Whether you recently moved to Gainesville or if you have lived here a few years we are sure you have noticed the amount of growth around town from new Gainesville apartments to shopping destinations and plazas. It used to be where one might have to travel to a larger city like Orlando, Jacksonville, or Tampa for a favorite store, but new development has brought plenty of popular shopping options to town. So, you may be wondering - what shopping plaza is the best around your apartment in Gainesville?
Butler Plaza is located along Archer Road east of I-75. It has expanded over the years and now includes three different areas: the original Butler Plaza, Butler North, and the Butler Town Center. Chances are whatever you are looking for you will find it in this area from local to chain restaurants like 4 Rivers Smokehouse or The Cheesecake Factory, grocery stores from Publix to Aldi, Trader Joe's and Whole Foods Market, art & crafts stores like Joann Fabrics and Crafts to Michael's, sporting goods like Dick's Sporting Goods or Hibbett Sports and the most recent opening, the anticipated Anthropologie. There are a lot of apartments near Butler Plaza that are within walking distance to these shops, but you'll probably want to bring your car so you have a way to get all of your shopping bags home!
West of Interstate 75 north of Archer Road, you will find Gainesville's newest addition of Celebration Pointe which includes Bass Pro Shops, Nike Factory Store, Palmetto Moon, Tommy Hilfiger, Skechers, International Diamond Center along with many local and chain restaurants including soon to open Dave & Busters and Spurrier's Gridiron Grille…yep, legendary head football coach and player Steve Spurrier is opening his own restaurant which is sure to be a favorite spot for all of Gainesville. If you want to live close to the action, with easy access to I-75, check out this list of apartments near Celebration Pointe.
The Oaks Mall located in west Gainesville off of Newberry Road alongside I-75 features many of the classic department stores like Belk, Dillard's and JCPenney and some other favorites like Aéropostale, Altar'd State, American Eagle, Vans, Buckle, Banana Republic, and H&M. Restaurant offerings include Buffalo Wild Wings, BJ's Restaurant & Brewery and Chick-fil-A. There are plenty of options along SW 62nd Blvd. that make are awesome choices if you're looking for apartments near The Oaks Mall.
Gainesville is known and widely loved for the local restaurants and stores with local flair. The next two plazas offer just that. Tioga Town Center is located in the master-planned community Town of Tioga that is west of Gainesville and includes many living options with walkability to many restaurants and shops like Down to Earth and Lang Jewelers. Thornebrook Village is located off of NW 43rd Street in northwest Gainesville and offers many options for everyone including The Floor Store, Gainesville Lighting, Gainesville Kitchen & Bath, and Life Unplastic.
Whatever you are looking for as in goods and services or restaurants to try we are certain you will find it in the many shopping plazas around your apartment in Gainesville. Each area has a different vibe and different offerings so check them all out. Gainesville offers a small-town feel with big-city options and that is no different with shopping. It seems new shopping options are popping up daily and it is hard to keep up with all the latest stores but it sure is fun to try.