|
Housing
 Many
affordable and diverse homes can be found in Gainesville
- whether you enjoy the ambiance of the historic
downtown area, a planned golf-course community or
family-oriented neighborhoods. Many residents choose the
rural lifestyle of Alachua County's smaller towns-a fact
endorsed by Money Magazine that described this
"picturesque area as one of the few places left in
America where you can work in town, live in the
wilderness and have a maximum 30-minute commute."
Professionals and others engaged in the activities of
work and raising families tend towards the comforts and
sense of accomplishment derived from owning their own
home.
.jpg) The areas growing most rapidly with new
development are southwest and northwest Gainesville.
There are literally dozens of residential developments
constantly being built, especially in the area west of
I-75. Twice a year, in the spring and fall, the
559-member Builders Association of North Central Florida
(BANCF) offers its Parade of Homes, an excellent
opportunity to see the features of many communities.
 While most of the residential growth in recent years has
been to the west, efforts are being made in areas near
the University of Florida, downtown and to the east, as
well. Some of the older homes near campus have been
replaced by townhouses and apartment complexes which
appeal to students. Alumni may have a hard time
recognizing some of their old neighborhoods. In other
parts of the inner city, especially in areas like Duck
Pond, older homes are being remodeled and are attracting
young families.
In
the heart of the downtown area, several new townhouses
have been built in the last decade, offering luxury
homes convenient to many restaurants, shops, and
galleries. The median cost of housing for a three
bedroom/two bath home of approximately 2,200 square feet is
$252,980. The average monthly rent in Gainesville is
$735.00
 Many parents of students attending the
University of Florida or Santa Fe Community College have
found purchasing a condominium for their child
to be an excellent investment when it comes time to
sell. There’s currently a large selection of units
available that promises to fit any budget.
 Students
attending University of Florida and Santa Fe Community
College also have a large selection of apartments to
choose from while furthering their education. For
university students, the University Student Housing
Office list off-campus apartments that are part of the
Voluntary Residential Inspection Program.
As
for retirement living, Alachua County has several
retirement communities. Although the retiree population
in our area pales in comparison to South Florida, the
North Central area of Florida is senior-friendly and
offers a wide variety of services conducive to a healthy
life style during the retirement years. The temperate
weather conditions, the availability of 11 recreational
parks, a transit system, six hospitals, and more than
1,200 physicians lend an atmosphere of adventure and
security to all age groups. The area has been consistently
ranked as one of the leading retirement areas in the
nation. |
