Is Sarasota friendly to artsy liberals (Princeton: fit in, neighborhood, preschool)

[judebear]

My husband is considering Ringling as a possible choice to further his education, so I am writing to see we might fit into Sarasota okay. We are both in our late thirties, living in Los Angeles currently, with a toddler. My concerns are finding a graphic design job of some sort for myself to support us, finding a non-religious preschool for my daughter, and just trying to get the lay of land in terms of politics, housing, etc.

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by judebear

My husband is considering Ringling as a possible choice to further his education, so I am writing to see we might fit into Sarasota okay. We are both in our late thirties, living in Los Angeles currently, with a toddler. My concerns are finding a graphic design job of some sort for myself to support us, finding a non-religious preschool for my daughter, and just trying to get the lay of land in terms of politics, housing, etc.

Man, I wish I could talk my oldest one into going to Ringling but she's a native Floridian and has her heart set on going out, spreading her wings and moving to a different state.

My uncle, who's in his late 50's, graduated from Ringling and now is in charge of displays in Dallas, TX for Neiman Marcus. He said that he didn't realize how respected the school was in the industry until he got out in the "real world".

You should not have any problem finding a non religious pre-school for your daughter. Try New Gate Montessori, I think Julie Rohr Academy might have preschool as well.

You'd probably fit in quite well in the Southside neighborhood close to downtown Sarasota. It's pretty eclectic and artsy.

On the job front it might be a little tougher. I would not move here without a job nailed down. Like most of the US, jobs are somewhat scarce.

So you get an idea of the area. New College of Florida which is down the street and around the corner was ranked the #2 college for gay community accepted, #4 for most politically active students, #15 least religious students, #4 most liberal students, according to the Princeton Review.

May oldest daughter took a few summer classes over at Ringling and I would say it has a pretty similar vibe to New College.

[movin-on-up!]

hi - i am new to the area-been here only 6 months- and as far as i can tell- its the type of town with something for everyone! total melting pot of ages, politics, socioeconomic status, etc etc. plenty of artsy liberals for you to meet! its a great city.