Looking to cure your pizza cravings? Search no further than the new Mora Pizza located on University. Not only is the owner a Master of making us drool, (do yourself a favor and check out their Instagram!) he’s serving up pizza, pasta and more, with vegan ingredients. Obsessed. No, you don’t have to have vegan cheese if you don’t care to, carnivores are also welcome at this spot. 😉
Thai food in the heart of Downtown Gainesville, who would have guessed it? Moving onto Main Street is the new and trendy If It Is Kitchen & Café. Classy and well-decorated inside, this is a perfect spot for date night, girl’s night or stuntin’ solo. With a menu filled with Thai classics such as Pad Thai, you’ll see a number of cocktails that may be new to you but worthy of a taste. Head to Main Street and enjoy dinner out at If It Is!
How have those New Year’s Resolutions been going? Figured. No stress, revamp your diet by swinging by Bolay, South Florida based restaurant making waves in the Swamp. Ingredients here are fresh, delicious and all gluten-free! Walking into this tropically-decorated restaurant gears you up for the amazing meal that awaits you as you craft your perfect bowl. Whether you go for extra veggies, premium proteins or even add a little extra sauce, Bolay is proving to be a go-to choice for Gators looking to eat better without sacrificing taste!
What’s your favorite new restaurant here in Gainesville?
Posted by collier
August 3, 2018
Moving into your new college apartment?
Congrats!
Are you prepared for roommates? Sure, if you plan to bunk with your friends from back home, perhaps the quirks of living with them will not be as surprising. But what about bonding with roommates you never met prior to walking into your new home and seeing them unpacking in the bedroom next to you?
For many, the idea of living with roommates is exciting; for others, an anxiety attack waiting to happen.
So how do you prepare to meet your new roomies and bond for life?
Check out our tips for creating a lasting bond with your new roomies!
Ask Questions! – Are they a night owl? Do they like to have parties or lots of people over? Do they cook? Clean? Do they like to walk around in their underwear? These are all important details to note upon meeting!
Understand that you don’t HAVE to be BFF with your roomie(s), but you should always be kind & cordial – Not every person that you meet is destined to become your lifelong bestie, even the great people that you share your living space with. Not being best friends does not mean that you can’t have a wonderful living experience together! Focus on being the best roomie possible while you’re at home. 🙂
If you do get along well, spend time with your roommate(s)! – Bonding time with your roomie is great for your relationship! Whether it’s Netflix binge-watching at home or experiencing the city together, building that relationship with your roommate can make life so much sweeter! Being friends with your roomie may allow better communication, understanding, and interactions in your home.
Decorate your common area space together – Don’t assume that because you love hot pink and Marilyn Monroe that your roommate will. If you can avoid buying new decor pieces for your common area spaces, do so. You and your roomie(s) will all equally share that space, so be courteous and don’t assume that your life-size Drake poster belongs in the dining area.
Establish ground rules early on with healthy discussion – Will you all take turns washing dishes? Do you plan on sharing your groceries or is it every man for himself? Talking this over sooner than later can possibly curb disagreements in the future, as you always want to be kind and courteous to your roommates. Discuss creating a Roommate Contract that is kept where everyone can see it on a daily basis.
Discuss guests early on! – Yes, we covered asking questions previously as well as establishing ground rules, but when it comes to guests, issues may arise. Being out on your own now, you may want to have guests over. Although you may feel that you don’t need to tell your roommate, but give them a heads up and ask your guest to be courteous. (Can you imagine bumping into a stranger digging through your fridge at midnight and it’s your roommate’s BF? Yikes!)
Respect your roomies’ space and personal items! – Yes, that includes food. Ever leave leftovers in the fridge, fantasize about them all day, only to return home and you see the empty container in the trash and a satisfied look on the face of someone else? We have. Don’t be that person, these are your not annoying siblings back at home. Understand that your roommates’ food, bedroom, and personal belongings are all off-limits unless you have prior approval from them. Borrowing clothes, even phone chargers, may be more intrusive to another than it is to ourselves, be mindful!
Clean up behind yourself and your guests! – This should go without saying right? No matter how you like to keep your personal bedroom and bathroom, never assume that it’s acceptable to leave the common areas a mess. It’s unfair to have one roomie making a mess and the other has no choice but to clean up behind him/her. This takes us back to asking your new roomie questions about their lifestyle. Are you super neat and they consider themselves messy? Establish guidelines regarding cleaning early on. Since you love your apartment super clean and he/she is not as concerned about cleanliness but they’re a great cook, maybe the compromise is that you clean daily and they cook the meals!
Communicate! – If you’re having an issue with your roommates, don’t hold it in and expect for them to read your mind; speak up! It’s quite possible that they are unaware of the issue, and if you bring it up nicely, you can have the opportunity to respectfully discuss them together. There is nothing worse than beefing with your roomies or having tension in the apartment! Skip that by working on great communication with your roomies that won’t have you scrambling to apologize for what you said down the line.
Compromise! – Communication without compromise is senseless! Everything won’t always go your way or your roommate’s way, so understanding compromise is key when having roommates. Taking the time to discuss the issues at hand, listening to all sides and coming to a conclusion that is best for ALL in the home is vital to the success of a happy living experience!
What are your tips for Roomie Bliss?
Shopping for a new home can be difficult, let us help! Tell us what you want and we will show you the best communities in Gainesville, Florida.
Many of you may be preparing to move out of your current college dorm/apartment and moving onto bigger and better places, congratulations! We totally understand that moving is a pain in the butt, been there, done that. Luckily, here in Gainesville we have some amazing apartments that you can call home once you’re all unpacked and settled.
Once you’ve secured a moving truck or your buddy and his pick-up, searched high and low for cardboard boxes, and come to terms with the change, you’ve still got some ways to go.
Whether moving in or moving out, working smarter and not harder is always a goal!
Moving doesn’t always have to be a stress, so we’ve added 5 favorite tips for a smooth move to make this transition a breeze!
Check them out!
What are your tips for a smooth move?
Shopping for a new home can be difficult, let us help! Tell us what you want and we will show you the best communities in Gainesville.
Here in Gainesville, that means a lot of fun in the sun for many lucky people here in town, but what about your furry-friends? Have you prepared your Pup for the Sun?
Here are a few tips to keep your dog cool this summer!
Avoid prolonged exposure to the pavement or hot sand – Yes, we know you may want to get a jog in one morning downtown, or maybe you bring your pup out to the park for a day – be mindful of their paws! Try to walk your dog when it’s cooler out, like earlier in the day or later in the evening to keep them cool.
Avoid strenuous exercise – Usually take your dog along with you as you run? Great! During the heat, make those runs a little shorter, as the humidity can be harmful to them. Opt for more fun exercise indoors if possible!
Dogs can get sunburn too!! – Crazy, right? Short haired dogs with lighter fur are more susceptible to sunburn, be certain to only use sunscreen formulated for dogs!
Keep your pup cool – Some dogs love pools and water just like we do!! If your buddy is one of those who loves to splash around and have fun, fill up a kiddie pool with some water or let them splash in the sprinklers! Can you say, pool day?!
Never, EVER leave your dog in a hot car! – This is a NO NO! Temperatures in Gainesville can reach over 90 degrees on any given day, never believe that your dog can stand such heat. Doing this could result in fines and penalties as well, so be certain that wherever you go, your dog is safe in an air-conditioned location.
Enjoy your best summer yet with man’s BFF!
Posted by collier
July 6, 2018
Have you been looking for the perfect home for you and your family but want to be distant from students? Are you a graduate student seeking peace and quiet away from campus? Then these serene communities are for you! Primarily comprised of families, professionals and graduate students, these locations offer amenities geared towards you and provide a community that seeks to welcome you home!
Located just minutes away from Archer Road, Butler Plaza and the highway, The Laurels is the perfect home for those who work at Shands Hospital, commute or simply love the amazing retail & restaurants offered on Archer Road! This gated community boasts free valet trash pick-up, volleyball/tennis/basketball courts, tanning center, a huge fitness center, a beautiful sauna and pool and SO much more! With 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom apartments, the variety is available! When looking for beautiful scenery and a place you can truly call home, The Laurels should definitely be at the top of your list!
Units Offered: 1/1, 2/2, 3/3 Price Range: $924 – $1214 avg. AIG Key Notes: All units include 24 Emergency Maintenance, balconies/patios and are Pet-Friendly! Upgraded units may include wood floors, granite counter tops and extra storage. Address: 445 SW 34th St Gainesville, FL 32608 Phone Number: (352) 335-4455
Proudly one of the most beautiful luxury apartments you’ll lay your eyes on in Gainesville, Cobblestone is truly a sight to see! With a sparking pool that calls out to the swimmer in us all, a private dog park for your furry-friends, spa & sauna and spacious townhouses, it’s easy to see upon your first look why Cobblestone is such a gem of a home. Located just minutes from downtown Gainesville Florida, Cobblestone is steps away from retail, local grocery stores and so much more. Whether looking for a 2 bedroom apartment or 3 bedroom apartment, Cobblestone has options for you and your family! With several upgraded units available that include modern cabinets and granite counter tops, these luxurious options offer variety to those with families, graduate students or those simply looking for some peace in a beautiful home.
Units Offered: 2/2 and 3/3 Price Range: $1195 – $1275 AIG Key Notes: All units include W/D, screened in porches, tile entrances, and cathedral ceilings! Also Pet-Friendly! Address: 2801 NW 23rd Blvd. Gainesville, FL 32605 Phone Number: (352) 377-2801
Less than 5 minutes from The Oaks Mall in Gainesville and close to foodie options for all, The Gardens truly lives up to its name with lush landscaping all over the family-oriented property. Perfect for families in town or University of Florida graduate students, The Gardens townhomes offer a spacious alternative to other cramped Gainesville apartments that you may have encountered on your search. With a pet-friendly lease, you and your family have a variety of floorplan options that provide you, your furry family member and your human family members can all enjoy!
Units Offered: 1/1, 2/2.5, 4/2.5 Price Range: $699 – $1140 AIG Key Notes: All units include private patios/balconies and over-sized closets! Many units also have W/D installed for your convenience. Address: 75 SW 75th St Gainesville, FL 32607 Phone Number: (352) 332-7401
Contact these amazing communities for more information on your next home!
Posted by collier
June 22, 2018
The Sun is out and there’s no better place to be spending your summer, than laying out by a refreshing pool! Luckily for us in the Swamp, we’ve got some great options!
When looking for an apartment, is a swimming pool at the top of your list?
Well, we’ve got you covered with some of the BEST apartment community pools here in Gainesville, Florida for students! Whether you like to lounge out in comfy beach chairs, grill up a meal with your friends on a luxury BBQ Grill, or go for a dip in the hot tub, these are the spots to move for the best resident poolside experience!
Located just minutes away from the hottest in retail, food and entertainment at Butler Plaza, and the newly opened Celebration Pointe, our first three properties that we’re crushing on are prime real estate!
Best thing about Gainesville Place? On the hottest of summer days, you have access to Gainesville’s hottest poolside atmosphere! Lounge on one of their comfy lounge chairs, toss some burgers on the grill and lay back and watch UF play on their brand new big-screen tv that overlooks the pool!
With THREE pools available for Oxford Manor residents, we don’t see how anyone could pass this up! Giving you the option to experience THREE different pool day locations for the best tan you could dream of!
Want to live the luxurious life? Well Lux 13 has got you covered! And the pool is included! Set among a lush landscaping, Lux 13 boasts a newly paved swimming pool deck and serene atmosphere.
Whatever apartment you choose to live in this coming year, we feel like here in Florida, having an awesome pool truly counts!
Where are your favorite apartment community pools in Gainesville, Florida?
Posted by collier
June 8, 2018
We know firsthand that looking for an apartment in Gainesville can leave you with a TON of options, but which to choose?! Well, if you’re bringing along your furry, four-legged friend, we’ve got the apartments for you!
Dogs are our BFFs, so we want them to live the good life as well and that includes finding the best apartment that suits your needs, and your dogs!
The amazing apartments below happily welcome you and your dogs with a pet deposit and monthly pet rent! Feel free to visit their websites with the links provided to learn more about these amazing apartments that you and your Pup can call home!
Prior to signing a lease, please discuss the pet deposit and pet rent expected from your apartment community, as pricing is based on the age/weight of your pet!
Posted by collier
June 1, 2018
Spring classes are out (for most of us) and the Sun is out!! What to do in the Swamp? Sure, laying around in your apartment binge-watching the latest shows on Netflix or scrolling through your IG timeline would be ideal, but where’s the adventure in that!?
So this summer, we want you living your best life so we’ve gathered a few fun ideas on a budget!
Hop on your bike and enjoy an afternoon out on a guided trail!
Struggling trying to decide if this is your year to move off-campus?
Check out all of the benefits that moving to an off-campus apartment can offer you vs. a dorm room!
Posted by collier
April 26, 2018
So you’ve signed your first lease and you’ve escaped the grasp of your parents’ hands! IT’S LIT! Adulting, here you come! Now that you’re in your new place, what’s next? Making your new spot your own! I’m sure you’ve been eyeing apartment-inspo on Instagram or Pinterest for months, how to make all of that a reality? We’ve got some ideas for you!
Oh, but don’t forget! Renting comes with rules! Don’t let the desire for a chalkboard painted wall cost you your security deposit!
Before we get into the decor ideas, let’s go over a few Don’ts of Apartment Decor while Renting!
Just a few Rental Apartment DO’S & DONTS!
READ YOUR LEASE!! – Your lease will detail all specifics regarding decorating, furniture, appliances and more. This is a legally binding contract and you can avoid a lot of frustration by reading in great detail.
Complete your Move-In Checklist and note any issues that were already present when you moved in. If you neglect to tell your front office of the issues, you may be held liable!
Don’t paint without written permission and be prepared to paint and/or prime over your artwork before you leave if you do!
Skip the wallpaper! Seems easy to apply but you risk leaving behind traces when you go to remove it
Clean up before you go! Leaving trash, food and other items can result in a trash-out/cleaning fee
Treat your furniture well if you’re in a furnished apartment! Replacing damaged furniture comes at a cost to you, so treat it like it was your mothers couch!
Keep your carpets in great condition! Carpet cleaning can be pricey, so be mindful of spills, tears and rips from humans or pets!
There are plenty of décor options for your new apartment that will allow you to live in style AND get your deposit back!
Use Command hooks to hang artwork. They require no tools to install and remove cleanly from walls when it’s move-out time. You can also use them to easily hang curtain rods and avoid making multiple holes in the wall! The same brand also makes picture hanging strips, which are easier to use on framed artwork.
Place a multi-colored rug in high-traffic areas to avoid carpet staining. If you frequently have friends over to your place, the constant in and out can wear on your carpet. Look for a rug in darker tones (avoiding white and cream colors) with a vibrant pattern to protect your carpet from staining. The bolder the pattern the less you’ll notice stains!
Adding lamps to your apartment can be a great way to make them feel light and airy. Target is a great resource for affordable and fun table or standing lamps. Be sure to put in an LED bulb in cool white color temperature. Daylight bulbs tend to have a bluish-hue and warm white bulbs lean toward yellow. LED bulbs will help you save on your electric bill and chances are you won’t have to change them before you move out!
Make your space feel cozy by adding a tapestry. Available in a plethora of colors, textures, and prints, tapestries are easy to hang with a few thumb tacks. They also take up a good amount of blank-wall space for very few $$$. Customize your bedroom or living room with a forest, beach scene, or inspirational quote!
Mirrors are your friend! Mirrors add dimension and make a space feel larger. Lean a floor-length one up against a wall or a smaller one on your dresser to open up your apartment and avoid damaging walls!
Storage can be a hurdle in apartment home living! Maximize your space by adding an over-the-door-shoe organizer to the back of your bathroom door to store all of your essentials. Need even more storage? Add a hanging shoe self to your closet for extra drawer-like storage.
What are some things you have learned about decorating your rental apartment? What are your favorite décor tips?
College Park
