The largest city in North Central Florida, Gainesville is known for its affordable cost of living, college town vibe, fun nightlife, and the University of Florida. The city has many nicknames, including Rainesville, Hogtown, The Tree City, and Gator Country, a nod to the University of Florida’s football team. It’s also the birthplace of Gatorade which was created for the UC football team.
Living in Gainesville offers the perfect blend of big city living and the natural beauty of Florida, with a fantastic climate and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Not sure if moving to Gainesville is right for you? Here’s what you can expect and why you’ll fall in love with Gainesville living!
Table of Contents
Where Is Gainesville Florida?
Gainesville is in Alachua County in North Central Florida. There are many unincorporated communities bordering the city, including Haile Plantation and Tioga, two large and desirable mixed-use developments just outside Gainesville. Other cities near Gainesville include Alachua and Newberry. The closest major city is Jacksonville, about 71 miles away.
- How far is Gainesville from Orlando? It’s 112 miles from Gainesville to Orlando.
- How far is Gainesville from Miami? Gainesville is 336 miles northwest of Miami.
- How far is Gainesville from the beach? The closest beach to Gainesville FL is Crescent Beach (72 mi). Other nearby beaches include Atlantic Beach (88 mi), Jacksonville Beach (91 mi), and Neptune Beach (93 mi).
Gainesville Information
- Gainesville County: Alachua
- Area: 64.54 square feet
- Gainesville zip codes: 32601-32614, 32627, 32635, 32641, and 32653
- Area code: 352
- Elevation: 152 feet
- Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
- Closest airport: Gainesville Regional Airport
Gainesville Population & Demographics
The population of Gainesville FL is 141,085 according to the 2020 census. That’s up more than 13% from 124,354 in 2010. The largest city in North Central Florida, the Gainesville metro area has a population of 339,247 across Alachua, Levy, and Gilchrist counties. The larger Gainesville-Lake City combined statistical area has a population of 208,000.
The Gainesville FL population is diverse. The city is 57.5% white (53% non-Hispanic), 20.6% Black or African American, 13.8% Hispanic, 7.8% Asian, 10.9% two or more races, and 4.0% other races.
English is the most commonly spoken language at home (83%), but other common languages in Gainesville include Spanish (8%); Chinese (2%); French, Cajun, or Haitian Creole (1%), Vietnamese (0.8%), Russian, Polish, and other Slavic languages (0.6%), Hindi (0.6%), Tagalog (0.5%), German (0.4%), Arabic (0.4%), Korean (0.3%), and other Asian or Pacific Islander languages (0.8%).
Additional Gainesville demographics:
- Population density: 2,234 people per square mile
- Median age: 27.7 (Gainesville metro: 34.7)
- Sex ratio: 53% female to 47% male over 18
- Foreign-born population: 10.3% (Gainesville metro: 9.5%)
- Veteran population: 4.6% (Gainesville metro: 7.7%)
- Educational attainment: 47.8% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Homeownership rate: 41% (Gainesville metro: 61%)
- Median household income: $40,937 (Gainesville metro: $53,728)
Gainesville Transportation
Getting around Gainesville is easy, thanks to an extensive system of highways and state routes:
- I-75 runs southeast and northwest from Greater Miami and Tampa Bay, through Gainesville, and north to Michigan
- US 441 and US 301 connect to Orlando, Ocala, and Jacksonville
- SR 20 runs east-west across the Florida Panhandle and northern Florida
- SR 24 runs east-west to the Gainesville Regional Airport and Jacksonville
- SR 26 runs east-west through North Central Florida
You’ll find navigating the city’s grid system easy: most streets are numbered with a quadrant system, and many major roads are named for the towns or cities they lead to. Avenues, Places, Roads, and Lanes usually run east-west, and Streets, Drives, Terraces, and Ways usually run north-south.
Many people living in Gainesville FL get by without a car thanks to public transit and biking. Gainesville is one of the country’s top cities for workers commuting by bike at 6.2% compared to the national rate of just 0.6%. The Gainesville Regional Transit System (RTS) is the city’s extensive bus system and the fourth largest mass transit system in Florida. The city is also served by Amtrak’s Thruway Motorcoaches that connect to Lakeland, Jacksonville, and Amtrak’s Silver Service long-distance train service.
Cost of Living in Gainesville FL
As you compare the pros and cons of living in Gainesville, you can definitely put the cost of living firmly in the “pro” category! The Gainesville cost of living index is just 90 or 10% below the national average. While there are cheaper places to live in Florida, Gainesville strikes a good balance with a higher income and lower housing costs than many metro areas.
Here’s an overview of the Gainesville FL cost of living.
- Average Gainesville rent: $1,662
- Median home price: $255,000
- Average monthly bills: $1,839 (Doxo)
- Average Gainesville utilities: $346
- Average car insurance: $251
- Income tax: N/A
- Sales tax: 7.5% (new sales tax in Gainesville FL is effective starting in 2023)
Gainesville Real Estate | Home Prices & Average Rent in Gainesville FL
Are you planning to buy a house after moving to Gainesville, or will you rent? As a home buyer, you can expect to pay the median Gainesville home price of $255,000. That’s far below the national median sales price of $436,800 and even lower than the Florida median of $383,000.
Be ready for the competitive Gainesville housing market, though: while home prices are cooling nationwide, the median sales price is still up 9% year-over-year in Gainesville, with an average price per square foot of $188, up 6%. Homes spend a median 18 days on market, which is 9 days less than a year ago. You can get an idea of what your budget will get you by exploring Gainesville, FL homes for sale.
As a renter, you’ll pay average rent in Gainesville of $1,662, according to Rentcafe, lower than the national average, which has surpassed $2,000. In desirable areas like Duckpond, the average rent is a bit higher at $1,735 but there are many affordable neighborhoods for renters with average rent at $1,500 or below, like Sugarfoot and Ridgeview.
Best Neighborhoods in Gainesville FL
One of the most exciting things about moving to Gainesville is choosing one of the city’s many beautiful neighborhoods you’ll call home. There are dozens of Gainesville neighborhoods to choose from, as well as master-planned communities just outside the city limits. From exciting urban settings to charming, family-friendly communities, here are the best places to live in Gainesville.
Sugarfoot – One of the Best Gainesville Neighborhoods for Families
If you’re looking for a quiet place to raise children, check out Sugarfoot. Situated away from the hustle and bustle of the University, Sugarfoot is considered one of the safest places to live in Gainesville. Residents love all the outdoor recreational opportunities Sugarfoot has to offer with Clear Lake Nature Park and John Mahon Nature Park. Though it’s tucked away from Downtown Gainesville, Sugarfoot is flanked by State Route 121 and I-71 for easy access to the rest of the city.
Families love living in Sugarfoot in part thanks to the active Sugarfoot Community Improvement Association (SCIA), Gainesville’s oldest neighborhood association, with regular community events.
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Duckpond – Artsy & Historic Gainesville Neighborhood
Duckpond is one of the oldest and most charming neighborhoods in Gainesville. Part of the Northeast Historic District, the neighborhood boasts carefully preserved, historic cottages and Colonial-style homes along narrow streets that take you back to Gainesville’s early history. The community landmark is the Thomas Center, a community gathering spot for live performances and art exhibits.
Oakmont – New Family-Friendly Development with Great Amenities
Oakmont is just outside the city limits. It’s one of the newest master-planned communities in Gainesville, with nearly 1,000 homes on 550 acres with resort-style amenities and a large protected habitat preserve. You’ll find homes ranging from the $300s to more than $2 million with something for everyone! Check out our complete guide to the Oakmont Gainesville community.
Gainesville Weather & Climate
The amazing, mild Gainesville climate is one of the best perks of Gainesville living! Gainesville has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Gainesville does not get hurricanes like the Gulf Coast; just 79 have been recorded, and they are rarely stronger than a tropical storm in the inland city.
Gainesville, FL weather year round includes humid summers and frequent summer afternoon thunderstorms with 224 sunny days per year and 50” of annual rainfall throughout the year, far above the 38” U.S. average rainfall. The average temperature in Gainesville Florida is 66° to 92° year round, with a low of 41° in January and high of 92° in July.
The best time to visit Gainesville is April or October to November for pleasant, mild weather without the heat and humidity of the summer. Learn more about the Gainesville climate with our complete guide!
Best Restaurants in Gainesville
No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it while living in Gainesville! Here are just some of the most exciting casual eateries and trendy restaurants in Gainesville FL.
The Top
One of the most popular Downtown Gainesville restaurants and voted one of the top 15 best restaurants in Gainesville, The Top is a great place for Sunday brunch and classic American cuisine.
The Top, 30 N Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 337-1188
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Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Company
One of the top Gainesville restaurants for celebrating a big occasion or just splurging, Dragonfly is a contemporary izakaya (casual Japanese pub) with tapas-style Japanese dishes, sushi, and a wide selection of sake.
Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Company, 201 SE 2nd Ave #104, Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 371-3359
Mi Apá Latin Café of Gainesville
Miami doesn’t have the market cornered on great Cuban food in Florida! Mi Apá is a casual spot for amazing Cuban sandwiches, ham croquettes, fried plantains, and coffee.
Mi Apá Latin Café of Gainesville, 114 SW 34th St, Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 376-7020
Things to Do in Gainesville
You’ll never run out of fun things to do while living in Gainesville Florida! The beaches are just 90 minutes away, but there are plenty of things to do in Gainesville FL for nature lovers, families, and thrill seekers. The Gainesville Parks Recreation & Cultural Affairs department manages over 3,200 acres of parks, community centers, and rec spaces offering sports, swimming, youth programs, cultural events, and more. Four-legged friends will enjoy the many great dog parks in Gainesville, and the entire family will find fun activities on the City of Gainesville events calendar.
Here are just some of the best things to do in Gainesville FL as a new resident.
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Top Gainesville Attractions
- Florida Museum of Natural History: Get up close and personal with nature when you visit the Museum of Natural History. This is also where you’ll find Gainesville’s famous butterfly rainforest.
- Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation: Spend a day at Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation, home to over 100 animals from 30 rare and endangered species.
- Kanapaha Botanical Gardens: Explore almost 70 acres of beautiful gardens, including Florida’s largest bamboo display, and the largest herb garden in the southeastern United States.
- Harn Museum of Art: With over 110,000 square feet of permanent and temporary exhibitions, the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art is the largest university art museum in the south.
Gainesville Museums, Entertainment & Arts
- The Thomas Center: Once a private residence, The Historic Thomas Center is Gainesville’s cultural epicenter. Whether you love art, history, or performance art, there’s something here for you!
- Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention: The perfect outing for a day with the kids! Explore interactive exhibits and learn about the science behind Gatorade. Camp and educational programs offer even more fun.
- Kika Silva Pla Planetarium: Enjoy a live or interactive show at Santa Fe College’s planetarium. There’s always something fascinating to learn!
Gainesville Parks & Outdoors
- Depot Park: One of the best Gainesville parks, this family-friendly space features a splash pad, playground, and promenade around the large lake.
- Sweetwater Wetlands Park: Nothing says you’re a Florida resident like spending time alongside gators. This 125-acre wetlands habitat is home to a large alligator population!
- Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park: Descend 120 feet down the winding stairs and boardwalks to explore a rainforest you won’t believe!
Shopping in Gainesville
- The Oaks Mall: You’ll surely find everything you need at Gainesville’s premier shopping destination, The Oaks Mall. It’s the largest in Central Florida, with over 900,000 square feet of retail space!
- Celebration Pointe: If you’re looking for open-air shopping and dining, head to Celebration Pointe. Some Gainesville residents love Celebration Pointe so much, they call it home in the nearby townhomes and apartments!
Map of Gainesville Things to Do
Gainesville Crime Rate
Is Gainesville FL safe? That’s a good question to ask before moving to Gainesville. The city has a crime rate higher than average, but most neighborhoods are very safe. A small number of communities, including the Tower Road Corridor, account for a disproportionate amount of violent crime in Gainesville.
The Gainesville FL crime rate is 3,784 total crimes per 100,000 based on FBI crime data for 2020, the most recent year for which statistics are available. There are 3,045.5 property crimes and 738.5 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. The Gainesville murder rate is 7 homicides per 100,000, close to the national average.
By comparison, the national crime rate is 2,357 total crimes per 100,000, with 399 violent crimes and 1,958 property crimes per 100,000.
Jobs in Gainesville FL
Ready to explore employment opportunities before moving to Gainesville FL? The Gainesville economy is dominated by tourism, education, healthcare, government, and retail jobs, but construction, hospitality, and professional and technical services are also major industries.
According to Payscale, the average salary in Gainesville is $62,000 or $18.08 per hour. The average hourly wage for the Gainesville metro area was $23.97 according to the BLS in 2020, below the $27.07 national average.
Major employers in Gainesville include:
- University of Florida (careers)
- UF Health
Gainesville Veterans Administration Medical Center - Alachua County Public Schools (careers)
- City of Gainesville (jobs)
- North Florida Regional Medical Center
You can explore additional Gainesville FL jobs on Indeed or find Alachua County jobs on the county job board.
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Private & Public Schools in Gainesville
While living in Gainesville FL, you will be served by Alachua County Public Schools. One of the most desirable schools in the city is F. W. Buchholz High School, ranked one of Florida’s best high schools with an AP participation rate of 67%!
There are many opportunities for higher education too. Gainesville is home to Santa Fe College and the University of Florida, the country’s fourth-largest public university with more than 60,000 enrolled students.
There are more than one dozen private schools in Gainesville, most of which are nonsecular, like Oak Hall School and The Rock School, an International Baccalaureate Candidate School with a Dual Credit program.
Does living in Gainesville Florida sound perfect? 2 College Brothers is ready to help with a seamless, stress-free relocation and the top-notch customer care you deserve. Give our Gainesville movers a call today to get started with a free moving quote!
