Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I know no one has posted here for a while but I just saw this and had to weigh in.
I also fit this description perfectly: "I'm as tree-hugging, dirt-worshiping liberal as they come!"
You say, "I am looking for a community that is very open-minded, liberal, progressive, and open to new-age/metaphysical type beliefs."
Asheville is exactly as you described. Liberal, hippie, tree-hugging, progressive, BEAUTIFUL city. I have visited there and absolutely love it. They would be super welcoming to your type of business. There are so many wonderful local restaurants, shops, art galleries, things to do. It's charming, walkable, friendly, and the perfect mix between city and small-town.
I would also highly recommend Carrboro. It's the Asheville of the triangle- almost the same as Asheville without the mountains. Lively downtown, politically and socially active population that is passionate about the environment, human rights, etc. etc. The bus system is super convenient and free and can get you anywhere quickly. Plus it has one of the most famous, wonderful farmers' markets in the country. Your studio would fit perfectly in Carrboro.
Hope this helps!
Last edited by Green Irish Eyes; 04-17-2012 at 02:34 PM..
Also, look into Durham. There is quite a "crunchy" community there, too, and the Arts scene has exploded in the past decade or so. Much more in the ways of Arts than Asheville, though not as "Berkeley-esque" as Durham is a medium-sized city and has plenty of urban grittiness in addition.
I don't know why Cary was in your sights, the way you describe yourself! It's a great place, just not the "vibe" you say you are looking for. Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro are the points in the Triangle area more like what you say whereas Cary is the suburban, nuclear-family-oriented center of the region.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.