[gatorguy]

My wife and I are strongly considering moving from Utah to the Gainesville, Fl. area and would appreciate information from you the masses regarding the area's economy, employment opportunities, housing (apartments, condo's, etc.) utilities, taxes and any other relivant info.

Also, how long will it take me to totally die from the humidity there? Also, do I have to share my potato chips and other munchies with the bugs and critters there as well?

Anyone have information on actual "work-at-home" opportunities there, that would allow me to not have to leave my air conditioned home to be employed?

We would appreciate any and all information from the masses (you) regarding this very tough decision that we are considering. It's an easy one for my wife, as she is originally from the Tampa area and loves the humidity and our grandkids down there.

Our daughter and her family (the grandkids) live just outside of Gainesville and we would like to be closer to them, but want to consider all of the pro's and con's to this venture as well.

Thanks to you all. Gatorguy -

[mg83]

Do it. Gainesville and the small towns to the north and west of the city are beautiful, I don't care what anyone says.

I lived in Gainesville for both undergrad and graduate school... Gainesville, High Springs, Alachua, Micanopy, etc, are some of my favorite places in Florida for the nature, the scenery, the "quaintness".

I think the houses could be very affordable, and there are job opps.

[gatorblueyes]

In the next few weeks I will be moving out of Gainesville. It has been my home of 12 years. I did my undergrad, worked, and now my masters at UF.

It is a college town and much revolves around the University and surrounding hospitals. It has a little bit of everything but for those used to big city life it may seem lacking. It has grown in leaps and bounds the last 10 years for sure. Housing is abundant however I would stay more to the outskirts to avoid student neighbors.

You will probably die pretty quickly of humidity though LOL. It is one of the most humid cities in the United States.

I will really miss the area but the coast has been calling my name for a while now.

[logybogy]

The weather is just about perfect from October to April with the occasional cold snaps here and there.

Summer is hot but the evenings and late afternoons are very pleasent especially after thunderstorms. That really cools the temps down.

Gainesville is a GREAT place to raise a family. Not so great if you are single and out of school and looking for big city nightlife and amenities. That doesn't sound like your situation so I think you'll enjoy Gainesville a lot.

[gatorguy]

Originally Posted by logybogy

The weather is just about perfect from October to April with the occasional cold snaps here and there.

Summer is hot but the evenings and late afternoons are very pleasent especially after thunderstorms. That really cools the temps down.

Gainesville is a GREAT place to raise a family. Not so great if you are single and out of school and looking for big city nightlife and amenities. That doesn't sound like your situation so I think you'll enjoy Gainesville a lot.

Thanks for your feedback. I'm sweating bullets on this one. During the many visits to Gainesville, I've for the most part, enjoyed the city and its people. Sure a lot of panhandlers though. They are not a bit shy in coming over to your car while you are at a stop light.

The last occasion I had with one was on Archer and I-75. The guy had a sign that he was a down-and-out veteran needing help. My grandson in the back seat gave my wife $4.00 to give to him. Looked like he was crippled, as he could not make it over to the car. My wife got out and handed him the money instead. She said as she got closer to him, she realized he was drunker than a skunk. Kind of hard to explain that situation to your grandson, that he gave his $4.00 to a drunk to go get another round.

I'm sure other cities have similar problems, but it appears to be more prevalent in G-Ville.

Thanks again, Gatorguy -

[CG&D93]

Gainesville has peaked my interest too. I'm going to follow this thread.

As for the panhandlers, Florida has got there fair share of them because of the weather. Over the years, I've had similar situations with them. It's so tough. Watched a show on Dateline or 20/20 once about men that make a 6 figure a year living off of panhandling. "I'd like to thank the Academy..."

[logybogy]

Gainesville has panhandlers and homeless like any major city. They are mainly congregated downtown but you see them on archer and newberry near 75 too.

You rarely see them in upscale parts of northwest gainesville and i've never seen a panhandler in the rural parts of the county. There just aren't enough people out there for the homeless to survive on panhandling. They need to be where lots of people are.

But really you are making an outstanding choice for Florida. It's a very livable part of Florida. Lots of springs, nature things to do. Within 2 hours to 3 big metros and the gulf and atlantic for day trips. Inland and in the northern part of the state so hurricane risk is minimal. The area is growing but the growth is controlled. It's not runaway growth like south and central florida.

For a family, it can be very attractive.

[gatorblueyes]

Originally Posted by gatorguy

Thanks for your feedback. I'm sweating bullets on this one. During the many visits to Gainesville, I've for the most part, enjoyed the city and its people. Sure a lot of panhandlers though. They are not a bit shy in coming over to your car while you are at a stop light.

The last occasion I had with one was on Archer and I-75. The guy had a sign that he was a down-and-out veteran needing help. My grandson in the back seat gave my wife $4.00 to give to him. Looked like he was crippled, as he could not make it over to the car. My wife got out and handed him the money instead. She said as she got closer to him, she realized he was drunker than a skunk. Kind of hard to explain that situation to your grandson, that he gave his $4.00 to a drunk to go get another round.

I'm sure other cities have similar problems, but it appears to be more prevalent in G-Ville.

Thanks again, Gatorguy -

Funny you say this because there are constantly stories about how mean Gville is to it's homeless etc. They are really just around downtown and the interstate. You just can't make eye contact with them. If you really want to help, donate to the local shelter or work at the soup kitchen. Otherwise they do just go blow the money on alcohol. It is sad but it is reality. My friends dad gave out his card to hire someone at his business for janitorial work and not a single one showed up. It is an issue that the city is trying to work out.

I learned my lesson when I gave someone money, I lived on student loans mind you, and I was told I didn't give them very much...excuse me??? That was the end of that.

[miamiblue]

Go for Gainesville! I did my undergrad there and my sister is currently living and working there after attending UF for her BA and masters. I think it's definitely one of the nicest parts of Florida in terms of people and scenery. You're not too far from either coast. The humidity in the summer is pretty thick, so that would definitely take getting used to. And yes, there are bugs -they don't call it The Swamp because it sounds cool.

Jobs can be tough to find, though, depending on what you're looking at. As far as panhandling goes, they are there for the gullible students - don't be fooled. My friend and I would only give them food if we were approached (and had food to give), never money. From my experience they are harmless, if you "don't have any cash" they will just leave you alone.

[lpazos]

Yes, i also agree. I spent 4 years there for undergrad and very much enjoyed it. Considering its in the middle of the state in a slightly country atmosphere there is surprisingly quite a bit of arts and culture due to the university settings.

I actually ended up buying my old apartment there!

Good luck with the move!