NYC Artist to Atlanta?

[rackensack]

Atlanta is not now, never has been, and never will be, a rival to New York as an arts scene. If you come here expecting more than a small fraction of the artists, galleries, institutions, etc., that are available in NYC, you'll be bitterly disappointed. That has more to do with NYC than with Atlanta, however -- almost no place can even compare with New York. There is, however, a reasonably healthy arts scene here, and the last decade has seen a real boom in the number of intown neighborhoods and developments that cater to those of an artistic bent, most of which Mrs. Garrison mentioned already.

I think most working artists or creative professionals could be happy in Atlanta provided they're able to accept what is here and work to build more, instead of complaining about what's not here. No one is ever going to build a new world class art museum from scratch, and it was too late to do so already by the time Atlanta got in the game 50 years ago. And there really aren't many other art museums in Atlanta besides the High -- the Carlos Museum at Emory is mainly an archaeological museum with some art objects (high quality, to be sure), MODA is very much a design museum (with some very interesting exhibits), MOCA is still a baby, and pretty much all the other museums in town are history or special interest museums, not art museums. That being said, the TULA/Bennett Street district (new home to MOCA, btw) seems to being holding up well after a couple of decades, the Castleberry Hill area is coming along, and Cabbagetown, L5P, Candler Park, Decatur, etc. all have enough like-minded folk and are interesting enough in their own right that you could be comfortable here, if you can accept what you'd be giving up leaving NYC.

[artdesignlou]

thank you rackensack. Living in ny most of my life has ruined me for any other town I think. I keep comparing. Granted I am living in Orlando Fl. right now which seems to have about 1% what NY offers.

But I'm not sure I can go back to NYC real estate. That is why I am exploring other city possibilities.

My problem is that I didn't buy when I was able to - when prices were relatively reasonable. Now I am tormented by what I didn't do. When I was still there I was reminded every day that I didn't buy. because people were constantly talking about real estate. everywhere. the grocery store, the subway, in restaurants, parks....couldn't escape! If I go back there I will have to start from scratch. paying mega-bucks for teeny apartment (probably in a lame neighborhood).

[sweettea1]

Yes, but just think of what you might say in twenty years if you don't buy today! If you really want to live in NYC, go to Williamsburg and rent for a while until you can afford something small. There are some apartment saving tips online at makingitinthecity.com, specifically for expensive cities. But if you do want to explore other arts scenes, consider Asheville, NC or even Athens, GA. Great studio arts scene in both; Athens is more affordable than Asheville.

[artdesignlou]

Sweettea, thank you for your advice. it's true that about the 20 years thing. ugh. it just keeps going up. I've been to asheville. it's really cool, but no graphic design jobs for me. if I had a trust fund it would be perfect! :-)
hmmm. never considered athens, ga. I'll look into it. thanks again!

[sweettea1]

What kind of graphic design jobs are you looking for? FT or Freelance? Have you looked at mediabistro.com?

[JBnC]

I agree a lot with what Ms. Garrison has to say. I live in Ormewood Park, right between Grant Park and East Atlanta Village. I love where I live. I recommend Grant Park, Ormewood Park, EAV (East Atl Village), Kirkwood, Oakhurst, Decatur, Candler Park, Inman Park (Little Five Points - Atlanta's bohemian mecca).

Castleberry Hill is slightly west of downtown, like literally two blocks and has become that arts/loft area of Atlanta, but it is expensive. All of these area are accessible by bike. I suggest you look into Sopo Atlanta Sopo Bicycle Co-op and Faster Mustache Faster Mustache .
Both are very liberally minded bike groups that partake in the ocassional critical mass ride.

If you ever want insider info on Atlanta,feel free to PT me, I am an artsy, liberally minded, mid -30's (30's is the new 20's!!!!) SWF.

Speaking of being SWF, it's very difficult to meet cute, single, straight, and somewhat successful-stand on thier own feet type guys here. Just thought I'd be honest with you.

[artdesignlou]

JBNC, thanks for your comment and advice. :-) that is very disheartening about the guys in atlanta! I'm surprised. I had a hard time finding a decent, non-commitment phobe guy in nyc!

[artdesignlou]

Sweettea, I have a full-time graphic design job now. Yes, I've checked out mediabistro.com. very helpful! :-)

[sweettea1]

congrats on your job!

[sashalovesoca]

Well, Atlanta isn't the most walkable city, but it's nice and has a lot of shopping, arts, and culture. Since you're an artist maybe you can also consider Seattle, Portland, Alberquerque (sp), Austin, and Boulder.