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| What Gainesville is like for active adults |
Gainesville is the home of the University of Florida, the 3rd largest university in the U.S. (enrollment 52,000). The town has many attractions for active adults; in fact it was named as one of the “Top Ten Value Towns” of 2007 for active adults 55+. It has a reputation for being medium sized (population 14,000) inexpensive, a lively college town, and still possessing southern charm. Gainesville is located in the center of northern Florida with easy access to the cities and Atlantic beaches of St. Augustine and Jacksonville.
Since 1906 the university has brought the town a youthful population, cultural opportunities, and world class medical facilities. Gatorade was invented in Gainesville for the benefit of the UF football team. Historic preservation, or more precisely its lack, has been the focus of much controversy here. However, there is a "New Urbanization" plan to revitalize run-down portions of the area between the historic Downtown and the University of Florida.
Active adults 55+ who love the excitement of a college town (Go Gators!) will enjoy an interesting community here. The town offers a glimpse of the old south in its historic neighborhoods and buildings. There are many examples of restored Victorian and Queen Anne style residences from the 1880s and 1890s, which can be found in the following districts: Northeast Gainesville Residential District, Southeast Gainesville Residential District, and the Pleasant Street Historic District.
Local taxes tend to be high, although there is no state income tax. Other costs of living are lower than average. According to National Association of Realtors the median selling price of homes in Gainesville during the 4th quarter of 2008 was $174,000, down 11% from the year ago period. Up until recentlyl the real estate market has been much more stable in Gainesville compared to south Florida.
Here is more information on what is like to retire in Florida |
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| What is special about this retirement community |
| • University of Florida • Bailey Plantation House (1854) • Matheson Center Home (1867) • Thomas Hotel (1928) • The Old Post Office (now the Hippodrome State Theatre) (1913) • Florida Museum of Natural History • Harn Museum of Art • Kanapaha Botanical Gardens • Haile Plantation • The Devil's Millhopper • Payne's Prairie • Civic Media Center • Lake Alice • Historic neighborhood |
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| What is not special about this retirement community |
| Hot, humid summers. Traffic on game days. Part of the downtown, east of the campus, is very run down |
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| What kinds of people like retiring here |
| Gainesville attracts a community of people who either want to live in a fun-loving, laid back old city with a vital and large university |
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| Local economy is driven by |
| The University of Florida, the Shands Healthcare system (a private-public-university partnership), and the city government are the city’s major employers. The median income in Gainesville is slightly below the U.S. average. |
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| Physical environment |
| Gainesville is one of the southernmost cities in the United States where deciduous trees predominate. This area in north central Florida is known to natives as the "end of the South." Gainesville's climate is humid subtropical. |
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| Cultural environment |
| Florida Museum of Natural History, Harn Museum of Art, the Hippodrome State Theatre, Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, and The Civic Media Center. Smaller theaters include the Acrosstown Repertory Theatre (ART) and the Gainesville Community Playhouse (GCP). The University sponsors a full range of cultural offerings. Kanapaha Botanical Garden. |
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| Medical facilities |
| • North Florida Regional Medical Center
• Shands Hospital At The University Of Florida |
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| Transportation |
| The Gainesville Regional Transit System (RTS) is the fourth largest mass transit system in the state. In fact, it is extremely well-used. The Gainesville Regional Airport in the northeast part of the city with daily service to Miami, Tampa, Atlanta, and Charlotte. Amtrak has 2 daily shuttle buses to connect with the passenger railway. |
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Facts about GAINESVILLE
- State: FL
- Environment: College Town,
- City Population: 100,001+
- Median age of Population: 25-44
- Avg Jan Temperature: 41-60
- Median HH Income: 20,001-40,000
- Average Home Price (MLS): $100,000-$200,000
- Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: NA
- Total Crime Index: 91-100 (slightly below average)
- Cost of Living Index: 91-100 (slightly below average)
- Culture Index: 111-120 (high)
- State Sales Tax: Yes
- State Income Tax: No
- Name of the Guide: jb
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Vote on the Ratings for Gainesville |
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Update Your Ratings |
1. Overall Retirement Ratings
1. Rating: 3.0/5 ( 4 votes cast)
2. Expense:
Inexpensive to Luxury
2. Rating: 2.0/5 ( 2 votes cast)
3. Taxes:
Inexpensive to Expensive
3. Rating: 2.5/5 ( 2 votes cast)
4. Culture:
None to Cosmopolitan
4. Rating: 4.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)
5.Recreation:
None to Summer camp
5. Rating: 4.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)
6. Transportation:
Boondocks to World Hub
6. Rating: 3.3/5 ( 3 votes cast)
7. Security:
Dangerous to Ft. Knox
7. Rating: 2.3/5 ( 3 votes cast)
8. Medical Facilities:
None to Excellent
8. Rating: 4.5/5 ( 2 votes cast)
9. Political Situation:
Conservative to Liberal
9. Rating: 3.5/5 ( 2 votes cast)
10. Environmental:
Oblivious to Ultra-Green
10. Rating: 3.5/5 ( 2 votes cast)
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