Are you thinking of living in Gainesville FL? If you are moving to Gainesville or are considering a move to Gainesville, chances are you have a lot of questions about what life is like here. Here are just a couple of answers to frequently asked questions about living in Gainesville FL.
How many people live in Gainesville Florida?
According to the United States Census Bureau as of July 2022, an estimated 145,214 people call the city of Gainesville Florida home. This is a 2.9% increase from the April 2020 census when the population was 141,085.
Spread out over 969 square miles, the total population of Alachua County (which includes Gainesville, Alachua, Archer, Cross Creek, Hawthorne, High Springs, LaCrosse, Melrose, Micanopy, Newberry, and Waldo) was estimated as 284,030 in July 2022, a 2% increase from the April 2020 census when the population was 278,468.
With more than 61,000 students at University of Florida and nearly 13,000 students at Santa Fe College, you could say Gainesville’s population swells just a tad when school is in session.
What type of businesses power Gainesville’s economy?
The Gainesville Florida economy is largely powered by education and health care. University of Florida and UF Health are the area’s largest employers.
Here’s a look at Alachua County’s top 15 employers according to Career Source North Central Florida:
- University of Florida
- UF Health Shands Teaching Hospital and Clinic
- Alachua County School Board
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Publix Supermarkets
- City of Gainesville
- North Florida Regional Medical Center
- Santa Fe College
- Tacachale
- Alachua County
- Nationwide Insurance
- ARAMARK Campus
- Alachua County Sheriffs Office
- University Athletic Association
- United States Postal Service
Greater Gainesville is a hub of entrepreneurs and innovation, with a variety of biotech and business incubators powering the local economy and beyond. In 2020, University of Florida was ranked the top university in the country for its innovation impact in leveraging its research funding into new companies, new jobs, and new ideas.
What is the quality of life like in Gainesville FL?
There are a lot of reasons why people move to Gainesville, not the least of which is a great quality of life.
We have lived in Gainesville since 2008. We love it because even though Gainesville is considered a city, it feels more like a small town. Everybody is so friendly. The weather is awesome. We love how close we are to things we love to do. A day trip kayaking with the dolphins in Cedar Key is only an hour away. Spending an afternoon kayaking with manatees in Crystal River is only an hour away. We’re only 2 hours to St. Augustine, Tampa, Orlando, and Daytona Beach — close enough for day trips or stress-free weekends that don’t include a long drive.
Living in Gainesville FL – Helpful information
If you are looking for more information about what it’s like living in Gainesville Florida, here are some additional resources.
Guide to Greater Gainesville – lots of information about living in Gainesville and surrounding communities in Alachua County.
Why Gainesville Florida is One of the Best Places to Live – Gainesville’s livability and charm means the city regularly makes it onto these kinds of lists.
Tips for buying a home in Gainesville – if you’re looking to buy a home in Gainesville, these tips will help smooth out the process.
Crime map – look up any address in the U.S. to learn about crimes in the area.
Alachua County Public Schools – Learn about the Alachua County School District schools, school zoning, and more.
Gainesville private schools – Learn about private schools in Gainesville and the surrounding area.
Visit Gainesville – Go-to source for information about places to go and things to do in Gainesville and the surrounding towns of Alachua County.
University of Florida Sports Calendar – All things Florida Gator!
Gainesville has so much to offer for a variety of lifestyles. Whether you are looking for an urban lifestyle within walking distance of downtown, or you are wanting to stretch out on some acreage with room enough for horses, you can find what you are looking for in Gainesville Florida.
Welcome to the Gator Nation!
