Location
Gainesville is centrally located in Florida, offering easy access to a variety of experiences found in few other places. Home to the University of Florida, one of the nation’s largest campuses by enrollment, the city has a cosmopolitan feel while retaining its small-town charm. Gainesville is consistently ranked among the best places to live in the country, thanks to its low cost of living, strong public schools, low crime rate, and vibrant local culture.
The city offers a thriving arts and entertainment scene, including the Hippodrome Theatre, UF Performing Arts, the Harn Museum of Art, and the Museum of Natural History. Sports fans can enjoy UF’s 13 nationally competitive varsity teams, including football, basketball, baseball, and softball.
With mild winters and warm summers ideal for year-round outdoor activity, Gainesville is also conveniently located within a 1.5–2 hour drive of Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, and both the Gulf and Atlantic coastlines. Learn more at Visit Gainesville.
Education
In addition to the University of Florida, the oldest and the largest university in the State, Gainesville is also the home of the Santa Fe College which serves over 22,000 students in its college-level and extensive community education programs. The students in Alachua County’s public school system, which includes eighteen elementary schools, seven middle schools and six high schools, rank in the top 25 percent of the nation in comprehensive test scores. There are also nine private schools and four special schools in Alachua County. High school students can take vocational courses through Santa Fe Community College.
Transportation
Three major highways serve Gainesville: Interstate 75, U.S. 301 and U.S. 441. Multiple air carriers have regularly scheduled service to and from Gainesville Regional Airport, which is the principal commercial airport for a nine-county area. Interviewees also traveling to other training programs within Florida frequently find flying into Tampa, Orlando, or Jacksonville (all within a 2 hour drive) and travel to Gainesville via rental car as an alternative to flying in and out of Gainesville.
About UF
The flagship university for the state of Florida, the University of Florida is also the states’ highest ranked university, private or public. UF is also the most research intensive institution in the state.
About Gainesville
Gainesville is a mid-sized town with a vibrant downtown and arts scene, and boasts numerous natural wonders, including the largest collection of freshwater springs in the nation.
About UF Health
University of Florida Health is a top-ranked health care destination that attracts the brightest students, scholars, scientists and health care providers, all ready to tackle our patient’s greatest challenges.
