An Insider's Guide to Gainesville, Florida Gainesville, Florida, is a vibrant city located in the north-central part of the state. It is home to over 120,000 people and the University of Florida. The city boasts a rich cultural history and plenty of things to do and see. Here’s what you need to know about Gainesville before your next visit: History The area now known as Gainesville has been inhabited for centuries by various Native American cultures. The first Europeans arrived in 1704 when Hernando de Soto explored the region. In 1763 it became part of British East Florida under the Treaty of Paris but was later ceded to Spain during the American Revolution. After 1821 it was reincorporated into United States territory and formed Alachua County in 1824. In 1853 Gainesville was founded as an agricultural center and experienced significant economic growth throughout its early years due to the railroads that ran through town in 1854 (which connected major cities such as Atlanta, Chicago and New York). In 1905 it became home to one of the first universities in Florida – University of Florida – which today is one of nation's largest universities with over 54,000 students enrolled! Economy & Cost of Living The economy in Gainesville is largely driven by both tourism (as it’s close proximity to many beaches) and education (as 53% of population aged 25+ have earned at least a Bachelor's degree). There are also numerous job opportunities available throughout various industries – ranging from healthcare/biotech jobs at UF Health Shands Hospital, tech jobs at Mindtree Software Labs or even retail/service positions at local businesses like Sweetwater Branch Inn & Spa or Leonardo's Pizza Palace. Average rent costs tend to be on par with state average; however taxes are slightly higher compared than other cities with a top income tax rate of 6%. Demographics With regards to demographics – roughly 54% of population identify as White, 28% African American and 9% Hispanic or Latino according to 2018 Census data. The median household income for residents here is $51K annually and almost 47% of population holds bachelor’s degrees or higher (ranking 10th out 50 states for level educational attainment). Conclusion Overall, Gainesville offers much more than just another small college town—it’s an exciting place full culture and activities both natural and man-made! With its growing economy, diverse population base and incredible outdoor opportunities—Gainesville has something special waiting for everyone!