Looking to relocate to FL (Jacksonville, Miami: neighborhood, schools, restaurants)

[jessez]

Hello everyone, I am looking to relocate my design agency to Florida - My partner and I are over the cold of Minneapolis, Minnesota (this morning our actual temp was -25 f.). I spent much of my childhood growing up in Tampa and we are looking at Tampa, Fort Myers and Fort Lauderdale. I am concerned with how large the design community is in these areas and also concerned about the conservative nature of some communities - I am a gay male that has a long time domestic partner. I'm hoping to find a community that our "family" would be welcomed and not harassed. On top of it all we own two bull terriers which would be an issue in Miami (dade county). Any advice would be helpful.

1. Design community
2. GLBT Friendly
3. No anti-bullie laws

[SoFLGal]

Did you try looking in the Sarasota area near downtown? I think that neighborhood might be what you are looking for. Ringling School of Art and Design is very close to the downtown area. There are quaint little shops, Whole Foods, etc.

You might want to go on the Sarasota board and ask the same question. You'll probably get some responses.

[LewLew]

I agree with SoFLGal. Ft myers should be out for you. You will not find a population that I believe will be ultra friendly toward your lifestyle...and the further you get to Naples...forget it.

The design community in Sarasota is very strong, and probably the best in the state at this point. Sarasota County is one of the dog friendliest counties I've read and been told.

Believe it or not, Jacksonville has an area called Avondale. It's very quaint, artsy, northern style character architecture, and a large gay population. It has a walkable downtown with wine bars, boutiques, art galleries etc. There are tons of bully dogs in Jax, and no law restricting them at all. (although it might upset you to see people selling pitties on the highway from time to time...it did me) You can take your bullies to the restaurants etc. There is also another area of Jax called San Marco you might love. Very good eateries, cafes, walkable town, close to the river and downtown. Great welcoming crowd. Pretty diverse in terms of conservative vs. liberal pop. Jax is a great place aside from the conservative rednecks the closer you get to St Augustine. I grew up in Ohio (outside Cleveland in Shaker Heights), and I LOVE Avondale and San Marco. They are probably my favorite places in FL at this point, but they were not conducive to raising children (schools aren't very good) Good luck to you.

[LewLew]

jessez, here are some links
San Marco Square - Jacksonville Shopping - VirtualTourist.com

Five Points/Riverside/Avondale area, Jacksonville - VirtualTourist.com

Riverside Avondale Preservation

Riverside is an up and coming area that is attached to Avondale. Not as "upscale" yet b/c it's evolving, but very artsy and trendy. Cool, laid back population.

Good luck.

[jessez]

Thank you everyone - I just got back from a visit to Fort Myers and Cape Coral. After meeting with a few designers and agency owners, I think I'll be staying put till the economy picks up a bit. Plus think we'll be looking at either the Sarasota or Tampa area... Thanks again.

[LewLew]

Originally Posted by jessez

Thank you everyone - I just got back from a visit to Fort Myers and Cape Coral. After meeting with a few designers and agency owners, I think I'll be staying put till the economy picks up a bit. Plus think we'll be looking at either the Sarasota or Tampa area... Thanks again.

That is a good call on your part.

[Big House]

Originally Posted by jessez

Thank you everyone - I just got back from a visit to Fort Myers and Cape Coral. After meeting with a few designers and agency owners, I think I'll be staying put till the economy picks up a bit. Plus think we'll be looking at either the Sarasota or Tampa area... Thanks again.

Good Luck, I hope you find what you're looking for!