Would Sarasota area be a good for an older gay couple? (Miami: house, buying) - Sarasota - Bradenton - Venice area - Florida (FL) -Manatee and Sarasota Counties - City-Data Forum

GTK473 · 09-11-2012, 01:27 PM

We are an older gay couple and of all things now ready to retire and are still youthful but older. We're not flamboyant, but do want to move to an area that is gay friendly and would not be shocked at two older guys living together.

We're northern CA and New England people, but would really like to live in Florida (we think) and in an area not too pricey (house buying) or overly conservative. Broward county and the Miami area were too expensive and we are thinking we might be better suited for the western coast of Florida. We have been trying to stay around $200k or under. We would like to be in a city/town somewhat near the water.

Thanks for ideas, etc.

UPDATE on what we are looking for:

We are looking for a house that is around 1600+ SF, 3-4 bedrooms, 2 baths, swimming pool, 1-2-car garage, up to $200,000 but would like it even less as we are paying cash. The house does not have to be perfectly up-to-date but has to be nice. An older house with charm would be great but a newer or mid-century would also do. If possible a little bit of land and maybe some privacy. Sarasota would be great, St Petersburg or any gay friendly town near the water. We are very handy so some reasonable work to be done on a house is not a difficulty for us.

TamRE · 09-11-2012, 01:59 PM

I know gay people who live in many different areas locally. Maybe you can check out this web site and see if you can connect with some people that can give you some suggestions - Gay Tampa, Gay St Pete, Lesbian and Gay Tampa and St Pete Community - myQmunity. It has things to do, bars and clubs, restaurants, businesses and organizations and more. It seems more geared toward Tampa and St Pete. But Sarasota is listed too.

gypsychic · 09-11-2012, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTK473

We are an older gay couple and of all things now ready to retire and are still youthful but older. We're not flamboyant, but do want to move to an area that is gay friendly and would not be shocked at two older guys living together.

We're northern CA and New England people, but would really like to live in Florida (we think) and in an area not too pricey (house buying) or overly conservative. Broward county and the Miami area were too expensive and we are thinking we might be better suited for the western coast of Florida. We have been trying to stay around $200k or under. We would like to be in a city/town somewhat near the water.

Thanks for ideas, etc.

Sarasota is extremely gay friendly. Sarasota now even has it's own Pride events and Harvey Milk Festival every year. There are plenty of gay and lesbian couples/families who have been here for years, and the majority are"non-flambuoyant" as you say. Sarasota is a small cosmopolitan city with a lot of arts and amenities, beautiful beaches and a well-educated population.

http://sarasotapride.org/

If you want to post more specifics about what you are looking for in a home, there are a lot of knowledgeable realtors on the board who can help.

GTK473 · 09-11-2012, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gypsychic

Sarasota is extremely gay friendly. Sarasota now even has it's own Pride events and Harvey Milk Festival every year. There are plenty of gay and lesbian couples/families who have been here for years, and the majority are"non-flambuoyant" as you say. Sarasota is a small cosmopolitan city with a lot of arts and amenities, beautiful beaches and a well-educated population.

Pride 2012 | Sarasota Pride 2012: Official Site

If you want to post more specifics about what you are looking for in a home, there are a lot of knowledgeable realtors on the board who can help.

Thanks, I'll do that in awhile. I have family that lived in Sarasota, now passed on, but I've never been to that part of Florida, and that part of my family had no idea I was gay. I do know they would have only lived in a nice area so that's what intrigues me about Sarasota. I'll add some more information to the thread later.

Frida7 · 09-11-2012, 02:38 PM

My uncle was gay, he lived here in Sarasota many years until he passed away in 07. He loved living here, no problems.

photoman_6 · 09-11-2012, 02:54 PM

nice- sort of reinforces your reputation

GTK473 · 09-11-2012, 02:54 PM

Thanks, I just updated my original post.

GTK473 · 09-11-2012, 02:58 PM

Thanks! Seems like such a nice area!

GTK473 · 09-11-2012, 03:48 PM

Thanks! Very helpful information!

Quote:

Originally Posted by TamRE

I know gay people who live in many different areas locally. Maybe you can check out this web site and see if you can connect with some people that can give you some suggestions - Gay Tampa, Gay St Pete, Lesbian and Gay Tampa and St Pete Community - myQmunity. It has things to do, bars and clubs, restaurants, businesses and organizations and more. It seems more geared toward Tampa and St Pete. But Sarasota is listed too.

Picshooter · 09-11-2012, 04:11 PM

Sarasota is a good place for gays. I hear downtown is a good place to meet up with friends. There is a new nighclub, Throb.
I have some friends who just moved to Southgate and love it.
Due to a career change I have met many gay people. Just like any group there are some who's company I enjoy and others I avoid.
I did have an incident several years ago that changed my whole outlook on the subject. Our neighbors had a son who is gay. One day I saw him limping and walking with a cane, as I got closer it was obvious he was in either a bad accident or the losing end of a terrible fight. It was the latter. As he was exiting a club two guys beat him to near death with baseball bats. It was a defining moment in my life. I could not understand how people could have such intense hatred to another human being.