[airbucket]

I really dont like to use the word "alternative" as it can connote so many things to some people and turn them off, so let me explain and see if anyone here is interested in what Im talking about.

I live in Sw FL, used to live in Miami, and am trying to find info on any areas in S FL or Tampa that may be classified as real communities, kind of like what you would find in parts of California or Portland OR....places with a nice tight knit feel, a more "hippy-ish" or "alternative" vibe going on.... places where people are into natural health or similar things, less stressful and more laid back. I would move to Cali if I could, but am wondering if such an area/neighborhood/community exists in FL? I have heard of actual places where there are intentional communities of this sort - now I am not seeking anything extremist here, but if anyone gets the idea and has info that would be great. I have done some google searches using those key words and dont come up with any relevant results. I may not be searching well either.

Thank you!

[krock67]

This site maybe helpful:

Simple Living Institute, Inc. - News

[imagardener]

There are alternative communities all over Florida and the US but unless someone is selling something you won't hear about them because most want to keep a low profile.

There are organic, nudist, gay, religious, off-the-grid, communes and you-name-it. Every now and then there will be an article in the paper but most of them are word-of-mouth only so they don't get unwanted outsiders crashing them.

Try looking in areas that are less conservative, like Gainesville and Sarasota. Go to some events, talk to people.

[airbucket]

thanks for the link, krock67! very interesting organization, very much what I was looking for.

imagardner, it does appear that these types of communities, those at least that arent 501c's, would be off the maps because as you say, they dont need a bunch of people ruining what theyve created. I will continue to seek these out, particularly with the increasing interest in organic farming, living, health and so on, maybe I will run into more! thanks very much.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by airbucket

thanks for the link, krock67! very interesting organization, very much what I was looking for.

imagardner, it does appear that these types of communities, those at least that arent 501c's, would be off the maps because as you say, they dont need a bunch of people ruining what theyve created. I will continue to seek these out, particularly with the increasing interest in organic farming, living, health and so on, maybe I will run into more! thanks very much.

If you like organic farming, that is becoming really BIG in this area (Sarasota/Manatee). Just last week there was an article about how young people are being recruited to learn how to do this to fulfill the area demands for local and organic food.

Here is a website you might enjoy, maybe it will help you research more into what you want:

Natural Capitalism - Sarasota | Making our communities sustainable

This area has all types of "alternative" living, but as the poster above mentioned, you kind of have to seek them out. We have many artists/students/hippies here living alongside the uber wealthy. Not to mention our own Amish/Mennonite village, and those folks live as simple as it gets.

Good luck, hope you find what you are looking for!

Here is another website you might like ("Natural Awakenings")

http://www.nasrq.com/dotnetnuke/

[cee.acadia]

HI!
We are looking to relocate to Sarasota, but are interested in an organic, more natural, less of a carbon footprint lifestyle with like minded folks. I have worked in organics, cooked in a vegetarian restaurant and currently work in an apiary. My fiancee has had his own roofing business for the past 25 years.

Is there like a place online where we could check for jobs/housing (looking to purchase a condo) that refer to the lifestyle I mentioned.
Thank you SO much!

C & S