[gypsychic]

Certain cities will give some of what you are looking for - Gainesville, Sarasota, parts of St Pete. All have a Bohemian type feel, yet each area is different. Sarasota is a small city and has both a city and a small town feel. It is quickly becoming more hip and progressive and is just a beautiful and wonderful place to live (IMO of course, lol!) This is where I live, which is why I am describing it. You might be more specific as to more of what you want in a town. The weather here is great - yes a few months in summer are hot, but most of the year it's beautiful with a nice coastal breeze.

Venice is charming, but I would not compare it to Boulder - it is really small, and the population skews much older. Sarasota is closer in population to Boulder (but smaller) and we have 3 colleges here as well - Ringling School of Art & Design, New College and a branch campus of USF. Lots and lots of artists here.

[grapico]

hah I wish, don't waste your time.

[Chrome Microphone]

Try Asheville NC

[psouth]

How about Nashville?

[Keppela]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

Certain cities will give some of what you are looking for - Gainesville, Sarasota, parts of St Pete. All have a Bohemian type feel, yet each area is different. Sarasota is a small city and has both a city and a small town feel. It is quickly becoming more hip and progressive and is just a beautiful and wonderful place to live (IMO of course, lol!) This is where I live, which is why I am describing it. You might be more specific as to more of what you want in a town. The weather here is great - yes a few months in summer are hot, but most of the year it's beautiful with a nice coastal breeze.

Venice is charming, but I would not compare it to Boulder - it is really small, and the population skews much older. Sarasota is closer in population to Boulder (but smaller) and we have 3 colleges here as well - Ringling School of Art & Design, New College and a branch campus of USF. Lots and lots of artists here.

Hi Gypsy,

Thanks a lot for the info. I've heard nothing but good things about Sarasota (except for its proximity to Tampa ... had a friend living there who couldn't wait to leave) "Hip and progressive" does circumscribe what I'm looking for, aside from warmth. I know this is a FL thread, but I've been noodling over Charleston and Athens too as potential relocation sites. Have you spent any time in/have any opinions on these towns as compared to Sarasota?

Thanks again!

Kep

[Chrome Microphone]

^^^Charleston would get my vote, definitely!

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Keppela

Hi Gypsy,

Thanks a lot for the info. I've heard nothing but good things about Sarasota (except for its proximity to Tampa ... had a friend living there who couldn't wait to leave) "Hip and progressive" does circumscribe what I'm looking for, aside from warmth. I know this is a FL thread, but I've been noodling over Charleston and Athens too as potential relocation sites. Have you spent any time in/have any opinions on these towns as compared to Sarasota?

Thanks again!

Kep

I have only visited Charleston, (my ex had an aunt living there) never Athens, but a friend of mine moved from Sarasota to Athens years ago and loved it - lots of college students there. All of these towns are different, but have their own unique vibes. Charleston is very nice - beautiful historic district - probably a more "old south" version of Sarasota if you will. These are all nice little cities, and it just comes down to personal preference, weather, scenery, jobs, etc.

Good luck in whatever you decide!

[Keppela]

Originally Posted by Chrome Microphone

^^^Charleston would get my vote, definitely!

Really? Wow, that's ironic considering you were the one who turned me on to Sarasota.

[Keppela]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

I have only visited Charleston, (my ex had an aunt living there) never Athens, but a friend of mine moved from Sarasota to Athens years ago and loved it - lots of college students there. All of these towns are different, but have their own unique vibes. Charleston is very nice - beautiful historic district - probably a more "old south" version of Sarasota if you will. These are all nice little cities, and it just comes down to personal preference, weather, scenery, jobs, etc.

Good luck in whatever you decide!

Thanks for your input, Psychic (I know it's Gypsy Chic, but when I look at your name "psychic" just jumps out at me) It's good to hear positive feedback on all the towns I'm considering. Makes me feel I might actually be on the right track ...

[Chrome Microphone]

Originally Posted by Keppela

Really? Wow, that's ironic considering you were the one who turned me on to Sarasota.

Charleston wasnt mentioned. You said "If I were looking for Boulder in FL, what town would come the closest (or am I just dreaming)?"
So then I suggested Sarasota. But if you now bring Charleston into the mix, I'd take Charleston. But you cant go wrong with Sarasota either, I just find it way too hot, especially in the summer. Very little breeze from the Gulf, and when there is a breeze, it's a warm breeze. The Gulf is prettier but the breezes are much better on the Atlantic side, which makes the evenings tolerable.