[goshenretire]

My wife and I are retired, and living in WV. We are really getting sick of winter and are looking to relocate to North Florida, and am considering Gainesville. We will be going to Florida sometime in May or June for at least one week to see for ourselves. I have perused this forum to get a feel for what Gainesville is like, and come away with mixed feelings. So I am really interested in comments by current residents as to:
(1) Is Gainesville a good area for retirement?
(2) Would you recommend buying a house in Gainesville or one of the communities West of the city?
(3) If we live West of the city, what is traffic like into Gainesville?
(4) Any other thoughts as to retirement in Gainesville?

We want to live in a quiet area but still want reasonable access to the city facilities (health, arts, etc.).

Thank you!!!

[TD*]

Gainesville is not a bad city for retirement. Its a college town as you know with good healthcare and sports/arts from the university.

What do you like to do? what made you choose Gainesville?

[bmw335xi]

Originally Posted by goshenretire

My wife and I are retired, and living in WV. We are really getting sick of winter and are looking to relocate to North Florida, and am considering Gainesville. We will be going to Florida sometime in May or June for at least one week to see for ourselves. I have perused this forum to get a feel for what Gainesville is like, and come away with mixed feelings. So I am really interested in comments by current residents as to:
(1) Is Gainesville a good area for retirement?
(2) Would you recommend buying a house in Gainesville or one of the communities West of the city?
(3) If we live West of the city, what is traffic like into Gainesville?
(4) Any other thoughts as to retirement in Gainesville?

We want to live in a quiet area but still want reasonable access to the city facilities (health, arts, etc.).

Thank you!!!

It's an awful city for retirement because it doesn't really offer much for retirees. The university is huge and UF students love to party. The town of Gainesville doesn't have much to offer besides UF. DEFINITELY visit first.

Have you considered a small town along the coast?

[TD*]

It really depends on your lifestyle and what you like to do.

[DanBev]

Taxes in Alachua Coumty are high along with cost of homes,not that desirable for retiree.I have lived in North FL as a retiree for 22 years.
You will find people are centered around church and family,bible belt.

[logybogy]

I'd stay clear of Alachua County. The property taxes and cost of homes are very high for the area. You'd get much better value in the surrounding counties such as Levy, Gilchrist, and Marion and yet still be within 30-45 minutes of Gainesville if you want to go to a UF sporting event or presentation. The students do get very annoying and there's no escaping them.

[Gatornation]

Originally Posted by bmw335xi

It's an awful city for retirement because it doesn't really offer much for retirees. The university is huge and UF students love to party. The town of Gainesville doesn't have much to offer besides UF. DEFINITELY visit first.

Have you considered a small town along the coast?

It has been rated one of the best towns to retire many times now. Forbes just listed it this year. I don't think you understand that college towns always make many of these lists for retirees.

Gainesville, Florida - The 25 Best Places To Retire In 2013 - Forbes

[Gatornation]

Originally Posted by logybogy

I'd stay clear of Alachua County. The property taxes and cost of homes are very high for the area. You'd get much better value in the surrounding counties such as Levy, Gilchrist, and Marion and yet still be within 30-45 minutes of Gainesville if you want to go to a UF sporting event or presentation. The students do get very annoying and there's no escaping them.

All of those counties are out in the sticks. You can find plenty of reasonably priced homes in Gainesville. Especially if you are not looking in the zones for the best schools. Students are easy to escape by living west of 75.

[Gatornation]

Originally Posted by DanBev

Taxes in Alachua Coumty are high along with cost of homes,not that desirable for retiree.I have lived in North FL as a retiree for 22 years.
You will find people are centered around church and family,bible belt.

Gainesville is the most educated city in Florida and one of the most liberal. Gainesville has a gay mayor. It is NOT the bible belt at all.

[Gatornation]

Originally Posted by goshenretire

My wife and I are retired, and living in WV. We are really getting sick of winter and are looking to relocate to North Florida, and am considering Gainesville. We will be going to Florida sometime in May or June for at least one week to see for ourselves. I have perused this forum to get a feel for what Gainesville is like, and come away with mixed feelings. So I am really interested in comments by current residents as to:
(1) Is Gainesville a good area for retirement?
(2) Would you recommend buying a house in Gainesville or one of the communities West of the city?
(3) If we live West of the city, what is traffic like into Gainesville?
(4) Any other thoughts as to retirement in Gainesville?

We want to live in a quiet area but still want reasonable access to the city facilities (health, arts, etc.).

Thank you!!!

I'd suggest looking west of 75 and in some areas that are not zoned for the best schools since that drives up price. Traffic is all relative to when you are driving. Rush hour times can get pretty congested.

I'd put various other college towns ahead of Gainesville but if you want a college town in Florida it would be Gainesville or Tallahassee.