Senior living options tailored to meet every lifestyle
By Colin McCandless
The golden years. The long-awaited move from working hard to hardly working is here. Greater Gainesville has often been recognized as one of the best places in Florida to retire for its mix of affordability, access to premier health care and vibrant lifestyle.
Surrounded by golf courses, springs, beautiful parks and situated only a few hours from some of the best beaches in the country, its centralized location provides an excellent home base. GG is also one of the cheapest places to live in Florida. Affordable housing and ample senior-friendly activities and amenities make the area an ideal place for both fun and relaxation in retirement.
Retirement looks different to everyone, and GG has options to suit any seniors’ personal interests, needs, budget and desired level of care.
A Vibrant Cultural and Entertainment Scene
Seniors can immerse themselves in the rich cultural scene, including the Harn Museum of Art and The Hippodrome. For history fans, the Florida Museum of Natural History offers unique, Florida-centric exhibits and discounted self-guided group tours.
The area offers an eclectic and fascinating array of restaurants, from the iconic Satchel’s Pizza to the high-class Embers Wood Grill. Taste the way across GG and top it off at any of the charming and relaxing local breweries.
At the University of Florida, a full calendar of Gator sporting events will bring out anyone’s inner athlete. Spend the fall in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and the spring in Condron Family Ballpark. Bleed orange and blue and revisit the best four years in life.
Access to World-Class Health Care
GG’s local health care systems are recognized for outstanding patient satisfaction, top-ranking medical facilities and cutting-edge technology.
UF Health Shands Hospital is one of many award-winning facilities affiliated with UF Health, which has an entire department dedicated to geriatric medicine and research.
Numerous health care facilities, including smaller satellite clinics located throughout GG, mean shorter and simpler commutes to routine checkups and doctor’s visits.
A Range of Senior Living Options
GG provides a range of senior living options including independent and assisted living communities, offering everything from active lifestyles and comfortable housing to around-the-clock, personalized care. From help scheduling doctor’s appointments and providing transportation, to more intensive care such as tending to hygiene and administering medications, these facilities deliver the comprehensive services residents need.
There are some exciting new developments on the horizon as well, such as in the City of High Springs, which recently approved a new housing subdivision called Bridlewood, a multi-phase 15- to 20-year project that will feature 2,000 units, including senior living facilities.
Featured Community: The Village at Gainesville
Discover a retirement paradise at The Village at Gainesville senior living community. Choose from 19 different floor plans, from cozy efficiencies to roomy cottage homes. Located off of N.W. 27 Boulevard, right next to Santa Fe College and only a few miles from UF, The Village is close to all the action including sporting events, restaurants, shopping and arts and entertainment.
The Village features extensive services and amenities catering to any senior and a focus on an active lifestyle. Care ranges from total independence to varying levels of assistance based on need.
Six different residency areas provide an array of housing options, including:
- The Cypress
- Tower Villas
- Magnolia Grand
- Magnolia Grand South
- Cottage Place
- Lake House
Amenities and services:
- All utilities included
- Housekeeping services
- Medical and dental transportation
- Gated community with 24-hour security
- Heated pool and hot tub
- Health and fitness center
- Restaurants
- Dining plan
- Tennis and pickleball courts
- Weekly community activities
- Onsite wellness center
- Auditorium/ballroom
Senior Living Communities in Greater Gainesville
Independent living
Housing tailored toward seniors 55 and over able to live on their own and require little to no assistance with activities of daily living.
- Choreograph Gainesville, 3483 SW 45th St, Gainesville
Choreograph Gainesville in Celebration Pointe - Arbours at Tumblin Creek, 1303 S.W. 13th, Gainesville
- Brittany Estates, 5010 N.E. Waldo Road, Gainesville
- Harper’s Pointe, 2320 E. University Ave., Gainesville
- Holiday Atrium at Gainesville, 2341 N.W. 41st, Gainesville
- Oak Hammock at the University of Florida, 5100 S.W. 25th, Gainesville
Assisted living
A community that provides older adults personalized care in a residential setting
- Charter Senior Living of Gainesville, 1001 S.W. 62nd, Gainesville
- Greenoak Villa of Gainesville ALF, 1201 N.W. 39th, Gainesville
- HarborChase of Gainesville, 1415 Fort Clarke Blvd., Gainesville
- Plantation Oaks Senior Living, 23301 US Hwy 27, High Springs
- Splendid Care Assisted Living, 849 S.E. 12th, Gainesville
- The Windsor of Gainesville, 3605 N.W. 83rd, Gainesville
Why do you love living in your senior community?
Every senior has their own reasons for moving into a 55-and-over retirement community, from the cost and housing options to amenities and services that match their specific needs. Some individuals seek an active lifestyle, while others just want to kick back and relax.
Residents of some of the 55 and over senior independent living communities in Greater Gainesville shared what they love most about their home.
“The Village at Gainesville is the perfect backdrop for one of the best times in my life. It offers a beautiful campus with 100+ acres, ideal for walks exploring nature and a variety of activities and delicious dining options to enjoy. I planned to savor good memories in retirement. Now, I’m making great memories here at The Village.”
— Nancy Klokke, The Village at Gainesville resident
“The word that best describes Oak Hammock is family. We aren’t just a community, but a family that cares for each other, and that includes the residents and staff. As you go through the aging cycle, you won’t do it alone here. The facilities are first-rate.”
— Frank Townsend, Oak Hammock resident
lin Creek, Oak Hammock,