What are the best "artsy" towns in Florida? (Miami: relocate, salary)

[sherbert22]

My husband and I are looking to relocate from PA. He is a teacher, I am a writer. We prefer a town pretty involved in the arts, and definately close proximity to the beach. But, able to live on a teacher and writer's salary haha. Any suggestions?

[outsider1]

Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Boca Raton. If Miami is your thing, then South Beach.

[MikeP]

If by "Artsy" you mean world class museums then it will be tough to find. There is the Ringling in Sarasota and the Dali meuseum in St.Pete. I'm not impressed with anything in Miami. However if you're looking for an artist community look into Pine Island (lee county). There are numerous galleries and many events that are geared toward the arts community.
It's very affordable and it has a small town feeling that is hard to find in Florida.
I'm originally from NY and there is no place in the south that will compare to the museums in NY, but Pine Island has a unique, fun artistic flare.

[SoFLGal]

Sarasota & Anna Maria Island. Lots of artists and art galleries, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Ringling Museum and art School, The Asolo Theater, The Opera House, art galleries downtown and on St Armand's Circle. My vote is for Sarasota.

[FLtoMaine]

yeah...you may need to define "artsy". Matlacha (just before Pine Island) is very artsy...lot of local color.