AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in Gainesville, FL — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every Gainesville neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$1,250/mo
Median Rent
141,085
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
University of Florida
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why Gainesville? What Renters Need to Know

Gainesville averages $1,250 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Haile Plantation, a master-planned community on the southwest side, commands $1,900, while apartments near the University of Florida in University Heights and Fifth Avenue offer budget options starting around $950–$1,100.

Quick Facts

Population 141,085
Median Rent $1,250/mo
Top Employer University of Florida
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$1,250 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

Gainesville median rent is $250 below the national median of $1,500/mo — an affordable market.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in Gainesville is University of Florida, making the Duckpond area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in Gainesville

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

Duckpond

Score: 85/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 65
Avg Rent $1,600
Schools 7/10
#2

Midtown Gainesville

Score: 78/100
Safety B
Walk Score 78
Avg Rent $1,300
Schools 5/10
#3

University Heights

Score: 72/100
Safety C+
Walk Score 72
Avg Rent $1,100
Schools 4/10

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#4

Haile Plantation

Score: 90/100
Safety A
Walk Score 38
Avg Rent $1,900
Schools 9/10
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#5

Millhopper

Score: 88/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 42
Avg Rent $1,700
Schools 8/10
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#6

Tumblin Creek

Score: 68/100
Safety C
Walk Score 58
Avg Rent $1,000
Schools 4/10
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#7

Fifth Avenue

Score: 62/100
Safety C-
Walk Score 62
Avg Rent $950
Schools 3/10
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#8

Tower Road

Score: 76/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 45
Avg Rent $1,150
Schools 5/10
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See All 8 Gainesville Neighborhoods Ranked

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How It Works

How ListWise Scores Gainesville Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every Gainesville renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for Gainesville.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with Gainesville properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About Gainesville

What is the average rent in Gainesville?

Gainesville averages $1,250 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Haile Plantation, a master-planned community on the southwest side, commands $1,900, while apartments near the University of Florida in University Heights and Fifth Avenue offer budget options starting around $950–$1,100.

Is Gainesville a good place to live beyond college?

Gainesville offers excellent quality of life for non-students, particularly in neighborhoods like Haile Plantation, Duckpond, and Millhopper. The presence of UF's medical center, research institutions, and teaching hospitals creates professional opportunities, and the city's natural springs, craft scene, and arts programs offer genuine lifestyle appeal.

What are the natural amenities near Gainesville?

Gainesville is surrounded by natural springs, state parks, and the Ocala National Forest. Ginnie Springs, Ichetucknee Springs, and Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park offer world-class outdoor recreation including tubing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing within 30 minutes of downtown.

What are the best neighborhoods in Gainesville?

Haile Plantation is Gainesville's most prestigious community with a village center, trails, and top-rated schools. Duckpond is a beloved historic neighborhood near downtown. For families prioritizing schools, Millhopper on the northwest side consistently earns top ratings.

What is the job market like in Gainesville?

The University of Florida dominates Gainesville's economy, employing over 25,000 faculty and staff including UF Health, one of the nation's top academic medical centers. UF's research parks host biotech and tech companies, and North Florida Regional Medical Center and VA hospital add substantial healthcare employment.

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Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.