Tell me about Gainesville.

<p>So I have a stronger connection to Gainesville than probably most all of you (I was born in Shands) but I really know nothing about it, haha. I know both times when I've gone up there I hate the surrounding area. 441 is a dismal road. The towns on it are horrible. No offense if you live there, but I'm just used to more... stuff. I haven't seen much of gainesville. Is there more than what I've seen on University Avenue? I just saw a few horrible bars and some good burrito places.</p>

<p>What all is there to do there? I know some great music came out of Gainesville (I love Less than Jake)... but where do they play? </p>

<p>I'm pretty excited about UF, just not about living there.</p>

<p>Help me out :P.</p>

<p>I haven't really seen Gainseville closely, but Im just in love with the campus. I think its great that the campus is self sufficient LoL. Even if the town is bad, Id still go to school just because of the great people who attend UF. But from what I hear, UF is not good for nightlife LoL.</p>

<p>there are a lot of bars and clubs, there are tons of local bands, you just have to know where to go. there's definitely more than University Ave (although I wouldn't call the bars there horrible - don't knock Salty Dog or the Sloppy Gator - if that's what they're calling it now - until you've tried them.)</p>

<p>I don't know who told you that UF is not good for nightlife Lansing - it's not NYC, but it's decent for a college town.</p>

<p>p.s. it's hard to tell you about Gainesville unless you say what you're interested in...all I know is that you like Less Than Jake, and that's not exactly much...</p>

<p>Yeah I guess I should tell you more. I love most all live music... as long as it's a little more exciting than folk. So the music scene is thriving?</p>

<p>The bars on university that I saw just looked really dirty. I didn't see many...</p>

<p>I'm sure I can find enough parties/adult beverages on campus....</p>

<p>And I guess if things ever get super slow, Orlando is just a two hour drive away.</p>

<p>how is Ocala? I know its less than 40 miles from UF, and I know that county is more populous than the one g-ville is in.</p>

<p>oh man
Ocala is a P.O.S.
dont consider going there</p>

<p>Although UF is located in Gainesville, it really has it's own portion of the town (this is the Newberry Section). Also keep in mind that the students don't really interact with the locals if they don't want to. </p>

<p>As far as socializing their is the Greek Scene (frat & sorority parties), the Down Town Bar Area (Market Street Pub, Waterbar, 08 Seconds, Froggies), and the Main Strip (The Swamp restaurant, Grog House, Gator City).</p>

<p>ocala a.k.a Horse County aka boringgg
trust me there is NOTHING TO DO THERE
Ive been there twice on school competitions for 4 days each
and its basically a bore. People who live ther say the same thing. Im pretty sure u can get some good horseback riding lesssons there :)</p>

<p>Visirale, my s is a sophomore at UF and he is also really into listening to live music. There are a number of venues in Gainesville, some really small and intimate and some larger where bigger acts perform, for instance- there is a place called "Common Grounds" where some largish indie bands go. When I went to visit, he took me to a small club downtown where a local band was playing - Velveteen Pink - they were great. There are a bunch of local bands that play every weekend, but for some big national acts, he will drive with friends to Orlando or Jacksonville. </p>

<p>Anyway, he is from Houston (an enormous city) and he has found enough going on to love it! He calls Gainesville "the bubble" meaning that it is so protected and everybody is either a student or somehow related to the college.</p>

<p>Gainesville is a strange city, lived there for three years. The college is nice, and its own little section of town. Lots of people visit g'ville and say that its boring with nothing to do... but i mean what do you expect? do you want to live in orlando for example? i mean, yay disney... do you go every weekend? In gainesville, you make your own fun. Local hangouts like the reitz union, gamers asylum, various clubs, restaraunts on archer road/newberry road. hang out at your rich friends house in haile plantation (always a good thing).</p>

<p>gainesville is a nice, hometown feeling city. I think many people interested in living tehre will grow to like it. although tis a bit on the liberal side.</p>

<p>we were there last summer looking at the school for my son. That time of year is typically very slow in town. we are from new york(i was born and raised in manhattan) and found that gainesville was really nice. it really depends on what you are looking for. it certainly is not an urban campus like NYU or george washington, however it has a really nice feel to it. </p>

<p>there is the area right near the college (we went to a bar called the swamp and had wings etc), which seems fine. I mean you are in college and these bars are "college" bars, but they are fun i am sure. While we didn't see any live music, I am sure there are local bands that play at these bars/clubs.</p>

<p>then there is the other part of gainesville (i will call it old gainesville because i don't know what its called... maybe downtown gainesville). We loved this area. its about 3/4 to 1 mile from the campus and seemed to have a very nice mix of upscale restaurants and nice bars. we ate at the japanese sushi place which was great.</p>

<p>i think its a great college town and i hope my son can get in.</p>