Archer's housing stock reflects its small-town, rural character. The city holds a mix of older single-family homes near its historic center, mid-century houses on established streets, and newer construction, with larger rural lots and acreage available in the surrounding Alachua County countryside. Home prices and lot sizes are generally more attainable than in nearby Gainesville, appealing to first-time buyers, families, and those wanting a quieter setting within commuting distance of the university. The market remains predominantly single-family and low-density, consistent with the town's agricultural surroundings.

Archer is a compact city organized around its historic downtown and the railroad corridor that gave the town its start. Older homes cluster near the center of town and along the main roads, while newer residences have spread toward the city's edges. Beyond the city limits, rural homes and farm properties line the roads leading toward Gainesville and the surrounding countryside. Because the community is small, most residents live within minutes of the elementary school, the Depot Museum, and local businesses, preserving the town's close-knit feel.

Archer offers a quiet, rural way of life within an easy drive of one of Florida's largest university towns. The city is small and neighborly, with a historic core, local churches, and a pace tied to the surrounding farmland and forest. Residents enjoy the simplicity of small-town living while Gainesville's University of Florida, medical centers, shopping, and cultural events remain a short commute away. The railroad and frontier heritage is kept alive through the Depot Museum and local historical society, giving the community a distinct sense of place in the North Florida countryside.

Students in Archer attend Alachua County Public Schools, with Archer Elementary School serving the city's younger grades within the community. Older students continue at district middle and high schools in the surrounding Gainesville area, reached by school bus or family commute. The district is one of the state's larger systems and draws on the resources of a major university community. For families, Archer offers the benefit of an in-town elementary school combined with access to the broader programs and facilities of the Alachua County district.

Archer sits at the junction of State Road 24 and U.S. 41, the principal roadways connecting it to Gainesville to the northeast and the surrounding North Florida countryside. Interstate 75 lies a short distance to the east, linking the area to the rest of the state. The city is about sixteen miles from Gainesville, making for a straightforward commute of roughly twenty-five minutes to the university and major employers. With no local transit, travel is car-oriented, and the town's small size keeps most in-town trips brief.

Recreation in Archer blends local history with the rural outdoors of North Florida. The Archer Historical Society's Depot Museum preserves the city's railroad past, and local parks provide everyday green space for residents. The surrounding Alachua County countryside supports hunting, fishing, and rural outdoor pursuits, while Gainesville's trail systems, springs, and recreational facilities are a short drive away. The city's location also places residents within reach of the region's many natural springs and state parks, making it a quiet base for those who value the outdoors.