Gainesville, FL

Overall Score

3.8

Located in the district of Alachua, Cheyinsville is the administrative center as well as the largest settlement in its territory. The indigenous inhabitants of the area were the Timucua tribe, who were subsequently forced out by the Spanish settlers. Initially, the newcomers moved here to raise large cattle. In 1853, the former Indian lands were used as the site of Geinsville, which was designated as the new administrative center of the newly formed county. Sixteen years later, it became a city and is now known as a thriving community in northern Central Florida. Citizens high quality of life was confirmed in 2007 by the fact that the city was named the best place in North America to live comfortably.

The university is of great importance to Grevilles economy and cultural life; It has a botanical garden, a museum with unique exhibits, sports complexes, exhibition galleries, and a variety of events. In the northwest corner of the city is the Dervylle's Millhopper Park, a can-shaped cavity 35 meters deep. The entire area is covered by a forested massif.

According to archaeological research, the site was inhabited 12,000 years ago, before the Timokuya Indians, who are considered indigenous inhabitants. Geinsville, considered by todays industrial standards, continues to grow vegetables and fruits on extensive plantations. The amount of produce harvested supports not only the city but also many of the townships in the state.

The preserved old buildings, dating from the 19th and early 20th centuries, are of historic value. They include the House of Major Bailly, the Matheson House, Mary Mackenzies Chapel with its corner tower, the Tommas Hotel, and the former post office, where the Yippodrome Theater is now housed, the building that served as the seat of the Masonic Lodge, and the Seagle Hotel, which was deaccessioned in 1983.

Overall Score

3.8
  • Air quality: 41 US AQI Good. Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
  • Tap water: Yes, safe to drink
  • Religious government: Non-religious
  • Population: 130,000 people
  • GDP: $57,808 / year
  • Foreigners can own real estate: Yes
  • Power outlets: 115V60Hz
  • Internet: 45 Mbps
  • Best wireless: Verizon
  • Pay without cash: Yes, cards OK almost everywhere
  • Tipping: How much should I tip at a restaurant? A gratuity of 15 to 20 per cent on top of the bill (before sales tax) is standard, with 25 per cent given for topnotch service. Servers in America work hard for the money – they’re generally friendly, knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile for customers.
  • Apartment listings: Craigslist
  • Apartments: Airbnb
  • Hotels: Booking.com
  • More hotels: Hotels.com
  • Best taxi: Uber
  • Best coworking space: Starter Space
  • Online electronics shop: Amazon
  • Best hospital: UF Health Shands Hospital
  • Best short-haul air carrier: Jet Blue
  • Best intl air carrier: United Airlines
  • Monthly costs for expat: $1600
  • Monthly costs for family: $3800
  • Monthly costs for local: $1050
  • Meal: $8
  • Small Cola: $1.5
  • Beer 1 Pint: $4
  • Coffee: $3


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