Location
Gainesville is centrally located in Florida with easy access to a variety of experiences found in few other places. The University of Florida, one of the biggest universities in the country, has made Gainesville much more cosmopolitan with access culture and life typically only found in much bigger cities. Despite this atmosphere, it still retains it’s small town feel. Gainesville typically finds itself rated among the best places to live in the country due to it’s low cost of living, good public school system, low crime rate, opportunities for small businesses, recreational opportunities, and excellent local culture.
Gainesville, is the largest city in the region of North Central Florida and home of the University of Florida (UF), the nation’s 9th university campus by enrollment. Each year many new students make Gainesville their new home. Ranked as one of the “best places to live and play” in the US by National Geographic Adventure, Gainesville is a place with art, music, sports, culture and much more. A wonderful place to live, work, and play, Gainesville’s mild winters and warm summers are perfect for outdoor activities throughout the year.
Gainesville is conveniently located near major cities such as Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, as well as the Gulf Coast & Atlantic Coast lines. All are within an easy 1.5 to 2 hour drive.
Gainesville’s Hippodrome Theatre and downtown music, art, and dining scene, along with University of Florida’s Performing Arts , Harn Museum of Art, and Museum of Natural History provide a multitude of cultural, educational, and entertainment options.
For collegiate sports enthusiasts, the UF offers 13 nationally competitive varsity sports, including lacrosse, gymnastics, soccer, swimming and diving, football, basketball, baseball, and softball.
Education
In addition to the University of Florida, the oldest and the largest university in the State, Gainesville is also the home of the Santa Fe College which serves over 22,000 students in its college-level and extensive community education programs. The students in Alachua County’s public school system, which includes eighteen elementary schools, seven middle schools and six high schools, rank in the top 25 percent of the nation in comprehensive test scores. There are also nine private schools and four special schools in Alachua County. High school students can take vocational courses through Santa Fe Community College.
Transportation
Three major highways serve Gainesville: Interstate 75, U.S. 301 and U.S. 441. Multiple air carriers have regularly scheduled service to and from Gainesville Regional Airport, which is the principal commercial airport for a nine-county area. Interviewees also traveling to other training programs within Florida frequently find flying into Tampa, Orlando, or Jacksonville (all within a 2 hour drive) and travel to Gainesville via rental car as an alternative to flying in and out of Gainesville.
For more information about Gainesville and surrounding communities, please see The Guide to Greater Gainesville E-brochure