It seems that for many, apartment shopping in Gainesville raises one of two questions: Would I prefer a good location, or a working stove top? While more luxury style living has been introduced over the last few years thanks to Trimark Properties, things are never as perfect as they sound in the leasing office.
Sure, your experience in your apartment may have more to do with your choice in roommates rather than the actual amenities, and spending the first week putting together your Ikea bed frame may puta bad taste in your mouth right off the bat, but lets put all that aside for the sake of accomplishing anything valuable in this article.
The two most popular locations to live that are walking distance from campus are behind midtown and sorority row. If you’re someone that has ever lived anywhere else, say the Woodlands or Oxford Manor, you’d probably agree that it’s not worth it. Driving to class and depending on parking is not something you want to get involved with. Sure you can take the RTS bus, but try riding on that thing for more than one or two stops without contracting the bubonic plague. While rent certainly decreases the further away from campus you get, there are plenty of options that should allow you to comfortably meet your budget while also maintaining an active social life.
Trimark is probably the most popular leasing company in Gainesville, encompassing over 25 different properties all within “walking distance” from campus. Keep in mind the expression “walking distance” is used very loosely in the apartment leasing workplace. The phrase also takes on a whole new meaning after a long night of binge drinking. So, if you plan on going out 3-4 nights a week while also attending early classes, I encourage you to check out Looking Glass Apartments, an establishment committed to providing the most dedicated alcoholics with a place to bathe. Some of the most popular properties Trimark has to offer are Archstone Apartments, located between Sorority Row and the Kangaroo, as well as Stratford Court also located very close to Sorority Row and Normal Hall. These apartments offer flexible living arrangements from studio style living to 4 bedroom townhouses. Trimark properties will typically run each person somewhere in the mid $600 per/month range. If you’re interested in living in a Trimark home, I urge you to do your research and touring independently, as most of their tour guides are former used car salesmen. While the polished wood floors and “granite” counter tops may seem appealing at first, I’m telling you from experience, they literally have the thinnest walls in the game.
College Park Apartments is a highly praised leasing company due to its location, which is wobbling distance from all your favorite bars and restaurants, as well as it’s resident friendly parking lots. They offer an array living styles and rent can vary from the $300 to $600 range. If you’re going for luxury living in the midtown area I highly recommend Nantucket Walk, each apartment has an impressive layout, with new appliances and is equipped with a balcony convenient for game day funneling or more commonly,threatening your loved ones.
Keep in mind that when moving into your first apartment you are also expected to pay that utility bill which takes into account all the times you fall asleep with the oven on and burn a delicious pizza.
(Photo: GatorRentals)
