Students at the University of Florida who are looking for an off-campus apartment that keeps them close to campus activities should check out Gazebo Gardens. This small apartment complex is located just north of University Avenue on a quiet side street between NW 9th Street and NW 10th Street. Within walking or biking distance to campus, restaurants, and great hang-out spots, Gazebo Gardens still offers a quiet, pleasant place to come home to.
For students with classes in the northeast section of campus, near Tigert Hall, Library West, or the Reitz Student Union, walking or riding a bicycle is the easiest way to reach your destination. Simply walk or bike west along University Avenue, then cross at either 13th Street, Newell Drive, or Buckman Drive to go through campus. Even by foot, most classes in this part of campus are less than 20 minutes, while riding a bicycle is even quicker. This saves you the hassle of finding a parking spot or worrying about gas.
The south side of campus is where students will find the College of Medicine, College of Nursing, and College of Pharmacy. Walking and riding a bike are still popular options from Gazebo Gardens, and walking or riding south on Newell Drive is a popular route. Students can also access this area by going south on SW 10th Street and turning right to go east on SW 8th Avenue. Cross onto Museum Drive at SW 13th Street, and then go south on Center Drive. Walking to this area takes about 40 minutes, but riding a bike or driving is much less.
When students aren’t in class, there are plenty of great hang-out spots near Gazebo Gardens, including popular restaurants like Leonardo’s By the Slice, pubs and bars along University Avenue, and cafes, including Pascal’s Coffeehouse. They are all within easy walking distance. There’s a Publix Grocery on the corner of University Avenue and NW 13th Street, and a CVS Pharmacy on SW 3rd Avenue and SW 13th Street making it easy to get necessities.
The Oaks Mall is a popular shopping destination, with several popular stores and restaurants both inside and around the mall. It’s located on Newberry Road near I-75, and, while walking or riding a bike may not work, it’s only a 15-minute drive along University Avenue, which curves into Newberry. Butler Plaza is another popular shopping and dining spot with a Target, Best Buy, and movie theater, in addition to several other great spots and is located on SW Archer Road and SW 34th Street, making it easy to get to by bike or car.
For students who don’t have a car, the Gainesville bus system is convenient and inexpensive. Gazebo Gardens is just steps from a bus stop on the #5 route which goes from the Downtown Transfer Station to the Oaks Mall. At the Downtown Transfer Station, students can connect to nearly any route, with the #1 going through campus to Butler Plaza and the #6 going to the North Wal-Mart SuperCenter.