Help me DU'ers! I'm moving...

[zcflint09]

I'm looking to move in the next few months. Probably won't be doing it on a ton of cash, but as is life. I'm interested to see where your recommendations for a new locale to be--I'm open to many places. The first key factor is of course economic stability--being able to find employment at a good wage. The second is GLBT friendliness. Any city out there is worth taking a look at so I'd love to have some "off the road" recommendations as well if ya'all have some.

I appreciate the help in advance! :)

ZC

[lindisfarne]

1. I'd say Seattle or Portland OR. Seattle is getting pricey to live though.

Minneapolis might be ok, too, at least relative to many other cities; less expensive than Portland or Seattle. (I'm not gay but know a lot of gay folks in all these areas who are pretty happy with the locale).

[Behind the Aegis]

2. NEW ORLEANS!

There are plenty of economic possibilities (all kinds of jobs to be had). As for gay-friendly...this is the place to be! Taxes can be a little high, but the trade-off is well worth it! You should check out the Crescent City! It just can't be beat!

On edit: and the men....YUM!

[idgiehkt]

8. I am looking at moving perhaps to Mobile

So this is good to know. I really don't know what is going to happen but the possibility of being around a real gay community is something that appeals to me, or at least within driving distance. That area seems so much more laid back than this one is, I'm on the belt buckle of the bible belt and I feel like I am literally starving to death for community.

Plus I know there is still work being done down there from Katrina and I would like, even at this late juncture, to be a part of it somehow. I'm ashamed I was unable to go when it happened. Probably the only point in my entire life that I couldn't have taken a week off and done something like that.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

3. Believe it or not,

Eureka Springs AR comes to mind. There are always a lot of jobs, and though at first glance the wages seem low, hey cost of living is low, too. St. Paul's Episcopal Church in nearby Fayetteville has said it will conduct same sex commitment ceremonies.

[dsc]

4. without knowing what you do for a living

it is hard to give you advice about job conditions. Wake County NC is booming and reasonably gay friendly. It isn't SF but it isn't Iran either. Carburro is probably the best place for gays but very expensive.

[zcflint09]

5. Background in Management W/Clerical/Customer Service

But I'm open to alot of stuff.

[dsc]

6. I would think it would be very easy to find a job here

We are a non union state though so pay is on the low side but so are property values.

[sui generis]

7. Dallas Texas

The largest cohesive gay community after San Francisco; highest number of restaurants per capita and the only reason tourists ever come here is to shop.

Lots and lots, and lots, and lotsandlotsandlots of retail. Plus, no state income tax! :hi:

[Slyder]

9. Kansas City

Kansas City has several things going for it. It is one of the least expensive housing markets of any metro areas over 1 million. Job market isn't too bad, but I don't know what you do. A lot of gay folks here, but the gay community often behaves like a small town. Getting better, but this is a problem. Leadership in the GLBT community is getting stronger. Crossroads District just south of downtown has become a viable and vibrant arts/restaurant/entertainment area. Very active and sometimes edgy theater community. City is more gay friendly than the rep of the Midwest. KCMO mayor recently appeared on the cover of the pride issue of Camp magazine, decked out like June Cleaver serving a rainbow cake. No gay ghetto, but there are some very gay neighborhoods. What can I say? It isn't Chicago or New York. No hurricanes, few earthquakes, or no tsunami for a couple of million years. Tornadoes are not much of a threat--at most they tear up a few blocks or so and are actually pretty rare.

[Siyahamba]

10. Vancouver, BC

Weather is much like Seattle - mild winters, warm summers - and it's very GLBT friendly, you'd have full, equal rights. Strong, diverse economy as well.

[zcflint09]

11. I don't know a ton about Canadian immigration...

From what I've studied, you have to have 10K saved up and some type of experince in an area where they can apply it to a work visa. Any other type of work arounds, things like that? All I've investigated is immigrating to Canada on a work visa, nothing else, but I've always been interested in immigrating to Canada due to the progressive Canadian policies towards GLBT individuals.

[ruggerson]

12. Have you thought about New England?

Most beautiful part of the country. The single best place in the country for gays and lesbians to live and raise families amongst people who honor and respect them (of course there are bigots everywhere). The winters can be hard, but anywhere along the coast of CT, RI, MA or ME, there are wonderful communities and great people.

Every single state in New England has a law which protects gays from employment discrimination.

It's da bomb, dude.

[ronnykmarshall]

13. Long Beach, CA

It more affordable than West Hollywood and it's got a great gay community.

What sort of work are you looking for?

[zcflint09]

14. I prefer an office job

After that, I'm open. I have experince bartending and food serving as well, so I could handle that.

Long Beach would be a great city to live in, been through there a couple times.

[Jamastiene]

15. If you decide on North Carolina, there are 2 cities/areas

that are gay friendly. The rest are either outright dangerous or too mixed for any real satisfaction. The two good cities/areas here are the Raleigh/Durham/Cary area and Asheville. The rest of North Carolina, in my experience, leaves a lot to be desired.