Moving from Minneapolis to GA.... (Atlanta, Gainesville: renting, college, living in)

[mplsgyrl]

Hello,

I will be soon moving from Minneapolis to Georgia for a 3 year job committment in Gainesville. I currently live in a culturally vibrant, liberal, and bohemian area of Minneapolis and love living in this sort of environment - walking distance from great restaurants, cafes, art studios, and museums. I am also gay and it is rather important that I am close to a city where I will feel relatively comfortable in my own skin. I know Atlanta is very liberal and accepting, but it is simply too far away from Gainesville, GA to consider (especially with traffic). I am not a fan of suburbs (would rather live in a small town than the burbs). Consequently, I am strongly considering Athens, GA - even though it is a little further than I care to drive! I imagine relocating anywhere is never easy, but does anyone have any thoughts/suggestions on the positives or negatives of Athens, GA for a 31 year old professional? Also, any suggestions on where to look for housing would be great. I plan on renting since the job committment is short term. Any way to avoid too much of a "college housing" situation??? Or, is that unrealistic?

[TakeAhike]

Here's a link to previous CD threads on Athens, GA>>>

https://www.city-data.com/forum/searc...archid=7439482