in addition to having the assets that lure innovative startups and create jobs, Gainesville is known for its young median age (just 25) and many attractions, including a bustling downtown.
Photo: Rob Witzel
Santa Fe College now offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Industrial Biotechnology at its Perry Center for Emerging Technologies.
Alachua-based AxoGen, a developer of products to repair damaged peripheral nerves, has earned the No. 19 spot on “Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500.”
Take a hike in the Ocala National Forest.
Photo: Visit Florida
The UF Health System, which includes UF Health Shands Hospital and UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, is one of this region’s largest employers.
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Business Florida 2015 - The Regions
North Central Florida
Alachua, Gainesville, Jasper, Lake City, Ocala, Perry
Talent, innovation and entrepreneurship thrive in North Central Florida,a region known for its competitive cost of living, accessibility and abundance of natural resources. Home to the University of Florida and four public colleges, this region offers a highly skilled workforce and the supportive environment emerging companies need to get up and running. And with more business incubators per capita than almost anywhere in the U.S., North Central is particularly adept at attracting fresh ideas and retaining the talent to grow the businesses that will bring them to market.
Here, too, a well-developed transportation network ensures that all businesses have easy access to vital markets. Two of Florida’s major interstate highways — I-75 and I-10 — intersect in this region, which is also served by multiple other roadways, rail systems and two commercial airports as well as deep water ports in Jacksonville, Fernandina and Tampa Bay.
WHO LIVES HERE
Well-educated
North Central boasts some of Florida’s most highly educated people. In Gainesville alone, which is home to the University of Florida and Santa Fe College, 44% of residents age 25+ have a bachelor’s degree or higher compared to the national average of 29%.
Innovative
The University of Florida is a catalyst for economic development. UF ranked 22nd among universities worldwide for number of patents awarded in 2012 (70) and 11th in the U.S. for number of licenses/options granted (129). In addition, UF helped create 15 startups, earning 4th place nationally just behind MIT and the entire University of California and University of Texas systems for number of new companies launched.
Growing
At No. 5, Ocala is the only city east of the Mississippi to make Forbes’ 2013 list of “10 Best Cities for Future Job Growth.” Meanwhile, neighboring Gainesville ranks No. 1 on NerdWallet.com’s “Top 10 Cities on the Rise,” based on its rate of growth in three key areas over the past five years: employment rate (up 7%), median income (up 19%) and airport passenger traffic (up 7%).
