Considering moving

[JocelynJames]

A question for those in warmer climates of the US- what's the CD and over all scene like where you live and would you recommend your community in general for weather and activities and job growth? Not just for CDs but anyone. Please list your state if possible

[Amy Fakley]

Alabama: do not move here.
'Nuff said, lol.

[JocelynJames]

I guess that's a glowing non endorsement. Thanks Amy

[CONSUELO]

Houston is very welcoming to gays and TG but in summer it is hot and humid, so dressing up is restricted to light and simple clothing. Corsets and body shapers become unbearably uncomfortable.

[Stephanie47]

Seattle is very welcoming to gays, lesbians and transgenders. The weather is wet during the winters, but, extreme cold is out. Snow usually stays in the higher elevations where it belongs. The winters are usually overcast/grey. Seattle is expensive. However, the outlying areas are more affordable. Washington State law and local ordinances are very strong in protecting the rights of all sexual minorities and the protection includes cross dressing. If you are relocating to anywhere I would strongly recommend checking out local and state laws.

[Annaliese]

Utah has good job growth, and there are place here the the winters are nice this winter it was nice all over. You can play golf in the morning and ski in the after noon. We just pass a historic LGBT right bill here. Utah has promises.

[stacey.eyes]

The Washington, D.C., area is good on many fronts: jobs, culture, cuisine, climate. We do get snow, but not like Boston's. And summers can be sultry. But there is a vibrant TG community here with lots of activities and outings.

[JocelynJames]

Thanks all, keep em coming ! Stacey, we've been to DC and loved it! Not sure about living there though. I'm sure the SO would be on board .

[charlenesomeone]

Florida, no income tax. Coldest time in north FL, but doesn't last. South FLORIDA always warm. Some hate summer but no hotter than most US states in Aug.
Lots of "tolerant" areas.
A lot of companies moving here due to favorable tax incentives. Lots of airlines with flights to points all over the world, mostly due to "mouseworld".
Housing is affordable in most areas whether rent or purchase.
I'm not a realtor anymore but contact one in the area you are interested in.

[carahawkwind]

San Diego has amazing weather and there is fairly high level of acceptance here as far as I can tell. Don't really get out that much, but when I have, never a problem. LA is similar. Problem is that it's expensive. Same with the better parts of northern California. There seem to be jobs around here, depending on what you do.

Arizona has great winter weather. Not sure how Phoenix might score in the other areas you're looking at though.

The less urban areas of the southwest are much more affordable, but are deeply conservative compared to the urban areas.

[~Joanne~]

Michigan, and you may want to stay as far away from this state as possible. Just sayin'

[GenieGirl]

I live in Raleigh. Great spot for the LBGT Community. Also one of the fastest growing areas in the country and lots of jobs in research, science, computer, biomed industries. Hot as heck in the summers, winters are very bareable with a nice snow or two. Other parts of NC not so much nice to the LBGT or job wise.

[kimdl93]

As a Houstonian, I can say that generally the employment picture is favorable, the local attitudes towards transgendered is relatively tolerant although constantly under attack by regressive political groups. The weather...well, November to March its tolerable, but summer for a cross dresser is at best, challenging. The summer heat of Texas and the extreme humidity of Houston really narrow your wardrobe choices from April through October. And of course, the statewide attitude toward people within the Transgender community seems to be back sliding even as the rest of the country grows more favorable.

[Amy Lynn3]

What Genie said. Hands down it is the central portion of NC. Raleigh and all surrounding cities are great. NC is the 5th fasting growing state in the US and the central part is overflowing. The beach is a few hours drive East and the Mountains are a few hours drive West. Asheville, is a mountain city and very LBGT friendly with many places to go and have fun. I don't know about the jobs there.

[looking_good]

Oregon - Portland is your friend. Sunshine, not so much. But an eclectic city with so many wonderful options.

[Jean 103]

Californian born and raised. SoCal has great weather, it’s just expensive to live here and taxes are high, I call it the land of money because anything you want to do costs money. But I’m here and like it as it is what I know and am use to. I lived in Oregon for ten years and loved it. I would still be there if it wasn’t for family.

[Allison Chaynes]

North MS/Memphis- avoid here, you will be treated badly by police and townies alike.

[Ceera]

Austin, TX, seems quite friendly to CD/TG folk. I see 'girls' like us all over town, and no one seems to give them any trouble. The motto of this town is "Keep Austin Weird", which gives you an idea of how welcoming it is to alternative lifestyles. It does get terribly hot here in Summer though. Like in some years, we have a month or more of non stop, over 100 degree days. I like to joke that Texas has four seasons like anywhere else... but that here we have two summers, a spring, and a REALLY hot time!

[jamielynn_ca]

San Diego has amazing weather and there is fairly high level of acceptance here as far as I can tell.

I'll echo San Diego for sure. Nearly 100% of my going "out" time has been spend there, and in particular Hillcrest which is very LGBT friendly. I've met a lot of friendly T-girls, gay guys and GGs that are super friendly. California is expensive in terms of real estate if you buy - but renting isn't too bad.

Enjoy - can't wait until the next time I get to visit again!

Jamie

[carrie2014]

Greenville, South Carolina One of the top 10 places to live in the country Came from N.J. and would never go back. New business opening very year.
Some poeple down here have never seen a snow shovel. And the low taxes down here will knock your stockings off.

[docrobbysherry]

Calif. has advantages and disses, too. Our hottest days of the year were probably a week ago when it was high 80's. Usually never that hot in July or Aug. where we live on the coast.

But, 10 jillion people live in the LA area! The traffic can be a complete buzz kill.:sad:

LA and Long Beach have so many CD friendly venues it's impossible to even imagine! But, I live 50 miles out and it's not so friendly here.

[CarlaWestin]

The Washington, D.C., area is good on many fronts: jobs, culture, cuisine, climate. We do get snow, but not like Boston's. And summers can be sultry. But there is a vibrant TG community here with lots of activities and outings.

After @50 years of living in DC, I moved to Las Vegas. Both have their level of coolness and are very TG friendly.

Miss:
-Culture
-Educated people
-Real history
-Good restaurants
-Career choices and employers that see value in your resume'
-Hills, valleys, parks
-Green

Don't miss:
-Seasons (6 months winter, 4 months mud, 2 minutes summer)
-Traffic, taxes, government pukes
-High cost of everything
-Leftwing fanatics

I laugh when they mention rush hour here. An east coast friend of mine is out of firewood for the season and it just snowed again. He bought a tractor to keep the driveway cleared. I've been relaxing in the jacuzzi contemplating re-doing the pool. If you come out here, you should bring a job with you. And be ready to dodge the drunks on the road.

[Krisi]

My experience is that it's far easier to "pass" as a female when the arms and kegs are covered with clothing. If you're looking for a better place to live as a crossdresser, you might want to stay in areas with colder weather.

Other than the crossdressing problem, I love the warm weather though. You have to make a choice.

[RADER]

I live in Illinois, yes it does get cold, even bitter cold, and we do get dumped
on with snow. But way down south like Florida, you are not the highest member
of the Food Chain.
There are Sharks, they will eat you, they are Alligator's, again they will eat you;
there are big Snakes that could try to eat you; even the very ground it's self can
open up and "Eat" you.
No I will stay in Illinois, Home of corrupt Politicians that we send to Jail, "It is there retirement"
and cold, snowy weather.
How ever there are a few months that are just beautiful, and I like it.
Rader

[Leahann]

I must agree with Amy, i live there now and wonder why sometimes.

[Valerie Sparks]

I agree with Amy Lynn and Ginger/GenieGirl. The Raleigh/Cary area is a good place to live and very educated. While I've flirted with being en femme in public, I've never gone out fully dressed. But I have followed Ginger's adventures vicariously (we apparently live about 2 miles from each other) and it sounds like she's had no problems being accepted. Unfortunately my family situation precludes me from testing the waters myself.

But as they have said, the weather here is very nice overall (four seasons, with only summer possibly being too extreme) and a booming job market, especially in STEM areas like software and biotech. There are no real tourist attractions here but there are still lots of events of interest.

Please move here and help increase the value of my property. :)

[JocelynJames]

J
Please move here and help increase the value of my property. :)

I like the honesty in the last line. My wife lived in Charlotte a few years and liked it. As far as the heat , I live for it. I have never liked the cold of NE winters.

[Eryn]

SoCal has been good to this girl and her friends. We don't really seek out LGBT-friendly venues as mainstream venues treat us fine.

Downside is taxes and high cost of living. Bring your Visa card!

[CherylFlint]

Florida, no doubt about it.
Year round fun.

[Melissa_Rose]

Louisiana. Winter lasts 2 weeks maybe. Nice in spring and fall.. summer needs a/c 24/7.
New Orleans is very accepting. I haven't had issues out elsewhere.
Taxes are low. Jobs are good. Food is way too good here..

I moved here from Atlanta 15 years ago. Atlanta was hotter in the summer in my opinion.

Melissa

[JocelynJames]

Thank you all. I check back to this thread periodically so don't be afraid to leave you're comment if you think it will go unread. You're all part of our decision making process in this!

[Joni T]

Stay away from So Cal. Been here 60 of 60 years and can't wait to get out. High taxes, unaffordable housing, no water, no power, no more room on the freeways, no jobs. Summers can be HOT, as in triple-digits. Then you have to put up with all the tourists going to the Tragic Kingdom and the beaches, and everywhere else in between. So Cal was a great place to live 40-50 years ago, but not so much any more. Methinks you will be sorely disappointed if you move here. Just my $. 02,but you've been warned.
Joni

[Meg East]

Washington State, actually the Puget Sound area, has a lot going for it. Unfortunately, the weather is less than ideal ten months out of the year and the cost of living is very high.

Do note, Eastern Washington is populated by a bunch of close-minded rednecks who really dislike the more liberal Western part of the state.

[Joni T]

Washington State, actually the Puget Sound area, has a lot going for it. Unfortunately, the weather is less than ideal ten months out of the year and the cost of living is very high.

Do note, Eastern Washington is populated by a bunch of close-minded rednecks who really dislike the more liberal Western part of the state.

How can rainy/overcast/ never see the sun be less than ideal? If I never saw the light of day I'd be a happy camper. Personally, I'm not a sun-worshipper and I can't stand hot weather. If it never got over 60*, I'd be as happy as a pig in s#£t.
Joni

[justmetoo]

I agree with you, Joni T, on all counts. So Cal might be fine for people who love sun and can afford the housing market. Right on the coast is better for weather, but worse for housing prices. I could do with less heat and sun (over 90 degrees today), and more precipitation (almost no rain this year). Not that I want tons of snow either, but those aren't the only choices. :)
The Bay Area seems cool, but again, the housing prices will kill you.

[Beverley Sims]

Southern California and best of all Florida Keys.

[JamieQ]

How about Kentucky? I haven't ever had a problem be it the larger cities like Louisville and Lexington to the little tiny rural towns. You can be in big city places and then very country just a few minutes away. KY is really not too cold nor as hot as some places south. Cost of living is low compared to most of the continental US. I have lived in Miami and Northern Michigan, I find KY just right...

[Sarah V]

I'm in San Antonio, Texas (TX) area, and as the lady from Alabama said,.....don't move here.

If you come to Texas, I would stick with the Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Houston (HUS), and/or, especially the Austin (AUS)metropolitan areas. The key word here being "Metropolitan" and San Antonio (SAT) is far from that, IMHO. Austin is esp. a great place to live and work in for those in the LGBT community, as Austin is very welcoming and accepting. Austin is also an extremely hip and prosperous area of the country right now job growth wise. If you want to know why not to come to San Antonio feel free to PM me.

[Tracii G]

Like JamieQ said Lexington and Louisville Ky are TG accepting and have a fairness clause in the law.
I live in Lexington Ky and never have issues going out in girl mode in fact JamieQ and I have been out all over town a few times.
Weather is decent for the most part we get snow some winters and it can get hot in the summer like anywhere else.

[flatlander_48]

Every place has +'s and -'s. The problem is how to pick the ones where the trade-offs are acceptable to you. It is all a balancing act.

Although I have lived in Toledo, Joliet and now here in the Southern Tier of New York State, I have only gone out dressed here in NYS and in Palm Springs, CA. There isn't much in favor of Toledo or Joliet, except that Joliet is just a bit under an hour from Chicago. Ithaca, less than an hour away, is a very progressive community. The population centers of Rochester and Syracuse are about 90 minutes away, and they are probably fair to middlin'. While NYS has done a decent job with legal protections for sexual minorities, support for the transgender community lags.

Palm Springs, CA has a very strong LGBT community, but there isn't much industry there if that's where your career is. Actually, we are planning to retire to the area, so I probably won't be looking for another mechanical engineering position. I sort of laugh when I hear people talk about high taxes in California. Ohio, Illinois and New York State are ALL high tax areas, yet Californians say it like they are the only ones.

I worked in Wilmington, NC for close to a year back in 2012. After having spent some time in central NC years before, I was surprised at how cosmopolitan Wilmington actually is. There is an LGBT community there, but I don't know how strong it is. North Carolina-Wilmington is about 15,000 students and there is a 2-year college with about 6,000. Once again, real estate is high at the beach and is inversely proportional to distance. However, they do have HURRICANES. I am NOT down with that.

Weather is also my problem with Florida. I think the highest point in the state is about 27 feet above sea level. I need to be higher than that.

DeeAnn

[MsLana]

I'm in San Antonio, Texas (TX) area, and as the lady from Alabama said,.....don't move here. If you come to Texas, I would stick with the Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Houston (HUS), and/or, especially the Austin (AUS)metropolitan areas. The key word here being "Metropolitan" and San Antonio (SAT) is far from that, IMHO. Austin is esp. a great place to live and work in for those in the LGBT community, as Austin is very welcoming and accepting. Austin is also an extremely hip and prosperous area of the country right now job growth wise. If you want to know why not to come to San Antonio feel free to PM me.
Being from Houston , and having lived and worked in Austin several years ago...Austin is hands down the city I'd pick for a new home in TX...Houston is too big and overgrown.. SA is a weekend visit..Austin is very liberal , college city and it's pretty much anything goes , come as you are..and it's in a very beautiful part of the state if you like outdoors etc....oh and the best music scene ....

[Dana3]

Alabama: do not move here.
'Nuff said, lol.

Alabama and I seriously concur with Amy's statement. Socially, culturally, religiously Regressive, religious zealots to a fault, judgmental, intolerant of any and all other Lifestyle choices. Nepotism reins in the job market, its all about which family your married into, born into, or who you know as opposed to what you know. Only two seasons, winter and summer, summers are almost unbearable.