Jerry ODonovan Watson Realty Corp.

Nestled in the heart of beautiful North Central Florida, Gainesville has the best of everything the Sunshine State has to offer. A mild climate, an active cultural community, a healthy economy and an abundance of natural beauty are just a few of the reasons Gainesville has been consistently recognized as one of Florida's most livable cities.

A wide variety of home types and styles in Gainesville and Alachua County offer something for everyone. Single family homes for professionals and families, apartments, and condominiums with generous amenities are just a few of the housing choices available. Several retirement communities are in the county, which has often been ranked as one of the leading retirement areas in the nation

Gainesville’s latest honor is to have been named 47 ^thin CNNmoney.com’s “Top 100 Places to Live and Launch” for 2008. Gainesville was also voted best place to live in America in the “2007 Cities Ranked and Rated” .

LIFESTYLE

Wildlife areas in and around Alachua County are plentiful as are lakes, rivers and springs. In addition to fishing, hiking and biking, the favorable weather makes golf, tennis, running and other outdoor pursuits popular with residents as well. Areas of interest are Bivens Arm Nature Park, Devil’s Millhopper, Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, Paynes Prairie State Preserve, and Santa Fe Community College Teaching Zoo, to name just a few. Patrons of the arts and culture will find no shortage of things to do and see in the area. Dance, music, theater, visual arts, and folklore are an integral part of the community. The presence of a diverse student body and faculty at the University of Florida contributes to the social and cultural life of Gainesville.

Several small nearby communities, such as High Springs, Alachua, Micanopy, Archer, Hawthorne, Keystone Heights, Newberry and McIntosh are unusually rich in historical sites and structures. Like any college town, the nightlife scene is always buzzing with dance clubs, jazz clubs, and theatrical productions. Major collegiate spectator sports are another recreational option, especially when any sports team for the University of Florida Gators has a home game.

Economy and Employment:

The Gainesville/Alachua County area is North Central Florida’s employment hub. Its diversified labor force of more than 100,000 employees has overall education levels significantly higher than the state averages. U.F., along with government agencies, is the largest employer in the county. Healthcare is second, with world renowned facilities at Shands and the V.A. Hospitals, followed by retail and service jobs, plus a growing number of high-tech, research, environmental, engineering and agricultural interests.

Local real estate has remained steady.

Despite a downturn in the housing market in other areas nationwide, buyers still get plenty for their money in Gainesville/Alachua County. In February of 2012, there were 130 residential homes sold at an average price of $129,835. The highest priced home selling for $950,000 and the lowest priced selling for $17,500. There are great buys in the area, but you need a local market expert to help you. Watson Realty Corp. is the largest independently owned real estate brokerage firm in North Florida and has been in business since 1964. Our staff of dedicated real estate professionals is committed to making your move as simple and painless as possible. Call directly at 1-800-226-0440 or 352-377-8899 for Gainesville Florida real estate.