Neighborhood Guide
A new-construction D.R. Horton community in Alachua, established in 2022.
By Jenis Patel, Realtor® · Updated June 2026
Price Range
$280K–$425K
Flood Zone
Zone X (minimal risk); verify individual lots near retention ponds
Elevation
~175–190 ft
Construction
New construction, 2020s, block & frame
To UF
20–25 min to UF
Overview
Briarwood is a new-construction community in Alachua built by D.R. Horton, with the first homes completed in 2022 and additional phases continuing to build out.
Homes here come with builder warranties and modern floor plans, open-concept living areas, and energy-efficient construction, appealing to buyers who want a turnkey home without the maintenance history of an older property.
Alachua's small-town character, with a walkable downtown and easy I-75 access, gives Briarwood a different feel than new-construction communities closer to Gainesville's denser suburbs.
Commute & Distance
Estimated drive times based on straight-line distance and typical road routing. Non-peak conditions. Click “Maps” for exact directions and real-time traffic.
The Honest Take
Pros
Cons
What You Need to Know
Who Should Live Here
Buyers prioritizing new construction and builder warranties who don't mind a longer commute to UF in exchange for Alachua's small-town feel and easy I-75 access.
The Smart Money Angle
As one of the newest communities in the area, Briarwood's resale comps are still developing. Early buyers in a build-out community sometimes see appreciation as later phases are priced higher, but this isn't guaranteed and should be weighed against the longer commute.
What to Expect
New-construction single-family homes built by D.R. Horton from 2022 onward, open-concept floor plans, modern finishes, and ongoing build-out across multiple phases.
What's Nearby
Schools
Click a school name to view its profile, ratings, and reviews on GreatSchools.org.
School zones vary by exact address and can change over time. Verify the zoned schools for any specific property using the Alachua County’s official school locator.
Flood Zone & Elevation
Briarwood sits primarily within Zone X, FEMA's minimal-risk designation. As with any newer development, confirm the designation for the specific lot, since site grading can occasionally shift drainage patterns.
Internet & Utilities
Electric service is typically provided by Clay Electric Cooperative or Duke Energy, depending on the specific location. Water and wastewater may be served by a well/septic system or a smaller utility district, depending on the subdivision.
Internet options tend to be more limited outside city limits: generally Cox Communications where available, or fixed wireless/satellite options such as AT&T Fixed Wireless or Starlink in more rural areas.
Exact providers and availability vary by address. We recommend confirming services at the specific property before purchasing.
Current Listings
I don't have an active listing in Briarwood right now, but I can set you up with alerts as soon as something hits the market. In the meantime, browse all current listings.
Market Snapshot
As an actively building new-construction community, Briarwood's pricing is driven largely by current builder incentives and lot premiums. Buyers comparing this to closer-in options should weigh the longer commute against meaningfully lower new-construction pricing.
I can walk you through current listings, recent sales, and whether this neighborhood fits what you're looking for.