The largest city in and county seat of Alachua County, Florida, United States, Gainesville is also the home to the University of Florida. It is the largest university in the State University System of Florida and the second-largest university on the United States. One of the nation’s largest community colleges, Santa Fe College is also located in Gainesville. Alachua and Gilchrist counties are included in the Gainesville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). In the 2007 edition of Cities Ranked and Rated, the Gainesville MSA was ranked as the #1 place to live. In 2007 Gainesville was also ranked as one of the “best places to live and play” by National Geographic Adventure.
The Gainesville which is located in North Florida is also known as the “end of the South” to the natives. Visitors to Gainesville are attracted by its music scene which is varied having all genres from the latin, afrobeat sounds of Umoja Orchestra, the hardcore sound of Cutman, the indie rock Beat Buttons, the psychedelic rock of Morningbell, the epic rock of Liquid Limbs, the electronica, industrial collective Electronic SubSouth, the North Central Florida Blues Society, the alt country Swayze, the reggae sounds of The Duppies, ska staples The Know How, and countless others.
There are several points of interest that are worth visiting such as the performing arts center, the natural history museum, and the brand new huge butterfly exhibit, just to name a few. Visitors can enjoy a wonderful time as one can go for day-trips to Alachua/High Springs, Cedar Key, Manatee Springs, Paynes Prairie, Cross Creek, Haile Plantation, the Ocala and Osceola National Forests, or even St. Augustine. Especially in summer, Gainesville offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, at the many nearby cool springs or on the Santa Fe or Suwannee Rivers. If you happen to be here during winter, hiking at San Felasco Hammock, on the Florida Trail, or the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail will make your day. If you have two-wheeler bring it to Alachua County which is known for its bike friendly scenic roads.
