  • Compare before you commit — side-by-side data across neighborhoods, down to block precision

No credit card required

Compare with Any Neighborhood

Compare with
DimensionBlack AcresAshton
🚶
Walkabilityavg 5.49
Score: 6 out of 10
Score: 7.5 out of 10
🔊
Acoustic Comfortavg 3.45
Score: 5 out of 10
Score: 5.6 out of 10
🤫
Privacy Indexavg 5.77
Score: 7 out of 10
Score: 6 out of 10
🎨
Visual Appealavg 5.61
Score: 8 out of 10
Score: 7.5 out of 10
🐕
Dog Friendlinessavg 6.73
Score: 9 out of 10
Score: 8.5 out of 10
🗺️
Urban-Rural Indexavg 7.16
Score: 9.5 out of 10
Score: 8.6 out of 10
Neighborhood Vibeavg 2.63
Score: 3.8 out of 10
Score: 4.7 out of 10
🏥
Health Insurance Coverageavg 6.36
Score: 9.6 out of 10
Score: 8.2 out of 10
🌿
Air Qualityavg 6.49
Score: 7 out of 10
Score: 8 out of 10
🏭
Industrial Proximityavg 6.6
Score: 9 out of 10
Score: 8 out of 10
🌊
Flood Safetyavg 4.63
Score: 5.3 out of 10
Score: 6.6 out of 10
🗳️
Ideological Leanavg 7.36
Score: 9.5 out of 10
Score: 8.6 out of 10
👥
Population Age Profileavg 4.16
Score: 4.8 out of 10
Score: 5.1 out of 10
🔥
Fire Safety
Score: not available
Score: not available
🏫
School Quality
Score: not available
Score: not available

School Districts Serving Black Acres

Alachua County School District
Grades K–1262 schoolsRatings 1–8/10
5/10
Hidden Oak Elementary SchoolElementary
8/10
High Springs Community SchoolElementary
8/10
Alachua Learning Academy MiddleMiddle
8/10
Professional Academy Magnet At Loften High SchoolHigh
8/10
F. W. Buchholz High SchoolHigh
8/10
Expressions Learning Arts AcademyElementary
8/10
Alachua Learning Academy ElementaryElementary
8/10
Healthy Learning Academy Charter SchoolElementary
8/10
Kanapaha Middle SchoolMiddle
7/10
Meadowbrook Elementary SchoolElementary
7/10
Littlewood Elementary SchoolElementary
7/10
Gainesville High SchoolHigh
7/10
William S. Talbot Elem SchoolElementary
7/10
Caring & Sharing Learning SchoolElementary
7/10
Boulware Springs CharterElementary
6/10
Abraham Lincoln Middle SchoolMiddle
6/10
Fort Clarke Middle SchoolMiddle
6/10
Newberry Elementary SchoolElementary
6/10
Kimball Wiles Elementary SchoolElementary
6/10
Micanopy Area Cooperative School Inc.Elementary
6/10
Santa Fe College Academy Of Science And TechnologyHigh
6/10
Lawton M. Chiles Elementary SchoolElementary
6/10
Carolyn Beatrice Parker ElementaryElementary
5/10
Newberry High SchoolHigh
5/10
Oak View Middle SchoolMiddle
5/10
Glen Springs Elementary SchoolElementary
5/10
Santa Fe High SchoolHigh
4/10
Howard W. Bishop Middle SchoolMiddle
4/10
C. W. Norton Elementary SchoolElementary
3/10
Micanopy AcademyHigh
3/10
Archer ElementaryElementary
3/10
Eastside High SchoolHigh
3/10
The One Room School House ProjectElementary
3/10
Resilience Charter School IncMiddle
1/10
Myra Terwilliger Elementary SchoolElementary
1/10
Idylwild Elementary SchoolElementary
1/10
Stephen Foster Elementary SchoolElementary
1/10
W. A. Metcalfe Elementary SchoolElementary
1/10
Joseph Williams Elementary SchoolElementary
1/10
Hawthorne Middle/High SchoolHigh
1/10
Lake Forest Elementary SchoolElementary
1/10
Westwood Middle SchoolMiddle
1/10
Alachua Elementary SchoolElementary
1/10
A. L. Mebane Middle SchoolMiddle
1/10
Chester Shell Elementary SchoolElementary
1/10
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Elementary SchoolElementary
1/10
Constellation Charter School Of GainesvilleElementary
1/10
The Einstein School Inc.Middle
Not rated
Siatech Mycroschool Inc.High
Not rated
Alachua County JailHigh
Not rated
Alachua Virtual Instruction ProgramOther
Not rated
Alachua Eschool (Virtual Franchise)High
Not rated
Alachua Virtual Instruction Program (District Provided)Elementary
Not rated
Early Learning Academy At DuvalPrekindergarten
Not rated
Santa Fe College High School Dual EnrollmentHigh
Not rated
A.Quinn Jones CenterHigh
Not rated
Sidney Lanier CenterOther
Not rated
W. W. Irby Elementary SchoolElementary
Not rated
Hospital HomeboundOther
Not rated
PaceHigh
Not rated
North Central Florida Public Charter SchoolHigh
Not rated
Alachua Regional Juvenile Detention CenterHigh
Not rated

School Insights for Black Acres

School Insights

See what's really behind every school rating near Black Acres

  • Individual school ratings — each school's own score with outcome context, not just a district average
  • Enrollment & class size data — student-to-teacher ratio and how it compares to the state average
  • Full demographics breakdown — ethnicity and gender composition for every school in the enrollment zone
  • Every school in the district — all schools within the enrollment boundary ranked by rating, not just the closest one
  • Grade levels & benchmarks — elementary through high school, with below/above state-average flags

No credit card required

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Black Acres a walkable neighborhood?
While the streets are quiet and have low traffic volume, the area lacks sidewalks. This makes it less ideal for traditional pedestrian commuting, though it remains suitable for casual strolls.
What is the flood risk in Black Acres?
The exact flood risk remains uncertain as official FEMA studies for this specific area have not been completed. Residents are encouraged to exercise caution and research local topography before purchasing.
Is Black Acres suitable for dog owners?
Yes, the neighborhood is highly accommodating for pets. The abundance of nearby parks, trails, and open green spaces provides excellent opportunities for outdoor exercise and recreation.
How would you describe the atmosphere of the neighborhood?
The atmosphere is quiet, low-key, and semi-rural. It offers a high level of privacy due to spacious lots and minimal commercial development, making it a tranquil retreat from the busier parts of Gainesville.