Summary
There are many reasons to love Northwest Tallahassee. Still, its allure can be attributed to its unique opportunities such as its historical parks that allow you to travel back in time and learn about the incredible history of the city. Local restaurants and shops are also a nice perk that helps make it a vibrant and distinguished area in town. In addition to that, all of Tallahassee's most visited sites, and surrounding areas in Florida, are only a short trip away!
Welcome back to our Get to Know the Local Community series, in which we explore what Tallahassee residents love about the area they live in. This time we’ll focus on Northwest Tallahassee, known for its centralized location, natural beauty, rich history, and relatively inexpensive cost of living. With plenty of activities available in the area, you’ll never run out of things to do. And if you ever want to take a weekend or day trip away from the city, I-10 is close by and can take you to some of the most scenic destinations in Florida!
Want to discover more about the area? Keep reading to learn about some of the exciting things to do and gorgeous neighborhoods in the Northwest.
What Residents Love About Northwest Tallahassee
Northwest Tallahassee has many distinct perks that give it so much appeal. Listed below are a few reasons why residents love living in the area:
- Accessibility. The Northwest’s convenient location is one of its many draws. Most neighborhoods are within a short drive of midtown, college town, and downtown Tallahassee. Not to mention I-10 is also close by, making this a great choice for commuters and travelers.
- Outdoor activities. There are several recreational opportunities in the area for all members of the family to take part in. Whether you love hiking, biking, playing sports, or simply enjoying the outdoors – the parks in the Northwest have something for everyone.
- Historic sites. Northwest Tallahassee is surrounded by stunning scenery and it’s rich in history. Lake Jackson Mounds State Park and Mission San Luis Park are historic sites that are informative as well as engaging, where you can get first-hand knowledge of past civilizations that resided in Tallahassee.
- Affordable living. The area’s neighborhoods offer some of the more affordable options in Tallahassee. A natural serenity brought about by surrounding lakes and parks are an added bonus.
“When I first graduated college, I rented a townhouse in Summerlake, mostly because it was close to everything – FSU for football games in the fall, my job, and Midtown, which is where I meet my friends for drinks after work. But that’s not the only reason I love it. Every time we have friends come to visit they say ‘I didn’t even know this was back here!’ and it’s true – Summerlake is a hidden gem.”
Parks and Local Restaurants in Northwest Tallahassee
Parks
The recreational opportunities available in the Northwest set it apart from other areas in town. Not only are they beautiful, but some of them are home to some of Tallahassee’s oldest history. You’ll discover that these locations can be both visually and intellectually stimulating, making them a great choice for people of all ages to appreciate! The best part is that all of these parks are either free to visit or offer very low-cost admission fees.
- Lake Jackson Mounds State Park. For just $3 per vehicle, you can see seven different ancient Native American temple mounds that were built before Spanish explorers arrived. The park holds some of the most significant archaeological finds in Florida. You can also hike one of the many trails within the park and explore the various plants and wildlife.
- Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park. Trails here are ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and even horse riding! There are also soccer fields and a youth-recreational complex for multi-use purposes.
- J Lee Vause Park and Dog Park. This park has an engaging playground for kids, picnic areas, nature trails, and ample green space to enjoy. The dog park is spacious and fenced in so you can let your pets run free, and the area is divided into sections for smaller and larger dogs for your convenience.
- San Luis Mission Park. From 1656 to 1704, the area served as the capital of La Florida’s western missions. This historical site brings history to life by allowing visitors to view re-created historical scenes and interact with actual artifacts. Adults and children alike can learn and enjoy the park’s various activities for just $5 and under (children under 6 and active military enter free).
- Fred George Basin Greenway. This fairly new, open greenway features two-mile trails suited for hikers, runners, and bikers as well as a playground, soccer and baseball fields, picnic areas, and restrooms.
Restaurants
Many restaurants in the Northwest offer a taste of various distinct cultures and an inviting atmosphere – listed below are just a few. Locals view these spots as some of the most popular dining destinations in the city. Being locally owned, each of these restaurants provides a niche experience accompanied by unforgettable flavors that will have you raving to all your friends.
- Sweet Pea Cafe. Southern-inspired vegan comfort food with a wide selection of house-made pastries and coffee. Even non-vegans are sure to love it!
- Locos Tacos & Bar. Try authentic Mexican dishes such as street tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, as well as specialty drinks and beers from local breweries. Seafood lovers must try the ceviche.
- Tour of Italy. Authentic Italian cuisine with a family-friendly atmosphere. All of the dishes are made with fresh ingredients from scratch to provide a tasteful experience. There’s also a gluten-free pasta option available, so there’s truly something for the whole family.
- The Salty Dawg Pub & Deli. The place to go if you’re looking for a good time with your friends after work or on the weekends. Serving a variety of American classics such as subs, burgers, and wings that you can munch on while playing pool or darts, or while watching one of their weekly live music performances.
- Wahoo Seafood Grill. This neighborhood bar and grill has a daily happy hour, specials Monday through Thursday, and brunch on Sunday. Chef Sheperd strives to give Tallahassee a taste of the coast and tell his story through every dish.
If you’re looking for something more familiar, there are also several popular chain restaurants available in the area such as The Melting Pot, Cracker Barrel, and Waffle House, among others.
Public Schools
Some of the public schools that reside in Northwest Tallahassee are listed below. Please be aware that your children may be zoned for a school that is not in the Northwest depending on the neighborhood in which you live. You can verify the schools in your zone on the Leon County Schools website.
Elementary schools
- Ruediger
- John G. Riley
- Astoria Park
- Pineview
- Springwood
- Canopy Oaks
Middle Schools
- Augusta Raa
- Griffin
High Schools
- Amos P. Godby
- Sail
- Gretchen Everhart
Zip Codes
The zip codes that Northwest Tallahassee consists of include 32303, 32304, 32310, and 32343.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and that some zip codes within Northwest Tallahassee might be missing. If you have a specific location in mind, verifying the correct zip code with an official source is always a good idea.
Neighborhoods in Northwest Tallahassee
Hartsfield Plantation
This community is conveniently located near I-10 and Capital Circle Northwest, granting you quick access to many popular areas in town. Tallahassee Community College is only a 10-minute drive away, and Florida State University is only a 15-minute drive. It is also ideally situated between Fred George Greenway Park and Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park, which are perfect for fun days outside with family. It is known as a peaceful neighborhood where residents frequently go for walks and children play outside together.
Average Home Price: $250k
Proximity to: Walmart, Lowe’s, and Starbucks
Schools in Zone: Astoria Park Elementary, Griffin Middle School, and Amos P. Godby High School
Private Schools Nearby: Cornerstone Learning Community and The Magnolia School
Rivers Landing
Rivers Landing features well-kept lawns and streets, as well as newer single-family homes with two-car garages. Houses are closer together on smaller parcels of land, making the front and backyards easier to maintain. It’s ideal for those looking for a location close to downtown Tallahassee and the capitol, while also being easily accessible to other central areas in town.
Average Home Price: $276.9k
Proximity to: Walmart, AMC Theatres, and Barnes & Noble
Schools in Zone: Springwood Elementary School, Griffin Middle School, and Amos P. Godby High School
Summerfield
Summerfield is a newer Arbor Communities neighborhood that provides both beuaty and comfort. Among the many amenities are a pool and farm, as well as neighborhood parks and walking trails. There are several floorplans to choose from, including The Irene, Mary Owen, Ella, Summer, and Bizzy which feature two-door garages and spacious backyards. Each differs in terms of size, number of rooms, and bathrooms, making it an excellent choice for families of various sizes.
Average Home Price: $375k
Proximity to: Publix, AMC Theatres, Barnes & Noble, Publix, Whole Foods, and Lulu Lemon
Public Schools in Zone: Canopy Oaks Elementary School, Raa Middle School, Sail High School, and Amos P. Godby High School
Town N Country Park
These homes were built in the 1960s and are often passed down from generation to generation; some of the original owners even still live there! Residents take pride in being a part of this friendly community. Every home is held together by red bricks but each has its own unique touch and distinct floor plan. While it’s close to downtown, once you’re home there’s no need to worry about the noise and chaos of the city, the neighborhood is considered to be secluded and calm. This community has a prime location, giving residents easy access to shopping areas and grocery stores in the vicinity.
Average Home Price: $359k
Proximity to: Publix, Walmart, and AMC Theatres
Schools in Zone: Ruediger Elementary School, Griffin Middle School, and Leon High School
Summerlake
Summerlake is a neighborhood located off of the beautiful canopied road, Old Bainbridge. The neighborhood consists of townhomes, garden homes, and traditional single-family style homes built by Premier Fine Homes, with some of the single-family homes overlooking a small spring-fed lake. All residents enjoy access to the lake where they can canoe, paddleboard, or swim. In the mornings, you’ll often find residents outside walking their dogs on the sidewalks and trails that connect the community. Because of its proximity to 1-10 and North Monroe Street, residents can quickly get to many popular locations around town, including Market Square, the FSU campus, and Midtown. Additionally, the neighborhood is just a few miles from the Fred George Greenway.
Average Home Price: $402k
Proximity to: Walmart, Fresh 4 Less, Publix, and AMC Theatres
Schools in Zone: Astoria Park Elementary, Griffin Middle School, and Amos P. Godby High School
Keep in mind other neighborhoods in Northwest Tallahassee were not included in this list. For more specific details on house listings and neighborhoods, you should speak with a Real Estate agent. Coldwell Banker Hartung is a Tallahassee-based Real Estate agency that has been in business for more than 40 years. Their knowledgeable agents can assist you in finding your next home in Northwest Tallahassee and surrounding areas. You can visit their website for more information.
There are many reasons to love Northwest Tallahassee. Still, its allure can be attributed to its unique opportunities such as its historical parks that allow you to travel back in time and learn about the incredible history of the city. Local restaurants and shops are also a nice perk that helps make it a vibrant and distinguished area in town. In addition to that, all of Tallahassee’s most visited sites, and surrounding areas in Florida, are only a short trip away! If you’re interested in making Northwest Tallahassee your next home, you can contact a local Real Estate agent who can assist you with the move.