Gainesville is a city in Alachua County, Florida, United States. It is the county seat and the largest city in Alachua County. Gainesville is home to the University of Florida, which is one of the largest universities in the United States. Santa Fe College is also located in Gainesville.

The University of Florida estimated that the city's population was 124,491 in 2008. The Gainesville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which includes Alachua and Gilchrist Counties, has a population of 258,555, according to 2008 Census Bureau estimates. The Gainesville MSA was ranked as the #1 place to live in the 2007 edition of Cities Ranked and Rated. Gainesville was also ranked as one of the "best places to live and play" in 2007 by National Geographic Adventure.