It’s hard to choose between being close to the action and events on campus and having a quiet, off-campus apartment to relax and study. At Gator Palms, students at the University of Florida can have both! These spacious, one-bedroom units feature high-speed internet, furnished kitchens, and washer/dryer hook-ups, and the community is only one block to the north side of campus.
The northeast side of campus is where many of the most common destinations are, including Library West, the College of Business, and the mathematics and chemistry departments. Walking or riding a bicycle to this area is the easiest method of transportation, rather than driving. Even by foot, it is only a 10-minute walk to most buildings around Library West or Tigert Hall. Simply walk out your apartment door, and walk one block south on either NW 14th Street or NW 15th Street, then cross University Avenue, and you’re on campus.
If your classes are in the southern part of campus, near the biology department or the College of Pharmacy, walking is still easy, but riding a bicycle may be easier. Cross University Avenue at Newell Drive, and continue going south to easily reach most buildings in about 10 minutes by bike or 20 minutes by foot. Driving is possible using this route, too, with several parking areas in the vicinity.
When you’re not in class, there’s plenty to do within walking or biking distance of Gator Palms. There are plenty of popular, local restaurants like The Swamp, The Coop, and Leonardo’s By the Slice within a five to ten-minute walk along University Avenue along with several bars and pubs for getting a drink with friends. A Publix Grocery is on the corner of NW 13th Street and University Avenue just five minutes away, making trips for necessities easy and quick. Butler Plaza is a popular shopping and dining destination with a Target, Old Navy, Best Buy, and a movie theater. While it’s far to walk, riding a bicycle or driving from 13th Street to SW Archer Road and SW 34th Street, where it’s located, only takes around 10 minutes by car.
To get to class and other places in and around Gainesville, the Gainesville bus system is inexpensive and convenient. Gator Palms is only a block away from three different bus stops that are on busy, popular routes. The #8 route goes from the Downtown Transfer Station all the way north to Wal-Mart SuperCenter, while the #5 route goes from the Downtown Transfer Station to the Oaks Mall. Campus routes also stop at the University Avenue bus stops, making it easy to get anywhere on campus if you don’t feel like walking or biking.