Gainesville

Situated in the heart of North Central Florida, Gainesville basks in Gulf breezes that make summer days warm and the nights comfortable and cool. The winters are dry and mild with temperatures ranging from the 20's to 50's. Gainesville is the governmental seat of Alachua County and the commercial hub for the entire North Central Florida area. A delight for nature lovers, 65% of the county's 969 square miles is a wilderness of forests, dotted with scenic lakes and wetlands. The University of Florida sets the area's tone in education, cultural arts and sports. The university town of Gainesville offers many avenues of interest. The city’s Northeast Historic District is a 63-square block area of 290 historic buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The architecture reflects styles common to Florida from 1880 through the 1920’s. The University Art Gallery and Teaching Gallery on the grounds of the University of Florida comprise the center of a thriving art community. The estimated population of Gainesville in 2000 was 212,997.

Housing:
Gainesville and Alachua County have homes to fit every lifestyle. It is possible, for example, to find a new single-family home with 1,800 square feet of interior space on an 8,000 square foot lot for under $126,870. The many luxury apartment complexes appeal to university students, young families, and retired citizens. Condominiums complete with recreational amenities are also popular among mature adults and retired residents.
Relocation information from the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce.

Education:
The full scope of education is available in Alachua County. The Alachua County public school system includes 23 elementary schools, eight middle schools, seven high schools, two special education centers and an alternative middle/high school center. In addition, there are 14 private schools in the county: nine elementary, four K through 12, and one high school. The Gainesville area boasts the highest percentage of gifted students in Florida. Career-oriented high school students can take advantage of dual enrollment programs offered by Santa Fe Community College. Eighty percent of high school graduates go on to some form of higher education. Of course, the jewel in the crown of Gainesville-based education is the University of Florida, with more than 35,000 students and some of the premier educational programs in the state university system.
List of public and private schools, universities and colleges (select the Gainesville Chamber link, Relocation, and Schools, or Universities and Colleges).

Cultural Opportunities:
Center for the Performing Arts, Florida Museum of Natural History, Fred Bear Museum, Hippodrome State Theater, Morningside Nature Center, Devil’s Millhopper State Geological Site, Paynes Prairie State Preserve, and the Northeast Historic District. For sports fans, Gainesville is home to the University of Florida Gators.

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Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a vibrant, growing community. With over a million people in its metropolitan area and with a median age of only 35.0, Jacksonville is the "youngest" major city in Florida. With new companies moving into the community daily, Jacksonville offers ample employment opportunities, has an attractive housing market, and a world-class climate. Boasting a sunny, year-round climate with average temperatures of 78 degrees, Jacksonville offers 20 miles of soft, white sandy beaches. The climate affords residents the ability to continually enjoy outdoor opportunities for exercise, recreation or relaxation. The population in 2000 was 1,074,363.

Homes:
The housing market is the fourth lowest in the nation. Endless housing options are available, including a diverse range of styles in condominiums, patio homes, and single-family homes.
Description of Jacksonville neighborhoods
Jacksonville-Duval County residential real estate
Relocation information from the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce

Education:
A demand for quality education is at the top of the public agenda in Jacksonville.
List of community colleges, universities, colleges, satellite universities and colleges, specialty schools, public schools, and private schools
List of Duval County public schools.  Duval County public schools are listed as one of the top employers for Jacksonville MSA, employing over 14,442 people.

Cultural Opportunities:
Riverwalk, Jacksonville Zoo, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, Museum of Science and History, Brest Planetarium, nature preserves and parks. In addition, the Jacksonville area is home to the Professional Golfers Association, the World Golf Village, the PGA Hall of Fame, and the Association of Tennis. Jacksonville has a minor league baseball team, the Jacksonville Suns, and is now home to both the Lizard Kings professional hockey team and the Jacksonville Tomcats arena football team. The city's largest sporting attraction is the Jacksonville Jaguars, the NFL's 30th expansion team.

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St. Augustine

Founded 42 years before the English colonized Jamestown and 55 years before the pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, St. Augustine is a time capsule with nearly 500 years of intriguing history. The city allows visitors and residents to explore many attractions, museums, and historic sites. St. Augustine is also equipped with 43 miles of pristine beaches. St. Augustine and St. Johns County exemplify a community with global appeal, combining and inspired climate and progressive commercial growth with a playground for diverse industry along with a healthy agricultural economy, rising incomes, and a safe, residential feel.

Housing:
St. Augustine real estate services
List of St. Augustine and St. John’s County apartments, condominiums, and residential real estate
Additional relocation information from the St. Augustine & St. John’s Chamber of Commerce

Education:
St. Augustine and St. John’s County have 15 public elementary schools, five public middle schools, four public high schools, and two alternative centers. There are 20 privately run schools, and one special education school (i.e., for the deaf and blind). Information regarding student-teacher ratio, student test scores, and academic curriculum options 
List of post secondary educational institutions
List of education/training & workforce development institutions 
St. John’s County School District and the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind are the listed as two of the largest non-industrial employers.

Cultural Opportunities:
St. Augustine’s Historical District, Ancient City Tours, Inc., Cracker Swamp Preserve, Ghost Tours of St. Augustine, Gypsy Comedy Club, Lightner Museum, Limelight Theatre, Marineland of Florida, Museum of Weapons & Early American History, Old Florida Museum, The Old Jail and Florida Heritage Museum, Old St. Augustine village museum, Ponce De Leon’s Fountain of Youth, Rembrandtz Gallery, St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, St. Augustine Art Association, Florida Heritage Museum, Fort Matanzas, Museum Theatre, Spanish Military Hospital, and Oldest Drug Store.

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