Maybe Moving to Gainesville

MamaSquishyB

Hi everyone, I used to be a frequent poster in the baby boards when my baby was little, but haven't been around for a while and just created a new account.

I wasn't sure whether to post this in North Florida or Central Florida, since I'm not really familiar with the area.  So I'm going to post it in both!

DH and I live in Georgia with our 3 year old son and hub's just finishing up his military service with the Army. He has a job offer with the VA in Gainesville as a Nurse, and we're very seriously considering it. We're coming down to explore, but I was hoping to get some guidance before we go. Specifically:

1. Where can we find a good 2b/2ba apartment for less than $900?
2. Are there any good preschools in the area who would accept a child without regard to when his birthday was? My son is very bright (already starting to read) and is ready for school. I don't want to make him wait until he is almost 4 just because his birthday falls late in the year.
3. Besides the nature attractions, what else is there to do that a 3 year old would enjoy? Any soccer teams for his age?
4. Are there any good Korean restaurants down there?

If you have any advice about the VA, we'd love that as well. Specifically about pay/benefits would be great.

Thank you!!

ANA6

There are tons of places, Alachua is a good place 15-20 mins from there unless you want the city they I would either stick to Archer rd. there are town houses near Hale Plantations that are nice with a park across from it. They are located of Archer on Tower rd . There are a lot of preschools there as well, just finding the one that works for you. Not sure on restaurants, but soccer yes. The park I was referring to has a soccer field on it.

If you want a good place to stay keep to the west side of I-75, east is more college kids. 

MamaSquishyB

Thanks!!

Monicade27

My husband works at the VA and the benefits are great!

scannalee

We have a lot of great restaurants in Gainesville!  The local food scene is really good for a town this size.  Here's a list: https://www.visitgainesville.com/food-drinks/

As far as activities for a 3 year old, the Museum of Natural History is very hands on and has a great Children's Discovery Room where little ones can touch everything.  Right next door is the Butterfly Rainforest, which is really cool!