Seniors in the U.S. who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, like their non-LGBT 65-and-older counterparts, want to live in areas that accommodate their needs and comfort.
SeniorAdvice.com, a senior housing referral services organization, this week released a list of the country's top cities for gay-friendly retirement, compiled from a proprietary scoring system called SeniorScore that is specifically designed to measure livability in different locations for older people.
SeniorAdvice, citing American Psychological Association data, noted that more than 39 million people in the U.S. are 65 and older, including some 1.5 million seniors that identify as LGBT. It said the senior population would increase from 12.8% at present to an estimated 19% in 2030, meaning that the number of LGBT seniors is likely to grow as well.
"Even in 2016 not all cities in America are particularly welcoming to those living 'non-traditional' lifestyles and only a few select places have thriving social environments for LGBT residents," SeniorAdvice said in an introduction to its list of gay-friendly cities.
(Related: LGBT Couples Need Marriage Advice (the Financial Kind) and 15 Best US Cities for Retirement: 2016)
The company assembled its list by using SeniorScore to compile and factor some 100 variables to help determine how well a specific location meets the needs of seniors in general. The data-driven algorithm takes into account four categories: health and safety, recreation and leisure, finance and general quality of life.
After considering the top cities for seniors, SeniorAdvice researched and identified individual variables and conveniences specifically for the LGBT community. Some of these considerations were acceptance of the LGBT community; gay-friendly bars, clubs and other establishments; LGBT festivals and other recreational activities; level of legal protection for gay, lesbian and trans residents; and presence of gay senior groups.
Following are SeniorAdvice's top 15 gay-friendly U.S. cities, along with their scores on the four categories.
15. Houston SeniorScore overview: 71
- Texas average: 74
- National average: 72
Health and safety: 67
Recreation and leisure: 61
Finances: 63
General quality of life: 62
14. San Francisco SeniorScore overview: 72
- California average: 71
- National average: 72
Health and safety: 69
Recreation and leisure: 66
Finances: 51
General quality of life: 70
13. Las Vegas SeniorScore overview: 73
- Nevada average: 69
- National average: 72
Health and safety: 63
Recreation and leisure: 62
Finances: 61
General quality of life: 74
12. Dallas SeniorScore overview: 76
- Texas average: 74
- National average: 72
Health and safety: 71
Recreation and leisure: 64
Finances: 58
General quality of life: 75
11. Salt Lake City SeniorScore overview: 71
- Utah average: 68
- National average: 72
Health and safety: 68
Recreation and leisure: 63
Finances: 58
General quality of life: 65
10. Columbus SeniorScore overview: 72
- Ohio average: 76
- National average: 72
Health and safety: 72
Recreation and leisure: 69
Finances: 57
General quality of life: 58
9. Seattle SeniorScore overview: 71
- Washington average: 68
- National average: 72
Health and safety: 68
Recreation and leisure: 67
Finances: 56
General quality of life: 62
