Courage

From my experience of having lived in south Jersey many years ago, it seemed to me that the area around Rittenhouse Square was gay friendly and relatively safe (though a friend got mugged in the park there late one night). Not sure if that is true today. I worked in North Philly (north of Temple U.) and would not recommend that to anyone, unless they have bulldozed it and started over.

I live in Philadelphia. My suggestion near the Benj Franklin Parkway where the apartments are relatively cheap because of massive development.

Thank you, I knew that there were a few people here who live in Philadelphia. I should ask @WilliamM if he'd mind a message from a stranger first...

Suggest you PM WilliamM who lives there.

So a job will return me to Philly after 20 years--I was a student there through the 90s.
 
I'm in the process of scoping out neighborhoods to rent a one-bedroom apartment in and, obviously, the place has changed. I visit regularly, but don't venture far outside Center City or the sports complex.
 
My priorities are:
1) Convenience to City Hall area, either by proximity or a Septa ride. I don't want to pay insurance and parking.
2) Good prospects for socializing. I'm early 40-something and have family and acquaintances in the city, but am leaving behind a lot of friends when I go.
3) Keeping rent to at *most* $1,600 (cheaper obviously welcome).
4) Gay-friendliness and safety.

300
 
:-P

@Eric Hassan So sorry to read about this. May both your recoveries be swift and complete.

This is a very ugly time on a number of fronts.

This is a very ugly time on a number of fronts.

Ah, to be young and know everything! I remember that feeling. Enjoy it.

Ah, to be young and know everything! I remember that feeling. Enjoy it.

Ah, to be young and know everything! I remember that feeling. Enjoy it.

Ah, to be young and know everything! I remember that feeling. Enjoy it.

Ah, to be young and know everything! I remember that feeling. Enjoy it.

Ah, to be young and know everything! I remember that feeling. Enjoy it.

And Avalon is the name of a Toyota. :-)
 
Honestly never heard of them 'til now. I'm not RC, though.

It was partially homage to Rather, who I am a fan of...though I wouldn't wanna see him in porn <shudder>

[uSER=14922]@Courage![/uSER] great username!
 

Do my mom's Erica Jong books count?

I'll admit to being jealous of my brothers for the sort of legacy that having children confers, but no.

This has been an interesting thread. One thing, that pertains in *my* case as a *client*, is that in addition to being big I'm not particularly experienced. I know through expensive hard luck that I'm not the sexual athlete depicted in porn and it's triply difficult being self-conscious, perhaps unrealistic, and--in the moment--finding practical positions to be (in my case) an aspiring top and as (related by others) a functional bottom. So far, oral has provided the best experience, but fantasy being what it is I'll try again.
 
While I don't fault escorts for not being expert in helping a client with difficulties cope, I'd like to imagine it's a credit to the very best providers if they can help breaking people in, so to speak :-D

I am not sure one's BMI is how others gauge overweightness in the escort world but it is a great scientific method.

"Boiled or fried?" said the late, great W.C. Fields.

I'll admit to being jealous of my brothers for the sort of legacy that having children confers, but no.

I lived there for seven years in the 90s going to two of the large universities. I lived primarily in University City and Fairmount. Frankly, I liked it better before what someone above called the "renaissance." It has become much more expensive, much more congested, much more touristy, much more bourgeois, and much less unique. It has been very good for some people, but some of the things that gave the city character exist only as commercial shells of themselves or memories.
 
As for safety--most places an affluent traveler or resident would visit are safer than the places that add to the crime statistics. If you keep your head about you and stick to the well-lighted beaten path, you'll be fine. If you go looking for trouble, there are many places to find it.