The TRUTH about living in Gainesville Florida

[@LivinginGainesvilleFlorida]

Next tour the 5 parts of Gainesville with me 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnzMdniZjLyrfqc

[@mztinafl]

I've lived here for 35 years...love it!

[@aquaopa1]

I have lived in Gainesville, FL for almost 20 years. This video is on point. Gainesville is a great community and a great place to raise a family and set down roots. Smaller town feel which I love especially having grown up on South Florida. The slower pace is something I have grown to enjoy. It is centrally located so we can drive to Jacksonville, Tampa, St Augustine, St Petersburg, Orlando and more for various activities not available in town. Heat, humidity and bugs are annoying....but that is ALL Florida, not just Gainesville. Great video and I agree with all your points!

[@LivinginGainesvilleFlorida]

Thanks for watching!

[@viningscircle]

That's very helpful information. I have been in south Florida for 50 years, and it has been become crazy expensive and crowding with overdevelopment. I desire a slower pace and friendlier people.

[@BegginMegan362]

Gainesville is nothing but south NY. It’s a bunch of Former New Yorkers who complain about FL yet never leave. This place was once beautiful until the crowd from the North East arrived with their “me first” attitudes.

[@frankhamilton31]

I would have to agree, I'm from the southern tier of upstate NY. I moved all over the southern states. We have problems in rural NY with NY metro people who think we're 2nd rate citizens. I considered them termites they destroy everything they touch.

[@BegginMegan362]

@@frankhamilton31 Amen.

[@RFJersey]

Can’t paint everyone with the same brush.

[@Khora]

I lived in Gainesville while in college. It wasn't for me since I am used to the city and having everything near, but man it was a great experience. The 30 minute walks going to college every day are still one of the fondest memories I have in my life. The scenery was calming, people usually had a different mindset from where I came from. When you always live in the city, you often become oblivious to the little things. Gainesville helped me ground myself and enjoy nature and salience. Beautiful city, I'd recommend it if you are okay with a simpler life style and do not rely on big events, high fashion or high paying office jobs.

[@rolandthethompsongunner64]

Are you serious did you really live here ? You can walk to just about everything if you live near Archer road or 34 th street. What I noticed was the students wouldnt walk anywhere. They would rather drive and contribute to gridlock. Some would use the bike lanes and trails like me. But certainly not enough. I’m glad you enjoyed your time here and left to go back to your big city life where crime is off the chain. It’s to bad this supposed green generation doesn’t practice what they preach.

[@AvrilAlvarez]

Living here in Gainesville. I must say the traffic and crime isnt even close to being as bad as many cities in the us ive visited.

[@LivinginGainesvilleFlorida]

I agree! I'm always surprised by some of the stats.

[@georgeramos3437]

I’m from New York City, lived near Savannah, Georgia, Honolulu, Hawai’i, & I now live Seattle. The less traffic, the better for me. Btw I drove through NYC only a few times. Public transportation in NYC is ur friend.

[@Dew2Much]

True

[@Nahriart]

We’re thinking of moving there with our kids, from Miami and it seems like a dream considering where I’m coming from !

[@beachlife8168]

@@Nahriart has Miami gotten that bad ???

[@kyubi430]

As someone looking to move to Gainesville next year and is unable to visit, I really appreciate these videos!

[@LivinginGainesvilleFlorida]

Happy to help! Let me know if you have any questions or if there are any topics you would like to see a video on.

[@kyubi430]

@@Speed-Racer understandable. I'm not quite sure how much I'll enjoy that but after the last few years of 4 feet of snow and negative temperatures all winter, I want a change lol

[@lindseyalbright9831]

Did you end up moving here?

[@GodbreadGilfredBiago]

I'm so sorry.

[@rolandthethompsongunner64]

I moved to G,ville in 94 and shopping certainly isn’t a problem now in Gainesville. What is are taxes, utilities, rent, traffic. It’s almost like they designed the town to be un drivable. For a town of this size and the huge tax revenue it takes in the congestion is ridiculous. Yes, Orlando is horrible. But Gainesville is a much smaller town. Also if cost of living has become insane. There just aren’t the jobs to justify the higher rent prices here. Eventually businesses will start having a much more difficult time attracting employees. As far as bugs spare me it’s Florida not the Amazon basin.

[@Funtimes900]

Hi! Is there alot of new construction happening around this area and areas like Alachua ?

[@robertjordan6723]

You forgot about mosquits and the homless rate that has been skyrocketing to the point where there is one on almost every corner of most intersection.

[@filbritfrolics9315]

lovely :-) thanks for the info :-), excited to visit Gainesville soon :-)

[@johnwonderland-hw9lo]

Yes. It might be better to say that this place has many more positives than negative. I live in Kissimmee, and the huge growth is forcing me to relocate. All our farmer's markets sell produce from plant city where originally comes from the port of Tampa. All imported from central America. Nobody knows where to buy farm grown here so most just buy at grocery stores. Yes it's hot more to the south and gators are everywhere from Florida to the Carolinas. I'm sure there is food markets there which is most important. If people want to buy upscale clothes and go to night clubs, they wouldn't be looking at less populated places like Gainesville. My friends bought 50 acres and want me to come and see the wonderful life they gave now, so I'll be heading up that way soon!

[@community1949]

I think many younger people now think the only way to get around is hop up on the interstate. But I can tell you that there are many surface roads a person can take to avoid getting into a traffic jam or stopping completely up on the highways. I rarely take interstates because they are really dangerous and there is nothing to see up there - it's boring. But I love to cut through little towns and look at farm fields.

[@onedirection3510]

Wow this sure is discouraging. I appreciate the candid review.

[@ReenaBINA]

😂😂😂

[@onedirection3510]

@@ReenaBINA Haha what’s funny 😄? Please share?

[@GodbreadGilfredBiago]

It's discouraging because Gainesville is fucking terrible.

[@rolandthethompsongunner64]

20 year Gainesville resident with perspective with no college education. Jobs, low wages, traffic, ridiculous for a town this size. Taxes, highest in the state for a town of this size. Crime, moderate, mostly contained to the east side. If you’re not educated I wouldn’t suggest moving here rent is also ridiculous. Things to do? If you like to bicycle great place only because of the Hawthorne trail which is one of the best bicycle trails in the state. Other than that bar hopping is the major attraction but expect a DUI if you’re dumb enough to drive impaired. The police here are great though I give them high marks. The surrounding towns are poor as are the people living in them. It is a picturesque town though. But Gainesville shopping sprawl is disgusting and has led to even worse traffic problems. It seems Gainesville has become so tax hungry they’ve just let it go off the chain. Fewer green spaces and more urban sprawl. What was once a quaint affordable college town has now become a gentrification zone. Oh and again high property taxes and utilities.

[@kathrynKP]

Thanks for the videos! Researching Gainsville as an option for our move when my husband gets out of the military. We'd be coming from Virginia Beach.

[@LivinginGainesvilleFlorida]

Thanks for watching! Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.

[@RoseQuartz728]

You forgot to mention that it’s very dangerous to walk or bike. Many accidents, many hit and runs. Stick to the trails.

[@billybob-ro6qf]

I had to bike going to class several times & was always worried about a car pulling out in front of me on the side walk. No way I could have stopped in time especially when I was going down hill. So glad & blessed that never happened. The 2nd year I was just sick of my bike so I walked everywhere.

[@beback_]

They're working on providing protected bike lanes.

[@panamera53]

I'd like for you to make a video about the apartments in Gainesville please

[@Nahriart]

I’m waiting for this

[@tahj677]

Gainesville feels like a ghost town when the college students are on break. I used to hate when fall semester came around bc by then you’ve gotten used to the lighter traffic over the summer. 🤣🤣🤣

[@chezshirecat1872]

I grew up in Pinellas County and for the most part isn't as hot as Gainesville, being further inland makes it hotter. Traffic can be bad at times, it seems like people don't enjoy going to their destination (you can sit at light multiple times because no one moves when the light is green).

[@johnwonderland-hw9lo]

It's funny that all sites I visited talk so positive about Gainesville being one of the best affordable places in Florida. It's not as hot there as being more south and many more fresh produce than in other areas. Your video is more geared towards living in Florida generaly. Gators are all over Florida too!

[@tenchi586]

1:55 you mention that we won't compare to a place like Miami and South Florida. But why would we want to? As for the lack of things to do the lack of shopping, so what? I moved here because I love the nature. Most of Florida is becoming one big concrete jungle, especially South Florida, because people always complain that there isn't much to do. I love how Gainesville has three free nature parks near my home that I can walk. I am glad we have nature parks all around the city. I love Devil's Millhoppers, Paynes Prairie, Bivens Arm, and Sweetwater Preserve. I love seeing the bats at Lake Alice. We have two wonderful museums, a natural history and an art museum and they are both free. We've got a great theater scene and a great restaurant scene. Let's not also forget the beautiful botanical gardens. If people complain there is a lack today, they can go to South Florida and live their superficial lifestyles with all their shopping.

[@melanierobinson4152]

Yes I love nature also

[@tenchi586]

@@melanierobinson4152 excellent to hear!

[@beback_]

You can't discuss traffic without considering alternatives to driving like transit, biking and walking. With everything taken into account, mobility in Gainesville is great for anyone willing to be minimally active.

[@maybeioverreacted2901]

I walk alot and use public transit in Lexington KY looking for a place similar with good public transit and good walk score sounds like Gainesville is where I'm headed I grew up in Hernando and want to move back to my home state

[@LiveeyePhoto]

Yea I will agree property tax is high because of UF but that’s nothing new. Out here near Janesville there are so many apartments are going up and they are all rented out so it can’t be that bad. Traffic is not that bad, in the 80’s we said the same thing over by the mall. GRU is a total ripoff. How can all these people rent these apartments rent for over $2000+? The heat does suck but the storms are awesome

[@DR-di3kt]

I hope rents keep going up in Gainesville. It’s well worth it.I would pay $3000.

[@sololad2423]

Hey! Could you do a video about condos in Gainesville? The best ones for things like safety, location, HOA, size, price, etc.

[@LivinginGainesvilleFlorida]

Thanks for the suggestion! I've been needing to do that one. Keep an eye out, hopefully it will be ready soon.

[@teachermarikitkat]

my husband and I are retires and dabble with working from home

[@haqikhalil9611]

Lived in the city for about 3 years as graduate student, back in 1972 ,yes there were crimes, hot and humid in the summer, expensive ,but liked it in that time so many stories with friends, enjoying seeming the alligators, hope the city would overcome any problem and people would live peacefully there

[@viningscircle]

Hello Donovan. I have been watching a number of your videos with interest, and enjoy them, as I am planning on leaving south Florida to be closer to family in Gainesville. I am a single, modest income person, desiring to avoid ANY association community, because of the great disenchantment and bad experiences with HOAs. My question and or request--could you (if you haven't already done so in a different video) apply the same considerations to say, the city of Alachua, with specific respect to cost of living, e.g., property taxes compared to Gainesville proper? I will likely need to go with a rural or semi-rural area, a maximum of $200K to afford. Thanks so much for any advice your could offer!

[@brandon1661]

I lived in Gainesville for 30 years moved 4 years ago there are definitely side roads you can take to avoid traffic

[@Alternate-Anthems]

Not anymore...

[@rolandthethompsongunner64]

Really? How do you avoid using 34 th street, Newberry road, or Tower road ? Sure, you could go miles out of your way. But I know every back road and side street. And in most cases you can’t avoid those major roads which at times are impassable. Not to mention buses are a problem because they stop every 500 feet.

[@brandon1661]

@@rolandthethompsongunner64 for Newberry rd get on at 8th or 55th take a right on 60th left on 13th place right on 61st left on 18th fallow it around brings you out to red lobster 34th is difficult not really a way around 13th st take 12th from Sorority row to 16th gotta be aggressive at 8th ave and getting out on 16th

[@nikolalevterov9750]

Great video! All the best!

[@LivinginGainesvilleFlorida]

Thanks! I appreciate it!

[@DogmanCastroJ]

thank you so much for this

[@boricuayehudim427]

My job with Uncle Sam brought me there to "Gator Town!" I might add, I've been around ☝🏾 There's good and bad everywhere in that state, but North Central Florida would be best for me ☝🏾I have no complaints, GDR was awesome with me as LEO and prior Military (National Guard) when managing my light bill☝🏾there's many eateries and shopping centers there ☝🏾I would never bash Gainesville, I loved it ☝🏾 I retired I'm back home in Puerto Rico ☝🏾 We have Caymans, Snakes, and bugs & crime here too 🙏🏾 Love the Gators ☝🏾 Thank's for sharing 🙏🏾

[@LivinginGainesvilleFlorida]

Glad you enjoyed your time here! Thank you for your service and thank you for sharing your perspective!

[@johnmcvey4243]

I used to attend the job corps school in Gainesville ten years ago and hardly knew about the problems.

[@fundude4566]

Don’t know if you have one but if you haven’t yet can you please do a video of the nice subdivisions in Gainesville or it’s suburbs?

[@TheHartsook69]

I've lived in Gainesville off and on for over 20 years and I like it that's why I live here I could probably live anywhere in Florida I want her even in the United States

[@BDN355]

i live in levy county all i gotta say is when im in gville is cyclists side walks exist and you still insist to ride on the road tailgaters and no one uses your turn signals

[@itzslippn5277]

Crime definitely plays a big role especially with all going on in the world right now. I'm currently trying to manage a move from the Bay Area down to Gainesville or Ocala. Since it is so costly here, appartment will be my starting point. If you have any insite to good apartments rentals, how would you rate Greenwich Green and Savannah Apartments? I'm a born Floridian based in Homestead/Florida City and I dont think crime could be much worse than that lol

[@philcarney6978]

Just discovered you a few days ago but I already love & appreciate your honesty! Too many other REAs are dishonest and thus, penny-wise, but dollar-foolish. Good that you put your money where your mouth was too by talking about crime stats while filming in what seemed to be a deserted area. I don't think you would have done that if you did not feel safe 😊👍

[@LivinginGainesvilleFlorida]

Glad you found the channel! Thanks for the support, I appreciate it! Are there any Gainesville related topics you would like to see a video on?

[@philcarney6978]

@@LivinginGainesvilleFlorida I'm sure I will definitely have topics to request soon. As a new subscriber though, I first want to watch all of your content so that I don't rudely request something you talked about a few weeks ago 😄 Thanks!

[@gwhiz3708]

Here in Gainesville you don’t have to worry about the alligators ‘cause they’ll only eat you when they’re hungry. And as far as the flying cockroaches go, they only get about 3-4 inches long and can eat through the plastic on a loaf of bread and continue eating a hole through the center of the loaf and then eat a hole through the plastic at the other end and show their selves out so they can hang out at your neighbors. Gainesville is fun 🫶🏻

[@bluesky4385]

I've had to go to Gainesville several times on business, and quite frankly, I don't understand the southeast including Gainesville. I don't understand the refusal to deal with, all the population growth in fast growing states such as Florida. I don't know if its a Southern thing or what but the lack of infrastructure, and respect for the environment is very apparent. Gainesville is far to congested with surface street traffic, that every time I went there it turned me off. Just getting off the Freeway exits on I-75 into Gainesville are constant backups, and heavy truck traffic on some exits. At least put in a crosstown expressway or something to reach one end of the city to the other. If ever I saw a state that needs to be told point blank if all these people are going to be here. They need to start learning to get out of their damn car and take a bus, or put in a damn train to go from one city to the next. Gainesville is part of the I-75 corridor and its a death trap. I'd rather drive in LA traffic than that miserable freeway in the Gainesville area and beyond into Florida. The city is ok but really it is basically a student dominated community of what 130,000 people, not much else there. Another thing it is way overpriced for what it is a small city in the midst of really nothing beyond its borders, but rural to ever growing Florida. I imagine for those that like it I'm glad they do, its not really a bad place by no means. It's just not what it should be when population growth is taking over all of Florida. I'm sorry but if population growth is part of life in a state, then proper infrastructure has to be also.

[@danandtab7463]

Lake Alice is a fun callout for alligators, because it's the only place I've been in Gainesville where alligators there didn't seem to want to go *away* from me; made me wonder if some idiot had been feeding them. Typically IF you see one, they just sit there and go "grr" or they run away. As far as the crime goes, I felt safer there than in Jacksonville, and I lived there 9 years, but granted I last lived there in 2010. It does seem that most of the crime in Gainesville is still concentrated on the east side of 441, so there's that.

[@donnysath9084]

So how long is the mosquitos season? I'm from northern WI, and I have next of kin living in Gainesville at least over 20 years. I'm thinking seriously of relocate to there and able to find work since I'm 58 years old and have no education. Are there fishing holes to catch bass or other fish in the area?

[@LivinginGainesvilleFlorida]

Here's a local guy who has a YT channel about fishing around town - kzbin.info/door/jYstnlV9JLjgwDeIca5L6A Sometimes it feels like the mosquitos are here year around. Usually I don't notice them during our cooler months, Nov - Feb.

[@franciscojosecallejasjr6234]

One thing he did not mention about Gainesville is the low pay. You have to be a nurse or a doctor to be able to make a living in Gainesville. Any clerical or administrative jobs will pay about $10 an hour. That is not enough to make a decent living.

[@itzslippn5277]

Dude, I disagree there. I live in Homeatead where housing cost was in the thousands and minimum wage was 8.50 cents. 10 dollars on a 40+ occasional overtime should be enough. But if you just trying to work a part time job and afford a decent place, best of luck. Come live in San Francisco if you think Gainesville cost is bad. 2200+ monthly rent everywhere. With a payinv minimum wage of 15-17 a hour. You will be like me rushing to get back into gainesville or somewhere in gainesville. Just saying.

[@Nahriart]

I wonder why the crime rates are so high in gainsville but everyone that lives there’s days it’s safe? Something doesn’t add up

[@NathanBrantley]

Well, it's safe in that no one going to Publix, Walmart, the pet store, bank and back to house feel like violent crime is a concern. If someone asked if I feel "safe" in the places with my young daughter, than yes. But that's because nothing is ever in the news and I've never witnessed an issue. The one time I didn't feel safe was at the UF Homecoming parade where two women got into violent fist fight and almost knocked into our stroller.

[@luhrell034]

Most of our crimes are burglary, muggings by the homeless....it was a few rapists on the loose and small gang shootings but our city is far from bad

[@joes0406]

That's why I stay away from cities.

[@rolandthethompsongunner64]

As far as alligators and snakes they’re not any worse here than anywhere else in Florida . Unless garter and black racers terrify you. If you frequently use the Hawthorne trail yes large rattlers are an issue especially during certain times of the year. I’ve stopped my bicycle for large rattlers and water moccasins crossing the trail and tried to warn other cyclists some would just ignore me.

[@RicondaRacing]

I've lived in the Stuart for 8 years. When I visited Gainesville the traffic was less, the meth heads begging for money were much less, and there was plenty more to do then where I live.

[@bossami82]

Very well done, GRU-Gainesville Regional Utilities are crooks though.

[@jowannamiller2428]

Question: What part of Gainesville is a no go for someone who is quiet and in college/ raising a family?

[@larrym.johnson9219]

No where, have lived in Gainesville for 40 years there is a lot of crime and drugs, Ask friends for help who live here.

[@lufacarbon1260]

Mosquitoes are the worse.

[@jamesmurphy9105]

Shopping right Hot weather it's Florida

[@majesticglo6479]

Hi! Suggestions for seeking affordable places to stay if I plan on moving to Gainesville in December or January?

[@LivinginGainesvilleFlorida]

Are you looking to rent or buy? It depends on the location but there are different options. Do you need to be close to campus, the hospital or anything specific?

[@majesticglo6479]

@@LivinginGainesvilleFlorida not anything specific, I’d be entering the HR field. Just was interested in nice affordable locations.

[@DR-di3kt]

Gainesville and Alachua county suck. Full of liberal idiots that are destroying the city. Businesses are closing with no help from the commissioners. Make sure you wear your masks.

[@BigEn0]

I grew up in Trenton, Gilchrist County, FL late 60s and early 70s. Gainesville was our shopping point. I wanted so much to retire in Gainesville. next year But the lowest price for renting a 3 bedroom house being $1,300 and so many bullets flying caused me to quickly cross it off. Instead we chose Huntsville, AL where taxes are the lowest and jobs are the best. What a shame that Florida is just a money hungry place with no jobs and entertainment. Cheers. It is what it is.

[@ATdaBomb]

This comment is certainly hyperbolic. Less crime and traffic than other cities in Florida (most crime is near downtown Gainesville, can easily live outside the downtown area), but I haven't been to Huntsville so maybe it's nicer. But plenty of jobs and entertainment in Gainesville for what you'd expect from a medium-sized city. If I want to attend a bigger venue, I make a ~2 hr drive to either Jax, Tampa, Orlando, or Tallahassee. I'm sure the same applies for Huntsville being ~2 hr from Nashville.

[@lufacarbon1260]

Huntsville is so beautiful. Enjoy!

[@Diffy1991]

Mucho gracis

[@billybob-ro6qf]

I lived in Gainesville 2 years when I was attending college & HATED IT! Very few parking places. I bought a parking decal to be able to park & then they changed many of the parking areas I could park at into a different color so I could no longer park there. A few times I did park there anyways & ended up getting parking tickets! Also when I'd try to park at a nearby restaurant or store & walk down the road a bit I would get threatened that if I did that again I would get a ticket or be towed. I even did get towed at my own apartment because I didn't have a new sticker at the start of the 2nd year. I was so glad to be out of there!!! Next Thurs. I have to go back to get a computer card for my USDA job, something I'm not really looking forward to. The food isn't all bad. When I was there I got to eat at a buffet called Quincy's for around $2 a day then they slowly raised the price & when they raised it to full price I walked out the door LOL. Also when I was there the theater at the mall was only around $3 so that wasn't bad. But it's most likely out of business now, or it is still there I'm sure its much higher priced. A few good memories, but a lot of bad ones too.

[@beboboymann3823]

Well the county and the city are democrat……..so there’s that.

[@zaidmujahid2020]

hey how're you? well i'm a student and i want to live in jacksonville so please tell me is it have a colloges and schools and have a part time opportunity??

[@LivinginGainesvilleFlorida]

Next check out the reasons why you SHOULD move to Gainesville - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZbQgKeBfJKapas

[@rolandthethompsongunner64]

Like you enjoy urban sprawl, gridlock, and stupid drivers ? Sure by all means move here. When it takes you 15 minutes to go 2 miles because you sit at traffic lights and buses. Not to mention our roads are becoming third world. You’re probably a realtor or developer right ?

[@NATANAWIZA]

*I had every intention of investing in this city.* Because I really like how Florida is one of the only three or four fast-progressing states in the US, but real estate is very expensive in the big cities. However, some warn me that insecurity and crime are at unbearable levels due to the underfunding of the police. And that to that is added the cost of services, and the absolute corruption of those who govern it, especially the mayoress. Could someone please guide me in this regard: Is it worth investing my life savings in a business in that city? I'm not to old, but... was a lot of work.

[@NATANAWIZA]

*I had every intention of investing in this city.* Because I really like how Florida is one of the only three or four fast-progressing states in the US, but real estate is very expensive in the big cities. However, some warn me that insecurity and crime are at unbearable levels due to the underfunding of the police. And that to that is added the cost of services, and the absolute corruption of those who govern it, especially the mayoress. Could someone please guide me in this regard: Is it worth investing my life savings in a business in that city? I'm not to old, but... was a lot of work.

[@Jajs9]

Now I am moving

[@flo4nicebebob129]

I love g ville I jest left like 2years ago

[@deanstein3093]

The best thing I did was leave this city its nothing to do boring, I live in Hallandale Beach which is next Miami and Hollywood Beach the night life is amazing and its always some were to go and enjoy yourself.

[@fredfischer4418]

He is trying to sell house. Don’t do it. I lived their 10 years worst years of my life. Bum infested. No opportunity.

[@nicksavage4763]

TOO MUCH TALKING WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING. “JUST THE FACTS MAM”

[@joehalliday4989]

Let's just keep in mind these are his personal opinions I lived here for sixty years raised in the duck pond area this town back in the day was nice now the problem is the Democrats run it and they don't improve it anywhere no roadwork no Street work no lights are city is pissed poorly-lit makes it dangerous as far as bugs got those everywhere you go Gru is the worst utility company we have in the state but they're back by Gainesville City commissioners love them not a bad place to live just two cities run wrong

[@squarecracker]

So funny to me going from alachua to gilchrist county, you go from the highest taxes in the state with crap roads to the lowest taxes in the state with great roads. Liberal leadership loves burning money with 0 results.