Choosing the best place to retire can be a difficult decision. Not only do you have to consider cost of living, accessibility to health care, proximity to family and more, but if you hope to settle into a community of like-minded retirees – say the LGBTQ senior community – it can be even more difficult to find a place that checks all your boxes.

As an LGBTQ senior, inclusivity and community amenities are equally important as factors like cost, so be sure to do your research and choose the right towns and retirement communities for your needs. Reaching the goal of retirement shouldn’t mean sacrificing your identity.

LGBTQ-Inclusive Retirement Towns and Communities

There are several LGBTQ tailored retirement communities throughout the U.S, but regardless of whether you plan to live in a dedicated senior community, choosing the right location can ensure you are in an inclusive and welcoming environment. Consider these eight cities and the retirement homes in them.

Charleston, South Carolina.
Asheville, North Carolina.
Portland, Oregon.
Denver.
Austin, Texas.
San Francisco.
Cleveland.
Toronto.
Charleston, South Carolina

Darren Colananni, wealth management advisor for Centurion Wealth Management, recommends Charleston based on climate, an affordable cost of living and health care.

Although it’s located in the traditionally conservative South, Charleston has evolved into an LGBTQ-friendly destination over the years, with neighborhoods like Riverland Terrace as a hub for the community.

If you are seeking a retirement community, nearby Columbia, South Carolina, hosts a few options including Amara Place and Holiday Forest Pines.

Asheville, North Carolina

With a vibrant LGBTQ community that spans the entire city, Asheville is another great choice for queer seniors. You’ll enjoy warm weather, plenty of recreational activities and an affordable cost of living.

Grace Ridge retirement community in nearby Morganton is one potential place to settle down, with a picturesque location in the Blue Ridge Mountains and a SAGECare credential for being LGBTQ-friendly.

Portland, Oregon

“Portland is known for its progressive values and diverse population, both of which make it an especially welcoming place for LGBTQ seniors,” says Linda Chavez, CEO and founder of Seniors Life Insurance Finder.

Despite a higher cost of living than other areas of the country, Portland’s inclusive community and values make the Pacific Northwest an appealing locale for queer seniors looking for a place to settle down.

Local retirement communities include Rainbow Vista, an active senior community specifically for LGBTQ residents 55 and older.

Denver

Colorado is another state that is well-known for its inclusivity, boasting a higher percentage of same-sex couple households according to U.S. Census Data.

“With its increasing population of seniors, there are plenty of affordable housing options available as well as easy access to quality health care,” says Chavez.

As a bustling metropolitan area, Denver has a wide variety of senior living solutions for all kinds of needs, whether you plan to live independently, in a retirement community or in an assisted living center. For instance, Brookdale Senior Living offers assisted living services including specialized dementia care.

Austin, Texas

Retiring doesn’t mean giving up an active lifestyle, and Austin can be the perfect place to embrace one.

“Austin is known for its vibrant music and art scene, making it a great place for LGBTQ seniors to settle down in retirement,” says Chavez.

A liberal hub in a conservative state, Austin has a large, active LGBTQ community.

For seniors looking for a dedicated community, there are plenty of local options, including the up-and-coming Kindred Uncommon, a unique community being built in nearby Buda.

San Francisco

Warren Morelli, owner of The Nomad Hive, has experienced many popular retirement destinations as part of his travels, but San Francisco stands out as a particularly inclusive community.

“I found San Francisco to be an incredible place,” Morelli says. “The city’s rich LGBTQ history, inclusive policies and specialized health care made me feel right at home. While the cost of living is higher, there are resources to support low-income seniors.”

The large metro area has a wide-variety of LGBTQ-friendly senior living options, including dedicated communities like Openhouse.

Cleveland

With an affordable cost of living and proximity to both the Northeast and Midwest, Cleveland can be a great location for seniors looking for the perfect balance of accessibility and amenities in their retirement locales.

The town has an active LGBTQ community as well, including the Rainbow Pioneers senior organization, specifically founded to support the needs of queer individuals over 50.

Local retirement communities include A Place for Us Housing Senior Apartments, the first LGBTQ-friendly senior housing community in Ohio.

Toronto

While not in the U.S., seniors interested in relocating across our northern neighbor’s border might consider checking out Toronto, Ontario.

“Toronto’s LGBTQ-friendly vibe and protected rights made it an ideal retirement destination for me. The city offers accessible health care, LGBTQ community centers and affordable housing options for seniors. Navigating the extensive public transit system allowed me to explore the diverse arts, music and sports scenes, creating cherished memories,” says Morelli.

Why Choose an LGBTQ-Friendly Retirement Community

Choosing one of these communities can help ensure you are surrounded by like-minded retirees, free to live with your partner or as your authentic self without discrimination and that you have access to amenities tailored to your needs, such as queer health care and volunteer opportunities. Whether you plan to live independently or in one of the housing centers mentioned here, an LGBTQ-friendly destination is a good choice.

 

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