Gay Retirement in Seattle? (Bellevue, Redmond: condos, townhome, neighborhoods)

[Eagle Shadow]

Hello!

I am currently retired in Colorado. I am thinking about moving to the Seattle area in 2009. I have visted Seattle and like what I see. Ideally I would like to find a townhome or condo in a gay community or at least a gay friendly area. I would like to have the option of not having to get in the car to go shopping. Is anyone aware of a gay retirement community planned for the area?

[Ira500]

There are lots of condos on Capitol Hill, Seattle's traditionally gay area, though the gay community has spread out over the years. Capitol Hill is densely populated, and you wouldn't need a car to shop. It's not an inexpensive area, but it's friendly and nice, especially around 15th Ave east.

[allforcats]

Ira500's recommendation is spot-on. Actually, Capitol Hill is a lot of fun. Merry, I'd call it. Lived on Bellevue Avenue East for 5 years. That's at the western edge of Capitol Hill, just east of I-5 but way up a hill (duh!) and you'd have to work hard to hear freeway sounds. Every kind of shopping you could want is there, from bistros, banks and books stores to megamarts, designer outlets, chain pizza places, movies, clothing, furniture -- you get the idea. On Mapquest or similar, we're talking about the area bounded by:
E. Pike St. on the south;
I-5 interstate highway on the west;
probably E. Galer St. or Volunteer Park on the north (that "boundary" has become a movable feast over the years;
23rd Ave. E. on the east (also a bit movable).

However, the whole area in and around Seattle, including pretty much all of Seattle's neighborhoods to the north and east (incl. Cap.Hill), and the communities on the east side of Lake Washington (Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond) are relaxed places for gays to live. The vast, vast majority of communities east of Lake Washington are spread-out suburbs and are NOT within enjoyable walking distance of retailers. But most of the Seattle neighborhoods surrounding downtown ARE within walking distance of retailers. And those neighborhoods are already quite gay-friendly and just chock-full of condos mostly in shorter buildings (3-4 stories).

[Vripper]

Just to let you know, many people smoke on Capitol Hill, and it is a second-hand smoking nightmare. This might not be an issue for you, but you should be aware of it if it is.

[Eagle Shadow]

As a non smoker I appreciate the information about second hand smoke. Does Seattle have smoke free areas in public areas? I know that in Colorado you cannot smoke in a public building.

[seattlerain]

Originally Posted by Eagle Shadow

As a non smoker I appreciate the information about second hand smoke. Does Seattle have smoke free areas in public areas? I know that in Colorado you cannot smoke in a public building.

Yes, Seattle, indeed the entire state has very strict public smoking laws. In short, smoking is not allowed in any public building, including restaurants and bars.

[Vripper]

The problem with the second hand smoke in Capitol Hill, versus other places in the area, is it's a walkable neighborhood (good), but the concentration of smokers on the Hill is really high (bad). The result is a lot of people walking while smoking. Then there are all the people smoking outside of stores/restaurants/bars/bus stops.

As a person who suffers from asthma, I'm basically forced to hold my breath at the first whiff of cigarettes. Often, I'll just walk across the street to avoid it, which doesn't always work.

[stellarlife]

I am retired and disabled, live in heart of Seattle at The Viewpointe on Queen Anne in the Queen Anne neighborhood. We are welcome here as are our friends. Bus stops front and rear of bldg. Near lake, fantastic views and if you are a walker--walk right to downtown! I prefer diversity, that includes all races, creeds, ages, etc.--I suggest The Viewpoint on QA. (The most affordable retirement place in Seattle too!) 206-282-5777 for a tour and free brunch. Diane J Standiford