Location can make or break your college experience. For students attending the University of Florida, choosing housing that balances proximity to campus with access to the city’s amenities is critical. Aero on 24th, located in the vibrant Butler Plaza neighborhood, manages to strike that perfect balance. Whether you’re heading to class, grabbing groceries, or exploring Gainesville’s best bites, everything you need is just minutes away.

Beyond its strategic positioning, Aero on 24th is also well-connected to Gainesville’s public transportation system, making it one of the most convenient places to live for UF students—especially those without a car. In a city known for both its sprawling campus and student population, this kind of accessibility is a game-changer.

In this article, we’ll break down what makes Aero on 24th a standout option in terms of location and transportation. From nearby bus routes to walkable shopping centers and quick commutes, here’s why this complex continues to attract students year after year.

Welcome to the Butler Plaza Neighborhood: The Heart of Student Life

Butler Plaza isn’t just a location—it’s a lifestyle. This rapidly growing commercial district in Southwest Gainesville is packed with everything a student could need, from major grocery chains to trendy coffee shops and diverse dining options.

Within minutes of Aero on 24th, you’ll find:

• Target, Publix, and Trader Joe’s for convenient grocery runs
• Restaurants like Bento, Blaze Pizza, and Maple Street Biscuit Company
• Coffee shops and bubble tea cafés for late-night study sessions
• Movie theaters, fitness studios, and retail stores
• Pharmacies and essential services, including banks and urgent care

The convenience of being able to walk, bike, or take a quick bus ride to these destinations cannot be overstated. Instead of driving across town, students at Aero can knock out errands, grab food, or meet friends in the span of a single afternoon.

Proximity to Campus: Just 1.6 Miles from UF

One of the top priorities for any student housing is how quickly you can get to class. Aero on 24th is located just 1.6 miles from the University of Florida, making it one of the most strategically placed communities in Gainesville for students who want a near-campus experience without living in the middle of the hustle and bustle.

For those searching for 2 bedroom apartments near UF, Aero on 24th offers the ideal blend of off-campus living and easy campus access. You can enjoy peace and quiet when you need to study and still get to campus in under 10 minutes by bike or bus.

Commute times from Aero on 24th:

• Bike to UF Campus: 8–10 minutes
• Drive to UF Campus: 5–7 minutes
• Bus to UF Campus: 12–15 minutes depending on the route

Public Transportation: Leave the Car Behind

Not every student brings a car to college—and in Gainesville, you don’t need to. Aero on 24th is situated near multiple Regional Transit System (RTS) bus routes, allowing residents to get around the city with ease.

Nearby RTS bus routes include:

• Route 20 – Direct access to UF campus and downtown Gainesville
• Route 33 – Stops along Archer Road for shopping and dining
• Route 34 – Access to Shands Hospital, UF Health, and major student hubs

Buses typically run every 10–20 minutes during peak hours, and many routes are free for UF students with a valid Gator 1 card. This makes getting to class, appointments, or social events incredibly affordable and efficient.

Biking and Walking: Safe, Scenic, and Student-Friendly

If you’re an active student who prefers biking or walking, Aero on 24th also supports a car-free lifestyle. The area around the complex includes bike lanes, sidewalks, and pedestrian crossings, ensuring residents can safely navigate the neighborhood.

Gainesville is widely known as a bike-friendly city, and with the mild Florida weather, biking to campus or around town is a practical, healthy option year-round. Aero’s proximity to key roads like SW 24th Avenue and SW 34th Street makes it easy to reach UF, Butler Plaza, and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Parking Options for Drivers

Of course, if you do have a car, Aero on 24th still has you covered. The complex offers on-site parking for an additional fee, allowing students to keep their vehicles close to home without the headaches of street parking or long walks to their lot.

Parking amenities include:

• Secure parking spaces
• Guest parking availability
• Convenient access to apartment buildings

While parking is limited and can be competitive at peak times, it’s a manageable situation—especially compared to campus lots or other off-campus options without designated resident spaces.

Why Location Matters for Student Success

When students talk about what contributes to a successful college experience, location always ranks high on the list. Here’s why Aero’s location makes such a difference:

1. Time Management

Cutting down on commute time gives students more hours in the day for studying, relaxing, socializing, or even working part-time. With class just a short bike ride away and stores within walking distance, Aero helps eliminate wasted time in traffic or transit.

2. Health and Wellness

Being able to walk or bike to your destination encourages a more active lifestyle. Plus, having access to fresh groceries, fitness centers, and green spaces makes it easier to maintain healthy habits.

3. Social Connectivity

Aero’s location in Butler Plaza puts students near other young professionals and UF students. This fosters a natural sense of community and makes it easy to meet people, whether through shared classes, events, or casual run-ins at the local coffee shop.

4. Independence and Freedom

Living slightly off-campus allows students to gain more independence without losing access to campus resources. Aero residents enjoy a lifestyle that balances academic focus with personal freedom.

Nearby Attractions and Weekend Destinations

When the weekend rolls around, residents at Aero on 24th are never bored. The complex is a short ride from some of Gainesville’s most popular spots:

• Depot Park – A local favorite for picnics, outdoor concerts, and nature walks
• Paynes Prairie Preserve – For wildlife viewing, hiking, and adventure
• Midtown and Downtown Gainesville – Home to nightlife, live music, coffee houses, and more
• Celebration Pointe – Featuring upscale dining, shopping, and movie theaters

Whether you want a quiet night in or a night out on the town, you’re just minutes from the action.

The Verdict: Aero on 24th Nails the Location Factor

Between its proximity to campus, accessibility to public transportation, and walkable shopping and dining options, Aero on 24th earns high marks for location. For students without a vehicle, the nearby RTS bus routes and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure make it easy to navigate Gainesville. For those with a car, on-site parking and quick access to major roads offer flexibility and convenience.

And for those specifically searching for 2 bedroom apartments near UF, Aero on 24th offers the added bonus of living in a strategic, well-connected area without sacrificing comfort or style. Students in the 2-bedroom units enjoy the privacy of separate bedrooms and bathrooms while sharing living and kitchen space, all within an accessible, amenity-rich environment.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a place to live while attending the University of Florida involves more than just comparing rent prices. You need a location that supports your academic goals, social life, and overall well-being. Aero on 24th delivers on all these fronts by offering a prime address in one of Gainesville’s most popular neighborhoods.

Whether you're walking to Butler Plaza for groceries, catching the bus to class, or biking through scenic campus routes, everything is easier when you live at Aero. It’s no wonder that students looking for 2 bedroom apartments near UF continue to choose this property for its unbeatable combination of location, lifestyle, and livability.

Interested in seeing it for yourself?

• Visit AeroOn24th.com to view floor plans and availability.
• Schedule a tour and explore the surrounding neighborhood.
• Ask about current specials for new residents—especially for 2-bedroom units!

If you need help comparing this with other nearby properties, or want a neighborhood map to visualize distances to key spots, I’d be happy to create one for you. Just let me know!