[jon]

We are about to take a position at Shands hospital in Gainesville. We currently live in Tampa (Valrico). I coach youth soccer and we have two children. Which towns in or around Gainesville would be desirable? Has anyone made a move from Tampa or central Florida to Gainesville? How was the adjustment. We hear a lot of good things about Gainesville but also Ocala. Any help would be appreciated.

[wacahootaman]

To commute from Ocala to Shands in Gainesville would be a bit long.

There are some nice areas in between the two towns with access to I-75 and US Highway 441 around Micanopy and McIntosh.

No real big housing developments there but some nice rural real estate that will probably be a good long term investment with privacy and security and a short commute

[daniellefort]

Ocala to Gainesville is only about a 30 minute drive. I drive to Shands every 3 months from Inverness and it takes me exactly 1 hour 15 minutes.

[ellie]

You know, I've noticed that you've been asking this same question for several months now. Many people have given you thoughtful answers. Yet you keep asking as if you expect a different response.

You only live 2 hours away, as it is. It's not like you're moving to a foreign country. What are you concerned about adjusting to, less traffic?

[jon]

I'm just concerned because we have been in Tampa for 7 years. I'm just a little apprehensive to move. My wife has a great opportunity to relocate to the Gainesville area, however I am very comfortable here in Tampa. Bottom line is she wants to make this move and I'm scared of change having two children who have lived in Tampa their whole lives.

[ellie]

I can't give you advice, but I seem to remember your children are pretty young, both well under 10?

You will like Gainesville. Relax.

[Bill Mauldin]

I am getting ready to make a move to Florida. Are you the same guy who was moving to South Carolina recently? What happened, why are you no longer moving to South Carolina?

[sparkyurzua]

my wife is thinking in work for shands in gainesville(her opt), we are from another country, but actually living in orlando for more than 3 years. i will keep my job in orlando,because is twice a week, and is basically done in lake county(even the villages) and we have my family living in orlando too. I thinking in a location between gainesville and ocala, close to her job(and her university,because she will do a master in uf) , and no too far from mine. we had never been there, so... i am asking for help and advice... we have a 2 years old daughter, a budget of 200.000 for buy a house or better a condo o townhouse, and we are not afraid of tornados,hurricanes, traffic,development, crocs or other things.