🌱 Gainesville Top Housing Market + New Mini-Pitch At Myrtle St. Park

Hi, Gainesville! Like many of you, the Patch staff is taking some time off for Memorial Day, so you won’t see this newsletter in your inbox for a few days. We’ll be back soon, but in the meantime, here’s what’s happening in and around town this weekend.

But first, your weekend weather:

• Saturday: A couple of afternoon showers. High: 70 Low: 52.
• Sunday: Cloudy with a stray shower. High: 68 Low: 57.
• Monday: Warmer with a thunderstorm. High: 76 Low: 60.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories in Gainesville today:

1. Gainesville recently took the crown as the top housing market in the United States, according to Bankrate's Housing Heat Index. The city saw a remarkable 21.1 percent increase in home values this year, although its median home prices remain below the national average. Gainesville also boasts impressive achievements in job growth, population expansion, and low unemployment rates, further solidifying its position as a thriving real estate hub. (WSB Atlanta)
2. The Atlanta United Community Fund unveiled its second mini-pitch in Gainesville as part of the GA 100 campaign. The mini-pitch, constructed in collaboration with United Way of Hall County and Gainesville City Parks and Recreation, can be found at Myrtle Street Park. The newly-developed turf pitch boasts amenities like lighting, bleacher seating, shade structures, sidewalks, and netting to enhance the playing experience. (Atlanta United)
3. Downtown Gainesville's First Friday Concert Series returns next Friday, Jun. 2 with the '80s rock 'n' roll panache of Hot Flash. The Alpharetta-based band will take the Main Street stage during the event, running from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The free concert series will run through September and feature a diverse lineup of talented local acts. (City of Gainesville, Georgia via Facebook)

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This weekend in Gainesville:

Saturday, May 27

• Walking Tour: Horticulture Favorites At Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Gainesville (10:00 AM)
• Midland Music Festival At Midland Greenway (5:00 PM)

Sunday, May 28

• Live Music: The Band Loula And The Murphs At Blackstrap Rock Hall (7:00 PM)

Monday, May 29

• Memorial Day In The Gainesville Garden At Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Gainesville (9:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• REMINDER: The City of Gainesville will be observing the Memorial Day holiday this Monday, May 29. Garbage and recycling collection will be delayed, with pickup resuming the following day (Tuesday, May 30). (City of Gainesville, Georgia via Facebook)
• Have you seen the Gainesville Trolley back around town? You can catch a ride between 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. each Thursday through Saturday to and from downtown Gainesville. For more information, including routes and maps, visit gainesville.org. (City of Gainesville, Georgia via Facebook)
• Congrats to Gainesville's own Alpha Gyro Grill, which was recognized by the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce as Small Business of the Month! The eatery was commended for its "delicious Mediterranean cuisine and exceptional service." (Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday. See you all next week for another update!

— Lauren Kubiak

About me: Lauren is an Editor for Lightning Media Partners. She graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s in journalism. She was previously a full-time editor at an association management firm, editing peer-reviewed nursing journals, textbooks, and newsletters.