UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.
#8. Gainesville
Gainesville, FL is booming. Between tourism and transportation, the city’s economic success can be traced back to its education sector, and its cultural amenities can be attributed to the bustling campuses of the University of Florida and Santa Fe College.
University of Florida is one of the largest universities in the nation and is known for best for its esteemed programs in business administration and management, psychology and biological sciences, and of course, the Florida Gators. But Gainesville doesn’t stop at just a great education – top employers, besides UF, include UFHealth, Alachua County School Board, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health Systems and Publix Supermarkets, and the startup scene is growing every year.
In addition to an entrepreneurial spirit and a low cost of living, residents have fantastic access to health care thanks to Shands HealthCare and North Florida Regional Medical Center.
Read more about why Gainesville is a great place to live.
Gainesville is only a 90-minute drive away from Jacksonville, but the city itself is know as one of the best spots in the state for arts, entertainment and culture. Gainesville yields its own shopping, dining and nightlife opportunities. If you’re more into outdoor recreation, the city also features several public parks, lakes, walking trails and Ichetucknee Springs State Park.