[simms3_redux]

I've just been hanging out in Riverside, a neighborhood in Jacksonville that has always been somewhat "hipster", and it has gotten REALLY hipster. It's probably by far the most hipster place in FL, and definitely right up there with some areas of ATL and other cities. There are coffee shops, yoga studios, bike shops and bike washes everywhere, and if you aren't wearing skinny jeans and glasses you really stick out like a sore thumb. I am thoroughly impressed, I just wish as many upwardly mobile young professionals would move to Jacksonville as there seem to be hipsters moving to the city. Like has been said about Portland, I think what's attractive about Jacksonville is its older neighborhoods and building stock and even warehouses (totally unlike the rest of FL) and its low cost of living and low housing costs. Old middle schools and elementary schools are being converted to lofts. All the good restaurants are 10 tables or less. Brick abounds and bikes are the transportation of choice. Shockingly impressed. This area is still a secret, but like all other secrets in the country, it will break out soon and it won't be a secret for long. Total contrast to the sprawl that the city is characterized and known for.