i’ve lived in new orleans for 7 years and my partner is from here. we’re both early 30s queer women of color.

we want to move within 2 hrs or so of LA or NYC so my partner can get more involved in the music industry in-person.

i’d love to: - live in a tree-lined neighborhood, or near a park (whatever the local flora has to offer — just want pretty plants to look at on my daily dog walks) - walk to a grocery store (i hate having to hop in the car every time we forget onions or whatever) - stroll a cute, walkable city/town center on weekends - feel at home and safe: queer friendliness is important, as well as access to black and latino populations - go hiking on weekends, preferably with some kind of elevation - rent a not-gross 1 bedroom apartment for $1500 or less. major bonus points for 2 bedrooms at that price point. - have a yard or balcony. this is not a dealbreaker though as this probably isn’t going to be our forever home.

i’d love to hear not only town/city recommendations but specific neighborhoods that meet the above criteria!

*philly is an obvious contender, but i’m from there and not looking to move back right now, although i love the place.