I am hoping to move ASAP and have no idea what I’m doing.
Does anyone have any guidance? I’ve never made much money in my life so I’m nervous about that.
I want to move to the West Coast and know it’s more expensive there. I want to be somewhere LGBT friendly. I like nature and paddle boarding too… So it would be cool to still be able to do that.
I don’t know where to start. When I look for apartments it’s always about …1 or 2 apartments in my price range in an area of hundred of thousands of people.
I’m kind of unsure about looking for a job. I typically suck at interviews and have been the type to prove myself via hard work vs selling myself to an employer. I’m a pretty quiet person and it takes a lot for me to warm up to people and I find this to be a bad trait for employment. Ime it seems social people get picked first regardless of work ethic.
Idk any advice would be great. Like steps to be broken down so I’m not overwhelmed.
I want to avoid areas of crime, and prejudice. I also enjoy people that are down to earth more than what I consider wealth, trend and privilege.
I make about $14.50 right now… lol-fml.
I wish dorm style living was a thing.
Thanks in advance for any info.
Edit: in terms of our of state… I’m thinking Vancouver CA or Toronto. West Coast would probably be Cali, OR or wa.
I’m somewhat open to East Coast south of Maryland.
Also, I’m in my 30s.
A couple questions.
First, do you look identify as M or F, or other and do you project as such?
Second, other assets? Do you have a vehicle such as a van or truck?
Third, gotta be real, you don’t sound like you can afford an out of country move. However, you might be able to do an out of state thing.
Fourth, how are your camping skills? Ever lived out of a backpack?
Number one, if you are needing to move ASAP, like actually ASAP, remember that it’s cold in January. Moving any where north going to be an issue if you need to stay in your car or the woods for a night. I doubt any one here is going to advocate for it but I’ve done what you are describing more than once. I have to be real with you that the left coast is not the bastion of tolerance it once was. The red states having projected their culture into the rural areas has not been for the better.
That being said however, pockets exist. Check out the following cities: Eugene, Arcata, Bodega Bay, Weed, Olympia, Hood River, Flagstaff, Tucson, Willits, Sedona, Santa Fe, Taos, and Albuquerque. No where is perfect. Every where has issues. Generally speaking, I can vouch from personal experience that the above cities are “alternative lifestyle friendly”, but ymmv.
Your best bet if you need to move now and only have maybe 1-3k in savings would be Albuquerque. It’s cheap, and it’s a gateway to some magical areas. Santa Fe is more expensive and Taos more hippy dippy, but both are much colder. If you are camping or staying in your car, much more difficult.
I was homeless and hung out with the rubber tramps and wing nuts for a few years. Also live out of my car separately, both with and without employment. I’ve hitchhiked most of the western states and pulled an “ok I gotta go” with not much more than a bus ticket more than once. Avoid large cities and suburban areas. They are expensive and the people there are very mean. Don’t discount pockets of LGBT friendly places embedded in larger rural areas. Don’t do drugs (even weed) or drink. Sharing bottles or pipes is how you get the crud and you can’t afford to be sick. If you need to do drugs do your own drugs and don’t share or announce it. It’s mostly about not getting sick because if you get sick in the road, your fucked. Pneumonia under a bridge is not super great.
Going into winter, Southern Arizona or New Mexico would be my pick if I had to leave in January. If you can afford a Greyhound ticket and have some money for an apartment, you could probably afford ABQ. Might cost about a grand to get into a 1 bedroom pieces of shit.
What’s the current situation in Weed like? Shasta county and that area have become a hotbed for far right groups recently. I’m not sure if that specifically applies to Weed though.
Like I said, ymmv. I went through there 15 years ago.
Thanks for this… This is more on par with what I expect my experience to be like.
ABQ was my original choice. But have heard that it might not be the best place due to crime. I pretty much have PTSD from that type of stuff.
After doing some research today I also found areas in Ohio seem inexpensive for rent. I saw Dayton on an LGBT friendly list…
I have a small hatchback and plan on only taking what fits. Unless my parents plan on driving out with me but even then it’s just a sedan.
I’m not into hard drugs. But do partake in cannabis. It wouldn’t hurt for me to quit it. But I usually rely on it for sleep/insomnia.
I’ve wandered the homeless camps and areas where I live. Sometimes I feel more at ease with them tbh. But I do not want to be around the lifestyle… I get distracted by street life but I’m not fit for it. It has taught me a lot though. Now I need to put the lessons into action.
Ohio seems like it might be a good bet to start out since it’s closer to home… And probably less of a social culture shock.
Boondocking has always been on my mind although I haven’t done it. Might be a possibility if was to buy a storage unit and a gym pass. Are you able to get a job without an address?
I’m trying to leave by summer.
I love ABQ. It’s got crime, for sure. But it’s more change than Ohio would be and it’s got real nature. It’s an amazingly beautiful place and I generally as a rule don’t go east of the foothills after Colorado/ West Texas. Flat minded places bring flat minded people.
If your looking for change, change. Go for a real culture shock. It’s the point. Are you interested in staying the same person? Do you want to be someone different? If you aren’t serious about changing, don’t bother. No half measures. If you feeling froggy, leap.
Honestly, I would say you should try to make it to at least New Mex. It gives you access to Co, AZ and UT. It’s a western place, but it’s not crazy expensive and bougie like CO. And unlike OH it’s got real nature and ways you can develop yourselves that don’t cost money.
Also, strong word of advice. Do not overfill the hatchback. Filling your car with stuff is painting a target on your back for break-ins and more importantly cops. Cops the biggest threat you’ll face anywhere.
If AbQ was already on your radar, go that way. I love it and almost moved there again two years ago. Any where with culture gonna have more exposure because that’s where real life and experiences happen. All comes with the territory. Before you do this, decide if you are really serious about changing yourself and your life. If you are, go all the way.