History of Gainesville, Florida
Gainesville is the largest city and county seat of Alachua County, Florida. Gainesville is primarily known for being home to the University of Florida, the largest university of the State University System of Florida and the List of largest United States universities by enrollment. Santa Fe Community College one of the nation's largest community colleges, is also located in Gainesville.
The U.S. Census, 2000 reported the population of Gainesville to be 95,447. Following a successful annexation in 2002, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated a 2004 population of 108,856. However, the City of Gainesville estimates the 2003 population at 117,182. The Gainesville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which includes Alachua and Gilchrist counties, has a population of 239,114 as of 2005 Census Bureau estimates. The Gainesville MSA was ranked as the #1 place to live in the 2007 edition of Cities Ranked and Rated.
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