Betton Hills

Betton Hills

Tucked beneath a lush canopy of towering pines and stately live oaks, Betton Hills offers a peaceful, green retreat just minutes from downtown Tallahassee. Situated in the city’s northeast quadrant, this long-established neighborhood provides a sense of tranquility and close-knit community.

Betton Hills is bordered by Woodgate and Huntington Drive to the north, Thomasville Road to the west, Centerville Road to the east, and 7th Avenue to the south. Development in the area began in the late 1940s and continued through the 50s and 60s, with additional streets and homes added during the 70s and 80s as Tallahassee grew northward.

Today, the neighborhood includes around 1,100 homes, many of which are part of the Betton Hills Neighborhood Association (BHNA). The community is made up largely of professionals and retirees who enjoy the neighborhood's charm and convenience.

Membership in the neighborhood association (BHNA) is voluntary, with dues starting at just $10 per year. On average, members contribute about $25 annually, which supports a variety of efforts including landscaping projects, neighborhood social events, a community newsletter, and donations to local schools—Kate Sullivan Elementary, Cobb Middle, and Leon High. Additional funds are secured through the City of Tallahassee’s Neighborhood Partnership Grant Program.

The BHNA operates as a registered nonprofit organization in Florida. Unlike a homeowners association, BHNA does not enforce restrictive covenants, offering residents the benefits of a neighborhood group without formal HOA rules. Governance documents, including articles of incorporation and bylaws, are available on the association’s website.

 
Our Urban Forest

One of Betton Hills’ most distinctive features is its extensive tree canopy. The neighborhood is defined by mature oaks, longleaf pines, southern magnolias, and a wide range of native flora. Residents are encouraged to preserve and enhance this urban forest by planting shade trees and using native species whenever possible. Nearby nurseries such as Native Nurseries, Purple Martin Nurseries, Tallahassee Nurseries, and Esposito’s offer plants suited for sustainable landscaping.

 
Neighborhood Parks

Betton Hills is fortunate to have access to five city-maintained public parks:

Winthrop Park – A 13-acre recreational space just south of Betton Road, featuring sports fields, tennis courts, shaded play areas, restrooms, rose gardens, and open grassy areas for relaxation and play.
Guyte P. McCord Park – This 19.4-acre nature park offers paved and natural trails, a pond, and an off-leash dog area. Located near Armistead Road, McCord Park also hosts the Betton Hills Community Garden and serves as the site for annual Arbor Day events where neighbors plant trees and remove invasive species.
Harriman Circle Park – An 8-acre natural area in the northern part of the neighborhood, known for its pond, native vegetation, and visits from wildlife such as ducks and migrating geese.
Chittenden Park – A peaceful 1.5-acre green space on Spruce Avenue, with rose gardens, benches, and quiet areas for reflection.
Betton Nature Center – Located behind the SunTrust Bank near Thomasville Road, this 6-acre park features walking trails, educational signage, and a large fire pit. Trails also link to McCord Park.
 
Community Events

The BHNA hosts a variety of events each year to bring neighbors together and foster a strong sense of community:

Fall Festival – Held in October at Harriman Circle Park
Easter Egg Hunt – At Chittenden Park
Arbor Day Tree Planting – In McCord Park
Spring Festival – Hosted in April at Harriman Circle
Annual Neighborhood Garage Sales – Each spring
Holiday Caroling – Held in December at Harriman Circle
And more seasonal gatherings throughout the year!