Cheap rent and community efforts to make life without much money do-able in interesting places also has the effect of gathering creative people in one place at one time. The Haight was originally a run-down neighborhood near Golden Gate Park with fabulous Victorian houses that could be rented for a song. There was an unwritten law that you shared what you had with your tribe. The livin' was easier, and that left breathing room for creative energies to gather force and for people to inspire each other. Follow the lack of money, coupled with youthful optimism, and you'll often find creative, innovative communities.

M.