Gainesville bears the distinction of being the best place to live and work in 2007 according to Frommer’s “Cities Ranked and Rated.” Gainesville is home of the National Champion Florida Gators, and it has been recognized by Forbes, National Geographic and a host of others as a unique and exciting place to live.
It is easy to see why Gainesville, Florida is recognized as one of Florida’s most livable cities as it flourishes in the heart of beautiful North Central Florida. Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, the area basks in beautiful sunshine during the daytime while the cool breezes make summer nights comfortable.
The city of Gainesville is located in Alachua County, a county of 12 incorporated cities and a total population of more than 220,000. The Gainesville population is more than111,000. As county seat, Gainesville serves as the commercial hub for the North Central Florida area. It is home to the University of Florida, the largest public land grant institution in the state and a key player in education, medicine, cultural arts and sports for the area.With almost 65 percent of the county’s 965 square miles biding as wilderness dotted with scenic lakes, wetlands and trails, it is a delight for nature lovers of all ages. The area contains approximately 100 square miles of wetlands and scenic lakes plus nearly 520 miles of forests.
Visit the Cultural Affairs Division and the Visitor and Convention Bureau for information about area festivals and events.
Gainesville is situated on the I-75 corridor, 85 miles south of the Georgia border, 50 miles east of the Gulf of Mexico and 67 miles west of the Atlantic Ocean. Marking the northern border is the Santa Fe River, part of the freshwater system located in the area.
With average highs between 76 and 82 degrees fahrenheit in the spring and fall, between 89 and 91 degrees fahrenheit in the summer and as high as 69 degrees fahrenheit in the winter, the local temperate climate indulges a growing season that lasts through much of the year.
Alachua County was explored by the Spanish as early as the 1500’s and was deeded in 1817 to Don Fernando de la Mata Arredondo by the King of Spain. The county gets it name from the Seminole word alachua (uh-LAH’-chew-uh), meaning sinkhole, which is probably a reference to the large sinkhole located in nearby Paynes Prairie. When Florida became a territory of the United States by treaty with Spain, the Arredondo Grant was voided and Alachua became the territory’s ninth county in 1824.
The Seminole Indians considered the region their own and resisted resettlement. By the time the community of Gainesville was established in 1854, Alachua County was witnessing the beginning of the second Seminole War. The new city was named for General Edmund Gaines, captor of Aaron Burr and a victorious commander in the Second Seminole War.
In 1853, the East Florida Seminary acquired the Kingsbury Academy in Ocala and the seminary moved to Gainesville in the 1860’s. It later merged with the Florida Agricultural College, then located in Lake City. By legislative action in 1905, the consolidated college became the University of Florida and was moved permanently to Gainesville. Classes first met with 102 students on the present site on September 26, 1906, later opening its doors to women in 1947. Today with more than 47,000 students, it is one of the five largest universities in the nation.
Today, Gainesville’s Northeast Historic District is listed in the National Register of Historic Places due to its preservation of many buildings built between 1880 and 1930. Florida’s second-oldest town, Micanopy (mih-can-OH’-pea), lies 13 miles south of Gainesville and features antique, art and curio shops.
Alachua County contains four major highways - I-75, U.S. 301, S.R. 26 and U.S. 441. The cities of Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville can be reached within a two-hour drive, while St. Augustine, Ocala and Lake City are within a one-hour drive. CSX Transportation provides Gainesville with daily freight service, while Amtrak offers passenger service from nearby Waldo. Greyhound bus lines offer service to all major U.S. cities from Gainesville, while the Regional Transit System delivers scheduled bus service throughout the city.Gainesville Regional Airport is easily accessible, only five miles from downtown Gainesville. The 2,000-acre airport serves the heart of Florida through all facets of aviation including commercial airlines, general aviation, military and air cargo.
The diversity and affordability of housing options found in the Gainesville area are unmatched as the options make it easy to find a home to match any lifestyle. From single family homes in the Gainesville area’s contemporary, established or historic neighborhoods to multi-family apartments, condominiums and retirement communities, new residents can find a variety of spacious, well-maintained and affordable homes.
Estimated average sale price for a single family home in the Gainesville area $150,000
Estimated average monthly rent for apartment living in the Gainesville area $607.00
The state of Florida has no state personal income tax, no state inheritance tax, no franchise tax and no inventory tax. Sales tax is mandated at 6%, however, food and medicine are non-taxable items.Homeowners enjoy a homestead exemption from property taxes for the home they occupy. Visit the Alachua County Web site for more details. An intangible tax exists for the state of Florida. For more information, visit the Florida Department of Revenue Web site or call 1-800-352-3671.
Gainesville Regional Utilities furnishes essential utilities - natural gas, electricity and water - for most of Gainesville area residents. Rural Alachua County is serviced by Clay Electric Cooperative, Central Florida Electric Cooperative and Progress Energy. Local telephone service is provided by AT&T/BellSouth.
The Gainesville Sun newspaper is locally published seven mornings each week. The Independent Florida Alligator, is a the nation's largest student-run newspaper published Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters. Other area newspapers including The High Springs Herald and The Record, are published weekly.