I'm new to UF and don't have a car. What shopping options can I easily reach from my Gainesville apartment?

Photo of The Ridge at Gainesville See More From:
The Ridge
The Ridge is a short five-minute walk from the North Butler Plaza shopping center - ideal for quick shopping trips or grocery runs.

Gainesville is a surprisingly vast city, which makes off-campus apartment living seem somewhat impossible as a student without a car. Many students worry they won't be able to find a way to and from class and other essentials like the grocery store, bank, or bookstore. Thankfully, many Gainesville apartments are conveniently located within walking distance of A+ shopping centers with easy access to public transportation to get around town and the UF campus. With a wealth of Gainesville apartments to choose from, you'll find many that are close to the area's best shopping and entertainment options – making it easy for students to quickly grab groceries, run errands, meet up for a study session on campus, or catch a movie and dinner with a few friends.

Shopping Options Near Your Gainesville Apartment

If you're looking for an apartment in Gainesville that's close to both grocery shopping and other popular stores, then apartments near Butler shopping center are for you. Butler is spread out into separate plazas, all of which are in close proximity to each other but with enough distance between them to accommodate residents in multiple different neighborhoods and communities.

  • Butler Town Center - Whether you're looking to grab a bite to eat or catch up with friends over an afternoon of shopping, the Butler Town Center is sure to have what you're looking for!  Foodies can enjoy everything from burgers and tacos to cupcakes and coffee here, all before catching a movie at the Regal Cinemas.

  • Butler North - This shopping center is the newest addition to the Butler system and includes a variety of places to hang out with friends or do some quick shopping. Some of the hotspots for students on a budget include Five Below and the Dollar Tree. If you're looking to get all your shopping done in one fell swoop, head to Walmart or Sam's Club.

Entertainment Options Near Your Gainesville Apartment

As a student and Gainesville resident, it's important to balance work life with entertainment. Students looking to paint the town red should explore Gainesville's Midtown and Downtown neighborhoods for local dining, boutique shopping, a happening nightlife scene, and a wealth of artistic and cultural attractions.

  • Midtown-The Midtown area, a strip on University Avenue across from the UF campus, is home to  a wealth of local restaurants and bars. Gainesville residents who choose to live behind this area will be within walking distance of well-known stops like Swamp Restaurant and The Social at Midtown. Those looking to grab lunch with their friends will find a number of tasty spots along this stretch.

  • Downtown- Gainesville's downtown area captures all of the culture and charm of this quaint city. Unlike Midtown, this area is frequented by both students and long-time residents alike. This location is ideal for those looking to live just steps from some authentic Gainesville fun. If you're looking to spend weekends snacking on local produce at the farmer's market, watching shows at the Hippodrome, or enjoying a concert at Bo Diddley Plaza, then consider living in one of the many Gainesville apartments in this neighborhood.
These are the opinions of writers and not the opinions of SwampRentals.com or any of our advertising partners.