Is Hazel Heights & Ridgeview safe?

“Go with care. While Hazel Heights and Ridgeview are primarily quiet, leafy residential enclaves with low violent crime, standard situational awareness is advised after dark. Visitors will find a peaceful neighborhood atmosphere close to the University of Florida and natural preserves.”

Local reporting periodically highlights opportunistic vehicle burglaries and package thefts along residential streets off SW 24th Avenue and SW 34th Street.

Hazel Heights and Ridgeview are established mid-century residential neighborhoods in southwest Gainesville defined by large oak canopies and single-family ranch homes. The area houses a balanced mix of long-term homeowners, university staff, and graduate students seeking quiet surroundings close to campus.

• Quiet / Residential
• Tree-Lined
• Suburban
• Car-Dependent

Walk score: 28/100 · Bike score: 58/100

Local streets have low vehicle speeds making them bike-friendly, with connections to bike lanes along SW 34th Street and SW 24th Avenue that lead toward campus and the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail.

Homelessness: Visible homelessness is rare within the interior residential blocks, though unhoused individuals and panhandlers can be observed along the commercial perimeter corridors on SW 13th Street and SW 34th Street.

Morning · 5a – 11a

Calm and very safe, with residents walking dogs and heading out for morning commutes under tree-shaded roads.

Afternoon · 11a – 5p

Peaceful with minimal car traffic and good visibility throughout the neighborhood.

Evening · 5p – 10p

Quiet and serene as daylight fades, remaining generally safe for casual neighborhood walks.

Late night · 10p – 5a

Subdued and dark due to limited street lighting; property crime risks rise, so keep vehicles locked.

Gainesville Regional Transit System (RTS) provides bus service along surrounding arterials (including Routes 13 and 34) connecting directly to the UF campus, though routes do not penetrate the interior neighborhood streets.

Parking is abundant and free, with plentiful private driveways and unrestricted curbside parking along neighborhood streets.

• Explore the boardwalks, wetlands, and birdwatching trails at nearby Bivens Arm Nature Park
• Take a quiet walk or run through the neighborhood's mature oak tree canopy
• Visit the Florida Museum of Natural History and Butterfly Rainforest located a short drive west

• Mi Apá Latin Café · Cuban Restaurant · 4.6★ (3500)
  A Gainesville staple nearby serving authentic Cuban sandwiches, iced café con leche, and warm pastries.
• Adam's Rib Co. · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.5★ (2200)
  Down-home neighborhood joint serving hickory-smoked ribs, pulled pork, and hearty Southern sides.
• Country Foodly · Breakfast & Brunch · 4.7★ (1100)
  Cozy daytime diner serving traditional American breakfast classics paired with Korean-inspired plates.