[DailyJournalist]

The Jacksonville/St. Augustine area may be a good fit for you. You will also find a better job market than you would in Sarasota.

[gypsystar]

What about Gainesville? My husband and I lived in L.A. for years and loved it, but we really like Gainesville a lot. We've lived in the Orlando area, and were shocked that recycling isn't a big deal there. Our county (Lake) didn't have any recycling system set up, so we had to bring all of our recyclables to the nearest Whole Foods. Alachua County is very "green," and the town we are living in now (Micanopy) has a recycling service. We love that.

There are tons of yoga classes here, and a pretty good live music scene. There are a lot of local bands here, although not as many as there were in the 80s and 90s. Several bars downtown feature local bands almost every weekend. We aren't into the bar and club scene either, but we love seeing bands.

The one bad thing is that there aren't any Whole Foods in the area. Publix (FL grocery chain) does carry a lot of items for vegetarians, though - I have no problem finding my meatless products. Also, there is a local health food store called Mother Earth that probably has wheat grass shots.

Gainesville is 1.5 hours from either coast, which really isn't that bad. We went to Cedar Key on the Gulf side today and the trip went quickly. You can easily make a day trip to the beach from here. There are also a lot of state parks with springs and rivers if you like to kayak. This really is a nature lover's paradise! But for the city girl in me, there are a several Starbucks as well.
http://www.visitgainesville.com/ - general info.

http://www.gainesvillebands.com/flyerpage.asp - a Gainesville band resource

[Where'sTheBeach?]

Originally Posted by gypsystar

What about Gainesville? My husband and I lived in L.A. for years and loved it, but we really like Gainesville a lot. We've lived in the Orlando area, and were shocked that recycling isn't a big deal there. Our county (Lake) didn't have any recycling system set up, so we had to bring all of our recyclables to the nearest Whole Foods. Alachua County is very "green," and the town we are living in now (Micanopy) has a recycling service. We love that.

There are tons of yoga classes here, and a pretty good live music scene. There are a lot of local bands here, although not as many as there were in the 80s and 90s. Several bars downtown feature local bands almost every weekend. We aren't into the bar and club scene either, but we love seeing bands.

The one bad thing is that there aren't any Whole Foods in the area. Publix (FL grocery chain) does carry a lot of items for vegetarians, though - I have no problem finding my meatless products. Also, there is a local health food store called Mother Earth that probably has wheat grass shots.

Gainesville is 1.5 hours from either coast, which really isn't that bad. We went to Cedar Key on the Gulf side today and the trip went quickly. You can easily make a day trip to the beach from here. There are also a lot of state parks with springs and rivers if you like to kayak. This really is a nature lover's paradise! But for the city girl in me, there are a several Starbucks as well.
Gainesville Florida - general info.

GainesvilleBands.com - welcome - a Gainesville band resource

Thanks, gypsystar, for all the good info! We'll definately look into Gainesville. Bummer it's not closer to the ocean, but you can't have it all. I think we'll stay away from Orlando, too!

[gypsychic]

IMO, Gainesville doesn't hold a candle to the Sarasota area, but it is good to check things out for yourself. Sarasota has the most awesome beaches and keys - just drop dead beautiful. We also have a Whole Foods, and many other organic markets such as Granary, Richard's, Fresh Market, Jessica's Organic Farm, and many others. It is also a college town with a small branch campus of USF, Ringling College of Art, and New College. The town has a great vibe due to the many artists who live here. I also love the cosmopolitan feel, as we have full and part-time residents from Europe here. Sarasota is also known as one of the cultural centers of Florida, with many museums and art galleries, etc.

Please be sure to come and really check the area out, it has a lot to offer, especially if you want to be near the coast - has a nice laid-back vibe too.

[SoFLGal]

Gypsychic is right on with her comments There's so much to do in Sarasota. I just took the kids to Ringling to see the Egyptian exhibit and Japanese kimonos that are on display. Then we walked through the rose garden and the kids climbed the banyan trees out back.

Sarasota rock in my opinion

[SoFLGal]

Correction--Sarasota Rocks!

[gypsystar]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

IMO, Gainesville doesn't hold a candle to the Sarasota area, but it is good to check things out for yourself. Sarasota has the most awesome beaches and keys - just drop dead beautiful. We also have a Whole Foods, and many other organic markets such as Granary, Richard's, Fresh Market, Jessica's Organic Farm, and many others. It is also a college town with a small branch campus of USF, Ringling College of Art, and New College. The town has a great vibe due to the many artists who live here. I also love the cosmopolitan feel, as we have full and part-time residents from Europe here. Sarasota is also known as one of the cultural centers of Florida, with many museums and art galleries, etc.

Please be sure to come and really check the area out, it has a lot to offer, especially if you want to be near the coast - has a nice laid-back vibe too.

All that may be true, but her rocker husband would be much happier in Gainesville. I just think this town has what they are both looking for...

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by gypsystar

What about Gainesville? My husband and I lived in L.A. for years and loved it, but we really like Gainesville a lot. We've lived in the Orlando area, and were shocked that recycling isn't a big deal there. Our county (Lake) didn't have any recycling system set up, so we had to bring all of our recyclables to the nearest Whole Foods. Alachua County is very "green," and the town we are living in now (Micanopy) has a recycling service. We love that.

There are tons of yoga classes here, and a pretty good live music scene. There are a lot of local bands here, although not as many as there were in the 80s and 90s. Several bars downtown feature local bands almost every weekend. We aren't into the bar and club scene either, but we love seeing bands.

The one bad thing is that there aren't any Whole Foods in the area. Publix (FL grocery chain) does carry a lot of items for vegetarians, though - I have no problem finding my meatless products. Also, there is a local health food store called Mother Earth that probably has wheat grass shots.

Gainesville is 1.5 hours from either coast, which really isn't that bad. We went to Cedar Key on the Gulf side today and the trip went quickly. You can easily make a day trip to the beach from here. There are also a lot of state parks with springs and rivers if you like to kayak. This really is a nature lover's paradise! But for the city girl in me, there are a several Starbucks as well.
Gainesville Florida - general info.

GainesvilleBands.com - welcome - a Gainesville band resource

Cool websites! I like the Gainesvillebands site. My husband and I both have cousins that live in Gainesville and they are both in bands. I found one of the bands listed on that website. They're called "The One's to Blame."

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by gypsystar

All that may be true, but her rocker husband would be much happier in Gainesville. I just think this town has what they are both looking for...

Possibly - but I do think they need to visit both places, especially since they did say they want the coast, and Gainesville is pretty from from either coast. Not saying Gainesville is bad or anything by any means - just different. By the way they do have a music scene in Sarasota, too - quite a few live venues..

Website for schools:

http://www.sarasotacountyschools.net/schools.aspx

Sarasota musician classified

http://www.musolist.com/FL/Sarasota-...ns-Classifieds

Only thing, no real hiking in this area since it is flat - for sure better hiking around Gainesville. But this is sure a fantastic place to be - it's at least worth a nice vacation while they check it out!

[Where'sTheBeach?]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

Possibly - but I do think they need to visit both places, especially since they did say they want the coast, and Gainesville is pretty from from either coast. Not saying Gainesville is bad or anything by any means - just different. By the way they do have a music scene in Sarasota, too - quite a few live venues..

Website for schools:

School Directory, Sarasota County Schools

Sarasota musician classified

Sarasota Musicians Classifieds Everybody

Only thing, no real hiking in this area since it is flat - for sure better hiking around Gainesville. But this is sure a fantastic place to be - it's at least worth a nice vacation while they check it out!

We definately will look around, but Sarasota does look absolutely beautiful. It's been very cold up here lately with lots of ice and snow... imaging walking those beaches makes me just a bit warmer! Thanks for the websites as well!