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Well, if one can dig the winters (which, truth be told, are not all that bad, and when one is happy one adjusts), one of the most concentrated areas of LGBT life in the country is in the area of Northampton, Mass. It's not a big spread-out city--population maybe 30,000 including its adjacent minitowns. So it's not even remotely comparable to the scale of any city on the West or East Coasts or in between. A hugely arts and public service-oriented community, the town is home to the academically reputable Smith College, known for its accepted LGBT community. Every spring there is a Gay Pride March through downtown. There is, or has been, a gay men's chorus that performs concerts to standing room only halls. Many folks own homes, but they are pricey. Much of the people in town, including retirees, rent apts walkable to downtown. Search the chamber of commerce online to get a feel for the place, or better, make a visit at any time of year.
ETA: Northampton LGBT is more into stable/committed partnerships, community and family life. This is one of the founding areas in the Love Makes a Family movement.
I am looking for suggestions for a place to retire that is gay friendly. I wish to be in a place that I can feel comfortable. I am not into the gay social scene. I merely wish to feel relaxed and secure. I prefer a place that is more urban with close by shopping. Use of my car should be optional.
Palm Springs, CA. Oops. I just noticed the "more urban" requirement. If more urban, then San Francisco, for sure, or New York City.
Sometimes maybe its better to just stay where you are. Moving to an entirely different area in retirement can backfire. Especially if the gay community is very limited, to just about non existent. You can end up being surrounded by mobs of retirees. Many seem to be st8 couples that spend a lot of time gossiping, and talking about religion in between eating sweets. At least that is what I have noticed in the area of Florida I am in. I'm finding zilch for a gay community here, unless I travel to St Petersburg or Orlando.. Even then its a long arduous trip because of how severe traffic is here, and limited fwy system. I feel isolated socially here but I had no desire, to live in the big Florida metro's. The traffic and crowds, mobs of tourists were to much for me. Plus the cost was more. So I guess sometimes that's just how it is.
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