Welcome from Central Florida! I did a lot of research on the perfect breed for my situation (small urban lot). Like you, I wanted easy/friendly chickens. Noise levels and flightiness were also issues. I went with full size breeds to keep them in the fence. I couldn't pick just one. I have 7 chickens and only 2 are the same breed: Cochin, Barred Rock, Wyandotte, Orpington, Jersey Black Giant, and 2 Black Star sex links. Astralorps were on my list but i couldn't find any within my window. Just remember that the personality traits vary from bird to bird and the descriptions are generalizations. This is my first flock. I "collected" chicks over a 1 month period from March to April. A few have just started laying. I also have rabbits, ducks, and quail. The chickens are easiest to care for. You're gonna have so much fun!
Oh wow, I used to live in Gainesville. I moved to Dallas, TX about 3 years ago and to The Great Smokey Mountains (North Carolina) about a year and a half ago. I just tripped in here on my way to make my own introduction and saw my home town.
I like Gainesville a lot. I was born in Michigan, grew up in Toronto and lived in Mexico for a bit as an adult, but I think Gainesville is gonna be it for a long time - we all love it here.
And no, I'm not a Gator but I do work for them. Michigan State all the way for me!
I'm officially obsessed with chickens, btw. It's all I can talk about...and we don't even have any yet. My poor husband doesn't know what he started!