Most Bohemian City? (crime, neighbourhoods, good schools)

[nighthouse66]

I have been mulling over leaving los angeles for a while now and while i have family back in atlanta, i really don't feel much going on there in terms of culture and am in a position where i can move to pretty much wherever in the continental united states. problem is, i just don't know where, and would love to hear people's opinions.

i am a filmmaker and i do projections/VJ for bands and dj's. i would definitely need something with a thriving music scene, lots of artists (tho not necessarily painters because i lived in carmel california for a while and there are loads of galleries there and it is a VERY boring, tho lovely place). an up-and-coming filmmaker's city would be perfect, tho i can make opportunities wherever i go.
living in los angeles is pretty pricey, so i am not looking too closely at san francisco right now.
weather isn't really an issue-crime neither, because i have found danger in some of the safest places and been safe in some of the most dangerous- i figure if you are smart with good intuition you will be ok, but i don't want a shootout on my doorstep.
definitely looking for something with a liberal populace- gay friendly (even tho i'm not, i just find it goes hand in hand with liberal)....size isn't an issue either, good schools not an issue tho i would like a place with colleges nearby as i want to take some classes in the near future.
anywhere in the us- doesn't matter. so, forum frequenters, give me your vote for groovy, perhaps not-so-well-known YET cities, and thanks in advance!

[radraja]

Seattle immediately comes to mind.

[EastSideMKE]

Austin Film Society - Welcome to the Austin Film Society!

[ABQConvict]

Prague, Plzeň, and České Budějovice are probably the best known Bohemian cities. Prague is the most 'International' in influence though so you would probably get a more authentic Bohemian experience in the smaller cities.

edit: I just realized this is in General U.S. oops.

I would say certain enclaves in Brooklyn would suit the aesthetic you are looking for as well as providing opportunities in your field.

[nighthouse66]

sorry, i didn't mean bohemian as in actual historical Bohemia, but more like, artsy, freewheeling, etc;. hope that doesn't offend you if you are Bohemian. btw, is there any relation between the two terms, i.e. were native Bohemians carefree types and that is why the word "bohemian" is used in the context that i just used it?

[nighthouse66]

actually, with a bit of googling i answered my own question.

The term "Bohemian" as related to Bohemianism Рi.e., describing the nontraditional lifestyles of marginalized and impoverished artists, writers, musicians, and actors in major European cities Рemerged in France in the early 19th century when artists and creators began to concentrate in the lower-rent, lower class gypsy neighbourhoods. The term boh̩mien was a common term for the Romani people of France, who had reached Western Europe via Bohemia.

pretty interesting. i have always wanted to go to Prague.....hmm.........any idea what the cost of living and so on is there? google could answer me but ABQ convict you seem quite versed in these matters?

[BVitamin]

Originally Posted by nighthouse66

sorry, i didn't mean bohemian as in actual historical Bohemia, but more like, artsy, freewheeling, etc;. hope that doesn't offend you if you are Bohemian. btw, is there any relation between the two terms, i.e. were native Bohemians carefree types and that is why the word "bohemian" is used in the context that i just used it?

They tend to go hand in hand.

Also to your semi-rant on art colonies (well specifically carmel), I abhor them as well, they have a tendency to be kitschy, like-minded, I'll even say Kinkade-ish, lol. Laguna Beach comes to mind.

[FlyiMetro]

Originally Posted by nighthouse66

sorry, i didn't mean bohemian as in actual historical Bohemia, but more like, artsy, freewheeling, etc;. hope that doesn't offend you if you are Bohemian. btw, is there any relation between the two terms, i.e. were native Bohemians carefree types and that is why the word "bohemian" is used in the context that i just used it?

I understood what you meant...Bohemian folks are more conscience than most others. Kinda deep than the surface. More expressive and free spirited. Live & Let Live is consistance with most bohemians. They used to call them Hippies, now they call them Emos, Soul Brothas/Sistas, Dreadheads & Hipsters...most of them see eye to eye on lifestyle choices.

[creeksitter]

an up-and-coming filmmaker's city would be perfect

Though I'd never nominate Knoxville as the bohemian capital of the universe you might consider it for your career. A couple of big concert lighting outfits are HQ here, as is HGTV, and some smaller video concerns. AC entertainment (the bonaroo folks) are here as well. Might be a good place to cultivate contacts.

There are plenty of folks I would describe as bohemian, but yeah, overall the culture is pretty middle of the road. I's a quick trip to Asheville if you need to get your hippie groove on.

[Thomas R.]

Not sure these really fit, but I'm not getting back in the swing of work today so here's some possibilities from various things I've read.

Arcata, California
Asheville, North Carolina
Madison, Wisconsin
Santa Cruz, California - Possibly more yuppie or "bourgeois bohemian."
Sedona, Arizona
Taos, New Mexico