Q: I miss the warmth of Florida, but I couldn’t find banking work there . I want to relocate again soon because I cannot stand Cincinnati and the cold winters here. I am considering the areas from Texas to Arizona – can you advise me on which towns both have the lowest unemployment rate and the largest GLBT population?
-Doug, CT
A: Howdy Doug!
I totally hear you about the cold weather. Brrr! Personally, I can’t live anywhere where I can’t sport a speedo in the winter. I applaud you for identifying what bothers you about your current situation and more importantly, doing something about it!
Regarding your relocation, it appears you are juggling 3 things: better prospects for a banking job, a friendly LGBTQ community and toasty weather. It’s not easy to score all three. So, you’ve got to prioritize.
Let’s face facts. Landing a job takes precedence. And with almost 1 in 10 Americans unemployed, beggars can’t be choosers. If you get an acceptable job offer in banking anywhere in Texas, New Mexico or Arizona, I would take it. You will be in warm weather and surely there are gay peeps in any big city. You’ll find them (or they’ll find you, if you are a great catch!)
Voila, you’ve satisfied all three criteria!
By the way, I don’t believe statewide unemployment rate is the best indicator for where to re-locate. It should not be your main guideline. Getting hired for a job is very individualized. Someone could be in a state with the lowest unemployment rate, but if someone just isn’t qualified, trust me, they aren’t getting hired. (Not that I’m saying you are incompetent!)
If I had to pick one place for you to start your search, try Austin, Tex. It’s known to be fairly progressive and has pleasant weather. Also, it’s a large enough city that supports a robust banking industry for your job hunt. (PS: if there is any way you might be mistaken as Latino, you might want to cross Arizona off your list….I’m just sayin’!) Best of luck!
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Herman Chan, a realtor, has appeared on HGTV’s House Hunters, My House is Worth What, and as a commentator on other networks. Realtor Magazine called him the “Internet Sensation Videoblogger.” Chan’s columns on real estate will alternate with his video blogs on real estate every Tuesday on 365gay.
