The Florida lifestyle
Gainesville is located in Alachua County, Florida, is the county seat and the largest city in Alachua County. Gainesville is also home to the University of Florida, which is the largest university in the State University System of Florida and the third-largest university in the United States. It is one of the state's centers of education, medicine, cultural events and athletics. The University of Florida and Shands Hospital at UF are the leading employers in Gainesville and provide jobs for many residents of surrounding counties. Santa Fe College is also located in Gainesville.
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated a 2007 population of 114,375. The Gainesville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which includes Alachua and Gilchrist counties, has a population of 257,099, according to 2007 Census Bureau estimates. The Gainesville MSA was ranked as the #1 place to live in the 2007 edition of Cities Ranked and Rated.
Gainesville is centrally located in the state and is at roughly the same latitude as Houston, Texas. It enjoys a dense tree canopy that has been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation and has been designated a "Tree City" every year since 1982. It also features many Victorian and Queen Anne style residences and buildings that are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Gainesville is also known as a supporter of the arts. Each year, two large festivals attract artists and visitors from all over the Southeastern United States. Cultural facilities include the Florida Museum of Natural History, Harn Museum of Art, the Hippodrome State Theatre, Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, and The Civic Media Center. Smaller theaters include the Acrosstown Repertory Theatre (ART) and the Gainesville Community Playhouse (GCP). GCP is the oldest community theater group in Florida; in 2006, it christened a new theater building.
The presence of a major university enhances the city's opportunities for cultural lifestyles. The University of Florida College of Fine Arts is the umbrella college for the School of Music, School of Theatre and Dance, School of Art and Art History, and a number of other programs and centers including The University Galleries, the Center for World Art, and Digital Worlds. Collectively, the College offers many performance events and artist/lecture opportunities for students and the greater Gainesville community, the majority of which are offered at little or no cost, making Gainesville a very attractive place to live.
For more information, contact the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce.
St. Augustine
St. Augustine is located in the heart of St. Johns County. With over 600 square miles, 42 miles of beautiful beaches, and nearly 500 years of history, there is something for everyone.
St. Augustine offers a wonderful quality of life and a pleasant respite from some of Florida's large cities. Abundant sunshine, coastal breezes and a moderate temperature are but some of the draws to life here. Expansive parks and outdoor activities including fishing, boating, surfing, kayaking, golfing, and bird watching can keep you active. Shopping and dining choices are abundant. History, art and cultural events fill the calendar and St. Augustine receives more than six million visitors annually. The only thing lacking is enough time to enjoy it all!
The area is convenient to I-95 and I-10 and we are just a short ride from Jacksonville. We have a low crime rate, an excellent school system and a 65% homeowner rate. It's no wonder that St. Augustine is a great place to live and work, and Davis, Monk & Company is proud to be a part of the community!
For further information visit the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce website at:
http://www.stjohnscountychamber.com/
Palatka
Palatka is the heart of Putnam County, which was established in 1849. Centrally located and easily accessable to most northern Florida cities, It's beautiful St. Johns and Ocklawaha Rivers, fresh water lakes like Crescent, Rodman and Lake George are known for their prized largemouth black bass and native wildlife habitat viewing.
First inhabited by the Timicuans, there are many preserved Native American archeological sites. Putnam County was named in honor of Benjamin Alexander Putnam, the first president of the Florida Historic Society. Palatka has several beautifully restored examples of architecture of earlier times, and tours of historic homes and a antebellum plantation home are available. Ravine Gardens State Park attracts many visitors in the late winter and early spring to see the thousands of azaleas in bloom in the 182 acre park.
If you are looking for old Florida style charm and history, visit Palatka and it's surrounding areas of Crescent City, Welaka, Interlachen and Melrose.
For further information visit: http://www.putnamcountychamber.org/