[upstateNYtowesternGA]

I grew up in the South, but have been a New Yorker for decades. I wasn't weird at all in NYC, but when I moved to upstate NY, I was perceived as the weird Manhattanite who didn't hunt or vote Republican. Because of this bitter winter among other things, I'm ready to return to the South. I'm older, but not ready to retire either. I'm looking forward to finding a vital and friendly community in FL and WARM WEATHER. And a place which values education, diversity, acceptance, art, the arts, liberal ideas, creativity, and has access to organic food. Reading past posts, suggestions to similar threads were Gainesville, Sarasota, Tallahasse, Coral Springs, Belle Isle, Winter Park, Windermere, Broward County... Would any of these fit? Any suggestions are very very welcome!

[kyle19125]

A stumbling block for you will be the element of finding a place that overall is artsy and values education. I'm a native Floridian who happens to share similar desires (and who has also lived many years in the Northeast) and the closest match in my opinion in terms of being artsy/valuing education would be Sarasota. However Sarasota loses in the liberal category as it consistently votes Red. If you can tradeoff the valuing education standpoint being consistent in the general population,
St. Petersburg would be your best fit in my opinion as it has a terrific art scene, creativity, diversity, acceptance, liberal politics and organic food access. The downtown area is booming and is attracting many like yourself to the area.

Surprising St Pete



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QZeNTy5vP4

[gypsychic]

Well I live in Sarasota, and it is purple, not red. It is split almost 50-50 in voting, but usually Republican edges out. However, there is a changing of the guard here.

OP, you should check out both St. Pete and Sarasota - you will find similar values here. However, there is far more emphasis on education and intellectual pursuits in Sarasota if that is what you are interested in. Sarasota has several small but important colleges including nationally renowned Ringling College of art and Design, and the second best school district in the state. St. Pete has the edge for being a bit more funky/bohemian, but not great schools. You will have to visit and see what suits you.

Sarasota has a HUGE emphasis on the local/organic food scene - it beats almost anywhere in Florida - we even have local organic farms here. Tons of the arts and alternative healing etc. There are quite a few celebrities that quietly live full or part time in and around Sarasota/Bradenton; so that should tell you something about the desirability of the area.

I hope this helps.

[artisan4]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

A stumbling block for you will be the element of finding a place that overall is artsy and values education. I'm a native Floridian who happens to share similar desires (and who has also lived many years in the Northeast) and the closest match in my opinion in terms of being artsy/valuing education would be Sarasota. However Sarasota loses in the liberal category as it consistently votes Red. If you can tradeoff the valuing education standpoint being consistent in the general population,
St. Petersburg would be your best fit in my opinion as it has a terrific art scene, creativity, diversity, acceptance, liberal politics and organic food access. The downtown area is booming and is attracting many like yourself to the area.

Surprising St Pete



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QZeNTy5vP4

This is very informative, what I was seeking on my thread-thanks.

[Crane's Rooster]

I would think any of the major metros, except maybe Jax, would be fine. You could also throw in Gainesville and Tally.

[upstateNYtowesternGA]

Your posts have definitely helped! Kyle19125 and gypsychic - so interesting - similar but different - and I agree with the conclusion that I should check it out both st Pete and Sarasota. I'm trying to hone it down at least to an area.

In reference to my wish list, it's a bunch of ideals and I know there will be no perfect match and I like that too - a bit of diversity. I would like some of the liberal piece though... Not everyone needs to be in lock step and all be liberals (although that is a fun piece of being in Nyc) Crane's Rooster, do you think your list is more Republican than the st Pete/Sarasota suggestions?

In reference to education... I don't have to have the formal or consistent education piece... The creative, organic, artsy, liberal qualities are more important. And ideals can have two opposite sides: Growing up in the south, I liked the friendliness of people (the true not phoney versions that are around too) but I also adored the anonymity of living in NY - I also liked the point blank way people are - you know if you are disliked - knowing where you stand - and that's efficient, really. It means you can move on and find others that do get you.

Thanks everyone. Any other thoughts?

[Fl1150]

South Florida communities of Delray, Jupiter, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami Beach, Wynwood are options to look at when choosing a community. Port St. Lucie is in a county that always votes blue and maybe even want to check out Key West as people always think of that place as a special liberal, artsy gay friendly area.

[jambo101]

Unless you are going to be knocking on your neighbors doors proclaiming you are a liberal what difference does it make where you live?I've lived in a lot of places and never once got into the political ideology of my neighbors.

[bmw335xi]

South Florida is the most liberal area in Florida such as Fort Lauderdale and Miami. You can view voting records on City-Data. @Jambo, there is a clear difference between living in a red or blue area, it's not about political discussions with neighbors.

[djmanu]

South Florida, no contest nobody care who you are here and even the far suburbs are socially liberal.