Gay couple looking to move from Connecticut to Northern California (San Francisco: condo, homes)

[NewEnglander62]

Hi- My partner and I are in our early 50's and plan on retiring in the next 2 years. We are looking for somewhere where we would be comfortable living, yet I stress it does not have to be a "gay area", just somewhere that we can be good neighbors and live our lives. We will likely be looking for a condo in the 400-500K range. We enjoy the beach, walking,arts, theater and antiques. We also like a quaint downtown, but we also like "well groomed" communities. We are thinking northern CA for the weather. We like the weather of So Calif, however are turned off by the politics, mega churches and material nature of OC, LA is not our speed either. Any suggestions for central or northern Cal?? Many thanks in advance!

[mysticaltyger]

Originally Posted by NewEnglander62

Hi- My partner and I are in our early 50's and plan on retiring in the next 2 years. We are looking for somewhere where we would be comfortable living, yet I stress it does not have to be a "gay area", just somewhere that we can be good neighbors and live our lives. We will likely be looking for a condo in the 400-500K range. We enjoy the beach, walking,arts, theater and antiques. We also like a quaint downtown, but we also like "well groomed" communities. We are thinking northern CA for the weather. We like the weather of So Calif, however are turned off by the politics, mega churches and material nature of OC, LA is not our speed either. Any suggestions for central or northern Cal?? Many thanks in advance!

I'm not sure of the price range, but I wonder if Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo might work.

[NewEnglander62]

Santa Barbara sounds nice I did visit once several years ago. I had just figured I would be priced out. I know nothing about the other area you mentioned, but will check it out.THANKS!

[funkykatt]

You should look at East Sacramento. It's close to downtown, friendly to gay people and you could buy a very nice charming home (the homes there are older and very well kept up) in the area.

[zitsky]

I'm not sure how pricey it is, but you might look at Mendocino. It's a small town, and some parts have the feel of a New England town. It's a little isolated but you can still drive south to San Francisco or the wine country.

[BacktoBlue]

San Francisco.

[Pushing60]

My first thought after reading your post was Marin. Some very cute communities there though housing cost is a bit on the high side but I think you should be able to find something in your price range. some good walking - especially in some of the artsy areas. Close to the beaches as well as city which would have the theatre (as does Marin). Some areas of Sonoma county might also work but personally I would not look at Santa Rosa. Not because of the gay thing but just because it really has not done much with it's downtown area and it just isn't that great anymore. Sebastopol might work as could Windsor or Petaluma.

You could go further up to Mendocino which is really nice but for some people can be quite isolating.

[NewEnglander62]

I really appreciate everyones imput! I plan on taking a trip later this year to explore the areas everyone has mentioned. Anyone else feel free to chime in! Thanks again!

[calisnuffy]

Originally Posted by NewEnglander62

I really appreciate everyones imput! I plan on taking a trip later this year to explore the areas everyone has mentioned. Anyone else feel free to chime in! Thanks again!

Northern California with the exception of some parts of the Central Valley, some backwards towns far up north or in the mountains, are universally gay friendly, and ones sexuality is really a non issue.

[NewEnglander62]

Originally Posted by calisnuffy

Northern California with the exception of some parts of the Central Valley, some backwards towns far up north or in the mountains, are universally gay friendly, and ones sexuality is really a non issue.

What areas comprise the 'Cental Valley" specifically? thx!