Why I Choose Greater Gainesville: Ericka Gilchrist
Ericka Gilchrist, P.A. Realtor, CSP, ABR, CRS is the 2023 President of the Gainesville Alachua County Association of Realtors. She is a Florida Realtor with Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Thomas Group in Gainesville. She is a Certified New Home Sale Professional and an Accredited Buyer’s Representative. Gilchrist earned the Certified Residential Specialist designation, the highest credential awarded to residential sales agents, managers and brokers.
Greater Gainesville is a oosegreat blend of innovation, opportunity, culture and diversity. People relocate here for access to top-notch education, spectacular health care and abundant job opportunities. We are fortunate to be the home of the University of Florida, Shands Hospital, Florida Museum of Natural History, Phillips Center for Performing Arts, Innovation Hub, Exactech and much more.
I grew up in Putnam Hall, and we thought of Gainesville as the “big city.” I moved here to attend Santa Fe College and –– like many people — I never left!
As a real estate agent, I appreciate that homebuyers can choose from traditional, historic or contemporary living spaces. Greater Gainesville truly has a home for everyone. There is new construction, mid-century modern, luxury homes, student condos or 55-and-up communities.
Neighborhoods like Haile Plantation or Town of Tioga offer exceptional businesses, restaurants, walking trails and shopping within the community, creating a unique and inclusive place to live.
Greater Gainesville is a great place to start a successful small business. I love meeting and doing business with people from all facets of life. This community is friendly and offers the support you need to learn and grow. The excellence on display here will motivate you to be better in all you do.
A major draw for me was the mix of urban and suburban life in a peaceful and laid-back atmosphere. I can enjoy the lively downtown area but then retreat to one of the wonderful parks. I like bird watching and taking long walks on the beautiful trails. When I moved here over 25 years ago, Gainesville immediately felt like home, and still does.
Favorite Restaurant: Northwest Grill
Favorite Weekend Activity: Nature walks at Paynes Prairie, Sweetwater Wetlands Park and Lac Chua Trail to take photos