Please help. I'm planning on moving when the lease on my appartment is up the end of September. I'm thinking of moving near Orlando. Or someplace in California. I have 22 years worth of jobs skills in the auto painting industry.
I hope I wont have to hard of a time getting a jobafter I move. Ive never been unemployed and I really fear that.  But at this moment I live in Georgia and I feel that I really need to relocate. I  So, tell me. where would be best for a MTF to live in California ? I have been on HRT for just 4 months now and I am getting called mam and getting alot of looks and stares. I just 35yrs. and I really want to get on with my life.

If you are planning on California and want the best chance to find understanding people, you  should look to the most populated areas.  San Diego is very conservative.  But the LA area and anywhere around the bay area are both good.  They are expensive. You will be in total shock when you see what you'll be paying in rent.  Sacramento might be the least expensive. 

You should secure a job before you move out though.  Tell prospective employers that you will be covering your own moving expenses.

Good luck to you.

Cindi

I'm planning on flying out to California for several days in April. Im going to check out a couple different areas and see how I like them.  I live about 25 min. from down town Atlanta now. I really like the city but I just want a fresh start and a new life . Hopefully I will have some luck on possible jobs when I fly out. I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

Just something to think about.  Are you moving just to transition or do you want to relocate for some other reason.  Any problem you are faceing ,will it change when you move?  Just sonething to think about.
Good luck
Bethany

I'm moving in part because I just dont care for the area. I have never liked Ga that much.  But at the same time I have had some very painfull times here. My whole family turned on me. I now have no family. It will be best for me to move and start a new life. A new life as who I really am . The pain my family caused me , well I just cant forget . It made me into a very untrusting person. And yes to answer I am moving to transition. Bacause most people here now of me as a male. Which I hate being !

Hi Tish. As for myself I for several years moved about the better half of both US and Canada This was before I even knew about the word transsexual was. I was in search of a place where I could fit in. When I finally came back and settled in the only small town in Southern Ontario. I really came to like the folks there and finally decided to settle there.

But GID would not let me rest. I knew deep inside who I was but I refused to acknowledge it. This was for a good many years and once I learned what TS was. I knew I had to transition but I was in fear of doing so in the little town I lived in. I did so wanted to find somewhere else to live, like a major city. The fear of not knowing what the folks in the little town came to be my biggest stressor. I mean I knew every single person in that town. Well, some of the girls at a TS support group in Toronto strongly discouraged me from moving to TO, the smarter thing to do they suggested was stay right where I was, that at least I knew most of the folks in that town and if I should run into any problems at least I knew where to find help.

So I stayed and finally came out to the outside world and at work as well. Surprisingly everything went fine with no problems. I continued to live there for 8 years and continued working as a social worker. I don't know if this helps you or not. I have once lived in Georgia but that was another life time ago. I do remember someone mentioning, actually she was another T girl on the Internet who tried to talk me into going to Florida.

It was one of the Florida keys, I don't remember which it was, but she told me that it was trans friendly place. I wish I knew what the exact name of that Florida key was. It was about Florida that I want to inform you about the most. But I believe it would be the more practical of the two suggestions you came up with I thought and it's much closer to Georgia in moving distance.   

Cindy

well as someone originally from Georgia and who lived in florida, I would vote for california.  Yes Housing is expensive, but you can find a single bedroom place for $700 +/-, BTW that is cheap in CA.  I would recommend the north SF bay area.  Well anywhere really in california, But the Bay area is a bit nicer then LA, Least it is too me.  Craigslist offers lots of places for rent too.

Best of luck to you where ever you go.

Beni

SF is expensive, but its worth it.  The climate is near perfect, its mind blowing pretty, every major art, big schools, beaches and great food.  It also has a unique social atmosphere.  However, its low on auto ownership.  LA is a bit harsh in places, other places like Marina del Rey, or Santa Monica are great.  Lot more cars in LA, and I would think more chances to find work.  Given the state of auto repair in California however, it would help if you spoke Spanish.