Affordable Cost of Living
For a city with so much to offer, you might be surprised to learn that Gainesville is one of the cheapest places to live in Florida. In fact, the cost of living in Gainesville is about 8.7% cheaper than the national average. In addition, Florida has no state income tax, which means your dollar goes even further. An average annual income of $58,000 would be enough to live comfortably in Gainesville.
Wonderful Weather
One of the city’s most attractive qualities is the amazing year-round warm weather. The area has a subtropical climate, which means you can expect long, warm, and humid summers alongside short and dry winters. If you don’t prefer cold weather, you will be happy to know that Gainesville never gets snow, and the temperatures rarely drop below 44 degrees. Though you may be dodging snow, you should be prepared for some rain. The area sees an average of 50 inches of rain per year. However, the ample sunshine and year-round warmth make it easy to spend time outdoors.
Excellent Education
As you already know, Gainesville is home to the University of Florida, but that is not the only higher education institution in the city. There are 13 colleges located within a 40-mile radius of Gainesville. For those moving with school-aged children, Gainesville has one of the highest amounts of top-ranked public schools in the state of Florida. As part of the Alachua County Public School System, parents will have their choice of 53 above-average schools. The highest-ranked schools in the area include Expressions Learning Arts Academy, Hidden Oak Elementary, Meadowbrook Elementary, and Professional Academy Magnet at Loften High School.
Outdoor Recreation
Gainesville is an ideal location for those who love spending time outdoors. The city is home to a number of parks, gardens, walking trails, and nature preserves. Plus, if you love the beach, Flagler Beach is located just an hour and a half away. Whether you prefer going for a jog, walking the dog, or finding a bike trail, there is a perfect park for you in Gainesville. Here are some of the area’s most popular parks and outdoor activities:
Cellon Oak Park: Featuring the largest live oak tree in the state, this is a beautiful place for a picnic or to read a book in the shade.
Kanapaha Botanical Garden: This 68-acre park features beautiful plants, herbs, flowers, and bamboo and hosts a variety of events throughout the year.
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park: Named a United States Natural Landmark, this 21,000-acre savannah is home to a herd of wild bison and horses and features eight walking trails and an observation tower.
Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park: This unique park is home to a prehistoric Florida spring that has cool water year-round, perfect for swimming. It is also one of the only places in Florida that has over 100 feet of exposed geological rock.
Where to Live in Gainesville:
Gainesville has everything from an exciting college atmosphere to family-friendly suburban communities. No matter your age or lifestyle, there is sure to be an ideal neighborhood for you in Gainesville. Here are some of the city’s top neighborhoods:
University Park: Situated just north of the University of Florida campus, this is one of the most vibrant and bustling neighborhoods in Gainesville. Here, you will find plenty of bars, restaurants, and shopping as well as an ideal location for football tailgates.
Westmoreland: Located in northwest Gainesville, this neighborhood features convenient access to all kinds of restaurants and local amenities. There is also easy access to outdoor recreation at the Split Rock Conservation Area and Clear Lake Nature Park. You will find single-family homes that range from charming bungalows to newly renovated homes built in the 1980s.
Duckpond: This historic neighborhood is located just adjacent to downtown and features single-family homes and townhomes built between the 1910’s-1950s. It is a quiet area with mature landscaping and old trees, but it is also close to dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Sugarfoot: Sugarfoot is one of the most popular neighborhoods for families with kids. It is a quiet, friendly community and is considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Gainesville. Good schools, low crime rates, and access to the outdoors make this a perfect place for families.
Ready to Move to Gainesville? Allied Van Lines Can Help
Gainesville is one of the best places to live in Florida, offering an excellent quality of life and beautiful natural surroundings. If you are ready to move to Gainesville, let the professionals at Allied Van Lines assist with your relocation. As a leader in the moving industry for more than 95 years, our knowledgeable and highly experienced specialists can guide you through the moving process. Allied offers a comprehensive list of moving services to fit any budget, so call today or start by getting a free quote using our convenient Instaquote tool.