Gay retirement destinations

[+ Charlie]

I worked at the same job, in the same city, for 36 years, and it was the right job, in the right place, for me at that time. But I was able to take long summer vacations, and even one year sabbaticals a few times, to get away and try out life in other cities and other countries, so I had a pretty good idea about where else I would be happy living. As Moondance said, what was right for me during those years would not necessarily be right forever. I don't like cold, snow and ice for more than about a week at a time, so I wanted to move somewhere sunny, warm and dry, which was why I chose to move 2500 miles from the Northeast to the Southwest, and I have never regretted doing so. But after a dozen years in Palm Springs, I began to think I might want yet another change. I had always liked the Pacific Northwest, and I began to explore possibilities for another move. Ultimately, certain circumstances convinced me that it was the wrong time to make a change in location, and so we stayed in Palm Springs, but if circumstances change, it is still possible that I will end up spending my final years somewhere completely different.

 

BTW, jjk, being part of a couple can make it harder, not easier to make the move. Each time I contemplated moving, it took me a long time to convince my spouse to consider leaving where we were, because he is as resistant to change as you are. If I were alone, it would be much easier for me to try someplace new.

[jjkrkwood]

 

BTW, jjk, being part of a couple can make it harder, not easier to make the move. Each time I contemplated moving, it took me a long time to convince my spouse to consider leaving where we were, because he is as resistant to change as you are. If I were alone, it would be much easier for me to try someplace new.

 

Of course charlie, I meant with the understanding that BOTH of you were on the same page with the move. Having someone by your side to support you as you become accustom to your new surroundings is a Plus.. without that you are alone and lonely which only makes the adjustment harder, and often regrettable.

[Moondance]

That's led me to consider selling this place, getting rid of most of the accumulated stuff, and being a bit of a nomad for a few years before finally making a decision about where to settle next.

Ever see the movie Lost in America with Albert Brooks? Every time I see a Winnebago I wonder if the occupants will end up in a trailer park in Arizona working for a pimply teenager at Der Wienerschnitzel.

Depending on one's definition of "nomad" and the reasons someone would partake in a journey like that, my advice would be to do your research thoroughly.

Since it's conjured thoughts of Winnebagos, I see now that "nomad" was the wrong word.

 

I didn't mean to suggest life on the road. No offense to RVing fans, but that sounds to me like camping on wheels, and I haven't wanted to camp since the last time I put away my pup tent (a few decades ago). Also, I have never aspired to overnighting in a Walmart parking lot.

 

I was thinking of something more along the line of long stays -- 6 months, a year, maybe two -- in a few places that I have visited and loved, but where I've never had the opportunity to live. It's a plan (well, an idea) that depends on good health and good company (I would not be doing this alone), and if it wasn't fun, if it didn't feel like taking advantage of a time in our lives when we were free to have that experience, that adventure ... well, then ... I guess we'd have to speed up the decision-making on where to settle next.

[+ Axiom2001]

OMG, the décor there is so horrendous. Buffalo carcass and cactus, and woven serape.... Fuck NO !

 

...like the new avatar! ...very, very enticing! :)

[jjkrkwood]

...like the new avatar! ...very, very enticing! :)

 

I knew a "tongue bath" afficianado would appreciate it.

[Wanderoz]

Bump

[Bargara Leatherboy]

I am soon to be 59, my husband 64, and we are having this discussion.

 

We built a house together 25 years ago, and created a garden santuary.

 

Sunday afternoon as I write this, sitting outside in the spring sunshine, listening to birds sing, and watching the spring flowers bloom. The Water feature with flowing water sooths my soul.

 

I am 15 minutes from work, on a bus route, have everything we could want for retirement.

 

We choose this area as we had family and friends here, today the family have all moved elsewhere, where we don't want to live, and friends have either moved away or the friendships have changed.

 

So it's just us.

 

We are very happy and maybe a bit reclusive socially.

 

We are happy together and don't need outside social needs, not to say we don't enjoy them when the situation presents.

 

So what do we do when we retire?

 

I would do some study courses with the University of the 3rd age, maybe join a seniors group or learn to play lawn bowls.

 

One option is to move away, sell our outer suburban home and capitalize on the equity. We could buy a similar property for $300k while pocketing about $1million for our current home.

 

That $700K funds a nice retirement on top of our existing investments.

 

It's a dilemma, based mainly on leaving the garden we created, the mature trees we grew from cuttings etc.

 

If something happened to my partner I would be fine on my own, as I am a solitary person, always been happy in my own company.I have travelled a lot on my own, and don't get lonely.

 

One plan is to sell up, rent out an investment apartment, place what items we want into storage and live out of a suit case for as long as its appealing, 3 months in London, 3 months in Paris, 3 months in Thailand, 3 months in Amsterdam sort of life.

 

It will be interesting what the future has in store for us and me.

 

Fedback is welcome.

[Guest]

I've thought of having a winter home in Fort Lauderdale. Do any of you know if they can build homes these days which can withstand category 5 hurricanes? I'd like to be able to shutter my home in the summer and not have to worry about it.

[+ tassojunior]

I've thought of having a winter home in Fort Lauderdale. Do any of you know if they can build homes these days which can withstand category 5 hurricanes? I'd like to be able to shutter my home in the summer and not have to worry about it.

 

I had always assumed when I retired I'd move to Ft. Lauderdale. Assumed it was a rule that gay men had to retire to Wilton Manors or Palm Springs. Then I decided to stay in DC. Every winter I'm miserable with colds etc and hate cold weather. Snowbirding would be great !

[Stormy]

Has anyone on the thread ever considered retiring in Las Vegas? It’s on my list for consideration

[+ ArVaGuy]

Has anyone on the thread ever considered retiring in Las Vegas? It’s on my list for consideration

 

I’m considering Las Vegas as an option but haven’t begun to research the practical aspects yet.

Edited September 1, 2019 by ArVaGuy

[Wanderoz]

Thanks to all you, guys who have responded to my re-opening this thread from 2017. I am also very interested in hearing the experiences of you who have retired since then, including original responders to this thread.

[+ not2rowdy]

Has anyone on the thread ever considered retiring in Las Vegas? It’s on my list for consideration

 

I’m considering Las Vegas as an option but haven begun to research the practical aspects yet.

 

Here are some links that may be of interest.

 

Moving to Vegas

https://www.companyofmen.org/threads/moving-to-vegas.124237/

 

Moving to Las Vegas (gulp)

https://www.companyofmen.org/threads/moving-to-las-vegas-gulp.123985/

 

Vegas on a Budget (for when you are visiting)

https://www.companyofmen.org/threads/vegas-on-a-budget.121406/

 

You, and others, are welcome to PM me IRT additional questions you may have.

 

EDIT: Adding this link to a LGBTQ business friendly directory:

https://www.lambdalv.com/lambda/directory

Edited September 1, 2019 by not2rowdy

[JayCeeKy]

Nevada is very tax friendly for retirees.

 

https://smartasset.com/retirement/retirement-taxes

[gallahadesquire]

I've thought of having a winter home in Fort Lauderdale. Do any of you know if they can build homes these days which can withstand category 5 hurricanes? I'd like to be able to shutter my home in the summer and not have to worry about it.

When Disney built their first Vacation Club (Old Key West), they built it to withstand Category four hurricanes. So it can be done. Admittedly, Disney has near-inexhaustible money, but the place looks almost new after 28 years.

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

When Disney built their first Vacation Club (Old Key West), they built it to withstand Category four hurricanes. So it can be done. Admittedly, Disney has near-inexhaustible money, but the place looks almost new after 28 years.

 

For what you'd pay to retire solely into DVC, you could easily afford a home in the actual Key West

 

If you're going to go full-out with a Disney retirement, you really want to look at the Golden Oak development.

 

https://www.disneygoldenoak.com/

[+ ArVaGuy]

Isn't it funny that we have a escort in his purported 30's chiming in about retirement destinations?

 

Considering the average age of the client base around this forum it makes perfect sense to me. He likely has tons of experience with geriatrics.

Edited September 1, 2019 by ArVaGuy

[gallahadesquire]

For what you'd pay to retire solely into DVC, you could easily afford a home in the actual Key West

 

If you're going to go full-out with a Disney retirement, you really want to look at the Golden Oak development.

 

https://www.disneygoldenoak.com/

You’re not allowed to have one-half year minus a day worth of Disney property, to prevent you from taking up residence there.

 

How’s the weather in Key West?

[+ ArVaGuy]

Here are some links that may be of interest.

 

Moving to Vegas

https://www.companyofmen.org/threads/moving-to-vegas.124237/

 

Moving to Las Vegas (gulp)

https://www.companyofmen.org/threads/moving-to-las-vegas-gulp.123985/

 

Vegas on a Budget (for when you are visiting)

https://www.companyofmen.org/threads/vegas-on-a-budget.121406/

 

You, and others, are welcome to PM me IRT additional questions you may have.

 

EDIT: Adding this link to a LGBTQ business friendly directory:

https://www.lambdalv.com/lambda/directory

 

Thanks for providing this information. Very helpful.

[thickornotatall]

We looked for good public transportation....good medical care...big grocery stores and pharmacies...We don't want small towns with little diversity...good WiFi and mobile service..pet friendly...

[+ Keith30309]

For what you'd pay to retire solely into DVC, you could easily afford a home in the actual Key West

 

If you're going to go full-out with a Disney retirement, you really want to look at the Golden Oak development.

 

https://www.disneygoldenoak.com/

[+ Charlie]

Grazing through this thread from 2017, I am struck by the recommendations for places like Santa Rosa, which the 2018 wildfires have made one think twice about as idyllic retirement places.Last month we made a drive up through western Oregon on the I-5, and had to drive through many miles of smoke-filled air from a wildfire there. We stayed the night in Grants Pass, and could hardly breathe even indoors, although the fire was 40 miles away.

[RealAvalon]

Grazing through this thread from 2017, I am struck by the recommendations for places like Santa Rosa, which the 2018 wildfires have made one think twice about as idyllic retirement places.Last month we made a drive up through western Oregon on the I-5, and had to drive through many miles of smoke-filled air from a wildfire there. We stayed the night in Grants Pass, and could hardly breathe even indoors, although the fire was 40 miles away.

Did you delete and then re=post this comment? It looks like what you said yesterday, but that message is gone now.

[+ Charlie]

Did you delete and then re=post this comment? It looks like what you said yesterday, but that message is gone now.

I had problems posting last night and went to bed, but the post was still sitting in the reply box when I logged on just now, so I posted it; then I discovered that it had posted last night after all, so I went back and deleted the earlier copy.

[RealAvalon]

I had problems posting last night and went to bed, but the post was still sitting in the reply box when I logged on just now, so I posted it; then I discovered that it had posted last night after all, so I went back and deleted the earlier copy.

So I'm not losing my mind