Apartments for rent in Gainesville, FL

Everything to Know About Finding Apartments for Rent in Gainesville, FL

Conveniently located in the heart of northern Florida, Gainesville is best known as the capital of "Gator Nation" and the home of the University of Florida. With its bustling, shop-lined downtown streets and a healthy tailgating culture, Gainesville is a popular regional destination that's among the most economically vibrant towns in the state.

The Best Neighborhoods to Find Apartments for Rent in Gainesville

There are so many opportunities to find a place to live, you may have trouble deciding where to start. This list might help narrow down your options when searching for apartments for rent in Gainesville.

• Downtown: Situated next to the University of Florida, it's never dull in Downtown. Between the sunshine, nightclubs and pubs, you won't have to say no to being outside as often as you like. The neighborhood is highly walkable and bikeable with wide sidewalks and dedicated bike lanes, giving easy options to help you get around.
• Sugarhill: Close to Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Sugarhill is a compact community to check out when looking at apartments for rent in Gainesville. It's a comfortable mix of people and places that make it fit right in with the city vibe.
• East Gainesville: Not too far from Santa Fe College, East Gainesville is a perfect slice of suburbia. Close to the regional airport, Depot Park, a local marketplace and more, everything is nearby. Residents will tell you the area has a lot of beauty and character. This neighborhood was established more than 150 years ago in Gainesville.
• Duckpond: Representing a diverse, and artsy community, Duckpond is one of the nicest suburbs in Gainesville. Here you'll see historic architecture with old-Florida charm and colonial-style homes. The neighborhood's proximity to downtown and its location beside the canal make it both a beautiful and convenient place to live.
• Mill Pond: Sitting on the edge of Clear Lake Nature Park, you'll find Mill Pond between the university campus and the Oaks Mall. A quiet community, there's a variety of rental options as far as size and amenities go. A popular sport for graduate students, professionals and families, it's centrally located for both work and play.
• University Park: Calling all students! University Park is the home to the University of Florida, so expect a student-filled community with shops and restaurants geared toward this population. The area also has ample space to enjoy the outdoors.
• Fifth Avenue: Sitting to the north of University Avenue and along, you guessed it, 5th Avenue, this neighborhood is smack between downtown and the University of Florida. Taking pride in the past, you'll find some of the city's best historical buildings here. The neighborhood is also famous for its local arts and culture scene.
• Las Pampas: A smaller neighborhood, Las Pampas is a little ways away from the center of Gainesville. This is a well-maintained area with a tight-knit feel. You'll often see residents hang out together around the community pool. Public transportation makes it easy to commute to the university, and there are plenty of activities just a few miles away.
• Turkey Creek Forest: A beautiful community catering to those 55 and over, Turkey Creek Forest is the ideal place to kick back and relax. With over 80 wooded acres, the area is conveniently situated close to parks, the university and plenty of options in shopping and dining. Here you'll find excellent amenities like a pool, clubhouse, tennis courts and other recreational activities.
• Sugarfoot: A quiet and kid-friendly neighborhood, Sugarfoot is a chill place to settle down. Most residents are those that relocated from areas closer to the university, so it's a community of long-term locals. An idyllic location not far from North Florida Regional Medical Center, it's known as the safest suburb in Gainesville.

Fun Things to Do in Gainesville

Don't be fooled by Gainesville's flat, marshy environs. The area that surrounds the town is a wildlife mecca that boasts a dizzying array of endemic plant and animal species to keep people active outside. There are also plenty of attractions for residents, casual visitors and Gators fans alike. You won't feel any disappointment when looking for apartments for rent in Gainesville.

• The name may throw you, but the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is definitely one you can visit. It's also the only zoo that's located on a college campus. This small, 10-acre zoo is home to over 70 different animal species and is maintained by the students enrolled in the school's Zoo Animal Technology program.
• When you hear locals talking about "The Swamp" they're not sending you to some marshy middle of nowhere. This is the nickname for Ben Hill Griffin Stadium where the University of Florida Gators play football. Grab tickets to a game for a memorable experience.
• With 68 acres of lush, natural beauty, the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens may be calling your name. Take the opportunity to relax as you wander through the variety of themed gardens, pass a few waterfalls and make it through the labyrinth.
• A custom play area and crazy splash pad make for a winning combination at Depot Park. Adults and children alike will enjoy playing in this space as they take in the fresh air and Florida sunshine.
• With in-depth exhibits and free general admission, the Florida Museum of Natural History is a perfect place to spend the day. Learn about Northwest Florida, locally-found fossils and more. For a small charge, add the Butterfly Rainforest to your experience. This amazing exhibit includes hundreds of free-flying butterflies and birds.
• A man-made habitat, Sweetwater Wetlands Park, is a perfect place to connect with nature. Explore 125 acres of wetlands and ponds to see birds, butterflies, gators and more. You'll find gravel trails and boardwalks for accessibility and plenty of viewing platforms to catch a perfect view of nature.
• Located at the University of Florida, the Harn Museum of Art is a mix of indoor exhibitions and garden spaces. The extensive collection features African, Asian, modern and contemporary objects. If you're already on campus or interested in exploring the area, add this must-see spot to your list.
• What are your thoughts on bats? It's not your typical animal encounter, but the Lubee Bat Conservancy lets you get up close and personal to these amazing animals. Here bats and their habitats receive protection so that visitors can learn more about the animals.
• If you have a future inventor or entrepreneur in your life, make sure to take them to the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention. This place is all about creativity and one's creative potential. There are interactive learning programs and other opportunities for visitors to interact with inventions. You can even connect to local and national innovators working today.

Getaways from Gainesville

If you've got two hours to spare in travel time, you've got some pretty cool destinations for a getaway. Watch the cars fly by in Daytona Beach at the Daytona International Speedway. The city also offers up a lot of beach access. The same amount of time also gets you to Orlando, where you have your pick of fun. Will it be Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World or all three?

Find Apartments for Rent in Gainesville

Finding a new place to live can be a stressful experience. Be sure to use an apartment finder like Apartment Guide to help you locate your next rental property. Whether you're looking for a pet-friendly apartment or simply want an affordable place to live, we'll help you find apartments for rent in Gainesville that match your needs.