What To Know Before Renting In Gainesville

So you plan on renting a place in Gainesville, FL? Whether you’re moving to study at the University of Florida or Santa Fe College or to raise a family, there is a lot to know about the city. Holding titles like the birthplace of Gatorade and hometown to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Gainesville is a vibrant community with much to do and even more to see. But before you decide where to rent, CMC Apartments gives you a look into the city so you know what to expect and how to make the best of your time here.

Student Guide to Gainesville, FL

Transportation Options

Depending on where you choose to live, your options for transportation will differ. For student housing Gainesville residents will find many options in places like Midtown Gainesville, Sorority Row and some parts of West Gainesville, where biking and even walking can be ideal. Campus is just a couple of minutes away, and you won’t have to worry about finding car parking (which is often an issue on campus). If your apartment complex in these areas is a little farther than most and walking is an issue, there are multiple bus lines making rounds all day for you to catch and reach your destination. Buses have constant stops in areas like Archer Road, Midtown, Downtown, Sorority Row and West Gainesville. Even if you have personal transportation available, odds are you will find yourself taking buses and walking on campus after you park your car.

Another very popular transportation choice for people looking into Gainesville apartments for rent with close to medium proximity to campus, are motorized scooters. Scooters have become very popular for their accessibility and more availability for parking than cars. The downside to them though, is their limited space for grocery shopping and that they offer no protection during the almost daily afternoon downpours that occur during the summer months.

If you’re looking into townhomes for rent in Gainesville, FL, or apartments far from the UF campus, such as Tioga, Haile or Northwest Gainesville, a car or other motorized vehicle will practically be a necessity. While there is still public transportation, it is more limited to areas closer to UF. In the end, cars are still the most common method of transportation in Gainesville whether you live close or far from campus.

Choosing a Neighborhood

When deciding on the best neighborhood for your needs, it is important to take into consideration your budget, available transportation and necessary services. Areas like Archer Road and Midtown are full of restaurants and stores; however, prices can sometimes be steeper than more secluded areas like South and Northwest Gainesville, where things are more spread apart. It also depends on whether you're coming in as a student or not, since if you are a student, being closer to campus will likely be a very important factor.

The attractions surrounding you will also depend on your choice of residence. If you’re attracted to nightlife, Midtown and Downtown are perfect for their numerous bars and nightclubs. For nature trails, parks and reserves, more secluded areas like South Gainesville might be more appealing. Archer Road and West Gainesville are ideal for close proximity to restaurants and shopping centers. In the end, before deciding where you want to rent an apartment or house, it's important to get to know the neighborhood for its location, traffic, available transportation, comfort and safety, so you can be sure that it will best suit your needs.

In Need of an Apartment in Gainesville, FL?

The City of Gainesville has a lot to offer its residents, but it's vital that you know what you want from a neighborhood to ensure that you get the most out of it. CMC Apartments wants to help you understand Gainesville’s different areas and what they offer before your move so you will ultimately be satisfied with your choice. Our job is to provide apartments for rent Gainesville, FL residents will be proud to call home. Contact us today to schedule a tour of our properties.

CALL US TEXT US