CA living on the east coast?? (Santa Cruz, Monterey: fit in, best towns, transplants)

[shellybsw]

Going off of the thread about which cities in CA are most like southern cities, I have an odd question. This can probably only be answered by people who live, or have lived or maybe frequently visit, the east coast.

I am wondering where on the east coast one might find a city/town most like northern California living.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

[sonarrat]

You could probably make a good case for Pensacola, Florida, especially if you compare it to a town like Santa Cruz.

[bhcompy]

my cousins moved from napa to asheville, nc and have been fairly happy... 4 seasons, but similar laid back living

[songgirl]

Martha's Vineyard. Ashville, Jekell Island, Savannah, St. Augustine all come to mind. It all depends on what climate you're looking for.

[shellybsw]

Originally Posted by sonarrat

You could probably make a good case for Pensacola, Florida, especially if you compare it to a town like Santa Cruz.

Really? I am suprised to hear a FL location. Any thoughts on why? Thanks

[shellybsw]

Originally Posted by bhcompy

my cousins moved from napa to asheville, nc and have been fairly happy... 4 seasons, but similar laid back living

I have heard Asheville is very laid back. Thanks.

[shellybsw]

Originally Posted by songgirl

Martha's Vineyard. Ashville, Jekell Island, Savannah, St. Augustine all come to mind. It all depends on what climate you're looking for.

I did enjoy Savannah, and have heard about Asheville. Climate is not a huge issue. I really just want a liberal, laid back town that I can raise my kids in. I lived in Northern CA before, but hubby won't relocate so far.
How is St. Augustine?

[songgirl]

Originally Posted by shellybsw

I did enjoy Savannah, and have heard about Asheville. Climate is not a huge issue. I really just want a liberal, laid back town that I can raise my kids in. I lived in Northern CA before, but hubby won't relocate so far.
How is St. Augustine?

I currently live in St. Aug. and I love it here. It is very laid back and I love the climate. Summers are hot as hell but the rest of the year is paradise. I know climate isn't your #1 concern, but I had to throw that out there.

It is a major tourist destination, but it is also very livable. You never hear locals complaining about the tourists at all. It's just not an issue since the type of tourists we get are older, and generally not a rowdy spring break kind of crowd.

I am an aging hippie who wears flip-flops and old jeans almost everywhere and I fit in perfectly here. It is still the old South though, so I would not exactly consider St. Aug. to be very progressive or diversified. People here are as friendly as I've ever met, but you will not find the same intellectual stimulation as you do in Northern Cali. OK, that's not exactly true.....but you will have to look harder for it.

Crime is low, schools are "great" by Florida standards and the beaches are clean, not overcrowded or over-commercialized. It's a great place to live if you are looking for serenity. As far as raising kids here, I think it is a fantastic environment. I have a 5 yr. old daughter and I feel comfortable that this is where I want her to be.

But St. Aug has it's pitfalls too. The downtown area is stunningly beautiful, but the best schools are actually in the NW part of the County which is nice enough, but nothing really special. Also, well paying jobs are generally in Jacksonville which is about 45 mins. to the North.

All that said, I used to live in Monterey, and if I can't live there, I want to stay in St. Augustine.

[gypsychic]

As a Florida native, been to St. Augie many times, and love it. I once wanted to move there. one of the best towns in Fla.

We now live in Lakeland, Fl, which is an inland Florida town, but there is something here that reminds me of places in Cali. It has great vintage architecture and beautiful tropical vegetation as well as many small colleges. It is laid back, but also somewhat conservative.

I have to recommend Asheville for a really "liberal" type of place. Many transplants there from Cali - we have a second home there. It is a small town with thousands of artists and is cutting edge for "green building" and a foodie destination. Most Californians love it there.

[Tony from Europe]

no place like california