Requesting information about Gainesville

[goofy about mickey]

I have an upcoming interview in Gainesville, FL. Is anyone here familiar with this area so that they could give me an idea about the pros and cons of living there? While I am in town, DW and I plan to rent a car and explore the area. Are there any recommendations about places to go? I know this a broad question, but really any information would be helpful. If we move here I'd imagine that we would initially get an apartment and then look for a house. Any information about good areas to drive around and begin searching for housing in or around Gainesville would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[ez]

the propery taxes are extremely high for Fl.
My friends said because Shands Hospital and University of FL. don't have to pay taxes, so the burden is placed on homeowners. At least thats what I think he meant. I think their house cost like 350,000 and their propery taxes are over 9000 a year, whereas my house is probably worth 275000 and my taxes are 2300.
Gainesville is a college town. My friends moved there because the husband got a job at Shands. I don't think they would have chosen it otherwise. I actually went to Uof F for a year, like 20 years ago, and I didn't care for it. But I have friends who loved it there. Its the kind of place you really need to check out for yourself, to see if its your cup of tea. Sorry I can't be of more help, best of luck to you.

 

[JimB.]

I used to live in Gainesville, and still visit quite often.

As you probably know, Gainesville is a college town, being home of the University of Florida.

It is a rapidly growing, culturally diverse, liberal (not saying that's good or bad...... ) town.

If you cycle, it is a VERY cycling friendly town, having bike paths & bike lanes everywhere.

Most of the growth seems to be on the NW & SW corners. The University campus dominates the SW part of the city.

It is centrally located in the state. The east coast & west coast are both only about 1 1/2 hours away.

WDW is about 2 1/2 hours south, via I-75 & the Florida turnpike.

Lots of concerts at UF. The Hippodrome theater is a very well respected theater company in town.

Traffic in town in the fall on Home football game satudays is the absolute p-i-t-s. If you live up on the north end of town, it is not really effected, but down south ? ugh.

Many natural "attractions" are near town. Tubing down the Ichetucknee River is a favorite of many. Also the Sante Fe river, and many natural springs and recreation areas in the vicinity.

It's a nice town (I guess "small city" would be more accurate). Not sure about housing costs. The newer, the more $$$, I suppose.

Good luck in your decision. Not really any "must see's" that I can think of. Just get in a car and drive. Not much to the EAST of town to see, though. Stick to the city and explore the western half.

Have Fun!!

P.S. - Summer thunderstorm season is here (beats a drought!!). Bring a nice, strong, good sized umbrella.

 

[TennVolTony]

Only thing this TENNESSEE VOL FAN knows about that place is the Florida Gators used to play football in a place called "The Swamp".....Now it's called ROCKY TOP SOUTH

 

[JimB.]

Heey, how 'BOUT that Peyton Manning.

Greatest football quarterback to NEVER beat the Florida Gators !!



Sorry Tony. Could not resist. Being a Gator is such a ................ well, BURDEN sometimes. We have to take our little victories when we can.

 

[TennVolTony]

Yeah I know Jim......but try not to live in the past dude....WORRY About the future.......ZOOK......that's should keep you nervous enough.....

 

[goofy about mickey]

Thank you so much for the information!

 

[vettechick99]

I lived in Gainesville 3 years ago for 2 years. I LOVED it. I was, of course, right out of college (22) and working for a company that had people my age, but I think its a nice family town too. Very liberal and forward thinking, which I loved. Culture is great and plenty of non-chain restaurants.

We lived in quaint High Springs (20 min north of G-ville), although found the drive to be a little annoying after a night out. A good area to live in is Hale (planned community like Celebration)...or any area West of I75. There is a lot of new developement so the homes are nice and nieghborhoods well kept. Legacy is a great apt complex off of I75 near the mall.

Some people like to live in the duck pond area (older remodeled homes near downtown), and you may find some younger families living there.

Coming from another college town, I found the properties to be on the high side. Our home in HS was around $100K, but similar homes in Gainesville were nearing 50% more. I assume you'll find the area less expensive than PA however.

The best part was being slow close to Disney! It took us less than 2 hours down I75 and the turnpike, and we went usually one weekend a month. The beach is close (atlantic) although not much is going on in the Gulf unless you have boat (no good beaches).

I just love FL and am trying to convince my fiance to move back that way. He's a sun-lover, so it's not taking too much convincing fortunately!

Can I ask who you are interviewing with?

PM if you have any more questions!