I receive quite a few inquiries from out of town buyers that are considering moving to the Gainesville area. What is most fascinating is the fact that these buyers hold interest for this area, yet they don't know much about it - much less what the area looks like. Most of these buyer's want to move to Florida and be in an area that has a University, which keeps the town progressive, eclectic and interesting. Others have read something on the internet (or heard on the news) about how Gainesville, FL has been ranked the #1 city in the nation to live for 2007 and want to see what is so great about us anyway! Other than currently having one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state and a relatively stable economy, A-rated schools, great food, and all the big town amenities with a small town feel, we have breathtaking vistas that are a sight to behold just on the outskirts of our fine city.

Regardless of the compass point you choose outside of Gainesville, beauty abounds. Alachua County is big on green spaces, we have wonderful State and community parks, and we've taken great care to avoid becoming a "concrete jungle" like many other places in Florida. My first installment of a series of slideshows I'll be doing focuses on the Alachua County countryside, from Williston Road to Alachua to Waldo Road and Lake Lochloosa Creek (an arm of the large Lochloosa lake which has great fishing) near the home of Marjorie Kinan Rawlings, Cross Creek. I will be adding to this slideshow over time, as I take more pictures! Also keep an eye out for my future slideshows for different areas of Alachua County!

Angela Elliott is a licensed Florida REALTOR® with Century 21 Classic Properties in Gainesville, FL. Please visit my profile for more about me and browse my Gainesville, FL real estate website for additional Alachua County information and listings. Your phone calls are always welcome at (352) 256-7038 as are your e-mails to angela.elliott1@century21.com.  A portion of all my closed sales will be donated to the Alachua Co. Humane Society (View my mission statement).