Retirement living has changed! It’s evolved! Seniors aging going to retire are on the lookout for healthy, active communities with an easy-to-access lifestyle. Seniors are purposefully seeking out cities with a vibrant downtown, access to continuing education and fitness, diverse activities that include the arts, and exceptional health care.
U.S. News & World Report agrees and adds, “A college town makes for an excellent place to retire.” This digital news agency says that seniors enjoy many of the same things that college students require; affordable housing, active lifestyles and a sense of community. Home to top-ranked University of Florida and Santa Fe College, Greater Gainesville’s list of amenities is impressive. Three Top 100 U.S. Hospitals – UF Health Shands Hospital, North Florida Regional Medical Center and UF Shands Children’s Hospital – in addition to Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center are within the boundaries of this medium-sized university city. A burgeoning biotechnology hub and vibrant business community, premier museums and concert venues, and much more round out Greater Gainesville’s allure. Whether you prefer living within walking distance to restaurants, businesses and doctor’s appointments, a history-filled home steps from Gainesville’s quaint and charismatic downtown, or enjoy complete healthcare within a gated retirement community, housing in Greater Gainesville checks all the boxes for seniors looking to retire here.
Kiplinger Names Gainesville one of 7 Great Places to Retire in Florida
“Retirees in 2020 are looking for something different,” says Edgar Campa-Palafox, Alachua County Economic Development Coordinator. “Quality of life has a different meaning than it did a decade ago. The trend is toward a connected, active, healthy lifestyle. That energy that a college community and students bring,” he continues, “is vital to retirees today.”
Economic forecaster Kiplinger recently named Gainesville one of 7 Great Places to Retire in Florida (2019). In sanctioning the city, Kiplinger acknowledges that much like college students, a priority for retirees is affordability, and finds Gainesville financially attractive to seniors. Based on no state taxes – and homestead exemptions up to $50,000 – Kiplinger says those 65 and up will keep more of their income to themselves. This means there is no state tax on Social Security benefits, pensions, IRAs, 401(k)s and other retirement income. State inheritance taxes and property taxes are reasonable as well.
“Lower cost of living compared to most northern cities, the thriving Gainesville downtown and an abundance of fine arts that includes 13 museums and galleries,” according to Kiplinger, puts Gainesville in the top seven alongside St. Augustine and Sarasota.
Gainesville’s economic advantages are highlighted by average daily temperatures of 70°F and a central location equidistant to both the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic beaches. Easy access to transportation is also inviting to retirees. The Gainesville Regional Airport, bus transit that includes 40 city routes, and top-ranked biking trails make Greater Gainesville attractive to retirees. Best-place-to-retire.com says in addition to Gainesville’s “cozy quintessential downtown that exudes hospitality… the surrounding towns like High Springs, Alachua, Cross Creek and Micanopy dial-up the charm even further, each in their own individual way.”
“Historically, the attraction (to Gainesville) was to come and follow the kids and grandkids to the college town that they were calling home,” says Eric Godet, Sr., President of the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, “but what’s really happened is that the resources are an advantage to the seniors.” Godet says, “A university town has many amenities that a lot of seniors love.”
Being an interior city also bodes well for safety during hurricane season. Although residents are at-risk for tropical storms, our location once again lessens the risk. A recent insurance study places Gainesville amongst the Top 10 Safest Cities in Florida During a Hurricane. The Guide to Greater Gainesville is filled with information and details that will help you enjoy the area’s best features. Below you will find the many ingredients that appeal directly to those who are looking forward to an active, healthy retirement in our vibrant college community.
Active Lifestyle
Retirees in 2020 don’t think of themselves as slowing down. Those 65 and older want to remain active and adventurous. With an overflowing calendar of county events, Gator Nation’s nationally ranked football, basketball, gymnastics and baseball teams to root on, dozens of nature and water features to dip into, museums, music venues and more, Greater Gainesville continues to promote an active lifestyle for every age group, especially seniors. Nine municipalities within the region provide countless parks, natural springs, waterways and hiking and biking trails. The area includes Blue Springs, Ginnie Springs and Poe Springs located in High Springs, Cross Creek near Micanopy and Lake Alto Park and Preserve in Waldo. Colclough Pond Nature Park, Clear Lake, Lake Alice, Newnans Lake and more in Gainesville and Lochloosa Lake and the 51-acre Holden Pond in Hawthorne. Spend endless hours hiking, biking, swimming, tubing, kayaking, camping, and/or scuba diving any or all of these gems. Hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails entice seniors to get outdoors, too. UF Campus’ Greenway alone offers more than 18 trails, covering 241 miles.
Recreational Centers
Opened in 2012, the 17,000-square-foot Senior Recreation Center (hours Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), falls under the umbrella of UF Health and is also partnered with the City of Gainesville and ElderCare of Alachua County. It is 100% funded by grants and donations and membership is free to those 65 and up. Located on NW 34th Boulevard in Gainesville, the center offers a variety of programs for the youngest baby boomer to the oldest senior and their caregiver. ElderCare of Alachua County runs the day-to-day operations of the center, which includes health education, physical fitness activities, nutritional services, preventative screenings, arts and cultural activities, social and volunteer opportunities, and more. ElderCare also provides services such as Al’z Place, a daycare for Alzheimer’s patients. Recreational activities at the center continue to grow. Join in a bridge club, Quilter’s of Alachua County, yoga class, Zumba, exercise, chess, games, ping-pong, salsa and merengue, wood carving and whittling, knitting and much more.
East Gainesville recently added two locations for senior activities in 2019. The Cone Park Senior Recreation Center is opened Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and The Vineyard/Senior Citizen Center has programs from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday. Both sites are open to Alachua County residents 60 and older. Activities include games, bingo, Zumba Gold, with educational programs scheduled for the future. Many seniors prefer private gym memberships and they are plentiful in Alachua County. Those with Silver Sneakers memberships (Medicare beneficiaries’ free program) can choose from dozens of gyms in the area including UF Health Fitness and Wellness Center, Planet Fitness, and others.
Volunteer
Volunteering is an important way retirees keep active and connected. Leisure.com explains that being relied upon can give seniors purpose and a sense of responsibility, while also encouraging social engagement and creating friendships. “When we look at a lot of the cultural museums and their activities in our area, you’ll see many seniors are the ones who volunteer as docents and more,” says Chamber President Godet. He continues, “We’re noticing seniors are taking over those volunteer positions, and many others, because they get great enjoyment from them. Programs like the Reading Safari at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo are especially appealing to seniors.” Godet explains, “I find there are areas that we are really benefitting from seniors volunteering, like Peaceful Paths and the Community Foundation.” In addition, Godet continues, seniors are important to the economics of the region. “They’re great financial contributors to charities in Greater Gainesville,” he says.
Continuing Education
The University of Florida and Santa Fe College provide numerous educational opportunities for senior citizens. Based on availability, seniors that are Florida residents can audit any class at the University of Florida – no tuition or fees required. Those 60 and over need only fill out an audit form and residency classification form. Over a thousand students per semester enjoy the curricula of The Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) located at Oak Hammock at the University of Florida. With courses taught by UF professors, ILR is open to retirees in the region. Offering 15 courses each semester, those 55 and older can select from diverse classes ranging from anthropology to opera in a non-competitive environment with no testing.
Housing
MarketWatch.com, a subsidiary of Dow Jones & Company, cites the needs and likes of older Americans and college students aren’t so varied. A survey reported by Market Watch in 2019 explains that boomers will be most concerned with living in proximity to an urban location or town center. Up 7% from 19% in 2017 to 26% in 2019. The National Council for Aging says senior citizen housing isn’t what it used to be, and that is good news! And, they add,
“If you asked an active senior citizen today about their outlook on life, there’s a good chance that they would say something along the lines of ‘You’re as young as you feel!’”
Taking personal needs and style into account, are you at home with history? The 770-acre Pleasant Street Historic District provides easy access to downtown. Contemporary condominiums are also steps away from downtown and Starbucks at Union Station. Greater Gainesville also has several diverse multi-age, walkable communities, like the Town of Tioga in Newberry. It offers comfortable homes and trendy flats steps from movies and more. Haile Plantation, another multi-use live-work-play community on Gainesville’s southwest side, has condos, townhomes, and single-family detached homes available. Master planned retirement communities are abundant in every type of setting throughout the region. Hunters Crossing Place, Oak Hammock at the University of Florida, Atrium of Gainesville, and The Village at Gainesville are just a few of the 65+ retirement communities you can call home. Various accommodations include stand-alone homes, condominiums, apartments and suites, with a range of amenities, activities and health care. Retirement communities in Greater Gainesville neighborhoods have aligned themselves with seniors by adding more activities and healthier options, both in food and activities. And seniors, the fastest growing segment of the Alachua County population, are responding.
“Seniors are realizing that living in a college town, especially Gainesville, has a lot of benefits that keep you young,” says Heather Damron of Florida Homes Realty and Mortgage.
Retirement Communities
Atrium at Gainesville
2431 NW 41st St., Gainesville 352.231.8660 • holidaytouch.com
Located in a quiet corner of Gainesville, next to Thornebrook Village Shopping Center, Atrium at Gainesville offers 250 residents resort-style living on a palm-tree lined street. Choose from one and two-bedroom independent living apartments at this pet-friendly Holiday Retirement campus. If you’re looking to be close to cafes, restaurants and the post office, this is a charming location. For 35 years, the Atrium has helped seniors live better, age more successfully and stay independent. Maintenance-free living and weekly housekeeping are part of their all-inclusive independent living arrangement, with no long-term commitments. Sales and Marketing Director Zaely Carrasquillo says, “The community keeps very busy, with activities including tai chi, arts and crafts, exercise, entertainment, and extensive outings.” And, “Popular with residents is the Wises Pharmacy and general store,” says Carrasquillo. “Residents like the convenience of sending out prescriptions through the pharmacy and having them delivered to the pharmacy where they can pick them up.”
Hunters Crossing Place
4601 NW 53rd Ave., Gainesville 352.224.9552 • enlivant.com
All the basic needs are a few feet away at Hunters Crossing Place. A pet-friendly community, with 50 assisted living and 32 memory care apartments on one main floor, is close to dining and activities. Boasting a crisp, clean environment with a full range of social events and activities, plus the additional support of a nursing staff trained to monitor and provide needed personal care. Individual care plans are a priority to meet the needs of each resident. A full-time licensed nurse is available 24 hours a day to provide clinical oversight and coordination of care. Supportive services like bathing, meal preparation, housekeeping and home maintenance are also included.
Oak Hammock at the University of Florida
5100 SW 25th Blvd., Gainesville 352.231.8504 • oakhammock.org
Providing a “pursuit of a lifetime,” with a long-term health care focus, Oak Hammock at the University of Florida is home to about 850 residents. “One of the reasons people choose Oak Hammock,” according to Nickie Doria, Sales & Marketing Director, “is the lush properties and picturesque scenery.” All of which are housed on 136 natural acres. “Seniors today,” says Doria, “are people who aren’t ready to settle down. They’re searching for the vigor and intellectual stimulation of life and find each other here at Oak Hammock.” She continues, “They have a shared thirst for knowledge, nature and lifelong learning.” This is where they start their retirement journey in Gainesville, according to Doria.
Challenging traditional notions of retirement, Oak Hammock’s extensive learning and fitness opportunities, independent living, skilled nursing, and memory care make up their continuum of care. With a unique relationship with the University of Florida, this retirement community was conceived by alumni and has become one of the area’s premiere active adult communities. 212 apartments and 57 villas and club homes make up the campus within the gated community that offers concierge services, weekly housekeeping, flexible dining plans, 24-hour security and more. Residents can enjoy expanding their education through the Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR). The ILR offers a diverse range of courses taught on-site, on a variety of wide-ranging subjects, such as Shakespeare. Amenities include temperature-controlled lap and aerobic pools, a 20,000-square-foot gym with fitness programs and free weights, state-of-the-art exercise equipment and personal trainers. Continue your hobbies at the greenhouse, wood shop, or arts studio, learn something new in the classrooms, or relax with a cone from the ice cream parlor. A variety of on-site health care is available and Oak Hammock is two miles from the world-renowned UF Health Medical Center.
The Village at Gainesville
8000 NW 27th Blvd., Gainesville 352.373.4032 • thevillageonline.com
Living well is the legacy of The Village at Gainesville, creating an environment that helps improve the life of every resident, every day. From their partnership with Santa Fe College that encourages lifelong learning, to their Vitality Program that focuses on helping residents live healthier and more independently for longer, The Village has been serving Greater Gainesville for over three decades.Deborah Strickland, Director of Sales and Marketing at The Village, says seniors are looking for a full body/mind experience in retirement. A warm and welcoming campus, The Village consists of tall pines, native oaks and a natural spring lake on an inspiring 104-acre campus. Home to a little less than 700 residents in their late 60’s and early 70’s, Strickland says “We have people from all over the world, plus state and locally with diverse backgrounds. Often top in their field, it’s a fascinating community to be a part of.”
“What don’t we have!” says Senior Activities Counselor Jamie Jackson about amenities and activities. “Educational enrichment programs include courses in language, literature, art, music and ancient and near history, plus religion and philosophy through our partnership with Santa Fe College,” shares Jackson. Shopping, theaters and restaurants are only 10 minutes away. Accommodations include six living choices like a 4-story plantation-style apartment with a large screened in porch, free-standing homes on tree-lined streets with maintenance-free lawn care or a lake view apartment, convenient to the salon, library or game rooms. Other housing options are also available for independent or assisted living. “Jasmine Pointe is undergoing a $2.4 million major renovation which will add a salon and spa,” to the already expansive campus according to Strickland. “And, additional meal venues are being added which include a bistro and coffee shop, all planned on being finished at the end of the year,” adds Strickland. In addition to a relationship with North Florida Regional Medical Center, the Senior Healthcare Center at The Village, serves as the hub for all support services offered. Exclusive to The Village, third-party specialized services are on-site including geriatric primary care services, specialty physician services, rehabilitation and therapy groups, and other vital programs. Also included is a gym, heated outdoor pool, tennis and pickle ball courts, fitness classes and personal trainers. Their already full roster of clubs adds interests as needed, including the addition of a fishing shack built recently by their woodworking club.
The Windsor of Gainesville
3605 NW 83rd St., Gainesville 352.372.1900 • legendseniorliving.com
Family-owned and operated for three decades by the Buchanan Family, The Windsor of Gainesville offers 75 assisted living and 24 secured living care apartments. Dignified and innovative in the field of senior living, The Windsor has built their foundation on specific fundamental concepts they believe are essential to each resident. “Our residents enjoy a home-like atmosphere with a variety of activities,” says Ruth Brunner, Sales Director. We have live entertainment weekly, art classes, exercise classes, gardening and a recently completed movie theatre with movies six nights a week, plus a matinee. One, two- or three-bedroom pet-friendly apartments with private verandas, fully equipped kitchens, and an emergency response system are offered on their campus. Brunner says, there’s no cooking necessary, and residents can visit the bistro for coffee, lattes or tea and enjoy outings that include shopping, dining, country drives, community theater and more.
Best-place-to-retire.com writes Gainesville is “where nature and culture meet.” With “trees draped in Spanish moss lining quaint Old South inspired streets,” and “a cozy quintessential downtown… a certain refined ease in its shops and restaurants, and world-class natural attractions, waterways and waterfalls, shady pine forests, flora and fauna and amazing natural north Florida sunsets. Gainesville isn’t just a great college town. It’s a great town, period!” “What’s really neat,” says Chamber President Godet, “is finding that seniors support the students, and the students keep an eye on them too,” Godet shares. “You see, they’re treasured throughout community. It’s a joy to have them in our community.”
Senior Resources
With close to 40,000 residents over the age of 60, the geriatric healthcare centers and services offered in Greater Gainesville are pivotal to the overall community’s well-being. Situated close to three major hospitals, an array of long-term care and assisted living facilities offer up the comfort of knowing you’ll be looked after, no matter what your budget or circumstances. Oak Hammock, Atrium and The Village each offer up unique packages and amenities with varying levels of self-reliance. From completely independent living within the tree-adorned communities, where lawn maintenance and vigilant security are among the perks, to the more contained units with nurses and doctors on call 24/7, where everything from housekeeping to an array of dining is taken care of, you will find the community and peace of mind to suit your retirement ambitions. If a medical emergency does arise that cannot be taken care of by the in-community staff, three prestigious hospitals, along with several smaller emergency rooms, are all a short ride away, further ensuring that your health is well-maintained.
UF Health and North Florida Regional Medical Center are both known for their outstanding patient satisfaction, the latter boasting four Senior Health Centers spanning the Greater Gainesville area. At UF Health resides the Institute on Aging, a leading authority in geriatric health care, well equipped with a variety of rehabilitation services and a leader in robust international research on elderly care designed to enhance the quality of life during all stages of the aging process. UF is also home to the Health Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration. Doctors Foote and Okun, a neurosurgeon and neurologist respectively, have put UF on the global map in this very advanced field by pioneering a game-changing deep brain stimulation technique that uses microelectrodes and corresponding sounds to pinpoint neurons at the root of many movement disorders. These conditions include dystonia, Parkinson’s, Body Dementia, and the shakiness and memory disturbances associated with strokes. The pioneering techniques designed by Foote and Okun also help patients suffering from seemingly insurmountable PTSD. Our beloved veterans who sacrificed so much for the freedoms and quality of life enjoyed by all who call Gainesville home are not forgotten.
The Malcom Randall Veterans Affair Medical Center, aside from being the largest healthcare provider in North Florida for veterans, also encompasses a Community Living Center, which is monitored and maintained 24/7 by an elite team of medical professionals. The Geriatric Evaluation and Management Center (GEM) offers up an impatient unit consisting of 18 beds intended for short stays for the most vulnerable and frail of elderly patients with complex medical conditions. From strokes to self-care, falls to frequent hospitalizations, the GEM ensures that Greater Gainesville’s heroes are well tended to so that they may return to their families and communities with renewed health and independence. With 20% of the population being over the age of 60, and an estimated 25% of those living alone, the Senior Recreation Center has been a boon for the mental, physical and spiritual well-being of the geriatric community. Social isolation tethered to a lack of soulful connections and engaging activities can often be detrimental to seniors’ overall health. This 17,000-square-foot recreation and activity center is serviced by staff members of ElderCare of Alachua County, who plan and organize the daily activities and overall growth strategies, while the City of Gainesville assists with logistical support, land and space procurement, the maintenance of grounds and facilities, as well as an affordable regional transportation system. From preventative screenings, to health and nutrition classes, to volunteer opportunities, to a multitude of daily activities, including sewing, cards, and a heated battle of Bingo, the Recreation Center fosters a degree of socialization and community engagement that is often absent during this stage of life. The Center is blessed with a well-equipped gym, and its fitness activities run the gambit from in-chair Yoga, to Tai Chi for arthritis, to mental sharpness training with meditations and mind games, to a variety of dancing lessons, including the most popular Zumba Gold, a Latin dance-style exercise class that is modified in its moves and exertion requirements to accommodate the senior attendees. Can’t find an activity for you? No worries. The program’s leads are happy to connect with the local volunteer community and create a class tailor-made for your desires.
The Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR), situated at Oak Hammock but open for enrollment to all North Central Florida residents 55 years or older, offers up 15 courses each semester that are taught by UF Professors. Keep your mind sharp with a scholastic journey into science and technology, Islamic culture, humanities, or elder law and continue your education and capacity for curiosity. Al’z Place, an adult day care accommodating those with 18+ months of Alzheimer’s disease or severe memory impairment, provides an amalgam of active and quiet games, reminiscence training, validation therapy and other failure-free activities five days a week, along with a hot lunch and two snacks. Speaking of food, Meals on Wheels operates six meal sites for hot lunches along with home-delivered meals for those who cannot leave their house and crave a little bit of personal contact. Nutritional information is provided, and dietary restrictions are considered with this most wonderful of services for those seniors in the most need. Along with a donation-enabled food pantry, monthly transportation vouchers, and other home-based services like case management, emergency alert and personal care, Greater Gainesville strives to take care of all its seniors in the most comprehensive way possible. From the abundant care of living facilities to the fostering of connection and purpose through social interactions and engaging activities, improving the quality of life for seniors not only greatly enhances their day-to-day existence, but it reduces the need and strain on the long term healthcare system, creating a win-win situation.