Apartments in Downtown Gainesville, FL

The hub of business life in downtown Gainesville is centered around the intersection of University Avenue and Main Street. This is where you'll find the Downtown Barbershop, Bo Diddley Plaza and a variety of popular restaurants like Steamers, Paramount Grill, Relish Downtown, Boca Fiesta and Amelia's Restaurant. All of these businesses are within a block or two of this busy intersection.

The downtown area is also the center of nightlife in Gainesville. Loosey's Downtown Gainesville is one of the most popular after-hours establishments, but you may also want to try a drink or two at Tall Paul's Brew House or enjoy a burger with your beer at The Top. Many downtown bars and pubs are within walking distance of restaurants and hotels, all located off University Avenue within a few blocks of the Main Street intersection.

Living in the Center of the Gainesville Action

While there are some quiet residential areas in this city, many people searching for downtown Gainesville apartments want to feel the heartbeat of the city around them. They want to walk down the street to enjoy coffee at their favorite restaurant before heading down the road to the university. Perhaps they want to take a bike ride after dark and see other people out having fun at the restaurants and bars.

From seafood and sushi to authentic Italian feasts and handmade pasta, you'll find a variety of dining options in this area of town. Boca Fiesta is known for their margaritas and vegetarian menu items, and Flaco's Cuban Bakery will serve up a warm rice bowl or pastries late into the night.

You may even dance through the evening to live music presented at Bo Diddley Plaza or take a stroll through Sweetwater Park on a Saturday morning. The Hippodrome State Theatre, the Haisley Lynch Dog Park, Depot Park, the Artisans Guild Gallery and the Thomas Center Gardens are other attractions that may make great neighbors in the downtown area.

Finding Apartments in Downtown Gainesville

There aren't many apartments located right in the center of all those downtown businesses, but there are a few options located within a mile of the busy University/Main intersection. The Arlington Square Apartments have the most central location. You'll find this complex on SE 2 Place near the Artisans Guild Gallery and within a five-minute walk of the dog park.

If you're searching for a location centered between the university campus and downtown attractions, you might consider the Savion Park Apartments or Royal Village. These cheap apartments are located more in the innovation district, just a bit south of the downtown action. If you have a bicycle or personal vehicle, you can live in these communities while remaining a short ride to all university facilities and downtown attractions.

For more apartment options, look at the cheap apartments located near UF. Many of these rentals near UF cater to the student population, so they usually offer roommate-matching services and individual leasing options. Many students find this location ideal because it's minutes from many downtown attractions but also gives them easy access to recreational facilities and open green spaces located on campus.

There are also some apartments located north of the downtown area near Northeast Park, the Northgate Shopping Center and the Sidney Lanier Center. The Granada Apartments and the Horizon House Apartments are located in this area and are good options if you want to live in a quieter community without a long drive to UF or downtown attractions. This northern region is also a good option if you have children and want to stay close to public schools. The St. Patrick Interparish School is in this area.