Our fluffy, furry and feathered family members are as important to us as our human ones, so if you’re exploring a new custom Florida home in the Gainesville area, you’ll want to make sure the move — whether across town or continents — is a good one for your pet(s) too.
You’re on the right track with Oakmont. It’s Gainesville’s premier master-planned community. Oakmont’s size, amenities and location set it apart in this slice of north central Florida, and there’s plenty of room for you and your household, and animal friends.
Located on Gainesville’s booming southwest flank, Oakmont’s only minutes from a lively historic downtown, the University of Florida and Santa Fe College campuses, and some of the state’s most picturesque outdoor recreation offerings. Its more than 550 acres feature gentle hills, massive live oaks, pine and palm-studded woodlands, and a Residents Club that anchors all those amenities (think resort-style swimming pools, sports courts, an event lawn and playground).
And, since dogs likely are the most common pets among Oakmont residents (we see you, cat lovers!), we’ll spotlight Fido with tips on how to make pets part of your new Oakmont home.
Get up and go
At Oakmont, dogs have miles of community sidewalks and walking paths to explore (remember to be a good neighbor and use a leash). But when you and your dog want to roam away from home, there’s no shortage of Gainesville-area destinations. Below are a few suggestions.
Possum Creek Park: a Gainesville city park that includes fenced areas for small and large dogs.
Squirrel Ridge Park: an Alachua County park that includes a 17-acre dog park.
Must Love Dogs Park & Daycare: a private facility near Oakmont that offers 15 acres of off-leash space with alligator-free ponds and boarding and daycare.
Paynes Prairie State Preserve: Florida’s first state preserve welcomes leashed dogs but note safety restrictions on some trails.
Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail: a popular 16-mile trail that welcomes leashed dogs.
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens: amazing landscapes near Oakmont that are leashed-dog-friendly.
Alachua County Library District’s Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.): If your household includes youngsters developing their out-loud reading skills, this program offers therapy dogs who don’t mind being read to.
To add a pet to your new Oakmont home, or volunteer in a pet-oriented project, check out Alachua County’s animal resources info here.
Not every activity works for every pet. We encourage you to seek recommendations — a great way to get to know other Oakmont pet parents.
Customization ideas for pets
When you build a new Oakmont home, talk to your builder about installing a dog shower in your laundry room. Other customizable ideas are hooks for leashes, and pull-out cabinets for pet food and other supplies such as cat litter in those drop zones.
Don’t forget custom cutouts for dog and cat beds, and for litter boxes. These can be created under stairs and in mudrooms.
Ready for your Oakmont lifestyle? Talk to us here.