The Retreat at Gainesville, located at 1001, SW 17th Ln, Gainesville, FL 32601, United States, offers thoughtfully designed student apartments in Gainesville, FL with spacious 2B to 6B apartments. Its location keeps students close to academics, with the University of Florida (UF) only a 9-minute drive away and Santa Fe College about 16 minutes by car. With a student-focused setup, The Retreat at Gainesville is one of the more popular options for those looking for University of Florida off-campus housing, combining comfort with convenience.
Living in Gainesville, Florida, comes with its own energy. The city hosts over 60,000 students across multiple institutions, creating a lively yet laid-back college-town feel. The average cost of living in Florida ranges between $1,300 and $1,500 per month, which makes it more affordable compared to many other Florida cities. Safety and quality of life also stand out, with a safety index of 63.5, an employment rate of 96%, and a happiness index of 6.3 out of 10, making Gainesville attractive not only for current students but also for young graduates starting their careers. To get a sense of the city’s academic scene, you can check out this overview of the best colleges in Florida, which highlights why Gainesville has become a student hub. The cultural side of Gainesville adds even more depth. Festivals like the Downtown Festival & Art Show, Hoggetowne Medieval Faire, and Gainesville Jazz Festival fill the calendar with excitement. Neighbourhoods such as Duckpond, Pleasant Street, and the Innovation District offer unique character, from historic architecture to creative arts and student-friendly hotspots. With plenty of trails, bike routes, and walkable paths leading to coffee shops and community events, The Retreat at Gainesville places students in the heart of one of the best places to live in Florida.
At The Retreat at Gainesville FL, students can choose from spacious options such as the Courtyard Room in a 5 Bedroom 5-bathroom, Belmont Room in 6 Bedroom 6.5 Bathroom, and many more with private rooms and private bathrooms, perfect for both comfort and privacy. Each apartment at Gainesville the Retreat includes a shared kitchen spread across 2089 sqft, designed for community living without feeling cramped. Inside, you’ll find every detail taken care of, from a bed for goodnight sleep, desk and chair for focused study sessions, and stainless steel appliances to thoughtful touches like designer cabinets with walk-in closets providing ample space, and even back patios for a relaxed outdoor vibe. With a washer/dryer in every unit, daily chores become hassle-free, making life here both practical and stylish. If you’re exploring options, checking out The Retreat at Gainesville photos gives you a clear sense of just how student-friendly these layouts are compared to other apartments in Gainesville near UF.
Community living is where The Retreat Apartments Gainesville really stands out. This student housing in Gainesville offers a wide range of features and common amenities, starting with a 24/7 fitness center, cardio studio, and multi-purpose fitness room, helping students stay active on their own schedules. For academics, the computer lounge, private study rooms, and group study areas provide quiet and collaborative spaces. When it’s time to unwind, residents can relax in the sauna, take a dip in the resort-style pool or bubble pool, or enjoy the grilling area and expansive green space. Outdoor amenities like the cornhole area, dog park, beach volleyball court, and even a golf simulator keep the community buzzing with energy. Indoors at The Retreat at Gainesville, the resident clubhouse features pool tables and a coffee bar, creating the perfect hangout spots. What really sets the experience apart is the community-driven programs like You Speak, We Listen, Community Rewards, RentPlus, and Roommate Matching with Roomsync, along with monthly resident events that keep students engaged. With pet-friendly living with your furry companions, reliable on-site maintenance and management, The Retreat at Gainesville checks all the right boxes. For peace of mind before moving in, many students look up The Retreat at Gainesville reviews, which highlight its balance of comfort, community, and convenience, all the essentials when looking for top-rated apartments near UF.
Living at The Retreat Apartments Gainesville FL places students in one of the most convenient spots in the city. Being part of a hub that thrives on academics and student life, the community connects seamlessly with top institutions. The University of Florida College of Medicine is only 4 minutes away by car, and the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine takes barely 5 minutes to drive away. With its lively surroundings and close-knit student scene, The Retreat at Gainesville is an excellent option for those seeking apartments in Gainesville FL near UF. To know more about UF, this guide on everything you need to know about the University of Florida dives deeper into what makes the area so student-centric.
Around The Retreat at Gainesville, life is never short of things to do. Students can start their day with coffee runs at Opus Coffee – UF Health East Tower, Opus Coffee – UF Health Atrium, or the cosy Afternoon Coffee, each perfect for study breaks or catch-ups with friends. Food lovers have plenty of choices with spots like Bingo Deli & Pub, Humble Wood Fire Pizzeria, and Tinker Latin Restaurant – Main St., all located within easy reach. For evenings, Gainesville has a thriving social scene, whether it’s casual nights at Boxcar Beer & Wine Garden, elegant drinks at Covey Kitchen + Cocktails, or lively gatherings at The Traveler. The city caters to every mood. What makes it even better is that the Gainesville Retreat sits close to all of these, so students don’t waste time commuting. Beyond entertainment, essentials are covered too, with Dollar General and Zeezenia International Market for groceries and pharmacies like CVS Pharmacy and Kourtney D. LaPlant, PharmD, nearby. Many who consider Gainesville home also highlight it among the best places to live in Florida, a reputation backed by its student-friendly lifestyle.
Cultural and lifestyle perks are just as impressive. Shopping runs are simple with Patriot Store and Village Square, while weekends can be spent catching a show at the Hippodrome Theatre or enjoying performances at the University Auditorium. Sports enthusiasts can cheer on games at Condron Ballpark, and art admirers can spend afternoons at the Harn Museum of Art or dive into unique exhibits at the Florida State Collection of Arthropods. For fresh air and outdoor escapes, the Sweetwater Preserve offers a peaceful hiking retreat, while landmarks like Century Tower and Alachua Sculpture give students a chance to connect with Gainesville’s history and public art scene. Medical support is never far away from The Retreat at Gainesville, with UF Health Pharmacy Shands Cancer Hospital, and UF Health Medical Plaza, both accessible within minutes. It’s this mix of convenience, entertainment, and culture that makes living at The Retreat at Gainesville more than just finding a place to stay; it’s about building a well-rounded student lifestyle.
Getting around from The Retreat at Gainesville is simple and student-friendly. The nearest bus stops, Depot Ave farside SW 6th Stand Beaty Towers, give residents easy access to buses that connect them to the rest of the city. For longer trips, Waldo Station sits about 16.4 miles away, while Gainesville Regional Airport is just 6.6 miles from The Retreat at Gainesville, ideal for weekend getaways or catching a flight home. With bike racks, scooter parking, and smooth links to the local bus system, students living here can move around Gainesville with ease and flexibility.
You should book well in advance to avoid disappointment. We do accept late bookings, however, this is based on availability which may be limited. Most accommodations have great offers which can be availed by early booking, we suggest booking your ideal accommodation as soon as possible!
Yes depending on the property type, we accept group bookings, Please contact us to discuss availability.
Amber will help you book the property as per your requirements. No- we do not charge you for our services, unless specified others.
You can cancel your booking before the contract begins as per the cancellation policies mentioned on our page. Do read through the properties cancellation policies, get in touch with us to know more.
Yes, property is Pet-Friendly.