If you could live anywhere in the usa??????

[Michael Wayne]

Guys I have been on the road for almost 3 weeks so just catching up on the forum. I am so busy on tour that i have no time to post. During my extensive touring and traveling recently I have been thinking to myself about the title of this thread. So often we live somewhere because we HAVE to or we live somewhere because we just END up there. But what if we had a choice? I do and as an escort my job goes with me literally anywhere I go. I gave up my day job when I left New Orleans. I am now also single so no partner to think about and no dependent older parents yet (thank God!) Everywhere I tour I see such amazing things and I wonder where is the best place in a number of categories such as: business..........cost of living........quality of life.........climate.......arts........sports......finding a partner........starting my own start up company eventually again....... all thoughts and contributions will be appreciated. I have missed the forum so anyway I am glad to be back. DC was a blast for me the last 2.5 weeks! Some of the NICEST clients I have ever met were there so headed back june 29- july 8. http://www.rentboy.com/magicmikey http://www.rentmen.com/mikeyusatop

[rguer]

If money were a consideration, my choice would be Portland, Oregon. It doesn't rain as much as people say - in my experience - and it has arts and sports. It's very friendly, and there are lots of good restaurants (the best dessert I've ever had was in Portland). Seattle is easy to get to, and flights to LA and SF are frequent. I have no idea about the business climate. Cost of living is moderate.

 

If cost of living were not a factor, I'd consider Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Honolulu.

[Frankly Rich]

I have a sense of déjà vu about this thread, but I'll bite anyway. I'd live in New York City, only taking taxis and never having to walk in Times Square.

[Steven_Draker]

Kind of déjà vu ... At the time Hooboy asked the question "IF YOU COULD BUILD A HOUSE ANYWHERE, WHERE WOULD IT BE?"

 

The question wasn't limited to the USA:

 

http://www.companyofmen.org/showthread.php?38852-Getting-To-Know-You

[Epigonos]

For weather - San Diego, CA

For city life - New York, NY or London, UK

For style - Santa FE, NM

For food (BBQ) - Austin, TX

All around - Travis City, MI

[Newly]

I think you answered your own question. If you had a good time in DC, liked the people and the area why not DC? It's close to NYC, the cost of living while high is not insane, and it has a large, well educated population which makes it a great place to begin a start up.

[Atlantagaguy]

I have been contemplating this same question because I want to semi-retire and move somewhere that is not as hectic. I have lived in five states in the southeast. I lived in Florida for almost 15 years and have no desire to move back. Don’t get me wrong I love to visit but never cared about living there. I am getting closer to making a decision on what type of an area I am looking for, a small college town with a great airport. I also believe most college towns are more social liberal in attitude. I love college sports, local theater and just the vibrant of the community of young people. It is one of the reasons why I could not go back to Florida. I also want to have the ability to take classes which many Universities allow for retirees. I would think it would be more affordable living in College towns; my goal would be live 10 months at home and spend 2 months somewhere else in the world.

If anyone of you is living in such a community please let me know how it's working out good and bad.

[+ Just Sayin]

This is going to sound a bit perverse given Arizona's reputation for wacky politics, but I love living in Tucson; it is authentic, the University of Arizona is here, the community is progressive, the airport is easy to get in and out of, and, in the summer, San Diego is only a 6-hour drive.

[Atlantagaguy]

This is going to sound a bit perverse given Arizona's reputation for wacky politics, but I love living in Tucson; it is authentic, the University of Arizona is here, the community is progressive, the airport is easy to get in and out of, and, in the summer, San Diego is only a 6-hour drive.

 

Not really perverse, just because of the States reputation doesn’t reflect college communities. That is why I would choose a University town.

[Epigonos]

Atlantagaguy I know this will sound bizarre, to some, but your want list is a nearly perfect description of Austin, TX. Austin is a liberal island in the midst of a conservative sea. The city's elected state representative is or was gay. The influence of the University of Texas is pervasive. Excellent local theatre, multiple cultural activities are provided my UT and the Texas hill country located between San Antonio and Austin offers a multitude of outdoor activities. The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is medium sized, very user friendly and is an excellent gateway to numerous national and international destinations. The weather is not great but it certainly isn’t as bad as many other places in Texas such as Dallas or Houston.

 

Santa Fe, New Mexico is another possibility if you like the U.S. Southwest. It has an excellent theatre and music scene. It is one of the major centers of Southwestern Native American culture and art. St. John's liberal arts college is located there. It does receive snow in the winter but certainly not in excess and the summers though, at times, warm are not humid. Albuquerque International Sun Airport is only fifty miles south, is of medium size, user friendly and is an excellent gateway to numerous national and international destinations.

 

If I weren’t the age I am (73) with all my family and friends here in Southern California I would likely transplant to one of these two cities. For me Travis City, Michigan would be another possibility but I certainly understand that it wouldn’t appeal too many because of the snow factor. The one place I would try to avoid at all cost is where I currently live. California is difficult and daily becoming more so. Taxes are high, cost of living is over the top, services are declining and infrastructure is rapidly deteriorating.

 

Good luck and your quest for a new home.

[EZEtoGRU]

For weather - San Diego, CA

For city life - New York, NY or London, UK

For style - Santa FE, NM

For food (BBQ) - Austin, TX

All around - Travis City, MI

I assume you mean Traverse City?

 

Great place in the summer, Spring, and Fall. Winter??

[LouieD]

As a native of Michigan, I assume you posters mean Traverse City.

[Newly]

Atlantaguy, take a look at Charlottesville, Virginia. Home to Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, Lewis and Clark and The University of Virginia, it is consistently rated as one of the best places to live in the US. Although the cost of living is not as low as Atlanta or Richmond, it is not as expensive as DC or California. Very liberal in a state that is becoming increasingly blue and located near the mountains there are an incredible number of good restaurants and cultural events that you would not expect in a town of this size. As a plus DC is only an hour and a half away if you want to go to a big city. I'm obviously biased, but after comparing it to Santa Fe, Jackson Hole and other really nice small towns I think Charlottesville really shines - especially if you're into architecture or history.

[Epigonos]

EZEtoGRU and LouieD very sorry about that. You are both absolutely correct I should have written Traverse City. But what would you expect from an ignorant native Southern California who has only recently discovered the delights of the Traverse City area of Michigan.

 

Cold weather has never been a problem for me. It is heat that I hate and I really don't distinguish between dry or wet heat, I hate them both equally.

[gallahadesquire]

This is going to sound a bit perverse given Arizona's reputation for wacky politics, but I love living in Tucson; it is authentic, the University of Arizona is here, the community is progressive, the airport is easy to get in and out of, and, in the summer, San Diego is only a 6-hour drive.

 

Yeah, about the airport ... if you can get a flight there ... some friends live North of the city (saddlebrooke) and fly in an out of Phoenix. The extra hour drive allows for available flights.

[Michael Wayne]

I recently visited Portland and I was impressed. Mt Hood came out! We had a lovely dinner at an old restaurant called Hubers. lovely! The Trailblazers were playing that night and the locals were very nice and polite. I only had one night there as I was scheduled for 3 in Seattle. Seattle is lovely but it literally rained 3 days straight! bummer! I've never visited Traverse city but I have toured in Detroit very successfully so next Michigan visit I will explore Traverse city. I lived from 97-99 in San antonio so I got to spent a tremendous amount of time in AUSTIN and I truly second what the poster said in every way. It is Americas' fastest growing city and i still have a dear friend there as well as a few clients. I've not been back in a while. I tour in Houston and am so busy there that I never have the time to visit Austin or san anton. I miss them both. My first boyfriend lived in NYC and while I still love to get invited there on fly in appointments I just find the winters there a bit harsh for this Texas born and Florida bred boy. ALso NYC is so big and so cut throat competitive in the escort biz. I find DC is more my size and my style. Speaking also of Florida: I lived in Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach alternately from 84-early 97 and things have really changed on that coast alot. Where I am now in Ft. Myers is still sleepy and very seasonal (and i am chicken here!!!LOL!) but the east coast is increasingly les seasonal and younger year around. Ft. Lauderdale is high on my list again. I lived there as a BOY so I am thinking and wondering about living there as a MAN.

[JT Brooklyn]

San Diego ...Florence Italy

[Guest ChrisW]

I recently visited Portland and I was impressed. Mt Hood came out! We had a lovely dinner at an old restaurant called Hubers. lovely! The Trailblazers were playing that night and the locals were very nice and polite. I only had one night there as I was scheduled for 3 in Seattle. Seattle is lovely but it literally rained 3 days straight! bummer! I've never visited Traverse city but I have toured in Detroit very successfully so next Michigan visit I will explore Traverse city. I lived from 97-99 in San antonio so I got to spent a tremendous amount of time in AUSTIN and I truly second what the poster said in every way. It is Americas' fastest growing city and i still have a dear friend there as well as a few clients. I've not been back in a while. I tour in Houston and am so busy there that I never have the time to visit Austin or san anton. I miss them both. My first boyfriend lived in NYC and while I still love to get invited there on fly in appointments I just find the winters there a bit harsh for this Texas born and Florida bred boy. ALso NYC is so big and so cut throat competitive in the escort biz. I find DC is more my size and my style. Speaking also of Florida: I lived in Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach alternately from 84-early 97 and things have really changed on that coast alot. Where I am now in Ft. Myers is still sleepy and very seasonal (and i am chicken here!!!LOL!) but the east coast is increasingly les seasonal and younger year around. Ft. Lauderdale is high on my list again. I lived there as a BOY so I am thinking and wondering about living there as a MAN.

 

Seattle is a really great city but its going through some serious problems right now. Seattle is the fastest growing city in the country and its reflected in our rents and city planning. In the gay area of town, Capital Hill, rent has gone up 31% in 5 years which is mind boggling. We are still many years away from getting our mass transit up to where it needs to be to support our population. Portland is cute to visit but it really is a strange city, so strange that I find it off putting.

 

My criteria for living in a city are

 

A good gay scene which includes a good leather contingent (those boys know how to have fun!)

Good mass transit

Good weather

 

I have lived in Settle my whole life but I don't think I can take another 9 months of rain so I am in the same boat as you Mikey, I can live any where so where do I go?

[McLeanspider]

http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.12780349.1068/sticker,375x360.u2.png

[Michael Wayne]

u got that right MClean!!!! but where else can a guy my age be chicken? lol! Chris W............ I enjoyed the hell out of seattle I gotta tell you........but WEATHER. If that is one of your three main concerns then it rules out DC and Chicago which I really love. Ft. Lauderdale has zero public transportation but great roads and not alot of traffic. Most people from the north find our summers to be unbearable hot and humid however. Is there a perfect city???? Austin weather to be honest is brutal in both extremes...... San Diego and Honolulu have the best weather. I am looking at San Diego closely and hoping to schedule a tour there soon.

[actor61]

This is a subject that has been occupying my mind for the past 16 months. I live in Los Angeles and took early retirement from a university job in December 2012. My family was in business overseas and I only started living in the U.S. permanently in 1977 (I'm 62). I lived in L.A. from 1977 to 1985, Florida from 1985 to 1996, and then returned to L.A. for professional reasons. In the 1970s and 1980s, this city was a lot of fun. It was affordable, there was a strong gay community, a lively and significant arts scene and the atmosphere was exciting and surprisingly friendly. That has all changed. Rents are now sky high and there is no bang for the buck. You cannot function without a car and that means negotiating unbearable traffic. People are insulated, insular, unfriendly and pretty superficial. I have grown to hate this city with a passion and have decided to move to Chicago. I've done an enormous amount of research, including several lengthy visits, and it seems to offer what I'm looking for in retirement - fairly affordable housing, good public transportation, theatre, arts and on my visits, people have been available, accessible, helpful and generally cordial. I will, of course, miss the idyllic southern California climate and I'm not sure how much I'm going to like Chicago winters but people there go through them every year so I guess I will too as cheerfully as I can.

[Frankly Rich]

I lived in LA from 1978 to 1981 and found people hard to understand even then. You could have a great time with someone, even be told it was "the best sex he ever had" and the next time you saw him he would ignore you or try to evade seeing you. It was not an experience common only to me. Guys were quite superficial if they traveled in the A-gay circles. I do remember being shocked at how the rent was for my two bedroom West Hollywood apartment- $425!

[actor61]

I lived in LA from 1978 to 1981 and found people hard to understand even then. You could have a great time with someone, even be told it was "the best sex he ever had" and the next time you saw him he would ignore you or try to evade seeing you. It was not an experience common only to me. Guys were quite superficial if they traveled in the A-gay circles. I do remember being shocked at how the rent was for my two bedroom West Hollywood apartment- $425!

 

Yeah - that's been typical of L.A. since time began. I was referring to friendships and not sexual relationships when I said people in the 70s and 80s were friendlier than they are now. I lived in the mid-Wilshire area in 1980 and had a 2 bedroom place for $375! Before that, I had a huge L shaped studio on Larrabee in West Hollywood for $250. I visited the building a few weeks ago and that studio now rents for $1,975!!!

 

I was on the beach last Sunday, reading, sunbathing, dozing. There were 3 very attractive, young professionals seated not too far from me - 1 man, 2 women. The conversation I overheard went like this: Man: So, I was like looking for a dog and went to the like shelter. I'm like I hope they have like a dog there that's like compatible. Woman #1 (his girlfriend). Yeah, and I'm like do we need a dog? And he's like yeah, we do. So, I'm like let's get one. Woman #3 (a friend). So, you guys are like looking? Man: Yeah. We're like looking. Woman 1: But I'm like let's not look too hard because it's like really hard and I'm like the traffic is terrible.

 

And on and on it went. Every sentence ended in an upward tone so every sentence sounded like a question. I just can't stand it anymore. I'm sure people say "like" in other cities but I haven't noticed it as being as annoyingly prevalent as it is here. This "California speak" is just horrifying and seems to me to be typical of what's going on in the brain as well - not much.

[marylander1940]

...

 

I was on the beach last Sunday, reading, sunbathing, dozing. There were 3 very attractive, young professionals seated not too far from me - 1 man, 2 women. The conversation I overheard went like this: Man: So, I was like looking for a dog and went to the like shelter. I'm like I hope they have like a dog there that's like compatible. Woman #1 (his girlfriend). Yeah, and I'm like do we need a dog? And he's like yeah, we do. So, I'm like let's get one. Woman #3 (a friend). So, you guys are like looking? Man: Yeah. We're like looking. Woman 1: But I'm like let's not look too hard because it's like really hard and I'm like the traffic is terrible.

 

And on and on it went. Every sentence ended in an upward tone so every sentence sounded like a question. I just can't stand it anymore. I'm sure people say "like" in other cities but I haven't noticed it as being as annoyingly prevalent as it is here. This "California speak" is just horrifying and seems to me to be typical of what's going on in the brain as well - not much.

 

Is like you were watching a video of the "hills".

 

[video=youtube;6wESPuo_GaM]

 

I'm sure my parents complaint about they way I used to speak when I was young.