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Austin, Texas

Neighborhood: East Austin
Many of the neighborhood's lofts and garages have been taken over by painters, sculptors and other artists looking for affordable space. The area's prices are already on the rise, but it's still possible to find space that's considerably less expensive than downtown.

Boston

Neighborhood: Jamaica Plain
The neighborhood, three miles southwest of downtown, has plenty of green space. Its picturesque Jamaica Pond is popular for sailing, rowing and outdoor concerts. It has retained its diversity and relative affordability despite the development of condos and the influx of wealthier residents. Some artists, fleeing the neighborhood's rising rents, are pushing into neighboring Roxbury. Lowell, about 40 minutes away, and nearby Somerville are also attracting bohemian residents.

Chicago

Neighborhood: Pilsen
Pilsen, a Mexican community three miles west of downtown, has recently been drawing artists and college students of all races who are looking for affordable space that is also conveniently located. But art has long been a vital part of this neighborhood, which is decorated with outdoor murals and is home to the Mexican Fine Arts Museum. It's possible to buy a two-bedroom house here for less than $300,000.

Los Angeles

Neighborhood: Echo Park
Echo Park and adjacent Silver Lake have gotten increasingly gentrified in recent years, but the neighborhoods still have pockets of affordability. Echo Park is two miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Rising rents are forcing much of the neighborhood's largely Latino population to move out. Artists are looking for more affordable space in grittier places such as Koreatown.

Miami

Neighborhood: Wynwood
The Wynwood Art District north of downtown Miami is largely Latino, and its Old San Juan section is a hub for the Puerto Rican community. In recent years, the industrial area also has become a center for art with performing-arts studios, live-work spaces and galleries popping up. The neighborhood gained national prominence in the last few years by hosting festivities as part of the annual Art Basel Miami Beach international contemporary arts exhibition.

Minneapolis

Neighborhood: Northeast
Northeast Minneapolis is a blue-collar neighborhood that has transformed during the past decade into an artist district with studios and galleries. The neighborhood is a mix of residential and commercial and has plenty of restaurants and coffeehouses, a piano bar and a hipster tiki bar called Psycho Suzie's Motor Lounge. Three-bedroom, two-bath houses can be found here for about $200,000.