by Ann Huskey
About Killearn Estates
Just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Tallahassee, Killearn Estates is a sprawling residential area nestled in the heart of the city’s northeast quadrant. With convenient access to I-10, Killearn Estates is also connected to Tallahassee by way of the picturesque lanes of north Thomasville Road and Centerville Road. Within the lovely community, one will find more than 3,800 homes and a plethora of distinctive neighborhoods with their own individual character.
Residents of the large subdivision may enjoy an active lifestyle bolstered by the neighborhood’s ten parks, many playgrounds, bridle trails, walking and jogging paths, lakes, tennis courts, private country club, and private swim club.
Killearn History
At its heart, Killearn has always been a premier neighborhood. From the beginning, it was evident that the northeastern subdivision would be destined for greatness. The natural beauty of what was once pastoral rolling farmland and serene scenic lakes translated well into a neighborhood filled with gorgeous homes that features large setbacks, ample green spaces, and mature live oaks.
The neighborhood began in earnest in 1964 when JT Williams, Mallory Horne, and Bill Cartee purchased 3,800 acres of the Velda Dairy Farm property. The group of Tallahassee landholders transformed the farmland into what would become the one of the county’s largest subdivisions.
At the time, very few people ventured out of Tallahassee along the scenic two-lane Thomasville road. One of the roads only attractions was the infamous botanic beauty, “Killearn Gardens.” Today, the attraction is known by another name, “Maclay Gardens, ” and is one of the most popular state parks in the Tallahassee area.
When the neighborhood’s entrance was first built, it lined up with the front entrance to Killearn Gardens. Because of its proximity to the state park, the developers decided to name the neighborhood after the well-known park. In 1965, the State Parks Department renamed the gardens to the Alfred B. Maclay State Gardens, or Maclay Gardens, as it is referred to today.
