About Gainesville

Gainesville lies in the heart of North Central Florida. Gainesville is located in Alachua County and is named one of the nations “100 Best Communities for Young People” by America’s Promise Alliance, September of 2010. It is home to the National Champion Florida Gators and the University of Florida. UF remains valuable for its cultural arts, education, medicine, and athletics. In the Sunshine State, Gainesville is considered the primary center for medical research and treatment. According to the National Geographic Adventure, Gainesville was ranked one of the “Best Places to Live and Play” in 2007, and has continued to be an amazing place to reside. To find out more about Alachua County click here.

Culture

Known as the supporter of the Visual Arts, Gainesville hosts two annual festivals that captivate visitors and artists scattered all across Southeastern United States. The Downtown Festival/Art Show is hosted by the City of Gainesville and the Springs Arts Festival is hosted by Santa Fe College. Over 100,000 people every year attend the Downtown Festival and Art show in Gainesville, Florida. 2010 is its 29th anniversary, and for two days visitors are encouraged to stroll through historical downtown and look at the works of over 300 of the nations most capable artist. These artists showcase their original phenomenal painting, captivating sculptures, photography and more. Those who attend have the opportunity to interact with the artists while listening to live music taking place on three stages, and enjoy the local/international cuisine. It is held Saturday, November 6 and Sunday November 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Over the past 3 years Sunshine Artist magazine has recognized the festival as one of the top 30 fairs and festivals in the country naming it no.30 in 2009.”

The Santa Fe Springs Arts Festival is also two days of fun where artists display their sculptures, printmaking, and 2-d/3-d mixed media. It is also recognized for its entertainment, with music from solo artists/bands playing folk, jazz, pop, country, and soul. The art of dancing is also entwined with ballet, jazz, modern and international performances. Food accompanies artist booths and visitors can savor Pad-Thai cuisine, barbecue ribs, Mediterranean pitas and Cajun jambalaya as well as homemade ice-cream. Historical Downtown supplies the grounds for the Matheson Museum Complex which includes four different sites. First, the Matheson Museum which houses the exhibit hall and research library. Second, the Matheson House which is the second oldest residence in Gainesville. Third, the Tison Tool Museum which houses the unique tool collection of Gainesville native John Mason Tison. Fourth, the Sweetwater Park, which is located behind the museum and is a walkthrough historical exhibit. The Matheson Museum is “dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of Alachua County, Florida.” Also the Gainesville Improv Festival provides a venue for undiscovered talent. Cultural lifestyles are augmented by UF. Some of the area’s most prestigious art collections and galleries are boasted here; several performing artist groups from musicians to dancers call Gainesville “Home”.

Climate

Placed a little way from the Northern border of Florida and slightly more than an hours drive from the coast, the city of Gainesville maintains a pleasant climate. In the summer it is predominately warm but as daytime turns to night, the temperature begins to drop on an average of twenty degrees. The winter yields short stimulating cold spells, and in the springtime the dogwoods are spectacular. The average temperature is 70.1 degrees Fahrenheit, 57.7 degrees Fahrenheit in January to 81.1 degrees Fahrenheit in August. Gainesville receives an average of 7.75 hours of sunlight per day and an annual rainfall of 49.97 inches.

Housing

The housing stock in Gainesville is varied. In recent years, there has been a lot of revitalization in the urban core and one has many choices ranging from historical dating back to Gainesville’s early days, to the more contemporary styles of recent years. The historical duck pond area is only blocks away from downtown and is home to everything from mansions to craftsman homes. It is a historical neighborhood and many of its homes are on the historical register. As you near the area bordering the University of Florida one observes the housing stock that was prevalent in the 50′s, 60′s, and early 70′s. The area bordering the Oaks Mall was developed in the late 70′s and 80′s. The town seemed to grow northward and westward in the 90′s and turn of the century. Over the last twenty years it has grown north towards 441 and west towards Jonesville. The growth described is a generalization and it is possible to find exceptions to these scenarios.

Someone relocating into Gainesville will find an ample selection of available homes to either rent or purchase. There are several rental communities, too. The rental communities near UF tend to cater to the student population. Graduate students and young professionals steer toward areas that are more conducive to their lifestyle. Families seeking rental properties tend to migrate to areas that are within walking distance to their children’s schools. The rentals are affordable and available. Those seeking to purchase their home are able to do so and should take advantage of the best picing in decades. Homes, regardless of location, are available and affordable. This is a terrific opportunity to take advantage of excellent pricing and incredibly low interest rates! There are an abundant amount of real estate choices for those who wish to reside in one of the neighboring communities or on acreage in the unincorporated area of the county. There are many 5 acre, 10 acre and larger parcels available. Lifestyles more suited to livestock or equestrian pursuits might appreciate the many choices.

Transportation

The streets are set up on a Grid-System which is divided into four quadrants known as NW, NE, SW, and SE. All but a few streets are numbered, and the major thoroughfares are often named after the town they lead to such as Waldo Road. Avenue, Place, Road, and Lane typically run east to west while the remaining streets run north to south. Gainesville has the fourth largest mass transit system in the state. The Gainesville Regional Airport is located in the Northeastern part of the city, and offers a daily service to Atlanta and Charlotte. According to the 2000 Census, 5.25 percent of Gainesville residents commute to work by bike; one of the highest figures in the nation for a major population holder.