Trenton's housing reflects its rural, county-seat character, with a mix of modest single-family homes in and near the city center and larger parcels of land in the surrounding countryside. Lot sizes tend to be generous by Florida standards, and many properties feature mature trees and open yard space. The market is dominated by detached homes, with limited multi-family inventory. The small scale of the city means housing stock is spread across an intimate grid of streets as well as the rural roads radiating outward toward farmland.

Trenton offers a relaxed, small-town lifestyle shaped by its role as a rural county seat. Daily life revolves around local schools, churches, community events, and county services, with residents valuing the safety, affordability, and neighborliness that define the area. Shopping and dining options are modest, and many residents travel to Gainesville for larger retail, entertainment, and employment. The community's identity is closely tied to the agricultural and outdoor traditions of Gilchrist County.

Public education in Trenton is provided by the Gilchrist County School District, a small district of four schools — two elementary schools and two combination middle/high schools — headquartered in Trenton. The district's compact size fosters a close-knit school community, and it serves students from across the county. The district has historically emphasized strong academic performance and plays a central role in the civic life of the area.

Outdoor recreation is a defining feature of life around Trenton. The Suwannee River forms the county's western border and the Santa Fe River its northern border, and the region claims dozens of freshwater springs that support swimming, boating, kayaking, and fishing. The proximity of these waterways makes Gilchrist County a destination for paddlers and nature enthusiasts, while the rural countryside offers ample open space for hunting, fishing, and rural pursuits.