Is Prescott/Prescott Valley GLBT friendly? (Phoenix, Mesa: for rent, daycare, houses)

[susiek]

I am a 25 year old lesbian who is planning a move out west. My partner of 4 years and I are looking to move to either Arizona or New Mexico. We are strongly considering Santa Fe because I know there is a large lesbian population there and we feel it would be a nice place to raise children. I have read through some of the other forums and am begining to like the sound of Prescott Valley. Does anyone know if PV is "gay- friendy". Also, how hard is it to find good paying jobs out there. I am currently working in childcare but would like to work with the aging population in either an Adult Daycare setting or a retirement community center. My partner is hoping to start her own Party Planning buisness. Any thoughts on wether or not an event planning buisness would be successful in Prescott/ Prescott Valley? Any advise would be helpful- thanks!!

[deangek]

I lived in the tri-city area ( Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley ) for 10 years and they ARE NOT gay friendly. Lots of rednecks and hillbillies. And as for a good paying job, tri-city area is definately NOT a place you want to be looking.

[m1ndless]

From what I have seen/heard its alot of rednecks/hillbillies... not sure if they take kindly to your type round' there.

[ibarrio]

Your better off in Santa Fe. New Mexico is a very nice state. Only thing is that Santa Fe is VERY expensive. Lots of politicos, stars, artist, and old rich money in Santa Fe. A Party Planning business might do better in SF as well.

GL with your search.

[and the]

I have many gay, lesbian or transexual friends and they absolutely LOVE Santa Fe!! They used to live in Prescott and HATED it.

[joeyla91601]

hello
the best place to check is Prescott Pride Center | Connecting Our Community phone # is 928-445-8800 they can answer all your questions.

Originally Posted by susiek

I am a 25 year old lesbian who is planning a move out west. My partner of 4 years and I are looking to move to either Arizona or New Mexico. We are strongly considering Santa Fe because I know there is a large lesbian population there and we feel it would be a nice place to raise children. I have read through some of the other forums and am begining to like the sound of Prescott Valley. Does anyone know if PV is "gay- friendy". Also, how hard is it to find good paying jobs out there. I am currently working in childcare but would like to work with the aging population in either an Adult Daycare setting or a retirement community center. My partner is hoping to start her own Party Planning buisness. Any thoughts on wether or not an event planning buisness would be successful in Prescott/ Prescott Valley? Any advise would be helpful- thanks!!

[Leana76]

Originally Posted by susiek

I am a 25 year old lesbian who is planning a move out west. My partner of 4 years and I are looking to move to either Arizona or New Mexico. We are strongly considering Santa Fe because I know there is a large lesbian population there and we feel it would be a nice place to raise children. I have read through some of the other forums and am begining to like the sound of Prescott Valley. Does anyone know if PV is "gay- friendy". Also, how hard is it to find good paying jobs out there. I am currently working in childcare but would like to work with the aging population in either an Adult Daycare setting or a retirement community center. My partner is hoping to start her own Party Planning buisness. Any thoughts on wether or not an event planning buisness would be successful in Prescott/ Prescott Valley? Any advise would be helpful- thanks!!

Prescott/ Prescott Valley are not gay/lesbian friendly. Lot's of rednecks, hillbillies, and people with past criminal histories. I don't suggest moving here. Phoenix is your best bet. Lot's of great gay/lesbian friendly bars there.

[115db]

Im not unfamaliar with lesbians, in my line of work yes, Ive actually been approached by one or two here and there. My assigned room mate when I was going through orientation for a trucking company (when I first got my cdl) was one and she was a very respectable, pleasant and never acted any differently than anyone else.
Another high-profile person out in Mesa who I've done work for has been burned by men so many times she too turned. No one ever knew her 'life' until recently, it came up in conversation.
However, though, no matter where you end up, there are gay people everywhere. One who is famaliar with 'the life' can always spot one. I have to agree though, that they probably would be more comfortable around L.A. or San Fran.

[bobinverted]

Hi Susiek. The housing is still pricey and the job market is dicey but the quad cities area isn't a bad place to live. It's a short drive to phoenix and the weather here is great, but if you're anything other than a conservative christian cowboy you will likely deal with ignorant xenophobia on a daily basis. The area is definitely not Gay/Lesbian friendly, liberal or tolerant, but it is a nice place to live. So my advice is to plan as long of a vacation here as you can possibly afford. Spend as much time here as you can and make sure that you like it before you move. If you do move here plan on renting before you buy. There are lots of houses in the Prescott Valley master planed communities for rent. The housing market here is slow right now. It's a good time to buy, but you don't want to buy and be stuck if you can't stand the people here or if can't find a job here. My wife and I are lucky to be making more money here in the Prescott area than we were in when we lived in the Phoenix area. Jobs here are not hard to come by if you’re intelligent and well kept. When I was looking for a job I had four offers at once and my wife is now making more money here in Prescott than she ever has. As far as housing goes there are some really crappy areas in the city of Prescott. Unless you have lots of money to waste on a home I'd stick to the Prescott Valley master planned communities like Granville, Pronghorn Ranch or Quailwood Meadows for better prices. Quailwood is great, it's right off of Hwy 69, it’s quiet, the prices are very affordable and we have a great community center with a pool and 24 hr fitness center. Avoid Chino Valley because the commute into Prescott is horrendous. I wish you luck. Email me if I can help with anything else.

[westeer]

Susiek,
My partner and I have moved to the tri-city area last summer. We have found this area to be - not gay-friendly, but not gay-hating either. For the most part people are just friendly. I would be more than happy to speak with you about our experiences. Please feel free to contact me if you would like any more information. Either way ~ best of luck to you both!