[PeteU]

I'm considering a move from South Florida to Gainesville based on a potential work opportunity.

My parents have lived in Gainesville since 2008, and my sister since 2007. Additionally, I spent two weeks in Gainesville on business a couple years back. So from multiple visits, I'm somewhat familar with the area. I even know the basics about the city such as:

*More desirable areas to live are on the westside of town
*Traffic around the University and Archer Road can get congested
*Has about the same variety of shopping as South Florida, albiet not the same quantity
*Winters get somewhat cooler than South Florida
*Beautiful natural areas in and around town

That being said, there are still some specifics I'd like to know from anyone with expertise. Specifically as to how good an environment Gainesville is to raise a family. I have two daughters, one preschool aged and one infant. I was wondering about things such as:

*Quality of area public schools
*Names of good preschools
*Performing arts center events for children (such as the Phillips Center)
*Quality of parks and libraries
*Does the city's reputation as a college town detract from it being a good place for families?
*Names of good, but not overpriced, communities/neighborhoods

Also, if anyone has teaching experience in the Alachua Public School system, I'd like to know how that has been (as my wife is a public school teacher down here).

[Gatornation]

Originally Posted by PeteU

I'm considering a move from South Florida to Gainesville based on a potential work opportunity.

My parents have lived in Gainesville since 2008, and my sister since 2007. Additionally, I spent two weeks in Gainesville on business a couple years back. So from multiple visits, I'm somewhat familar with the area. I even know the basics about the city such as:

*More desirable areas to live are on the westside of town
*Traffic around the University and Archer Road can get congested
*Has about the same variety of shopping as South Florida, albiet not the same quantity
*Winters get somewhat cooler than South Florida
*Beautiful natural areas in and around town

That being said, there are still some specifics I'd like to know from anyone with expertise. Specifically as to how good an environment Gainesville is to raise a family. I have two daughters, one preschool aged and one infant. I was wondering about things such as:

*Quality of area public schools
*Names of good preschools
*Performing arts center events for children (such as the Phillips Center)
*Quality of parks and libraries
*Does the city's reputation as a college town detract from it being a good place for families?
*Names of good, but not overpriced, communities/neighborhoods

Also, if anyone has teaching experience in the Alachua Public School system, I'd like to know how that has been (as my wife is a public school teacher down here).

Schools are all about what specific one you are zoned for. Alachua county schools normally have some of the best test scores in the state.

Gainesville has a ton of stuff for families as many who work at UF and Shands fit into that group. UF ends up fostering a town that is good for families.

You'd have to give a price range if you want specific neighborhoods.

I've found this website useful.

Fun 4 Gator Kids :: Listings of kids activities in the Gainesville, Florida Area

[PeteU]

Originally Posted by Gatornation

Schools are all about what specific one you are zoned for. Alachua county schools normally have some of the best test scores in the state.

Gainesville has a ton of stuff for families as many who work at UF and Shands fit into that group. UF ends up fostering a town that is good for families.

You'd have to give a price range if you want specific neighborhoods.

I've found this website useful.

Fun 4 Gator Kids :: Listings of kids activities in the Gainesville, Florida Area

Thanks, and thanks for the link!

As for a price range, I was thinking where I might get a 4 bedroom with pool for $350k or under, preferrable $300k.

[Gatornation]

Originally Posted by PeteU

Thanks, and thanks for the link!

As for a price range, I was thinking where I might get a 4 bedroom with pool for $350k or under, preferrable $300k.

That will get you into the bottom of most of the nicest neighborhoods west of 75. For over 300k you are either looking at a home that is 15 years old on an acre or one in a very nice community that has plenty of upgrades inside. It also easily gets you into the best school districts.

Pull up zillow and narrow your price range and see what pops up on the map. Bosshardt has a pretty good realty website for searching.

[PeteU]

Thanks. I know there are some good neighborhoods west of I-75 in the Haile Plantation area worth looking at.

[FLMom10]

Bosshardt Realty is definitely a great site, as PP said. Haile is nice - lots of nice homes in your price range I'm sure.
Just make sure you check out the traffic situation at morning and afternoon rush hour. We're not a big town, but with so much traffic heading to the same place (toward campus and back) each day, certain routes get clogged. It all depends on where you will be working and where kids will go to school.
My School Child Care center (near campus) is a great pre-school, and also Millhopper Montessori has a great reputation for preschool-middle school. One advantage (depending on perspective) is that Millhopper is on 39th Ave and is not near campus.

I grew up here and am raising a family here, though we are contemplating a move for my husband's employment. It's a good town, but like so many it's what you make of it. If you get involved and utilize the resources, especially fun4gatorkids, it can be a really great place to grow up!

[Gatornation]

Originally Posted by PeteU

Thanks. I know there are some good neighborhoods west of I-75 in the Haile Plantation area worth looking at.

Haile and Tioga are the urban(stores/business/etc) planned neighborhoods you'll hear first but there are plenty more. For your price range you'd be in the middle of Haile, there are a good amount of smaller/older homes.