Gainesville, GA

Gainesville, the county seat of Hall County, Florida, is situated among the Blue Ridge Mountains foothills, offering a panoramic view of the rising peaks surrounding the city. Because of its excellent geographical location, Gainesville was asked to host the 1996 Olympic Rowing/Kayaking venue. During this historic event, an NBC broadcaster remarked that the city was the "Hospitality Capital of the World," likely due to its reputation as a tourist hotspot.

Gainesville was settled in the 1800s and became a regional transportation and trade center. It is notable in the 21st century for being a tourist destination.

Because Gainesville is considered the economic center of northeastern Georgia and has a relatively low cost of living, it is not surprising that more than 34,800 people make this city their home. The city's population is notably diverse: About 47.8 percent of residents are white, 33.2 percent are Hispanic or Latino, and 15.7 percent are black. About 29.2 percent of the population was born abroad.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Gainesville is home to a wide variety of businesses, many of which belong to the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce (founded in 1908), which claims more than 1,500 business members. Many residents work in the food, education, construction, health care and accommodation industries.

Tourism in the Gainesville area brings in roughly $250 million annually. Gainesville's historic downtown shopping district has several hundred vying for the dollars of residents and tourists. And thanks to the revitalization and historic preservation of Downtown Gainesville from 2003 to 2008, those businesses have a good reason to expect a return on their investment in the coming years, as the wealth of the city and the cities around it continues to grow.

Poultry production is a major contributor to the local economy, and in fact, Gainesville calls itself the "Chicken Capital of the World." Several of Gainesville's top employers are related to poultry production, including Fieldale Farms, Mar-Jac Poultry, and Pilgrim's Pride.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

The city accommodates around 8,910 houses with more than 8,420 houses occupied. Owners occupy approximately 3,670 houses and renters occupy about 4,740 houses.

Historic districts in Gainesville include:

• Green Street Historic District: This half-mile corridor along Green Street features 19th and 20th Century Victorian and Neoclassical residences and businesses.
• Brenau College District: This area on the campus of Brenau University (formerly Brenau College) includes 19 historic buildings. Most notably, the district is home to Pearce Auditorium, a Victorian theatre with a beautiful ceiling fresco.
• Chicopee Mill and Village Historic District: These mills and their surrounding mill villages opened in 1927, bringing new prosperity and a new way of life to the mountain region.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

• Arts Council: Located in Gainesville's downtown, the Arts Council is housed in a building that used to be the headquarters of the CSX railroad depot, a transportation destination for the region. The Arts Council offers a wide array of events, including ballet, theater, and jazz performances. The Arts Council also sponsors Movies on the Green, a special film series that is held outdoors and features kid-friendly activities and concession-stand treats.
• Elachee Nature Science Center: The Elachee Nature Science Center is a museum situated next to the 200-acre Chicopee Woods Agricultural Center. This wildlife preserve is an educational place with a focus on conservation and preservation.
• Lake Lanier Islands: Lake Lanier Islands is the home to no fewer than three 18-hole golf courses, a water park, and two luxury hotels. Consequently, it is a frequent destination spot for travelers looking for a more elite vacation experience.
• Lake Sidney Lanier: A U.S. Corps of Engineers Lake, Lake Sidney Lanier boasts seven commercial marinas and 60 recreational areas.
• North Georgia Mountains: Hiking, walking, picnicking and more are available year-round at the North Georgia Mountains.
• Quinlan Visual Arts Center: The center hosts several solo and group exhibits each year, featuring paintings, sculptures, photography, and other art forms. Classes and workshops are held regularly at the Quinlan Visual Arts Center and are specially designed to appeal to adults or children. The center is also a popular site for weddings and special events.
• Alta Vista Cemetery: Although this famous cemetery was officially founded in 1872, a few gravestones pre-date this founding. Alta Vista Cemetery is the final resting place of Georgia governor James Milton Smith (who served from 1872 to 1877), Allen Daniel Chandler (who governed from 1898 to 1902), Confederate general James Longstreet, and many more notable persons.

EVENTS

Mule Camp Market: An annual festival held each autumn, the Mule Camp Market features the wares of craftspeople from around northern Georgia.

SHOPPING

The historic downtown section of Gainesville is a popular shopping destination. Featuring numerous shops, eateries and businesses, it has become a beacon to locals and tourists.

SPORTS TEAMS

Atlanta Falcons Football Complex: Just off the easily accessible I-985, the Atlanta Falcons Football Complex is located in Hall County and is very close to the city of Gainesville. The complex offers residents and visitors the opportunity to watch professional football in a state-of-the-art environment.