Gainesville, FL
Why You’ll Love Living in Gainesville, Florida
With a student population of more than 60,000, Gainesville, Florida, is a college town through and through. The University of Florida, home of the Gators, is the state’s oldest (and largest) university and is a center of education, cultural and sporting events. The city is affordable, with many bars and restaurants that cater to students. Outdoor activities are a big draw, with plentiful parks, hiking and biking trails, and golf, and the beaches of the Atlantic Coast are just over an hour away.
Thinking of moving to Gainesville, FL? Keep scrolling to find all the details about living in Gainesville, including quick facts such as the population, median home value and property taxes. Plus, learn more about the cost of living and quality of life in Gainesville, from the economy and job opportunities to weather, outdoor activities and things to do, including local restaurants and points of interest.
What Makes Gainesville, FL, a Best Place to Live in 2024
Gainesville is home to the University of Florida, and those who live here can enjoy all kinds of perks associated with a college town and the youthful energy that spills over from the campus. Cheer on the Gators or catch performing arts shows at the 1,700-seat Phillips Center theater. One of the most unique things to do is heading to the University of Florida Bat Houses around dusk to watch the winged mammals emerge at night. High-quality higher ed helps rank Gainesville as one of the best places to live in the U.S.
Gainesville is also a hub for arts and culture, with several museums and unique exhibits to help locals be life-long learners. For instance, the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity focused on butterflies and moths. Another perk of living in Gainesville is the seamless transportation. The city has a regional airport and travelers can connect from Jacksonville and Lakeland with Amtrak’s Thruway bus service.
Gainesville locals also have plenty of places to play, with more than 3,200 acres of parks, recreation spaces and natural areas, including community gardens. Depot Park is a primo park for families, with waterfalls, pop jets and water cannons at the Blue Grotto, a playscape inspired by the underwater caverns of Central Florida.
In addition to all of that fun, the area has a dynamic economy and several thriving industries. Located between downtown Gainesville and the University of Florida, the Innovation Square development is a hub for tech, science, and research.
Gainesville, FL Quality of Life LivScore
Gainesville, FL Top Categories
Transportation
Amenities
Education
Gainesville ranks highest for transportation, amenities and education.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Gainesville, FL
Florida is an ideal spot for great weather year-round. The average highs and lows are 91°F and 71°F (summer) and 70°F and 45°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Gainesville is 0 inches. While the city may experience occasional frost or freezing temperatures during winter, snowfall is extremely rare.
The average annual rainfall in Gainesville is 49 inches.
Gainesville averages 224 sunny days a year.
One of the most enchanting parks in the Gainesville region is Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park. It has a stairway that descends 120 feet into a sinkhole, where you’ll stumble upon a mini rainforest.
Things To Do in Gainesville, FL
Birdwatching! Gainesville and Alachua County are part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. See if you can spot a Painted Bunting, beauties covered in bold primary colors.
Hundreds of butterflies flutter about at the Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History, which is filled with tropical plants and even has a waterfall.
Gainesville is the birthplace of Gatorade! The sports drink was invented by researchers at the University of Florida College of Medicine and given to Gators football players to help restore nutrients when playing in the heat.
The Union Street Farmers Market can’t be beat. The market is held every Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. and hosts more than 60 vendors each week.
Order Key West-inspired dishes while listening to dueling pianos at The Keys.
You’ve got to catch an UpStage performance on the University of Florida campus. The shows emulate New York jazz clubs, putting audiences and performers on the Phillips Center Main Stage for intimate shows.
108 Vine is an espresso bar and a well-curated vintage shop.
The Local and State Economy in Gainesville, FL
Education, government and health care are the largest industries in the city and Gainesville’s largest employers are the University of Florida, the Shands (UF Health) Health Care System and the City of Gainesville.
In 2024, the sales tax rate in Gainesville is 7.5%.
No, Florida does not have a state income tax.
Gainesville’s UF Health Shands Hospitals is one of the best health care providers in both the area and the state. The UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital is nationally ranked for its neonatology, pediatric cardiology and heart surgery and pediatric diabetes and endocrinology programs, as well.
Gainesville is best known as the home of the University of Florida – chomp, chomp! The city is also home to Santa Fe College.
Weather in Gainesville, FL
Average Temperatures
80 high / 57 low
Average Annual Rainfall
49 in
Average Annual Snowfall
0 in
Quick Facts about Gainesville, Florida
- Median Home Value
- $213,704
- Median Property Tax
- $1,921
- Total Population
- 142,514
- Average Commute
- 17 min
- Median Household Income
- $47,167
- Median Monthly Rent
- $943
Map of Gainesville, FL
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