Gainesville in “Alachua” County – How do you pronounce that??

How do you pronounce Alachua

This weekend I had the pleasure of working with “out of state” buyers.   When buyers can make a trip here, I like to call it their “Pre-Purchase Visit”, and I am more than happy to be their tour guide.   I know some Realtors are thinking…….”oh boy, what a waste of time…..”.   But, in my opinion, it helps people relocating to Gainesville become familiar with our beautiful area, and discover the neighborhoods & subdivisions that they like (or dislike). So many visitors always ask how do you pronounce Alachua.

Gainesville is the county seat for Alachua County here in the Sunshine State.

But again this weekend, my buyers asked “how do you pronounce that????”

I always laugh and say, that “that depends on if you are asking about  “Alachua County” or the “City of Alachua”…….and they are both S-P-E-L-L-E-D the same.???

If you are speaking of Alachua County……then the correct pronunciation is  ” ah – LATCH- you – uh”

If you are talking with someone in the northwest side of the county, within the “City of Alachua” city limits on Main Street, you may hear them say it differently!   Business owners and residents in the City of Alachua pronounce it  ” ah- LATCH – you – way”

I don’t know how to explain why some say it differently.  But I am sure there is a good story behind the history of how the word is spoken.

Here is what Wikipedia says about Alachua County !

You will fall in love with Beautiful Gainesville in Alachua County……. so plan a visit !