Big City Transplant?

If you are from any big city and recently moved here to Gainesville, I have one thing to say....I understand! There is a huge culture shock when you come to Gainesviile. People who don't know you, say strange things like, "hello, how are you?" Some actually wait for an answer...eerie isn't it? Nope. they are not lying in wait to take advantage of your kindness, they are just nice people. Have you been shocked at the customer service at the drive through as well? They actually start out like they do in the commercials! Welcome to _______, How may I help you? What?!?!?!?! I couldn't believe it! It was awesome, and still is awesome!

Ok, ok, I know you are saying, 'so what about the kindness, there is only one mall!' Yes, this is true, the Oaks Mall has been a Gainesville fun spot to shop, dine, and just hang out. It has improved over the years!! We have Macy's, Dillards, JCPenny, Belk(which is getting a total makeover including designers like Micheal Kors) and Sears as our anchor stores, but there are more to choose from! The Oaks Mall houses such brands as Hollister, Nine West, Sketcher, American Eagle, Lane Bryant, Victoria Secret, Guess, Forever 21, Abercrombie and Fitch, Banana Republic, Gap, Express, Express Men, Coach, and many more...

If you are not a mall person, there are several options for you as well. For those bargain shoppers, TJ Maxx, Ross, and Kohls are in town as well! As far as your all in one stores, we have 3 Wal-marts, 1 Kmart, and 1 Target. Don't think that going to Wal-mart at midnight will be any faster than at 5pm. The lines are just as long, especially the Wal-mart on Archer Road. It becomes the boredom, "ROAD TRIP!!!"  for many college students and locals alike.

Ok, for entertainment...well...let's see...If you are looking for your standard fun: We have 2.5 movie theaters, 3 bowling alleys, 2 skating rinks, 1 go kart facility, 1 batting range, 2 laser tag locations, some live concerts, and Gator Sports.  There are numerous thespians in our area as well. The Gainesville Community Playhouse, Acrosstown Repertory Theater,  Hippodrome all have some really good plays. Live music happens all over the city especially downtown Haile Plantation, and Tioga Town Center. The Center for Performing Arts also has a great lineup every year. Occasionally, we have comedians, concerts, circuses, and wrestling come through the O'Connell center.

Now if those items don't fill up your social calendar, there is more. Did you notice the excessive number of trees? Gainesville is a Tree City USA, so there are a number of scenic roads and parks for your perusal! There are lots of natural trails throughout the city as well. One of the nicer ones, in my opinion, is Westside park. You have a combination of nature and residential. If you are a avid cyclist, Boulware springs has a really nice trail.

That's should be enough to get your started...more to come!
Genile L. Morris, REALTOR®