Reviewed movers in Gainesville
"Avoid We-Pack Moving company at all cost. They took my money for the moving services that never materialized for over seven weeks, would not help me deal with their carrier, and would not refund my money of over $2000. Filing my complaints with F..."
"Called First Priority about an interstate move last year. Spoke to Andrew. He insured us his company had their own trucks and drivers and even told us who he thought the driver would be for our move. They sent us a quote. We checked other local mo..."
"I experienced a number of problems with ACME Relocation. Please BEWARE this company. They will up the charges at the last minute (by double, in my case) and damage your belongings. First, my things were dumped haphazardly and without regard into ..."
"Please do your homework and read all the reviews about long haul moving and storage out of West Palm Beach. They kept my $3500 posit and I moved everything myself. I spoke to a Perry who is totally a liar and David these guys you cannot trust I’m ..."
"This company claims to not be a broker but the drivers, drive for multiple moving companies. The guy on delivery showed me all his stops with various companies and said he did not work for Safeway directly. The move started poorly with an attempt ..."
"I and a neighbor had the same problem with the actual cost was almost $1000 more than the quote. As a senior citizen it striped my meager savings If you check the BBB they are out of business."
"When purchasing services from PODS, be aware that if you have medical equipment/devices, and/or medication that you are transporting and reliant on, PODS is completely unbothered and unempathetic to your needs. They have delayed my equipment by ov..."
"This company showed up a week late from the estimated date, then drove the price up $2200, so I asked for a different set of movers and they were suppose to come the next day. Their window was from 9-11am, I never received a call or text or anythi..."
"I have used Your Best Move two years in a row. This company is very professional. They send polite and prompt young men to do the job very efficiently and quick. They charge by the hour and you do not have to worry that they will take more time th..."
"I am submitting this to document my extremely poor experience with Coastal Moving Services and to warn others considering using this company. There has not been a single aspect of this process that has gone well. Moving is already a stressful expe..."
"I paid Move Smart a deposit of $1148 via electronic check on 6/11/21 for a move from Rochester NY to Houston TX. I cancelled on 6/12/21 within the 72 hours guaranteed for a refund. On 6/14/21 I received an email from the company that I would recei..."
"I am shocked by all the great reviews. This was hands down the worst experience of my life and was filled with many objective statements that ended up being false. The move took significantly longer than originally anticipated. Once the payment wa..."
"I should have read reviews!! Broken rocker, missing items. Charged me another $700 CASH ONLY when started loading. Most of my newly purchased boxes came back damaged. Definitely would not recommend that you use them. Person they told me was my con..."
"All I can say is respect! They work very hard and very professional. They have all the equipment they need to make your move more easy and comfortable. I had the pleasure to meet them! Thank you very much for your help! I’d highly recommend them! ..."
"I used this company and I am so pleased and happy with their service. They had made my life so easy and moving was so hassle free. Any time a service was requested the team had fulfilled in timely manner. They were promptly sending notifications p..."
"They'll quote you something low and promise your cost won't go higher, take your deposit, and then when the movers get to your house you'll be paying triple what was agreed upon, despite your inventory being exactly as listed for the quote. Over t..."
What to know when moving to Gainesville, FL
TL;DR: Gainesville at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area where 61.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 76.3% rent.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $30,878, which supports a range of local amenities.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 45.8%, financial challenges may be prevalent.
- Commute:
- Only 4.4% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for about $1,092 in rent monthly.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Gainesville is home to a diverse population of 23,296, with a substantial portion being renters, which creates a dynamic community. The high education rate of 61.6% reflects a population that values learning, largely influenced by the presence of the University of Florida. However, a notable poverty rate of 45.8% indicates that residents may face economic hurdles.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a low cost of living, as the high poverty rate and median rent could be a concern.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,092, which may require careful budgeting for renters.
- Median home value is $284,200, indicating a more significant investment for homebuyers.
- 61.6% of the population holds a bachelor's degree, contributing to the area's educational profile.
- The poverty rate stands at 45.8%, highlighting economic challenges for many residents.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Schools & Higher Ed
Gainesville has access to several educational institutions, providing diverse opportunities for higher learning.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 8
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 8
- Notable schools include the University of Florida, Santa Fe College, and the Florida School of Massage.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Gainesville experiences about 55 rainy days each year, with total annual precipitation of approximately 29.4 inches. This climate supports various outdoor activities in the nearby parks.
- Depot Park - 4.8 stars (4,638 reviews)
- Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - 4.7 stars (4,189 reviews)
- Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park - 4.5 stars (2,368 reviews)
- Sweetwater Wetlands Park - 4.8 stars (1,873 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Alachua County, where Gainesville is located, the unemployment rate is 5.3% as of December 2025, with a total labor force of 142,237. Employment figures suggest a stable job market with 134,663 people employed.
- Unemployment rate: 5.3% (December 2025)
- Total employed: 134,663
- Total labor force: 142,237
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.