Educational opportunities abound for Gainesville residents at every stage of life. In addition, many evening, noncredit, leisure and extension courses are available through county, university and community college programs. Numerous facilities provide Gainesville residents with care for their physical and spiritual wellbeing. There are also many clinics, nursing homes and private practices operated by more than 450 physicians and 100 dentists. More than 100 churches, synagogues, mosques and temples serve the spiritual needs of residents from a variety of faith traditions, along with 15 student chapels and religious centers near campus.
Mass media has a number of outlets that keep Gainesville residents informed and entertained.
The local press produces the daily Gainesville Sun and the weekday Independent Florida Alligator, along with many other student and grassroots publications. The Gainesville area is a delight for nature lovers and outdoors enthusiasts. Two thirds of Alachua County's 969 square miles are a wilderness of forests dotted with scenic lakes and wetlands. The coastal beaches of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico are one hour away by car. Hiking, picnicking, camping and communing with nature are options at the Paynes Prairie State Preserve, the San Felasco Hammock State Preserve, the Ocala National Forest, among other woodlands and green spaces.