South Black Acres, Gainesville

Updated · 90 residents

South Black Acres is a quiet, upscale residential enclave characterized by its rural atmosphere and manicured, spacious landscapes. While the area offers a peaceful, pet-friendly environment with clean air, residents should expect noticeable traffic noise from nearby transit corridors and a lack of dedicated sidewalks for pedestrians.

Key Highlights

Moderate PrivacyQuiet but limited sidewalksUpscale Visual AppealGreat for DogsRural and OpenActive Local HubNoticeable Traffic NoiseClean Air QualityMinimal Industrial PresenceHigh Insurance CoverageStrongly LiberalDiverse Age RangeUncertain Flood Risk
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About South Black Acres

South Black Acres was developed as an extension of the original Black Acres neighborhood, which originated from a large tract of land purchased in 1912 by prominent local businessman and state legislator Robert Lucas Black, Sr. Following World War II, the Black family began developing the area, which had previously been used for cattle grazing and watermelon farming, into a residential community. While the primary Black Acres neighborhood is recognized for its significant collection of Mid-Century Modern architecture—featuring Ocala block, terrazzo floors, and unique designs by architects like F. Blair Reeves—South Black Acres was specifically established as a residential expansion across University Avenue. The area remains closely tied to the history of the Black family, who maintained their hilltop residence nearby for many years as the surrounding landscape transitioned from rural farmland to a suburban enclave for university faculty and professionals.

The area offers a distinct blend of rural openness and suburban polish, featuring large, well-maintained properties that provide a high level of visual appeal. Its current character is defined by a low-density layout that encourages a sense of space, making it a desirable location for those who appreciate a manicured, professional environment. Residents benefit from excellent access to health insurance and a strong local sense of community, with proximity to University Avenue providing convenient access to diverse dining options and university-related amenities.

Prospective residents should weigh the benefits of this serene setting against certain infrastructure trade-offs. The neighborhood experiences audible traffic noise from surrounding transit routes, and although the low-traffic streets are pleasant for walking, the absence of sidewalks requires pedestrians to share the road with vehicles. Additionally, while the area is generally safe, the lack of definitive flood studies means that specific risk levels remain uncertain. It is an ideal choice for families and professionals seeking an upscale, liberal-leaning community that balances proximity to urban conveniences with a quiet, open landscape.

Neighborhood Scores Across 15 Qualities

Privacy Index
Score: 6 out of 10

Residential spacing offers a moderate amount of separation between properties, sitting slightly above the Gainesville average. Neighbors are positioned with some buffer, though density remains mixed throughout the area.

Ranked #15 in Gainesville →
Walkability
Score: 6 out of 10

Low traffic volumes make for calm walking conditions, though the lack of sidewalks means pedestrians must share the road with vehicles. This level of walkability is slightly above the Gainesville average according to iHuus data.

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

Large homes and premium amenities contribute to a highly manicured aesthetic that is significantly more polished than the Gainesville average. According to iHuus data, the area features spacious driveways and well-maintained landscapes throughout the neighborhood.

Ranked #6 in Gainesville →
Dog Friendliness
Score: 8 out of 10

Access to interconnected green spaces and wide, low-traffic paths makes this area significantly more pet-friendly than the Gainesville average, according to iHuus data.

Ranked #7 in Gainesville →
Urban-Rural Index
Score: 9 out of 10

Extensive farmland and forested areas define the landscape, providing a much more rural environment than most of Gainesville. According to iHuus data, this area features very little building density.

Ranked #7 in Gainesville →
Neighborhood Vibe
Score: 5.5 out of 10

Diverse dining options and proximity to nearby universities create a level of activity much higher than the Gainesville average. This semi-rural area serves as a local hotspot with accessible amenities along University Avenue.

Ranked #11 in Gainesville →
Acoustic Comfort
Score: 3.8 out of 10

Frequent noise from nearby transit corridors and heavy traffic is common in this area. According to iHuus data, acoustic levels are slightly higher than the Gainesville average.

Ranked #23 in Gainesville →
Air Quality
Score: 8 out of 10

Air quality in this area remains consistently clean with infrequent periods of elevated readings. According to iHuus data, the air quality is better than the Gainesville average.

Ranked #14 in Gainesville →
Industrial Proximity
Score: 8 out of 10

Residential tranquility prevails here with only occasional light commercial activity. This area lacks heavy industry and remains significantly clearer of industrial facilities than the Gainesville average, according to iHuus data.

Ranked #24 in Gainesville →
Health Insurance Coverage
Score: 10 out of 10

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

Ranked #1 in Gainesville →
Ideological Lean
Score: 9.5 out of 10

Voting patterns and census indicators in South Black Acres reflect a significantly more liberal political leaning than the Gainesville average, according to iHuus data.

Ranked #13 in Gainesville →
Population Age Profile
Score: 3.9 out of 10

A varied mix of young adults, families, and older residents characterizes the area. According to iHuus data, this age distribution is slightly more concentrated among specific age groups compared to the broader Gainesville average.

Ranked #38 in Gainesville →
Flood Safety
Score: 4.5 out of 10

Flood safety levels in this area are roughly in line with the Gainesville average. According to iHuus data, the lack of a detailed FEMA study means that risk levels for this specific neighborhood remain undetermined.

Ranked #36 in Gainesville →

Address-Level Insights for South Black Acres

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Compare with Any Neighborhood

Compare with
DimensionSouth Black AcresAshton
🚶
Walkabilityavg 5.49
Score: 6 out of 10
Score: 7.5 out of 10
🔊
Acoustic Comfortavg 3.45
Score: 3.8 out of 10
Score: 5.6 out of 10
🤫
Privacy Indexavg 5.77
Score: 6 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: 8 out of 10
Score: 8.5 out of 10
🗺️
Urban-Rural Indexavg 7.16
Score: 9 out of 10
Score: 8.6 out of 10
Neighborhood Vibeavg 2.63
Score: 5.5 out of 10
Score: 4.7 out of 10
🏥
Health Insurance Coverageavg 6.36
Score: 10 out of 10
Score: 8.2 out of 10
🌿
Air Qualityavg 6.49
Score: 8 out of 10
Score: 8 out of 10
🏭
Industrial Proximityavg 6.6
Score: 8 out of 10
Score: 8 out of 10
🌊
Flood Safetyavg 4.63
Score: 4.5 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: 3.9 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 South 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 South Black Acres

School Insights

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is South Black Acres a good neighborhood for dog owners?
Yes, the area is highly suitable for pet owners. It features interconnected green spaces and low-traffic roads that provide ample room for walking dogs in a quiet, rural-like setting.
What is the noise level like in South Black Acres?
While the neighborhood is generally tranquil with little industrial activity, it does experience noticeable traffic noise. This sound originates from nearby transit corridors that border the residential area.
Are there sidewalks for walking in South Black Acres?
The neighborhood does not have dedicated sidewalks. While the low volume of local traffic makes the roads relatively calm for pedestrians, residents must share the street with vehicles when walking.
What are the schools like in this area?
The neighborhood falls under the Alachua County School District. While the district includes high-performing schools, it is currently navigating administrative and financial challenges that prospective families should consider.