The University is located in Tallahassee, Florida's beautiful wooded capital city, which has an area population of over 230,000. The presence of the state government, a community college, and two major universities ensures that Tallahassee is a city unusually rich in cultural opportunities. Much of the city's vitality also comes from outside academia.

The classical music of the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra and the Tallahassee Bach Parley is balanced by popular concerts at Ruby Diamond Auditorium, the Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center, and various private concert sites. In addition, a number of local art galleries highlight the works of regional artists and traveling exhibits, and the community boasts excellent public television and two public radio stations.