I'm currently researching optimal cities to relocate and eventually retire in a few years. Of course "must haves" are that they are socially liberal and have active LGBT communities. I enjoy being able to walk and ride my bike in my neighborhood to cafes, coffee shops, book stores, yoga studios, etc. so I'm thinking the suburbs are off my list. I'm also interested in residing near a college or university, art galleries, museums, parks and historical sites. Access to good healthcare is also a key factor. I'm not asking for much am I?

I spent over a decade in California when I was in the Navy and well acquainted with the west coast. If money was no object I'd probably move to San Francisco or San Diego. Unfortunately, finances are an issue and those cities are off my "possibles" list. I found this "Money Magazine" "Ten Best Cities For LGBT Retirees" and was intrigued by some of the cities listed. I've never spend any time in Columbus, Ohio but I keep reading good things about it. I currently reside in Tennessee and visit family in Michigan so the harsh winters don't deter me. The other cities on this list are not surprising. (e.g. Austin, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando) Any positive feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!



https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/on-retirement/articles/2017-03-09/the-10-best-cities-for-lgbt-retirees

US News

Well, if you're not limited to the U.S., there's Toronto.  It has a "Gay Village", where various LGBQT types are welcome.  In that area, there's the Rainbow Health centre, which supports that community.  Transgender support is readily available and GCS is covered by the provincial health plan.  There is also a transgender surgery clinic at a hospital just a few blocks from the Gay Village.  On the other hand, Toronto isn't exactly inexpensive to live in.

Madison, Wisconsin! The capital city of Wisconsin, in the middle of three lakes, a good university and lovely, lovely people!

Quote from: swimhopper on February 26, 2019, 05:02:38 PM
Madison, Wisconsin! The capital city of Wisconsin, in the middle of three lakes, a good university and lovely, lovely people!

@swimhopper 
Dear Swimhopper:
     I am so very glad that you have become a member here and this is your very first posting.   I am happy to see that you found the Susan's Place Forums.

    As you post on the forums you will be able to exchange thoughts and comments with others that are experiencing many of the same things that you are.   I expect that you will be getting many members offering their thoughts and suggestions as you continue to post here. 

    This is the right place for you to be to find out what others may have to say that may have been in your circumstances and with your questions and concerns.
    There are a lot of members here that will be able to identify with your situation and as you continue to feel free to share with all of us.

    I also want to warmly WELCOME you to Susan's Place. 
You will find this a safe and friendly place to share with others and to read about others similar trials, tribulations, and successes.

    As you are certainly aware you can share with others and involve yourself with some give and take with other like-minded members.  When frustrated or if you have successes you can share it here if you wish and receive support from others and offer support to others. ....
     ***There is a very good chance that you might find that you will make some new like-minded friends here. 

    Please come in and continue to be involved at your own pace.
   
    I have attached important and informative LINKS that will help you to navigate around the Forums and will allow you to enjoy the features here.     
Please look closely at the LINKS in RED, answers are there to many questions that new members ask.

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Here are some links to the site rules and stuff that all new members should be familiar with:
 

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@swimhopper   
Oh, and another thing Swimhopper...
Please plan to write a post and tell us more about yourself in the Introductions Forum so that other members will be aware of your arrival... therefore you will be able to share your thoughts with more members here.
     
Thank you again for joining Susan's Place and being involved in the Forums here.
Best wishes to you,
Danielle
NOTE: Now after all of this Greeting Stuff I will let you have your thread back so you can pursue answers to your questions.
Other members here will certainly be along to give you their comments and suggestions that you may be seeking

Manila Philippines    If I had my way that's where I would be.  Your US dollar goes a long long way over there and they are super LGBT friendly   

Just a thought

         Atlanta, Georgia is on your list! Underground trans capital of U.S.A but wouldn't recommend staying directly mid-town . . . South-West burbs are best! Church Minister, who knows full well I'm *stealth trans*, gave me the biggest hug this Sunday regardless gee we can't all be "purfect"!

Quote from: i hate *connections*And if your retirement plans include travel, the huge Hartsfield-Jackson airport offers direct flights to hundreds of domestic and international destinations.

Quote from: swimhopper on February 26, 2019, 05:02:38 PM
Madison, Wisconsin! The capital city of Wisconsin, in the middle of three lakes, a good university and lovely, lovely people!

But way to cold!  I ran away from Wisconsin a little over a year ago, because I was sick and tired to always have cold feet!
Retiree  services here in SW Florida are way better than in Wisconsin, after all this is the waiting room to heaven!

Quote from: Dietlind on February 26, 2019, 08:15:22 PM
But way to cold!  I ran away from Wisconsin a little over a year ago, because I was sick and tired to always have cold feet!
Retiree  services here in SW Florida are way better than in Wisconsin, after all this is the waiting room to heaven!

@Dietlind
Dear Linde:
Actually here where I live it is almost like living in heaven itself...  the scenery and views are unmatched and on many late dark nights we treated to a heavenly show with the Northern Lights  (aurora borealis)
Hugs, Danielle
   

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on February 26, 2019, 08:20:31 PM
@Dietlind
Dear Linde:
Actually here where I live it is almost like living in heaven itself...  the scenery and views are unmatched and on many late dark nights we treated to a heavenly show with the Northern Lights  (aurora borealis)
Hugs, Danielle
   

iIhad that for over 40 years of my life!  I am now entitled to many (I hope) years of never ever having cold feet again!

Quote from: MelissaPink on October 17, 2018, 07:11:26 AM
I'm currently researching optimal cities to relocate and eventually retire in a few years. Of course "must haves" are that they are socially liberal and have active LGBT communities. I enjoy being able to walk and ride my bike in my neighborhood to cafes, coffee shops, book stores, yoga studios, etc. so I'm thinking the suburbs are off my list. I'm also interested in residing near a college or university, art galleries, museums, parks and historical sites. Access to good healthcare is also a key factor. I'm not asking for much am I?

I spent over a decade in California when I was in the Navy and well acquainted with the west coast. If money was no object I'd probably move to San Francisco or San Diego. Unfortunately, finances are an issue and those cities are off my "possibles" list. I found this "Money Magazine" "Ten Best Cities For LGBT Retirees" and was intrigued by some of the cities listed. I've never spend any time in Columbus, Ohio but I keep reading good things about it. I currently reside in Tennessee and visit family in Michigan so the harsh winters don't deter me. The other cities on this list are not surprising. (e.g. Austin, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando) Any positive feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!



https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/on-retirement/articles/2017-03-09/the-10-best-cities-for-lgbt-retirees


Hi.  If you are looking in Ohio check out Cleveland Height.
Most progressive city in Ohio.  Diverse.  Close to every cuktural thing you name

Antidicrimination for all us.  Affordable housing. And super medical care from the cleveland Clinic, and university hospitals. Two universites great museum. The great Cleaveland orchestra,  and Rock Hall....  We love it here.

Gina

Quote from: MelissaPink on October 17, 2018, 07:11:26 AM
I'm currently researching optimal cities to relocate and eventually retire in a few years. Of course "must haves" are that they are socially liberal and have active LGBT communities. I enjoy being able to walk and ride my bike in my neighborhood to cafes, coffee shops, book stores, yoga studios, etc. so I'm thinking the suburbs are off my list. I'm also interested in residing near a college or university, art galleries, museums, parks and historical sites. Access to good healthcare is also a key factor. I'm not asking for much am I?

@Danielle - Alaska is so beautiful, the aurora is so awesome (nice pic !).

It was interesting to read other's views on this. I will simply mention where I am in the Seattle, WA area, has everything the OP is mentioning above. I am not going anywhere, we love it here, the music and arts scene here are vibrant, this is important to me as a music type, seemingly unlimited music options. The natural beauty is abundant, this is important to me as I love the outdoors. The access to health care is awesome here, so many caring professionals. The social climate here is quite favorable. There are still affordable areas away from the core Seattle / Tacoma metro area. Olympia is nice, but getting more expensive too. It's a myth about the weather here (shhh), it's generally a mild climate being near the Pacific.

Seattle Rocks !!

C -

Quote from: Jenny1969 on February 26, 2019, 07:41:12 PM
Manila Philippines    If I had my way that's where I would be.  Your US dollar goes a long long way over there and they are super LGBT friendly   

Just a thought

Just try getting hormones over there.  If they were easily available there I would already be there.

Consider Cathedral City, California.  Rents are still low and it is adjacent to Palm Springs, whose population is 56% LGBT.

Florida or Arizona.

Great thread Melissa! I am retired but not thinking of relocating till after surgeries, if at all. But it is nice to know we have options. Thanks for the link!

Without a doubt Seattle is a great place to live. Many places to be employed that don't discriminate. A bustling Capitol Hill region where alternate lifestyles are celebrated. Many cafe's and shops are gender friendly. Ingersoll Gender Center is in this area as well as many Psychologists and health care providers. Kaiser Permanente has one of the best transgender programs in the country. Also available as I have just this last week there is Emerald City Gender Social Club whose yearly celebration I attended last week. Their 30th such gala.  Had a blast,

Quote from: Janes Groove on May 23, 2019, 10:33:09 AM
Florida or Arizona.

I am in Florida, and i am retired.  It is pretty great for retired people, but not so wonderful for LGBT ones.  Not that the people are aggressive, but the medical and other LGBT infrastructure is not that great here!

I agree with Linde,

Florida is awesome and some metro areas are more welcoming but no state tax means limited social services.  It's a trade off. 

Quote from: CynthiaAnn on March 15, 2019, 07:58:48 AM
@Danielle - Alaska is so beautiful, the aurora is so awesome (nice pic !).

It was interesting to read other's views on this. I will simply mention where I am in the Seattle, WA area, has everything the OP is mentioning above. I am not going anywhere, we love it here, the music and arts scene here are vibrant, this is important to me as a music type, seemingly unlimited music options. The natural beauty is abundant, this is important to me as I love the outdoors. The access to health care is awesome here, so many caring professionals. The social climate here is quite favorable. There are still affordable areas away from the core Seattle / Tacoma metro area. Olympia is nice, but getting more expensive too. It's a myth about the weather here (shhh), it's generally a mild climate being near the Pacific.

Seattle Rocks !!

C -

If you had been telling cis people about our big secret, I totally would have given you -1!!! I agree with the above: The doctors and Councillors on the west side of the mountains are typically supportive as a rule. I can't speak for that Other side...

Ricki