Aloha:

My partner and I are considering relocating.  I have read the
questions asked by lesbians about their relocation and found some
interesting information as well as some help with search techniques. 
However, I was wondering if you would be willing to help us.
1. We are looking for a gay-friendly place near the sea. As in the
other question, I had considered Rehobeth DE, but it is too far north
(read: cold) and far too expensive for real estate.
2. As one of us is HIV+, the place needs to have access to a modern
medical center.  By access, I mean no farther than two hours drive.
Maintenance medication is working well now, so there's no need to live
next door to the emergency room.
3. There needs to be some tourist trade in order for us to earn a
living.  I'm in the hotel business and he's a musician.  We may want
to consider buying/opening a B & B, as well.
4. Property values need to be relatively realistic.  We live where
$500k buys a toolshed(so we don't really know what is realistic
anymore, so if we could find a 2 bedroom house for about $100k, we'd
be happy. And of course, more for a larger property as in 3 above.
5. We'd like somewhere quaint, either in an historic area or
relatively devoid of giant apartment blocks and 10000 square foot
mcmansions.
6. And, lastly, while we think we'd like to live in the US, we'd
consider foreign countries provided there is some kind of public
health care system in place.

Where we have looked on the internet:
1. Sites where you answer questions and then get a list of places that
meet your criteria.  We have found the questions far too limited and
the results seem to be almost randomly generated, rather than taking
our answers into account.
2. Real estate multi list sites.  These are generally organized by
district and we have had a hard time finding any cities that seem to
have any historic properties.
3. Maps and census dept. sites.  Helpful to a point, but of course you
get none of the flavor of a place by looking at the ages of the
population or the location of the highways.

Why we want to move:
1. Stratospheric property prices make it impossible to own a decent home here.
2. Lack of zoning (or enforcement thereof) mean that someone can open
an autobody shop next door to you in their garage.
3. Most of what was quaint/interesting/historic has been either torn
down or allowed to fall down.
4. Our dog knows more about HIV than the doctors here, not to mention
that the state-owned hospital has a third-world approach to medicine.
5. Very unfriendly business climate makes starting your own business
extremely difficult.
And I could go on, but you get the picture.

Thank you for reading this far. Please let me know if you need any clarification.

---

Request for Question Clarification by czh-ga on 14 Jul 2004 22:56 PDT

Hello 96753-ga,

You've posted an interesting, complex, multi-part question. I would
love to work on it. However, I don't think I could do justice to it at
the price you've set. I suggest that you review the Google Answers
pricing guidelines so that you can calibrate your expectations at this
price or change the price to get a more detailed and comprehensive
answer.

http://answers.google.com/answers/pricing.html
Google Answers: How to price your question 

All the best.

~ czh ~

---

Clarification of Question by 96753-ga on 15 Jul 2004 14:27 PDT

Aloha:

Thank you for your clarification question. I have changed the amount
to what I hope will be sufficient.  Also, after 6 p.m. HST I will be
away from my computer until 7/21.  A speedy response is not necessary.

Thank you again for your consideration and your willingness to help
with this research.

---

Request for Question Clarification by chromedome-ga on 15 Jul 2004 19:30 PDT

Hello, 96753-ga...

As a discussion starter, I'd like to call your attention to the
virtues of my home province of Nova Scotia.  In many ways, it seems to
answer your requirements quite adequately.  I'll provide you with some
information to get you thinking, and if you feel that I'm onto
something I'll be happy to work you up a detailed information package.

So, to tackle your points in order:

1) A gay-friendly place by the sea.

It is physically impossible to be more than 35 miles from the sea in
Nova Scotia.  As for gay-friendliness, the capitol city (Halifax)
leads in that respect, but the area of Annapolis Valley centred around
Acadia University in Wolfville is quite suitable.  I have many friends
in the gay community back home, so I should be able to provide a
detailed evaluation.

While the climate of Nova Scotia as a whole is similar to New England,
the Annapolis Valley enjoys a sheltered and moderate microclimate. 
There are even a couple of vineyards there making startlingly
drinkable wine!

2) Modern medical centre within two hours' drive.

Halifax is less than an hour's drive from most of the Annapolis
Valley, and has been a centre of medical excellence since the end of
the First World War.  Dalhousie University is also a major research
centre.

3) Tourist traffic

The tourist trade comprises a significant portion of Nova Scotia's
economy.  Tourist trails and B&B's abound, as do historic sites and
festivals.  This year, for example, the Acadian community celebrates
its 400th year in the New World.  The Annapolis Valley, home to the
"shrine" village of Grand Pre (birthplace of Longfellow's fictional
Evangeline), is the heart of the Acadian community.

4) Property values

Despite recent run-ups in some areas (especially the South Shore, near
Peggy's Cove), real estate in Nova Scotia is breathtakingly cheap. 
Five minutes' work at the MLS site, for example, showed numerous
properties within the $100K USD range.  This one, for example, has
already been functioning as a B&B:

http://www.mls.ca/PropertyDetails.aspx?vd=&SearchURL=%3fPage%3d7%26Mode%3d0%26vs%3d1%26rlt%3d%26cp%3d%26pt%3d1%26mp%3d0-250000-0%26mrt%3d-1-0-0%26Beds%3d2-2%26Baths%3d0-0%26f%3d%26ft%3dall%26o%3dA%26of%3d1%26ps%3d10%26aid%3d6262%26MapURL%3d%253fAreaID%253d6262&PropertyID=2501929

(please excuse ghastly long URL)

At that price, you could probably conclude the legal paperwork and
still be under your $100K USD target.  This particular property offers
no historic interest, but the region includes many gracious 18th and
19th century homes on substantial lots.

5)  "Quaint" and free of McMansions:

All the quaint you can reasonably encompass can be found here. 
McMansions, on the other hand, are scarce.  Buy a property with some
trees and a good acreage, and you'll never have to worry about it.

6)  US vs. Foreign

Well, Canada is rather different from the US.  In fact the
differences, because subtle, are sometimes more disturbing than the
obvious ones you'd have if you moved to, say, France.  However, we do
speak roughly the same version of the English language (insert
favourite joke here), and your favourite shows will be on our cable or
satellite providers.

Our healthcare system, while suffering somewhat from underfunding
during the last decade or so, is still superior to almost any on the
planet, as far as I know.  Finding a family doctor can be difficult
(many move to the US where their earning potential is higher) but the
hospitals are excellent.

Other points to consider:

The Wolfville area is an artistic/cultural centre within the province.
 Many locally renowned artists (in various media) live and work there,
the best known being "magic realist" Alex Colville.  There are some
seriously good restaurants in the area; and a major theatre festival. 
Halifax, a short drive by the standards of other areas, has been the
primary regional hub for centuries and boasts a lively arts scene. 
Going the other direction, ferry day-trips across the Bay of Fundy
make all of southern New Brunswick accessible, and New Brunswick is
*almost* as pretty as my home province.  New England is also an easy
visit, though not a day trip.

The US dollar enjoys a favourable exchange rate against the Canadian,
making your savings (or any residual or investment income) worth more
than they are at home.

Finally, although our governments have had their differences of late,
Americans are generally quite welcome in NS as in most of Canada. 
Some will always be less welcome than others, of course, but that's a
personality thing...

If this sounds like a promising option for you, I'll be happy to call
in some contacts back home and furnish you with as detailed a "move to
NS guide" as you could wish.

Good luck with your project,

-Chromedome (Easterner in exile)

---

Clarification of Question by 96753-ga on 23 Jul 2004 13:39 PDT

Aloha Chromedome:

Thank you for your very complete comment.  I had not considered Canada
due to the climate - neither of us cares much for cold weather.  At
any rate, I'll do a little more investigating.

Hello, 96753-ga!

 I have searched quite extensively to find communities in the United
States that fit the criteria you listed in your question:

Warm Ocean Climate
Thriving Tourist Economy
Gay Friendly
Medical services available for HIV
Reasonable cost of Real Estate
Historic District nearby


 Your desire to live near the ocean, the requirement for warmth, and
the reasonable cost of real estate coupled with a gay-friendly
community narrows down the availability of communities in the United
States considerably. Many of the oceanfront communities in Southern
California are very gay-friendly, for instance, but the cost of real
estate is prohibitive. Florida's Key West is a perfect locale, with a
wonderful, quaint downtown area, but the real estate is out of the
question. Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando are also gay-friendly
tourist havens with a warm climate, but probably far too metropolitan
for your tastes. There are a host of communities near the ocean in the
Northwest and the Northeast but the climate does not fit your
criteria. Other oceanfront communities that have cheaper housing and a
small gay community lack the required tourist economy. Hawaii is
definitely too costly for the type of housing prices you seek.

 Therefore, with 95% of the United States out of the question due to
certain aspects (with warm oceanfront being the most limiting factor),
I came up with three US cities that you might consider - Charleston,
South Carolina, Wilmington, North Carolina and New Orleans. While
these recommendations are few, please be assured that I spent just as
many hours researching communities that I eventually ruled out
(primarily due to real estate prices and lack of quaint historic
areas) as I did in finding those few that seemed to fit the bill!

 If you want to move out of the United States, you might consider
Australia, since dual citizenship is available. Sydney and Melbourne
both have gay communities but I have little  familiarity with those
cities beyond some brief research. I have provided a few links for a
brief overview of each city in case you have an interest.



****************************
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
****************************

Charleston has been profiled in Gay Outdoors as one of the best gay
communities for those who love ocean sports.

From "The Best Gay Ocean Sports Cities To Live," by Mike Boisvert. Gay Outdoors 
http://www.gayoutdoors.org/page.cfm?Sectionid=131&typeofsite=storydetail&ID=458&storyset=yes

#5 Charleston,SC
Metro Population = 566,728
Median Household Income = $37,069
Median Home Price = $125,315
Climate = 51 inches of rain, 0.5 inches of snow, and 211 days of sunshine

"Astronomers are pretty sure that Charleston is not the center of the
universe, but the city's residents would like a second opinion. Fierce
local pride is a Charleston institution, and it has helped sustain the
city for more than 300 tumultuous years -- from colonial times,
through the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, to the present."

"Pride has also sustained thousands of historic buildings that have
been built over the centuries, and this is a big reason that travelers
visit today. Stroll through the blocks of pastel houses bedecked with
their breezy piazzas (the grand Charleston word for porches), and
you'll better understand where the pride comes from. Spend some time
lolling in the near-tropical warmth of the state's coastline, called
the Low Country, relaxing on the area beaches, and you'll likely find
this a very pleasing corner of the cosmos."

"It also has a small but welcoming gay/lesbian community with Folly
Beach County State Park having a section at the end of the island
reserved for gay and lesbians, social groups and supporting networks."


MORE ABOUT CHARLESTON
http://www.charleston.com/

"Nearly 4 million visitors a year consider the greater Charleston area
as their destination of choice, which is no surprise after taking into
account its reputation for outstanding accommodations, entertainment,
and cuisine.


SCORE ON THE "GAY INDEX"
http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/gayInfo.php?locIndex=13090


CHARLESTON AND AREA LINKS
http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/genInfo.php?locIndex=13090


REAL ESTATE SITES
------------------
The best place to start is Realtor.com
http://www.realtor.com/Default.asp?poe=realtor

 I put in the city as Charleston, with price parameters between
$75,000 and $200,000 and came back with numerous listings. Of course,
this is only a start as you will want to narrow it down by area if you
have an interest in Charleston.


Charleston Multiple Listings
----------------------------
http://www.charlestonmls.com/html/property_search.html

* I simply looked at "all areas" for listings, and put my parameters
between $75,000 and $125,000 with no bed or bath criteria. It seems
that $125,000 might be a more realistic price for some nicer houses.

Unfortunately, in the historic district of Charleston, the older homes
cost a fortune! You would likely have to reconsider the type of bed
and breakfast you might want to eventually offer.....maybe a different
type of property.


Homes of Charleston (you need to login to search listings)
http://www.thehomesofcharleston.com/


HIV HEALTHCARE
==============

Lowcountry AIDS Services - Charleston, Dorchester, and Berkeley Counties 
-------------------------
1501 Manley Avenue
Charleston, S.C. 29405-1933
Phone: (843) 747-2273
FAX: 745-0431
E-mail: AIDSRVCES@ aol.com
http://www.atdn.org/access/states/sc/care.html 


Medical University of South Carolina Medical Center
---------------------------------------------------

Department of Infectious Diseases 
http://www.muschealth.com/medical_services/specialty_listing/spec_infectiousdisease/index.htm

"HIV-infected patients are seen by self-referral as well as by
physician referral.  Long-term primary care is provided for
HIV-infected patients, or the patients may remain with their primary
care physician and be seen at longer intervals in our Outpatient
Clinic for adjustment of HIV treatment and medications."

HIV Clinic
135 Rutledge Avenue
PO Box 250752
Charleston, SC  29425
http://www.muschealth.com/medical_services/specialty_listing/spec_infectiousdisease/contactus.htm




*****************************
WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA
*****************************

MAPS
====
http://www.infoplease.com/atlas/state/northcarolina.html
http://www.city-data.com/city/Wilmington-North-Carolina.html


ABOUT WILMINGTON
=================

Wilmington is located on the Cape Fear River, 30 miles from the ocean.  

The following article excerpts are from: 

From  "Wilmington: The Port City." Insiders.com
http://www.insiders.com/wilmington/main-overview2.htm#Heading7


"The downtown revitalization effort in the mid-1980s did much to bring
Wilmington into prominence. The successes of Chandler's Wharf Shops,
The Cotton Exchange and The Coastline Convention Center encouraged
other establishments to set up shop. Restaurants, clothing stores, art
galleries and antiques shops soon lined the streets. The flourishing
nightlife adds a trendy setting to Wilmington, and the streets in the
downtown area are quite safe. Throngs of tourists and residents alike
stroll about until late in the evening."

"Downtown Wilmington remains the historical core of the community and
is still in many ways the neighborhood that defines the region.
Suburbs may flourish, but there is something fascinating about the
historic homes and buildings downtown, with their intimate proximity
to the river. Both visitors and residents are affected by a sense of
lingering ghosts. Important events happened here, in places that are
still standing -- places that have not been obscured by modern
architecture or lost in the trends of a constantly changing American
culture. Home to the county's seat of government for more than 250
years, this urban area has been on the forefront of historic changes."

"Today the Wilmington area and its adjacent rural/suburban counties
are experiencing substantial growth as both tourists and potential
residents discover the desirability of vacationing and living in the
area."

"One of the keys to success in any central-city area is the presence
of residents -- a core group of people who do not leave for the
suburbs at the end of the workday. Wilmington, blessed with a
beautiful Historic District that did not fall victim to either urban
renewal or developers in the name of progress, has many full-time
residents living in the downtown area. The Historic District continues
to expand as more and more old homes are restored and occupied, and
additional growth in downtown residency is occurring as condominiums
and townhouses are added (see our Real Estate chapter)."

"Wilmington?s extensive Historical District is made up of around 300
blocks and is expanding as more areas are added. Beautifully restored
homes, many of them antebellum, line the shaded streets. Many homes
and buildings bear plaques indicating their age: red indicates 75 to
100 years and black indicates the structure is more than 100 years
old."

"During the day, downtown Wilmington is quaint and charming, but at
night it comes alive in a whole new way. Dance clubs, jazz bars, local
and touring musicals, venues for rock 'n' roll, rhythm and blues and
more can be found in the 55-block area of the downtown commercial
district."

"With all this new growth and the continuing popularity of the area,
real estate is a lively business. "Plantations," gated communities and
neighborhoods are developed so quickly that natives have been heard to
say they occasionally get lost because of the changing landscape.
However, in spite of the rapid growth, new housing in the area still
remains quite affordable."

"Wilmington remains the educational hub of the southeastern North
Carolina coast, with the University of North Carolina at Wilmington
and Cape Fear Community College within its boundaries. Mount Olive
College, and Miller-Motte Business College are also in Wilmington (see
our Higher Education and Research chapter)."

"The city holds the distinction of being the cultural center for not
only this corner of the state, but also the whole North Carolina
coastline."

Read more...



TOURISM IN WILMINGTON
=====================

Excerpt from Insiders.com
http://www.insiders.com/wilmington/main-commerce2.htm#Heading2


"Summer is no longer the sole tourism season. Visitors Bureau
officials recognize that Wilmington and the surrounding communities
have moved from a three-month to a nearly year-round tourism season
with the majority of visitors arriving from March through November.
The Cape Fear Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau reports that a
total of 58,360 visitors dropped by both downtown Wilmington visitor
information locations -- -the main office at 24 N. Third Street, (910)
341-4030, and the River Booth, located along the Cape Fear riverfront
near the corner of Water and Market streets. A new center will open in
2004 in Wrightsville Beach. The bureau's website hits have jumped
dramatically from over 7 million in 2001 to more than 16 million in
2002; and they experienced an even higher rate of hits in 2003."

"There are thousands of rooms, motels and inns in the Greater
Wilmington area and coastal Brunswick County. Historic downtown
Wilmington and picturesque Southport offer a bounty of bed and
breakfast inns. With such an abundance of accommodations at their
disposal, visitors are only limited in choice by their budget or their
imagination. Still, it is often difficult to find lodgings on short
notice during the summer, and advance reservations for these months
are highly recommended."

Read more....



GAY COMMUNITY IN WILMINGTON
=============================

OUT Wilmington.com
http://www.outwilmington.com/

Read some references to the gay community in Wilmington:
http://gaytoday.badpuppy.com/garchive/people/070600pe.htm



OVERVIEW OF REAL ESTATE IN DOWNTOWN WILMINGTON AND SUBURBS
==========================================================

The following article provides a comprehensive overview
http://www.insiders.com/wilmington/main-realestate2.htm


REAL ESTATE 
============
The easiest way to find local real estate listings is through Realtor.com
http://www.realtor.com/Default.asp?poe=realtor

I selected Wilmington, NC, and put in a price range of $75,000 -
$200,000 as a criteria. I don't know if this link will transfer to my
answer or if you will have to go through it again, but here are the
listings I got:
http://www.realtor.com/FindHome/HomeListings.asp?frm=bymap&typ=1%2C+2%2C+3%2C+4%2C+5%2C+6%2C+7&poe=realtor&mnbed=0&mnbath=0&mnprice=75000&mxprice=200000&js=off&pgnum=1&lnksrc=&fid=so&mnsqft=&mls=xmls&ct=Wilmington&st=NC&areaid=92697


Other Real Estate Agencies
============================
http://www.insiders.com/wilmington/main-realestate4.htm

You can search for local listings on most of these links, putting in
your own criteria.


SOME BED & BREAKFAST LINKS
=============================
http://www.insiders.com/wilmington/wwwads/b&bpg/index.html


HEALTHCARE
==========
http://www.insiders.com/wilmington/main-healthcare.htm 


HIV CARE TEAM
==============
New Hanover Health Network
2131 S. 17th Street
Wilmington, NC  28401 
(910) 343-3122
http://www.nhhn.org/body.cfm?id=1874

"With the assistance of three state and two federal grants, the HIV
Care Team cares for more than 400 patients with AIDS or HIV on an
outpatient and inpatient basis, and screens adults and children who
are at risk. The team tends to patient's needs including case
management, social and personal needs and transportation."




***********************
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA  
***********************

New Orleans doesn't need much description!

About New Orleans
http://www.neworleansonline.com/neworleans/

New Orleans Area Travel & Tourism Guide 
http://www.neworleans.worldweb.com/


HIV/AIDS resources in New Orleans
-----------------------------------
http://www.deltaaetc.org/noresources.html
  
Medical Center of Louisiana at New Orleans - HIV Outpatient Program 
New Orleans, LA 70112
 
NO-AIDS TASK FORCE
===================
2601 Tulane Ave Ste 500
New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 821-2601
(877) 602-4371
Fax: (504) 821-2040
http://www.noaidstaskforce.org/noaids.htm


New Orleans Lesbian and Gay Community 
http://www.lgccno.net/

Links to various organizations
http://www.gayneworleans.org/


Real Estate (put in your parameters)
http://www.realtor.com/Default.asp?poe=realtor

 I found plenty of listings starting at $75,000, but you would have to
determine what areas are most appealing to you.



**********
AUSTRALIA
**********

SYDNEY
========

Neighborhoods
--------------
http://travel.micronomy.com/category.asp?ObjectID=18283

One of Sydney?s closest suburbs, Paddington is a trendy neighborhood
with cafés, pubs, and bookstores along Oxford Street, surrounded by
residential areas of restored Victorian homes.

* Paddington is also the center of Sydney?s substantial gay
population, the largest in the world after San Francisco.


HIV Healthcare
---------------
Sydney Hospital and clinics
http://www.sesahs.nsw.gov.au/sydhosp/AboutUs.htm

Western Sydney AIDS Prevention Service, Auburn, Blacktown and
Parramatta  Multicultural HIV/AIDS Service, Sydney
People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), Sydney 



MELBOURNE
=========
"Although not as large as Sydney, the Melbourne gay, lesbian, bisexual
and transgender scene is thriving and unabashed, with an increasing
number of gay and gay-friendly venues appearing around the city.
There?s also a range of organisations serving the gay community, as
well as events like the Midsumma Festival - a month-long celebration
of art, culture, politics and street parties - spanning January and
February....."
From "Queer Victoria."
http://www3.visitmelbourne.com/displayObject.cfm/ObjectID.F462F8D4-58FE-4B3F-BED576C5AF3A34D9/vvt.vhtml

Melbourne's Bays and Peninsulas
http://www3.visitmelbourne.com/displayObject.cfm/ObjectID.0C220674-1282-46DB-841D95283C734C02/vvt.vhtml

About Melbourne
http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=23&pg=966


Melbourne Sexual Health Centre HIV/AIDS clinic
http://www.mshc.org.au/general/content_gen.cfm?categoryId=102&topicId=114&infopageId=238#hiv


Dual Citizenship
==================
Dual citizenship between the US and Australia is currently an option.

Dual Citizenship information from the Southern Cross Group
http://www.southern-cross-group.org/dualcitizenship/faq_10.html

Frequently Asked Questions on Australian Citizenship 
http://www.citizenship.gov.au/faq.htm#a12

"Getting citizenship in Australia."
http://www.india2nz.com/australia/citizen.html



Healthcare in Australia
========================

"Healthcare in Australia."
http://www.aussiemove.com/aus/hlth.asp

"Healthcare in Australia." Australia Now.
http://www.dfat.gov.au/facts/health_care.pdf


*********


 I hope these suggestions provide a start for some further exploration
if you truly desire to relocate. If you want to expand your criteria a
bit by exploring communities that are a bit farther north, or inland
from the ocean, I will be happy to follow up if you would like to post
a further question.

 Again, I hope these provide a beginning.....


Sincerely,

umiat  

Google Search Strategy
gay friendly ocean communities
best gay oceanfront cities to live 
Charleston South Carolina
gay life in Charleston South Carolina
Charleston SC HIV care 
Wilmington North Carolina
gay community of Wilmington
wilmington north carolina economy
New Orleans gay community
New Orleans tourism
New Orleans HIV clinics OR hospitals
dual citizenship US and australia
becoming a citizen of Australia
public healthcare in Australia
Aids AND sydney hospitals
sydney neighborhoods

---

Clarification of Answer by umiat-ga on 25 Jul 2004 06:59 PDT

Here is one other community for consideration:

Galveston, Texas
================

"Galveston residents are very friendly and accommodating individuals,
which includes our local gay community and our gay visitors. Our
Island has been predicted to be the next gay Mecca by Outsmart
Magazine, July, 2000. Estimates are that up to one-third of our Island
is gay and lesbian. (Population - 57,000). While the vast majority of
our local restaurants and businesses are very gay friendly, it has
been reported that Galveston has over 100 gay owned businesses.
Galveston even hired a full-time openly gay employee to promote our
Island as a gay and lesbian designation. Our gay and straight
residents share an amazing respect and friendly attitude toward each
other, and each has a healthy appreciation for different lifestyles.
Galvestonians are excited about the fact that in the past few years
our Island has been experiencing an exciting surge of gays and
lesbians purchasing homes and weekend get-aways here. There is massive
remodeling on our Island."

From "Gay Galveston." http://www.galveston.com/paradise/gaygalveston.html

=

An excerpt follows form the article , from "Galveston" by Anne Walton Seiber:


"For decades, the gay and lesbian community of Houston has sought out
Galveston: for Splash Day on Stewart Beach, the notorious gay party
that announces the start of the summer season; to escape the bar raids
of the ?60s and ?70s; prowling around the quaint antique stores and
art galleries; enjoying the nude beach. Or as a place to buy a weekend
house on the cheap; a place with an easygoing pace and all the gaiety
and freewheeling fun of a beach town; a place to move for a small-town
atmosphere in everything but its progressive embracing of the gay
community."

Read more....
http://www.outsmartmagazine.com/issue/i07-00/queen.html


Historic Real Estate 
http://www.galvestonhistory.org/pac-main.htm#realestate

Residential Properties by Price
http://www.galvestonhistory.org/realestate/0405%20Residential%20By%20Price.pdf

From Realtor.com (starting at $100,000..
http://www.realtor.com/FindHome/HomeListings.asp?frm=bymap&typ=1%2C+2%2C+3%2C+4%2C+5%2C+6%2C+7&poe=realtor&mnbed=0&mnbath=0&mnprice=100000&mxprice=150000&js=off&pgnum=1&lnksrc=&fid=so&mnsqft=&mls=xmls&ct=Galveston&st=TX&areaid=21106


HIV Healthcare
--------------
Galveston
University of Texas Medical Branch, AIDS Care and Clinical Research Program 
http://www.thebody.com/hospital.html

Halifax is lovely, but didn't the poster say he thought Delaware was too cold?