Gainesville Rentals

[alphaOmegator]

My daughter is thinking of moving to Gainesville. We don't know a whole lot about rental properties vs good neighborhoods in the area. She thinks she may like to find a place to live in the area of Santa Fe Community College. I'd appreciate any insights that you guys may have in re to the safest neighborhoods, safest apartment complexes, and maybe areas to avoid in and around Gainesville. I am particularly concerned about security and her safety where ever she moves. Any specific suggestions based on your knowledge, experiences or recommendations will be appreciated.

[jjenkins5]

How old is your daughter? College student or young professional?

[jjenkins5]

I'm asking because there are two distinct rental markets in Gainesville: one that caters to students and another to everyone else who prefer not to live among students.

[alphaOmegator]

How old is your daughter? College student or young professional?

She's 21. She is thinking of attending Santa Fe CC..

[jjenkins5]

The area around Santa Fe is generally a safe one as far as I know. There is a complex just across SW 83rd from campus, but it has been built since I lived full time in Gainesville, so I cannot tell you first hand about its reputation or demographic makeup. The only negative safety-wise that I can come up with to that location is its very close proximity to I-75.

Going east on 39th Avenue a couple of miles there is a complex called Huntington Lakes that I think has a mix of students and professionals. It is still proximate to Santa Fe, but is situated in a more residential setting. I would rate its safety a bit higher for that reason. It is also closer to UF in case she transfers there.

There are tons of options that cater to students along the SW 20th Avenue corridor. I know those properties are served by a bus route that goes to UF and that location is near the mall which has a park-n-ride bus stop that may have a route to Santa Fe. In that area I would recommend being on SW 62nd (Lakewood Villas, Spyglass, etc...) nearer the mall. You'll have to investigate the other options along 20th because though they are plentiful, I don't know much about them individually. Keep in mind on the west side of I-75 there is a pocket of rent-assisted housing and crime tends to be higher in that area. However, it is just a pocket. West of SW 75th Street there is Haile Plantation, a well established mixed-use community. There are various rental properties there (The Links, for one; however these will be let through either an owner or property manager, not a central leasing office).

My last recommendation is to call Contemporary Management in Gainesville. They manage thousands of apartments, primarily in Gainesville. I know the mother-daughter team who own the company and they hire quality people. I would trust them to give you good advice.

Good luck!

[UFNut]

I think you have to mention budget in this one to get a better idea.

Otherwise, in general I wouldn't worry about proximity...with a car, SantaFe is not difficult to reach from anywhere. I know if I were 21 and living in gainesville I wouldn't want to be stuck out near the interstate on 39th avenue....I'd want to live near university, particularly I'd move to the duckpond region (but that's just me). During most times of the day SantaFe is a 25 minute drive away from there, and it's pretty darn far away by gainesville standards. I lived on north 6th st. and attended santaFe and I didn't even own a car at the time, and it was never a burden. FYI, I delivered pizza in gville (for about 6 years while I was there) until just a few short years ago when I completed my education after a 9 year stint in college :), so I could probably draw a detailed map from memory, haha.

From delivery driving, I know where pretty much every "bad neighborhood" is, so let me know what the range, and if distance or proximity to fun/interesting things to do is important (i.e. live near downtown - which I highly suggest, if nothing else, it reduces the need to drive after the inevitable drinking excursions that will ensue - she is 21 after all).

FYI, if you do decide 20th Ave/ 62nd blvd (around the mall) region, be careful there are some rough neighborhoods for women in that area to watch out for, particularly close to 34th st and near the mall. Also the tower road area is littered with places I'd rather avoid if I were a student. In addition, traffic is holy hell in the fall on 20th avenue and 34th st in general. As a gator fan, I'm sure you've experienced this before after a game.

[alphaOmegator]

Yes, we certainly have to be aware of a reasonably priced rental unit.. and to be budget conscious.

The info. you guys have supplied sounds helpful.

Thank you.

[alphaOmegator]

:joecool:Anyone else have any ideas or places to check out? We are going to Gainesville this week end to begin looking for places for my daughter..

Thanks in advance for any suggestions..