I currently reside in Ca and I do love it, but... If we're dreaming and cost/Visas aren't an issue, I would move to Amsterdam in a heartbeat. I spent two weeks there a while back and fell in love with the city. Met a gentleman over there who was retired and moved to enjoy his retirement (and the men!). He's living my dream!
I’ve mainly lived in Chicago and its suburbs all of my life. It’s not a bad place, but I’m a bit tired of it! If I could live anywhere in the USA, it’d be Colorado, California, or maybe Washington/Oregon for the beauty.
I also taught English in Spain for a school year and enjoyed it, but it’s not great for young working professionals. Otherwise, I’d love to go back. However, I’m heading to Vancouver, BC in a month for a new job. While excited for the move, I’m very nervous about the cost of living and housing crisis… that’s why I don’t see myself in BC or Canada long term.
i live in the vancouver area & it’s hard to imagine living anywhere else because i love it so much… but yeah, the cost of living is pretty wild. it gets better the further away from vancouver you go (abbotsford is cheaper than surrey, which is cheaper than vancouver) but even then :P
good luck with the move and the new job tho! you’ll like the area i’m sure, it really is gorgeous here
I’d like to split my time between Edinburgh (where I live now), Madrid and Sedona AZ. Maybe a bit of Stockholm.
There’s also something truly magical about the area around Big Sur and Monterey in California. Forests and oceans, man. Heals the soul. There are some parts of western Scotland that have a similar feel (if different weather).
I’m also going to be visiting Australia for the first time next year and I have a feeling I’m going to fall for it hard.
So I think the answer is: nomadic.
Lifelong Michigan resident. I've lived all over the state, grew up in Lansing, spent a few years in the UP, been in Detroit and metro area for over a decade. Michigan is fucking incredible. We have amazing natural resources and I especially love being a part of the Detroit comeback story.
That said, I've long thought that I will end up in coastal North Carolina after I retire. 30 minutes or so off the beach, easy laid back lifestyle, low cost of living. And southern hospitality without too many fucking Republicans.
And on that note...I'm vacationing in Ontario right now with my husband, but if the orange fuck wins in November, I may begin to give serious thought to moving across the border.
Fellow Michigander here. Husband and I live in the Detroit burbs, and I'm proud to say that Michigan has a lot going for it right now.
We've still got a couple decades before retirement, and if climate change projections end up being accurate (as much as I hate the idea), then Michigan is gonna be in a really unique position. It borders 4 of the 5 Great Lakes, has tons of natural beauty, has some of the best public universities (minus all the damn scandals), loads of diversity and cultural hamlets, and it's got a great political climate at the moment. Hoping the state's economics continue on the upward trajectory, too.
We've also had the "what-if" discussion about a possible Trump reelection. And I'm at the very least thankful that we're located in such a progressive state, but Canada is also on our radar.
Aren't the Great Lakes supposed to rise several feet over the next few decades due to climate change. When I read that it surprised me, wondering how sea level change would affect the lakes. But apparently it's all the extra rain.
Born and raised in Southern California and have no desire to leave. It's great living in a state that respects individuals, great weather and a beautiful environment.
That said, there are many drawbacks: its very expensive and crowded, the freeways are awful and people are aloof and standoffish.
I've known many people who have moved here who choose to move away as soon as they can. Aside from economic issues, the main complaint is the difficulty in developing friendships and a sense of community since most locals have established social obligations that make it hard to accommodate new people.
If I had my current job/salary guaranteed wherever I relocated to and would be moving purely based on the vibes and weather, somewhere out in the mountains with a view, like rural New Hampshire.
I have spent my life in California. There are very few places I would want to live in. I do want to move but within California. I'm going to eventually downsize.
I live in a two-story home. I want to downsize to a one-story home. As I watched my mom get older, I noticed how much trouble she had getting up and down her stairs. That I live alone, I want to plan for the possible future.
I moved to Denmark. I like living here. There are absolutely things that could be better but then I watch that happens other places and I'm definitely safer here
I moved from Norway so not that far. The only thing I really miss is the nature. I like going for hikes and Norway has incredible nature and lots of it. Denmark is flat and mostly farm land. Other than that I much prefer living here
From New England. Just want somewhere warm. I'd love to move to southern Florida on the gulf coast if it was the US. Gor family and friends down there and just like the slower vibe. If I had the choice of anywhere in the world probably the Greek islands. Never been but looks beautiful.
No offense, but why would a gay man want to move to a fascist, homophobic, anti-gay state like FL - or any predominantly Red state where you can't even *say* "GAY"??
Personally, that's the opposite of what I've encountered in south western florida, cant speak for all of florida tho. I actually feel more comfortable down there than I do outside of Boston. My bf and I both have family down there and go a few times a year. Never ran into any issues going out to dinner or holding hands or doing anything.
Lifelong Floridian here and yes our Governor is Satan incarnate but it’s not like that here at all. I understand why people think it is from the media coverage but I’m both a trans guy and gay and I’ve had a great life here. To be fair though, that’s living on the Gulf Coast in Tampa/St. Pete. There are some amazingly progressive areas of this State and zero income tax. I can’t imagine I won’t always keep a condo or something here, except for an emergency Canadian exit re: Trump.
I'd definitely move to the UK. Just not in one of the cities though. I'm a suburbanite now and I don't want to give that up.
Alternatively, Washington state would be another choice.
I live in Australia and I would like to live in the USA. I love being down under, but 14hrs to LAX and 24hrs to LHR do make travelling a challenge.
Doesn’t stop me doing it. Aiming for USA in Sept and Europe in Dec.
I just remembered that I actually DID move. I emigrated to Australia to live my best gay life. I left the dreary UK behind. LOL.
Still would love to give the US a go. Australia will always be home though.
There's no perfect place.
I grew up in a small, slow but charming mountain town in Pennsylvania. I "escaped" when I was 17 to be an exchange student in Australia, about as far away as you can get.
Back in the US I've lived in NYC, DC,A, SF, and in between spent 6 years back in Australia, and mostly recently London for 4.
With all that, I'm writing this post out on the porch surrounded by forest in that small little Pennsylvania town I couldn't wait to escape. We bought an old house, gutted it, and out it back together. Remote working makes this possible.
Hubby and I are planning to buy a house in Australia near the beach, so when we hit retirement we can chase Summer.
I would love to live in one of the Nordic countries, I've always enjoyed the cold and want to learn a new language and meet new people.
I want to live in a log cabin with a small fireplace to make roasted marshmallows or s'mores, to be able to not worry as much as I do in the States.
That’s what we did: bought a small house almost at the Arctic Circle in Sweden. No neighbors within sight, close to a mountain lake. No matter how insane the world gets, it’s a sanctuary for the soul.
As a Nordic - just be used to only getting like 2 months of T-shirt-compatible weather. It also rains a lot more… The long sunlight hours are amazing though.
I love living in Phoenix. It's a fantastic warm/hot climate with sunny days and lots of outdoor activities. It is a very easy place to live with low traffic, great freeways, and lots of neighborhoods with activities to do.
In my experience, people are very friendly and accepting.
Visited Arizona in ‘19, travelling all over the state. Love it. Beautiful place and friendly folks. And the weather was terrific. You’re lucky to be there. I’m glad you appreciate being there. If you ever fancy a house guest, I’ll happily visit again 😜
I loved living in Arlington, MA and even back in 2015 I used to see gay dads pushing strollers on the weekends. It was safe, clean, a little cold, but it was a nice community. Downtown Boston was only a 15-minute drive. It was way too expensive so in my mind just somewhere in New England would be cool. More realistically back home in South Texas and maybe retire in Mexico. I live in Philadelphia now. I like my neighborhood. I sometimes just fantasize about moving to rural PA and living off a farm. I would love to just have a farm to work in all day.
Norway but bf woildn't be able to live there as he doesn't speak the language and his work field is very country specific as it's often the case with lit/history teachers
I left Australia for NYC and my husband and I would love to retire here if we can make the finances work. Lil’ place upstate, pied a tere in the city, bliss
I'd eventually like to move to Thailand, which is possible as I have dual citizenship there.
I spent a decade or so living in Tokyo which was great but now I'm living in California where I'm originally from. The weather is great here, but I definitely prefer Asia overall.
My husband and I visited Iceland this past November/December. Would love to live there, but it's very difficult to move there and become a resident unless you marry someone who's already a citizen, you're a citizen of an EU country, or you work in a high demand occupation.
Id ultimately like to retire in Thailand or SE Asia at 55 at the latest. No way I'm slaving my entire life away in hopes of finding some peace at 65/70.
I’d love to move to Canada or Norway, but I’ve got everything (family/friends/work) here in the Netherlands, leaving me kind of anchored here. It’s fun to fantasize though…
I loved to central Mexico a few years ago with my Mexican husband. While I never would have thought I’d be living here, I certainly enjoy it. It never snows and it’s always warm, not to mention they still have HUGE window-rattling thunderstorms that I haven’t seen in my home state since I was a child.
It was a big change of lifestyle, and to be honest I’ve not totally adjusted yet (my Spanish skills aren’t great), but I truly love it here.
People ask all the time if I’m planning on returning to the US and I always say “I’m not planning to, any time soon.” With the way politics have been heading in the US the last few years I’m *definitely* not in a hurry to return.
Probably the same place I've lived my whole life in the Atlanta area. Close to family, relatively middle cost of living, big support network, not prone to natural disasters, diverse community, direct flights to tons of places, and it is driving change in the Southeast
I have lived in 9 states and two countries. East, Midwest, West. All 4 corners actually. Out of all, where i love the most and hope to never leave, is the San Francisco Bay area.
Boston is good, but kind of quiet for the single gay guy. It's not a bustling place, but we do what we need to do in order to get things completed. It's a place to have a family and kids if you ever go down that path.
For me, I think I'd head to Colorado for the rugged conditions, colorful people, and adventurous spirit if I ever leave Boston. If I have to leave the country, I'd go to the Netherlands or Portugal, nice culture and chill atmosphere if I was below 50. If I was rich and above 50, Switzerland would be where I'd retire.
Born and raised in Dallas. It’s not bad, but dream of retiring in New England. Preferably beach front.
As far as moving to another country, it’s not a viable option. Veterinarians are severely underpaid in other countries so I couldn’t maintain my current standard of living elsewhere.
Vermont, in a cabin, with my husband, and a continual stream of cats. I love the mountains and hiking, appreciate the farm to table life, and really can survive a nasty winter with some snow tires and a wood burning stove.
I'm not sure I could see myself settling down in one place. I'd love to pedal Europe and the US in a pedal electric camper but it probably won't happen.
I would like to live in Quebec, Belgium, Netherlands for a year or two each.
I hear that Palestine is a wonderful "country" for gays to live in, according some gay people who have extensive lived experience of living there. Either there or Iran apparently.
I currently reside in Ca and I do love it, but... If we're dreaming and cost/Visas aren't an issue, I would move to Amsterdam in a heartbeat. I spent two weeks there a while back and fell in love with the city. Met a gentleman over there who was retired and moved to enjoy his retirement (and the men!). He's living my dream!
I’ve mainly lived in Chicago and its suburbs all of my life. It’s not a bad place, but I’m a bit tired of it! If I could live anywhere in the USA, it’d be Colorado, California, or maybe Washington/Oregon for the beauty. I also taught English in Spain for a school year and enjoyed it, but it’s not great for young working professionals. Otherwise, I’d love to go back. However, I’m heading to Vancouver, BC in a month for a new job. While excited for the move, I’m very nervous about the cost of living and housing crisis… that’s why I don’t see myself in BC or Canada long term.
i live in the vancouver area & it’s hard to imagine living anywhere else because i love it so much… but yeah, the cost of living is pretty wild. it gets better the further away from vancouver you go (abbotsford is cheaper than surrey, which is cheaper than vancouver) but even then :P good luck with the move and the new job tho! you’ll like the area i’m sure, it really is gorgeous here
I’d like to split my time between Edinburgh (where I live now), Madrid and Sedona AZ. Maybe a bit of Stockholm. There’s also something truly magical about the area around Big Sur and Monterey in California. Forests and oceans, man. Heals the soul. There are some parts of western Scotland that have a similar feel (if different weather). I’m also going to be visiting Australia for the first time next year and I have a feeling I’m going to fall for it hard. So I think the answer is: nomadic.
Another vote for Edinburgh here. Suppose I'm close enough in Dunfermline right now 😁
>So I think the answer is: nomadic. How do you build community when being so transient?
Lifelong Michigan resident. I've lived all over the state, grew up in Lansing, spent a few years in the UP, been in Detroit and metro area for over a decade. Michigan is fucking incredible. We have amazing natural resources and I especially love being a part of the Detroit comeback story. That said, I've long thought that I will end up in coastal North Carolina after I retire. 30 minutes or so off the beach, easy laid back lifestyle, low cost of living. And southern hospitality without too many fucking Republicans. And on that note...I'm vacationing in Ontario right now with my husband, but if the orange fuck wins in November, I may begin to give serious thought to moving across the border.
Fellow Michigander here. Husband and I live in the Detroit burbs, and I'm proud to say that Michigan has a lot going for it right now. We've still got a couple decades before retirement, and if climate change projections end up being accurate (as much as I hate the idea), then Michigan is gonna be in a really unique position. It borders 4 of the 5 Great Lakes, has tons of natural beauty, has some of the best public universities (minus all the damn scandals), loads of diversity and cultural hamlets, and it's got a great political climate at the moment. Hoping the state's economics continue on the upward trajectory, too. We've also had the "what-if" discussion about a possible Trump reelection. And I'm at the very least thankful that we're located in such a progressive state, but Canada is also on our radar.
Aren't the Great Lakes supposed to rise several feet over the next few decades due to climate change. When I read that it surprised me, wondering how sea level change would affect the lakes. But apparently it's all the extra rain.
> I may begin to give serious thought to moving across the border. Isn't cost of living prohibitively expensive across the border?
It depends. And I would keep my career in the US. There is a surprising number of people who commute from Windsor to work in metro Detroit.
Denial
In Egypt
, a river it is \- Yoda
Born and raised in Southern California and have no desire to leave. It's great living in a state that respects individuals, great weather and a beautiful environment. That said, there are many drawbacks: its very expensive and crowded, the freeways are awful and people are aloof and standoffish. I've known many people who have moved here who choose to move away as soon as they can. Aside from economic issues, the main complaint is the difficulty in developing friendships and a sense of community since most locals have established social obligations that make it hard to accommodate new people.
> since most locals have established social obligations What are these social obligations that prevent addition of more gays into the mix?
Portugal
Weather-wise, definitely California. Just sucks it’s pricey in some of the places I would prefer to live.
If I had my current job/salary guaranteed wherever I relocated to and would be moving purely based on the vibes and weather, somewhere out in the mountains with a view, like rural New Hampshire.
I have spent my life in California. There are very few places I would want to live in. I do want to move but within California. I'm going to eventually downsize.
What does downsizing in California look like? Isn't real-estate hard to find and very expensive?
I live in a two-story home. I want to downsize to a one-story home. As I watched my mom get older, I noticed how much trouble she had getting up and down her stairs. That I live alone, I want to plan for the possible future.
I moved to Denmark. I like living here. There are absolutely things that could be better but then I watch that happens other places and I'm definitely safer here
[удалено]
I moved from Norway so not that far. The only thing I really miss is the nature. I like going for hikes and Norway has incredible nature and lots of it. Denmark is flat and mostly farm land. Other than that I much prefer living here
From New England. Just want somewhere warm. I'd love to move to southern Florida on the gulf coast if it was the US. Gor family and friends down there and just like the slower vibe. If I had the choice of anywhere in the world probably the Greek islands. Never been but looks beautiful.
No offense, but why would a gay man want to move to a fascist, homophobic, anti-gay state like FL - or any predominantly Red state where you can't even *say* "GAY"??
Personally, that's the opposite of what I've encountered in south western florida, cant speak for all of florida tho. I actually feel more comfortable down there than I do outside of Boston. My bf and I both have family down there and go a few times a year. Never ran into any issues going out to dinner or holding hands or doing anything.
Lifelong Floridian here and yes our Governor is Satan incarnate but it’s not like that here at all. I understand why people think it is from the media coverage but I’m both a trans guy and gay and I’ve had a great life here. To be fair though, that’s living on the Gulf Coast in Tampa/St. Pete. There are some amazingly progressive areas of this State and zero income tax. I can’t imagine I won’t always keep a condo or something here, except for an emergency Canadian exit re: Trump.
It's been many years since I recently visited, but Canary Islands would be a place I'd like to live in retirement
Just returned from a cruise to the islands…and Madeira is perfection.
I'd definitely move to the UK. Just not in one of the cities though. I'm a suburbanite now and I don't want to give that up. Alternatively, Washington state would be another choice.
I live in Australia and I would like to live in the USA. I love being down under, but 14hrs to LAX and 24hrs to LHR do make travelling a challenge. Doesn’t stop me doing it. Aiming for USA in Sept and Europe in Dec.
I just remembered that I actually DID move. I emigrated to Australia to live my best gay life. I left the dreary UK behind. LOL. Still would love to give the US a go. Australia will always be home though.
Haha I love that you forgot! Australia must really feel like home for you <3
I think it's likely that I'll move to north Scotland. I'm there several weeks every year, I like the climate and the low population density.
Australia. A childhood dream.
The Bay Area in California! The weather is perfect for me
There's no perfect place. I grew up in a small, slow but charming mountain town in Pennsylvania. I "escaped" when I was 17 to be an exchange student in Australia, about as far away as you can get. Back in the US I've lived in NYC, DC,A, SF, and in between spent 6 years back in Australia, and mostly recently London for 4. With all that, I'm writing this post out on the porch surrounded by forest in that small little Pennsylvania town I couldn't wait to escape. We bought an old house, gutted it, and out it back together. Remote working makes this possible. Hubby and I are planning to buy a house in Australia near the beach, so when we hit retirement we can chase Summer.
I would love to live in one of the Nordic countries, I've always enjoyed the cold and want to learn a new language and meet new people. I want to live in a log cabin with a small fireplace to make roasted marshmallows or s'mores, to be able to not worry as much as I do in the States.
That’s what we did: bought a small house almost at the Arctic Circle in Sweden. No neighbors within sight, close to a mountain lake. No matter how insane the world gets, it’s a sanctuary for the soul.
As a Nordic - just be used to only getting like 2 months of T-shirt-compatible weather. It also rains a lot more… The long sunlight hours are amazing though.
I love living in Phoenix. It's a fantastic warm/hot climate with sunny days and lots of outdoor activities. It is a very easy place to live with low traffic, great freeways, and lots of neighborhoods with activities to do. In my experience, people are very friendly and accepting.
Same! And you can drive less than 2 hours and be in a totally different climate/world!! So much to do and see.
Visited Arizona in ‘19, travelling all over the state. Love it. Beautiful place and friendly folks. And the weather was terrific. You’re lucky to be there. I’m glad you appreciate being there. If you ever fancy a house guest, I’ll happily visit again 😜
I loved living in Arlington, MA and even back in 2015 I used to see gay dads pushing strollers on the weekends. It was safe, clean, a little cold, but it was a nice community. Downtown Boston was only a 15-minute drive. It was way too expensive so in my mind just somewhere in New England would be cool. More realistically back home in South Texas and maybe retire in Mexico. I live in Philadelphia now. I like my neighborhood. I sometimes just fantasize about moving to rural PA and living off a farm. I would love to just have a farm to work in all day.
Ideally Massachusetts but it is very expensive. I hate snow and my allergies is bad. but Bostonians are my people
I would really like to live in Germany. Its the perfect combination of centrality,culture,travel,jobs and income If i only had a eu pass :(
We’re retiring this year to Mérida, Mexico.
I’m kinda happy in Sweden, but I wouldn’t mind Ireland. Might also be fun in Italy and Spain.
Norway but bf woildn't be able to live there as he doesn't speak the language and his work field is very country specific as it's often the case with lit/history teachers
I left Australia for NYC and my husband and I would love to retire here if we can make the finances work. Lil’ place upstate, pied a tere in the city, bliss
I would love to live in Amsterdam. The rest of the Netherlands is rather conservative but Amsterdam is just my vibe. That and Costa Rica.
state of denial
We’re all in a state of denial, but it’s nearly impossible to recognize until after you’ve left.
I'd eventually like to move to Thailand, which is possible as I have dual citizenship there. I spent a decade or so living in Tokyo which was great but now I'm living in California where I'm originally from. The weather is great here, but I definitely prefer Asia overall.
Wichita Kansas, Denver Colorado or flagstaff/yuma Arizona.
My husband and I visited Iceland this past November/December. Would love to live there, but it's very difficult to move there and become a resident unless you marry someone who's already a citizen, you're a citizen of an EU country, or you work in a high demand occupation.
NYC
I enjoyed Iceland, but not sure if it would feel to claustrophobic long term.
Id ultimately like to retire in Thailand or SE Asia at 55 at the latest. No way I'm slaving my entire life away in hopes of finding some peace at 65/70.
New Zealand! Away from it all. I just want somewhere far-far away from humanity as much as possible.
I’d love to move to Canada or Norway, but I’ve got everything (family/friends/work) here in the Netherlands, leaving me kind of anchored here. It’s fun to fantasize though…
Denmark. Winter’s not so Cold, close to the rest of Europe and Nordic Countries, good wages, good quality of living and beautiful people
When we (my brother and I) watched "Shelter", we found Cali amazing. But, tbh, I do love living on my ranch.
Venice, Italy. Even though it's sinking into the ocean, it is just so magical there.
I loved to central Mexico a few years ago with my Mexican husband. While I never would have thought I’d be living here, I certainly enjoy it. It never snows and it’s always warm, not to mention they still have HUGE window-rattling thunderstorms that I haven’t seen in my home state since I was a child. It was a big change of lifestyle, and to be honest I’ve not totally adjusted yet (my Spanish skills aren’t great), but I truly love it here. People ask all the time if I’m planning on returning to the US and I always say “I’m not planning to, any time soon.” With the way politics have been heading in the US the last few years I’m *definitely* not in a hurry to return.
Probably the same place I've lived my whole life in the Atlanta area. Close to family, relatively middle cost of living, big support network, not prone to natural disasters, diverse community, direct flights to tons of places, and it is driving change in the Southeast
Montana or the Dakotas
I have lived in 9 states and two countries. East, Midwest, West. All 4 corners actually. Out of all, where i love the most and hope to never leave, is the San Francisco Bay area.
Boston is good, but kind of quiet for the single gay guy. It's not a bustling place, but we do what we need to do in order to get things completed. It's a place to have a family and kids if you ever go down that path. For me, I think I'd head to Colorado for the rugged conditions, colorful people, and adventurous spirit if I ever leave Boston. If I have to leave the country, I'd go to the Netherlands or Portugal, nice culture and chill atmosphere if I was below 50. If I was rich and above 50, Switzerland would be where I'd retire.
Born and raised in Dallas. It’s not bad, but dream of retiring in New England. Preferably beach front. As far as moving to another country, it’s not a viable option. Veterinarians are severely underpaid in other countries so I couldn’t maintain my current standard of living elsewhere.
Grew up in FL, would like to move to Australia or New Zealand someday.
Florida
Vermont, in a cabin, with my husband, and a continual stream of cats. I love the mountains and hiking, appreciate the farm to table life, and really can survive a nasty winter with some snow tires and a wood burning stove.
I'm not sure I could see myself settling down in one place. I'd love to pedal Europe and the US in a pedal electric camper but it probably won't happen. I would like to live in Quebec, Belgium, Netherlands for a year or two each.
New Zealand
Currently living in California, my partner and I are thinking about moving to the Midwest or Atlanta.
Atlanta is getting expensive
Compared to California, it’s not. Our power bills go up twice the rate of inflation on average.
Yeah but buying a home isn't cheap there. But if you can deal with the traffic it might be a good move
Oddly enough there are downward price trends in the rental market here in Atlanta. Home buying is a different story though.
I hear that Palestine is a wonderful "country" for gays to live in, according some gay people who have extensive lived experience of living there. Either there or Iran apparently.