Looking for a change within the US (renting, co-op)

[Jerseypeach]

Hi. My boyfriend and I are looking to relocate somewhere in the United States. Right now we live in Atlanta and are deciding whether it makes sense for us to remain there due to family or to go off now (both of our jobs are incredibly flexible).

Things that are important to us:
- a decent city life
- either beach or mountains within an hour (preferably less, and preferably beach)
- generally safe community
- a bit more on the liberal side
- prefer to have actual seasons, but if it's mostly warm, that's alright too. sunshine is key
- colleges and universities near by
- pro sports team is a plus, but not a necessity
- good music scene
- healthy food options!!

As far as the city life goes, it does not have to be the main city of the area, so much as any city that has a cool downtown area. We love eclectic vibes.

So far we have narrowed in on the general east coast as well as California and Colorado. Any thoughts on these areas would be awesome, as well as any additional suggestions I haven't mentioned. We will be renting and our max budget is $1400 for at least a one bedroom.

[cacto]

Athens, Georgia sounds like it meets all your requirements.

I've heard from those who've lived there that Athens has a cool downtown (bars, music venues, cafes, co-op groceries).Athens is between the ocean and the Appalachians. Don't know about crime. It's a bit on the liberal side. Mostly warm with seasons. Has a university, a good music scene, and for healthy food there's Daily Groceries Co-op and an Earthfare grocery store.

Colorado isn't really warm nor is most of California. California Coast doesn't have seasons in the sense of what people in the East define seasons as.

$1400 for a one bedroom is insanely high, but that's just my opinion. Sounds about right for a lot of places in California.

[kyle19125]

St Petersburg, Florida could be a good fit. The beaches are beautiful, it has a thriving downtown area, up/coming neighborhoods in and around downtown, two colleges (USF and Eckerd), a more liberal population, what passes as a decent music scene and good healthy food options (Rollin Oats and Earth Origins). Your housing budget would more than adequate for something nice in the area. The weather is of course wonderful, that is if gulf breezes and 320 days of sun per year sounds attractive to you. Surprising St Pete

[ckhthankgod]

Philadelphia seems like a slam dunk, except for maybe the sunlight aspect. Not far from the Jersey Shore or the Poconos. Plenty of colleges and pro sports teams. A neighborhood like Manayunk may be what the OP wants too.

[Jerseypeach]

Hi all,

thanks for the responses. In the past day we were actually given more concrete options and wonder if anyone has any thoughts - before it was a bit more open ended.

any part of Connecticut
Northampton MA
Nashville
Columbia SC or any part in that vicinity (options stretching all the way to Charleston)
Tampa FL (thanks for the St. Pete suggestion, that is definitely being looked into)
any part of NC
Atlanta
Denver

any thoughts on these general areas as well as specific areas to look into within these areas is greatly appreciated! i also appreciate the previous answers, but Philly is out, and Athens is not really what I'm looking for. thanks all

[ckhthankgod]

What about Newark DE, which is where the University of Delaware is located? Very close to beaches and close enough to mountains. Bigger cities are close enough too.

Charlottesville VA could be another option too. It has UVa, mountains, the beach is close enough, close enough to DC and is known for having a liberal vibe.