The largest city in Alachua County is set within 75 miles of beaches on the coasts of the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. In between are wilderness trails and freshwater springs, making it a nature lover’s haven. But where Gainesville really flexes its muscle is in our Product category (#17), led by the University of Florida earning a tie for #5 spot in the University ranking. UF contributes more than $8 billion to the local economy annually, generating more than 100,000 jobs and acquiring more than $700 million in research. Upping Gainesville’s Product cred is its #23 ranking for Attractions, which range from a wildlife sanctuary to a historic homestead on a historic homestead. The citizenry is also well educated, as evidenced by the #16 ranking for Educational Attainment. Retaining talent is a key goal of the Greater Gainesville Chamber: by focusing on areas of strength—human life sciences, agricultural science & technology, and clean technology—the organization seeks to create 2,500 jobs for a total of $250 million in new capital investment by 2025.