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Old 08-25-2010, 01:46 PM
 
9 posts, read 39,281 times
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My boyfriend has recently applied for jobs at the V.A. Center in Palatka and in Gainesville. Can anyone tell me the pros and cons of either city? Which would be our best bet to move to? We are moving from Ohio in the next couple of months. Gainesville looks better to me but was wondering if Palatka is the armpit some people make it out to be? Also what would be the best neighborhood for a couple of 50-somethings to rent an apartment in? A house is not out of the question either. We are loking at monthly rents in the $700-$1000 range. Any advice would be apprecaited. Thanks!
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Old 08-25-2010, 05:42 PM
 
Location: SE USA
28 posts, read 83,769 times
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I personally live in Gainesville and my step-mom works at the VA here. I think he would like the Shands hospital system here more so than whatever Palatka has. The downside to Gainesville is it is a bustling college town when the students are here, and traffic can get pretty hectic...

Can't recommend any housing as I'm clueless in that department..
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Old 08-25-2010, 08:19 PM
 
Location: Tampa
2,602 posts, read 8,145,661 times
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Palatka didn't really strike me as a nice-looking city. It's been awhile since I've been through, so my opinion could very well change.
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Old 08-26-2010, 08:52 AM
 
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Palatka is not even really a city it's kinda slummy i would recommend palm coast if anything. Gainsville is college dominated so where there is younger people i'd expect more crime....
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Old 08-26-2010, 05:32 PM
 
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So..... If he were to take the job in Palatka can anyone recommend a nice town to commute from? Rural (country) areas are OK. I have family in Deland and think that is one of the greatest towns I have ever been to in Fl. If he were to take the job in Gainesville is there a nice quiet suburb to live in that anyone can recommend? I will also be job hunting in the optical field. Anyone have any suggestions? Particularly about housing. Thanks to all who respond!
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Old 08-27-2010, 04:51 AM
 
26,012 posts, read 41,646,074 times
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Newberry is a popular choice for many who want to live outside of Gainesville. It's about 10 miles west.
Newberry Jonesville Chamber of Commerce

In terms of Palatka, there isn't much around that would qualify as "nice". I'd recommend a commute from the west side of St Augustine. Though that's probably a good 30 minute commute.

I agree with the previous poster that if given a choice the VA Hospital in Gainesville would be much better a career move (and a far better work environment) than Palatka.

*** Also as an FYI, not all of Gainesville is overrun by students and traffic. There are some nice lower density areas in the NW and SW side of town that still afford you close proximity to work and things to do without the university/student congestion.
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Old 08-27-2010, 07:08 AM
 
17,271 posts, read 38,002,354 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kyle19125 View Post
Newberry is a popular choice for many who want to live outside of Gainesville. It's about 10 miles west.
Newberry Jonesville Chamber of Commerce

In terms of Palatka, there isn't much around that would qualify as "nice". I'd recommend a commute from the west side of St Augustine. Though that's probably a good 30 minute commute.

I agree with the previous poster that if given a choice the VA Hospital in Gainesville would be much better a career move (and a far better work environment) than Palatka.

*** Also as an FYI, not all of Gainesville is overrun by students and traffic. There are some nice lower density areas in the NW and SW side of town that still afford you close proximity to work and things to do without the university/student congestion.
I agree with all this ^^^. Also I might add that Micanopy is a beautiful small town not too far from Gainesville if you want that old small town charm in a town loaded with big trees. Frankly Palatka is a dump, and I don't say that about too many places in Florida. I think De Land is way too far to commute, but as Kyle suggested you could try St. Augustine or one of the little towns nearby like Bunnell.

Good luck!
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Old 08-27-2010, 10:33 AM
 
191 posts, read 621,524 times
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bunnell is a bigger dump although i don't like palm coast persoanlly that place could work.. deland isn't that attractive either..
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Old 08-28-2010, 06:05 AM
 
9 posts, read 39,281 times
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Default Palatka or Gainesville

Quote:
Originally Posted by gypsychic View Post
I agree with all this ^^^. Also I might add that Micanopy is a beautiful small town not too far from Gainesville if you want that old small town charm in a town loaded with big trees. Frankly Palatka is a dump, and I don't say that about too many places in Florida. I think De Land is way too far to commute, but as Kyle suggested you could try St. Augustine or one of the little towns nearby like Bunnell.

Good luck!
Thanks gypsychic. Your information has been very hepful!
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Old 08-31-2010, 12:26 AM
 
Location: Gainesville, FL
15 posts, read 42,781 times
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I have been at UF for the past 5 years. Yes, it is a college town and there are a lot of kids here. However, it is a nice city too live in for people who are older as well. The college kids mainly stay near campus. There are plenty of neighborhoods in Gainesville that are for families and professionals. Shands at UF is an amazing hospital and the VA hospital here is great as well.

I have been through Palatka and there is nothing really there. Gainesville definitely has more things to do. There are good restaurants, sporting events (obviously), and artsy things to do here as well. Also all your basic shopping necessities are in Gainesville (Palatka...not so much).

And I second Micanopy. I love going down there to the historic section of the city. Cute shops, restaurants, ice cream parlors and lots of antique stores!
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