GAINESVILLE - What do Portland, Maine, Tulsa, Okla., Wenatchee, Wash., Winchester, Va., and Gainesville all have in common? They make up AARP Magazine's Top 5 "affordable and desirable" places to retire.
Gainesville City Manager Kip Padgett welcomes the designation.
"We're just excited that AARP has recognized Gainesville for what it does and what its downtown offers."
Padgett says the city does not go out of its way to promote itself as a good place for retirees, preferring to "just let things happen naturally."
The report makes note of Gaineville's median housing price ($141,800) and downtown events, including free concerts. It also says the "best way to spend $10" is to "grab a drink and a small plate at Recess Southern Gastro Pub on the square, then check out events downtown, including free concerts."
The eatery's manager, Glenn Trotti, had not heard about the AARP report when contacted for comment Friday morning but was thrilled at the mention the pub is getting in the two national publications.
Trotti, originally from New York, said only good things can come from the articles although he says business has been good since the place opened two years ago and he, a New Yorker who has lived all over the country from California to Florida, is "very happy here."
"It's a great place to be," Cotti said, "and (the town) is very supportive and like I said it's a new concept (a gastro pub) for this area."
Tuesday
May 6th, 2025
12:09AM
