How is Gainesville?

[LightMan]

So in the near future my wife and I will be looking to relocate. I'm currently active duty Navy and as of right now I don't see myself reenlisting, I would like to teach. My wife will be an RN by the time we move. We also have a three year old little man. I am from Okeechobee but don't really want to go back to that small of a town. Never been to Gainesville. How is it as far as raising a family? I like the fact that it is close to Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville. Any information would be appreciated.

[gator1986]

So in the near future my wife and I will be looking to relocate. I'm currently active duty Navy and as of right now I don't see myself reenlisting, I would like to teach. My wife will be an RN by the time we move. We also have a three year old little man. I am from Okeechobee but don't really want to go back to that small of a town. Never been to Gainesville. How is it as far as raising a family? I like the fact that it is close to Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville. Any information would be appreciated.

Gainesville is amazing. I don't live there but it's beautiful. It's close to all the other cities, which is a plus. I am going into the Army National Guard, and I will be wanting to move there also when
I am done. Unfortunately Gainesville doesn't have an armory, I will be driving to Jacksonville for 1 weekend a month, for fire school. Then hopefully take my talents to Gainesville, and be able to work the field for the games! Good luck my good sir!

[gatorjjh]

Been in Gville pretty much since I matriculated in '67 the economy is based on the University and Health care- my guess is an RN would have options with Shands, the VA & North Florida Regional and lots of spin off clinics and specialty Docs in the area.
The University means it has a cultural side greater than most cities the same or similar size- lots of diverse art, music and festivals in the area pretty much year round. The hotels thrive on Home football weekend and do OK the rest of the year.
If I were moving there I would be reading the Gville Sun on line to get the flavor of the area and for some info on schools, churches etc. The dining is somewhat geared toward the college crowd but there are some decent places to eat- seafood to steaks, and plenty of ethnic choices- here in the Pub we bitch about the limited food options but for a town this size they are remarkably diverse- you do have to have a sharp eye to find 'quality'.
For housing lots of folks live in the surround small towns and work in Gville. Saves money - away from student masses and comfortable rural settings on all sides.
Hope this is a start for your study :)

[bakaduin]

Love Gainesville. Came here 9 years ago for undergrad, stayed through vet school, and got a job here after. Can't imagine a better place to live.

Its not too small and not too big. Plenty of quality restaurants. Gator sports to go to almost year round. Jax/Orlando/Tampa all within ~1.5 hours.

[Dreamliner]

I was born and raised in Gainesville and lived there for forty years. Regardless of anything I might say about the town, it's MY Gainesville and always will be.

There is more than enough in Gainesville to stimulate all but the already over-stimulated.

Oh, and living in Orlando, for the last ten years, I do miss the trees and hills of Gainesville.

[LeafUF]

I strongly considered moving back two years ago and ultimately decided it wasn't for me at least at that time. I was traveling a lot and working from home so having to frequently drive a few hours to a major airport was hard to overcome. I was also single and at least from a social perspective didn't think it was the best for me.

Other than those few things not working for me specifically there is so much to love about Gainesville, and who knows maybe it will still be in my future some day. You came to the right place for info, the Pub will take care of you.

[TheGator]

Lived there in college and travel back for games all the time. Like anywhere else, Gainesville is what you make of it.

Lots of outdoors things to do. For better or worse, most of your entertainment will be centered around the University. While there are a few decent restaurants, there is nothing like the type of options you would find in a major city.

Also, restaurants, theaters and etc are usually geared for students. If you are not a student, I would tend to think that might get old after awhile. Of course, plenty of opportunities to get a cheap dinner. :).

Part of me would love it, but I think I would miss the better restaurants, Broadway shows and etc.

If I was to move back to Florida, I think my choices would be to move to Tampa, Orlando, and or Jacksonville. Then drive into Gainesville for sports and etc.

[bakaduin]

Lived there in college and travel back for games all the time. Like anywhere else, Gainesville is what you make of it.

Lots of outdoors things to do. For better or worse, most of your entertainment will be centered around the University. While there are a few decent restaurants, there is nothing like the type of options you would find in a major city.

Also, restaurants, theaters and etc are usually geared for students. If you are not a student, I would tend to think that might get old after awhile. Of course, plenty of opportunities to get a cheap dinner. :).

Part of me would love it, but I think I would miss the better restaurants, Broadway shows and etc.

If I was to move back to Florida, I think my choices would be to move to Tampa, Orlando, and or Jacksonville. Then drive into Gainesville for sports and etc.

Granted I am bias but I feel the opposite. I would rather live in Gainesville (not deal with the traffic and nonsense of a major city) and travel to Jax/Orlando/Tampa occasionally for a great restaurant/concert/show/amusement park than do the opposite.

[bofusgators]

Gainesville has a lot of attractions plus the University. It was voted a number of years ago , sorry but I for got whom by, as the seventh best place in the US to live based on all that was offered. To me it is a wonderful place to be and live. Unfortunately, due to work, it's not available to me, but I visit there eigth times a year.

[TheGator]

Granted I am bias but I feel the opposite. I would rather live in Gainesville (not deal with the traffic and nonsense of a major city) and travel to Jax/Orlando/Tampa occasionally for a great restaurant/concert/show/amusement park than do the opposite.

Very true. Something to be said about avoiding the traffic and other bs.

[LightMan]

Thanks for all the insight y'all have provided so far. Seems to be along the lines of what we are looking for. Big plus that I can entertain my son with Gator sports all year round. Houses are cheap compared to here in the Hampton Roads area in VA.

[kuto22]

Born and raised in Gville and now live in Orlando. I love the atmosphere in Gville even know it is based around the university. Good schools and for a small town great eating establishments which is what I like about Orlando, but it is the only thing I like about Orlando. I like the small town feel of Gville and would move back. Safe place to raise your children, unlike the CRIME CITY Orlando. The West side of Gville is the best place to live in the area where Haile Plantation is now or even out a little more. I like how close the gulf is and St Augustine/Crescent Beach are.

[ufbeta]

Moved back (after 10 years in Atlanta) and love it. Great place to raise a family as there is a ton to do with kids (obviously UF sports but there are also a ton of parks and other activities) and there has been a pretty big shift in the last year regarding things to do for adults. I'd disagree (again changed in the last several years) with the comments about a lack of restaurants. There is actually an emerging "foodie" population here and we've gotten some pretty good local restaurants that generally surprise people when we take them.

Overall there is just a lot more going on than you'd normally find in a city this size.

[gatorjjh]

Gainesville is amazing. I don't live there but it's beautiful. It's close to all the other cities, which is a plus. I am going into the Army National Guard, and I will be wanting to move there also when
I am done. Unfortunately Gainesville doesn't have an armory, I will be driving to Jacksonville for 1 weekend a month, for fire school. Then hopefully take my talents to Gainesville, and be able to work the field for the games! Good luck my good sir!

would the State Fire College be an alternative to the drive to Jax?

http://www.myfloridacfo.com/sfm/bfst/Campus/campus4.HTM

[northgagator]

I would put some time into checking out the small towns within a 30 mile radius of Gainesville. The real estate values will be pretty attractive and in most cases you are at the most twenty to thirty minutes away from shopping and entertainment.

[swampbabe]

I would suggest that you look at careers other than teaching. 30 year educator here :cry:

[G8trGr8t]

I would put some time into checking out the small towns within a 30 mile radius of Gainesville. The real estate values will be pretty attractive and in most cases you are at the most twenty to thirty minutes away from shopping and entertainment.

agreed, when I was looking at moving back I was surprised at the cost of the houses in the NW neighborhoods that had the best schools. That and the property taxes. Alachua County has some of the highest property taxes I have seen in the state. RN can get work there but other professional salaries are relatively low compared to other parts of state. $20k difference between what I can make in Gainesville and what I can get paid for same engineering work in Jax, Orlando, Tampa, Ft. Myers, etc

[Welshgator]

I've lived in Gainesville 20 years. It's been a great place to bring up my 2 kids. Schools and availability of sports are great. Never been too worried about their safety. Lots of outdoor places to go and keep the kids away from TV. I live in the NW off 39th Avenue, easy access to I75 and few traffic problems.. There's plenty of nice, affordable neighborhoods that are zoned for good schools.

[gator1986]

would the State Fire College be an alternative to the drive to Jax?

http://www.myfloridacfo.com/sfm/bfst/Campus/campus4.HTM

I've thought about that, but in the National Guard you have to drive to Jacksonville 1 weekend a month for your fire fighting training. The best part, is its paid for and ill get a national certification. I already was thinking about the State Fire College, but ill just get the training for free, thanks for the offer of help though!

[LeafUF]

Thanks for all the insight y'all have provided so far. Seems to be along the lines of what we are looking for. Big plus that I can entertain my son with Gator sports all year round. Houses are cheap compared to here in the Hampton Roads area in VA.

Ugh, not a fan of that area of VA. Worked in Newport News, at Ft. Eustis back in 04-05. Maybe Hampton Roads was better but I kind of dislike the whole Norfolk area.

[LightMan]

Ugh, not a fan of that area of VA. Worked in Newport News, at Ft. Eustis back in 04-05. Maybe Hampton Roads was better but I kind of dislike the whole Norfolk area.

Yeah I have been stationed here for about 6 years. My wife and I considered staying but once we started looking at houses it became less likely. $250,000 for about 2000 sq ft and the houses are so close. Not to mention most of the neighborhoods didn't seem like anything I want my son growing up in. Traffic is horrible also...

[LightMan]

I would suggest that you look at careers other than teaching. 30 year educator here :cry:

LOL. Can't be that bad, right? I wanna teach high school math in a lower level income area. Reason behind that is because before moving to Okeechobee I lived in a pretty rough neighborhood in Canton Ohio, there was a teacher who made a big impact on my life. Sounds somewhat corny but I would like to try and make the same impact on someone else's life.

[swampbabe]

LOL. Can't be that bad, right? I wanna teach high school math in a lower level income area. Reason behind that is because before moving to Okeechobee I lived in a pretty rough neighborhood in Canton Ohio, there was a teacher who made a big impact on my life. Sounds somewhat corny but I would like to try and make the same impact on someone else's life.

Yeah, it is that bad. Many districts are cutting positions, here in Brevard County we are cutting approx. 400 teachers. I'm a high school social studies teacher, taught for 18 years here in Florida and 12 years in VA. We just moved back last summer so I will probably lose my job as well.

In addition, there is no more "tenure" in the state of Florida. You will only get a series of annual contracts, forever. In essence, laid off every May/June and hopefully rehired in August. Also, starting in 2014 your salary will be dependent on your students' test scores and part of your evaluation will depend on students that you don't even teach :angry:

[gatordavisl]

Lived in G'ville for two different stints, ultimately having lived there more than any other town. I love it. It's a great town to raise a family in. I don't agree with Swampbase about the teaching profession (she might be jaded because SS teachers are often on the chopping block), but should mention that Alachua Co is one of the lowest-paying counties in Florida. The schools are excellent, with many UF grads on faculty. Good place to send kids to school and good place to teach. Just not a good place to collect a paycheck. Other downside is the heat during summer (no Gulf or ocean breeze). Otherwise, it's a great place.
There is so much good about G'ville though. I encourage you to go there and enjoy every minute of it.

[swampbabe]

Lived in G'ville for two different stints, ultimately having lived there more than any other town. I love it. It's a great town to raise a family in. I don't agree with Swampbase about the teaching profession (she might be jaded because SS teachers are often on the chopping block), but should mention that Alachua Co is one of the lowest-paying counties in Florida. The schools are excellent, with many UF grads on faculty. Good place to send kids to school and good place to teach. Just not a good place to collect a paycheck. Other downside is the heat during summer (no Gulf or ocean breeze). Otherwise, it's a great place.
There is so much good about G'ville though. I encourage you to go there and enjoy every minute of it.

Oh, don't misunderstand. I LOVE my job (and I'm good at it, too:laugh:) but understand ALL teachers are on the chopping block, STEM folks, too. The evaluation system is what positively SUCKS and unfortunately many young and enthusiastic folks are also leaving voluntarily. I just wish the average citizen understood the entirety of the situation. The getting laid off (in essence) every year is really a morale buster.

[bakaduin]

Agreed on Alachua county being pretty bad about paying teachers.

My wife is an elementary school teacher here. She loves it because she is at a great school but she would make quite a bit more teaching in another county in Florida. Alachua is one of, if not the lowest paying county.

[gatordavisl]

Oh, don't misunderstand. I LOVE my job (and I'm good at it, too:laugh:) but understand ALL teachers are on the chopping block, STEM folks, too. The evaluation system is what positively SUCKS and unfortunately many young and enthusiastic folks are also leaving voluntarily. I just wish the average citizen understood the entirety of the situation. The getting laid off (in essence) every year is really a morale buster. I hear ya babe. And I agree that the validity of teacher evaluations continues to decompose. As for average citizens understanding, there's just no way. Very few understand the simple (let alone the complex) ins-and-outs of educating a body of students. Just visit "Too Hot" for about five minutes and you realize how ignorant so many are about education. I understand the annual contract issue, as well. When I taught in Hillsborough Co., we were always on annual contracts and did not even receive them until the end of the year. :cry: There can be no doubt that only those with extraordinary dedication and the willingness to make certain sacrifices shall remain in the profession.
Sorry - back to the topic at hand! Go Hogtown! I miss it there.

[fubar1]

I have an ill relative that may require I move back to Central Florida. I've thought about G-ville but I'm worried about how I'll adjust. It's been 20+ years since I've lived in Florida and have spread my wings quite a bit. Lived in D.C., Nashville, Chicago and now L.A. My girlfriend is European and has lived globally. She's not averse to a smaller town, but I wonder for how long.

I make six figures and would keep my income working remotely for a big company. I'm sure I'd live high on the hog, but wonder if G-ville would bore me to tears regarding restaurants, theatre etc. I know I'd love Gator sports access, but just wonder if I should choose Orlando, even though I have other reservations about it.

[raycgator]

Yeah I have been stationed here for about 6 years. My wife and I considered staying but once we started looking at houses it became less likely. $250,000 for about 2000 sq ft and the houses are so close. Not to mention most of the neighborhoods didn't seem like anything I want my son growing up in. Traffic is horrible also...

I just finished a 2 year stint working in NS Norfolk. I agree that the prices of homes there are outrageous. I didn't have too much of a problem with the city itself but the cost of living there is just too much. Rentals take advantage of the military personnel's Housing allowance and set the rates that high. $1100/mo for a 1 bedroom 700sf apartment in VB was what i was paying

[gtr2x]

I have an ill relative that may require I move back to Central Florida. I've thought about G-ville but I'm worried about how I'll adjust. It's been 20+ years since I've lived in Florida and have spread my wings quite a bit. Lived in D.C., Nashville, Chicago and now L.A. My girlfriend is European and has lived globally. She's not averse to a smaller town, but I wonder for how long.

I make six figures and would keep my income working remotely for a big company. I'm sure I'd live high on the hog, but wonder if G-ville would bore me to tears regarding restaurants, theatre etc. I know I'd love Gator sports access, but just wonder if I should choose Orlando, even though I have other reservations about it.

Coming from LA, orlando would be almost as big of an adjustment as gville imo. No beaches, no palm trees, etc, but a lot cheaper and a lot more trucks. :joecool:
Yea, Orlando has better restaurants, Disney type stuff, better access to big cities to the south, better airport for travel, offset by more traffic (not LA, but still bad), more sprawl, less access to gator sports and gvilles cheap entertainment. Not really much more culture in Orlando either. You could always take the gf to epcot tho and give her the nations tour for the intl flavor.:nervous smile: If you have bucks, Windermere is a quaint Orlando burb without a lot of the hassle and close to the turnpike for Gator access.

[toon66]

Ugh, not a fan of that area of VA. Worked in Newport News, at Ft. Eustis back in 04-05. Maybe Hampton Roads was better but I kind of dislike the whole Norfolk area.

I am with you 100% on this.

[Welshgator]

Agreed on Alachua county being pretty bad about paying teachers.

My wife is an elementary school teacher here. She loves it because she is at a great school but she would make quite a bit more teaching in another county in Florida. Alachua is one of, if not the lowest paying county.

My wife has taught elementary school in Alachua county for 20 years. She really loves teaching and is a good teacher. Shame that Alachua County and Florida State treat teachers like 2nd class citizens. For what she has to do and what she gets paid, I likely wouldn't roll out of bed in the morning. Seem to look after the horde of admin people though.

[fubar1]

You could always take the gf to epcot tho and give her the nations tour for the intl flavor

Pretty funny actually. I wonder if I can get a season pass so I can keep Epcot on speed dial if she gets homesick.

Makes me wonder how many times in one year a person can watch an 360 degree IMAX.

[toon66]

Pretty funny actually. I wonder if I can get a season pass so I can keep Epcot on speed dial if she gets homesick.

Makes me wonder how many times in one year a person can watch an 360 degree IMAX.

The question is how many times can you do "beers around the world?"

[Al E Gator]

I have an ill relative that may require I move back to Central Florida. I've thought about G-ville but I'm worried about how I'll adjust. It's been 20+ years since I've lived in Florida and have spread my wings quite a bit. Lived in D.C., Nashville, Chicago and now L.A. My girlfriend is European and has lived globally. She's not averse to a smaller town, but I wonder for how long.

I make six figures and would keep my income working remotely for a big company. I'm sure I'd live high on the hog, but wonder if G-ville would bore me to tears regarding restaurants, theatre etc. I know I'd love Gator sports access, but just wonder if I should choose Orlando, even though I have other reservations about it.

I've thought about going back to Gainesville in the past, but couldn't do it now. Spent a boatload of years there for school and then some...then left for the city life and haven't looked back. When I went back to G-ville for a visit, it was like nothing had really changed...there were some new things of course, but all in all, it was similar to when I left!

I think you would get bored very easily if you are coming from the cities you've lived in...Orlando would probably be more to your liking and you should even consider Jacksonville (one of my favorite Florida towns!).

On the plus side, G-ville would be cheap as dirt to live in and you would have Gator sports readily available there. And you would have Publix readily available there, too...forgot about that...haha