There are plenty of cities and towns that are great retirement places for LGBTQ people.
Another option is senior-living communities. They run the spectrum from affordable to luxurious, and increasingly they are LGBTQ-friendly and commonplace. (Not all, unfortunately; some are still downright hostile.)
But what if you want a retirement community that is geared specifically to you? While your options are limited, there are still a number of communities that were built with you in mind. And even more that are in the works, including Residences at Equality Park in Wilton Manors, FL, and two affordable housing projects in New York City sponsored by or in partnership with Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE).
Of the existing communities, some offer a full range of services, from independent living to nursing care; others provide affordable housing for seniors on fixed incomes. Some are in cities, while others enjoy a country setting.
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Whether you want to buy or rent, here are some of the retirement communities worth considering.
1. Stonewall Gardens
Palm Springs is already a mecca for retirees, so it makes perfect sense that it would be the site of a first-class assisted living community. Stonewall Gardens has 24 units and comes with the features you’d expect of a high-end community, such as chef-prepared meals and an on-site nurse. The community also offers multiple levels of medical care, depending on residents’ needs.
2. Birds of a Feather
Located 30 minutes outside of Santa Fe, Birds of a Feather is a 140-acre gated community for LGBTQ people. Founded in 2004, the independent living community is designed for aging in place. There are lots of up to 3 acres ready for building either a custom home or one of several plans the community suggests.
3. A Place for Us
The first LGBTQ-friendly senior housing in Ohio, A Place for Us offers modern, affordably priced one- and two-bedroom apartments in Cleveland. Amenities include a fitness center and community room, and the community is conveniently located close to transit, shopping and parks.
4. Rainbow Vista
Just fifteen miles outside Portland, OR., Rainbow Vista is geared toward active seniors. Studio and one-bedroom apartments come with a kitchenette, with prices ranging up to $1,245 per month. The communal facilities include a large event space, a video theatre with large screen TV and surround sound, an exercise room, a game room with a pool table, and a music room.
5. Carefree Cove
Carefree Cove is the mirror image of many senior communities. It started out as entirely for LGBTQ residents, but over time became straight-friendly. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northwestern North Carolina, the 165-acre gated community has 28 log-cabin homes and 78 lots. The community was founded 20 years ago with plans for major development, which stalled in the last recession. However, the tranquil setting, which includes a mountain stream and plenty of wildlife, is a natural amenity.
6. Fountaingrove Lodge
7. The Resort on Carefree Boulevard
Options for lesbian-only communities are few, but The Resort on Carefree Beach is one of them. The community in Fort Myers, FL, has 278 home and RV lots on 50 acres, many overlooking tropical freshwater lakes, and preserves.
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