While Newberry sprang up with the phosphate industry and railroad expansion, agriculture soon became the mainstay of the area. Today, residents and visitors alike look forward to the celebration of the region's cash crop with the annual Watermelon Festival each June. Through the latter decades of the 20th century, Newberry saw a gradual replacement of its seasonal agricultural economy with diversified employment opportunities in the surrounding region. Well positioned for the westward growth in Alachua County, the community enjoys close proximity to the first-rate amenities and resources in Gainesville. This industrious and well-managed small city is debt free, so newcomers can look forward to city services that are among the most affordable in the region.