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Getting more nervous day by day as I see all these anti-trans legislation things roll in. I know it's not guaranteed to happen, but why take the risk? I'm planning to move this fall. I've been doing a lot of research, but I don't really like anywhere I've looked at. I'm very adaptable, I'm sure I'll be fine, but it's an overwhelming choice to make and it'll be the first time I've really moved on my own. The only other time I moved it was because a friend needed a roommate, so I just went with them.
The only must have is a Liberal/LGBTQ friendly state.
Things I would like
-A city with at least 200K people
-3/4 seasons (if it stays between 40-80 that would be great)
-Mild winters (i.e. it snows but wear a good coat and you'll be fine)
-Access to public transportation of some sort* (doesn't have to be NYC level, just would like the option)
-Diverse food scene*
-Strong arts scene*
-Cost of living is I could probably live with one roommate and be fine, live with two and be even better
-Low-crime rate*
-Low-traffic
-Walkability in major parts of town
I'm not really outdoorsy, but I do enjoy nature so some parks/trails and stuff like that are nice. I love being near the water too.
Also nowhere super prone to natural disasters. I know they happen everywhere, but on the lower-end of likely is preferred.
Starred things are the ones that matter the most. I'm open to either coast. Where would fit me?
The PNW is very trans friendly. I know Portland has a huge trans community. I’d imagine Seattle does too. Even the smaller cities like Eugene, Olympia, and Bellingham you should have no problems. Just stick to the I-5 corridor; rural areas (particularly east of the Cascade mountains) will be much more conservative.
It fits your weather requirements (winters and summers are quite mild) and the public transportation is very good relative to other parts of the US. COL is expensive in Seattle but less expensive in the other cities (though still above national average). Traffic can be pretty bad in the cities but that’s mostly because of the topography, which makes for stunning natural scenery, even within the cities. As far as food goes, Portland’s food scene is excellent; it’s surprisingly diverse given that Portland itself isn’t. Violent crime is very low throughout the region though property crime is high right now.
The region has its challenges and problems, but existing as a trans person will not be one of them. Good luck in your search!
One of my closest friends is trans. He moved to Portland years ago and still seems to really loves it there. It also fits your criteria pretty well. I’d look into it.
Olympia has decent public transportation in town and to bigger cities and even limited to the coast. Good art / music scenes. Restaurant scene was ok in past / don't know today but probably not that special relatively speaking, though you can get fresh seafood in some restaurants and stores and there is a food co-op and a strong farmers market. Nice enough local parks, many bordering Puget Sound. True downtown is pretty small and very walkable; rest of metro, bus or bike it. Probably cheaper than Portland but I don't know how much so currently. If you find a 2 mil metro too big / hectic, pick a smaller place.
If you pick Olympia, probably pick downtown or just into the Westside.
The PNW is very trans friendly. I know Portland has a huge trans community. I’d imagine Seattle does too. Even the smaller cities like Eugene, Olympia, and Bellingham you should have no problems. Just stick to the I-5 corridor; rural areas (particularly east of the Cascade mountains) will be much more conservative.
It fits your weather requirements (winters and summers are quite mild) and the public transportation is very good relative to other parts of the US. COL is expensive in Seattle but less expensive in the other cities (though still above national average). Traffic can be pretty bad in the cities but that’s mostly because of the topography, which makes for stunning natural scenery, even within the cities. As far as food goes, Portland’s food scene is excellent; it’s surprisingly diverse given that Portland itself isn’t. Violent crime is very low throughout the region though property crime is high right now.
The region has its challenges and problems, but existing as a trans person will not be one of them. Good luck in your search!
OP if you can get past the illusion of unaffordable (if considering roommates anyway) in my opinion as a fellow LGBTQ citizen, look at NYC. Portland can be a good choice as well but seems a bit one dimensional in terms of Trans identity, whereas NYC is by far more diverse and as such much more likely to "find your tribe". Remember NYC does not mean just Manhattan with neighborhoods like Queens and Columbia Heights less pricey, as well as across the river in Jersey City.
Winters are quite mild (compared to up North) and it's usually a pretty lgbtqia+ accepting city.
Yes and no as a longtime former resident. Gay men have it pretty well (albeit somewhat clonish) but weirdly enough there's very little of a Lesbian scene or Transgender scene either. DC socially is a conservative city even within the LGBTQ specter, which is odd considering how overwhelmingly Blue it is election to election (in the neighborhood of 80%). I feel even living as a male Transgender, it would still seem lacking considerably.
OP if you can get past the illusion of unaffordable (if considering roommates anyway) in my opinion as a fellow LGBTQ citizen, look at NYC. Portland can be a good choice as well but seems a bit one dimensional in terms of Trans identity, whereas NYC is by far more diverse and as such much more likely to "find your tribe". Remember NYC does not mean just Manhattan with neighborhoods like Queens and Columbia Heights less pricey, as well as across the river in Jersey City.
I have looked at Jersey City a lot, but I will be honest, a lot of the city looked really dirty and run down. It was kind of off-putting.
What's less pricey for NYC?
Honestly NYC would be a great choice because I'm trying to work in book publishing, or get started in voice acitng
I have looked at Jersey City a lot, but I will be honest, a lot of the city looked really dirty and run down. It was kind of off-putting.
What's less pricey for NYC?
not
Honestly NYC would be a great choice because I'm trying to work in book publishing, or get started in voice acitng
Queens (how appropriate?) is one of the better options. Check out Sunnyside, Woodside, Jackson Heights or Elmhurst. Jersey City extends east all the way to the river. The Newport neighborhood (riverfront) of Jersey City is worth a look and definitely not dirty or rundown. To the north in West New York or Union City are easy commutes from okay neighborhoods. In Manhattan you might check out Alphabet City in particular...Avenues A,B and C from 1st to 14th Streets, Murray Hill/Kips Bay, Yorkville (extreme Upper East Side) or up in Morningside Heights/Washington Heights/Inwood (extreme Upper West Side and around Columbia University).
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