u/thisiswonky

48F, single, I have lived in Austin for 20 years and feel comfortable here except for the weather and the state government. It’s time for me to leave, but I’m stuck on the decision of where to go.

I have a good remote job, so job availability not an issue, but that same job for reasons means I cannot live east of, say, Missouri, and I can’t be in California. Not too worried about affordability either, and my child is almost an adult so schools not a concern.

I travel a lot for work and need to live close to a major airport. I’m a city gal as well, and a foodie. I’m nervous about trying a location with a tough winter but it’s not a dealbreaker. Must be in a community with progressive politics because, and for other reasons, I have a visibly trans child. I enjoy museums and live music, when I do leave the house.

Denver is my top pick for the moment, but I’m an introvert and I’ve heard it’s hard to make friends there. Also, perhaps the culture and food is a little bland? I’m also considering Vancouver and Minneapolis. Anything I need to know, or other places to put on the list?

My 16yo came out as trans (MTF) in April. We have to travel to another state for care, and we went to our first appointment last week. HRT is covered by my insurance, but I’m not sure how to get ready to take that step. I was little surprised it was available, given how recent these gender questioning thoughts have been (around 6 months) and her refusal to go to therapy. I’m more comfortable with puberty blockers, and I was quoted 6k for that treatment, not covered. It’s a stretch but I can do it. That is handled by a different clinic, though, and it has a several months long waitlist to get in.

Her main interest is preventing any more body hair growth. She has some lip fuzz but that’s it, and she wants to keep from getting any more. She’s also already requested electrolysis ($$$). She has grown her hair out and started wearing skirts, but no other interest in stereotypical girly stuff like makeup. That may be more due to her AuDHD though.

I’m super supportive, I promise. I just worry about consenting to permanent treatment quite yet, wanting to let things settle for a bit. But I know the clock is ticking. How do I go about making life altering decisions with risks like infertility for my child? She is not interested in banking sperm. She wants to be a parent someday but doesn’t care if it is a genetic relation. I would just really appreciate any advice from others who have walked this path.

I swear I searched and couldn’t find anything. There’s a new multistory building going up on Burnet between Ichiban and El Mercado, but it doesn’t look like it will be apartments. A self storage perhaps? Anyone know?

For reasons, I will be dining alone on my actual birthday this year. Price is no object, but I’m stuck trying to think of places that are conducive to sitting alone (either at a table or at the bar) and still having a good experience. Also, so many menus are set up for groups/sharing, less so for solo diners. I considered Uchiko but I’m not really in the mood for sushi. It’s next week so it can’t be impossible to get into, but I do like to dine early so if i can snag a walk-in table at 5:30pm, that works too. Prefer central to north, but will go south if needed. I have no dietary restrictions, and I do drink. Please share your recommendations!

Edited to add: I wasn’t being fully serious about price, since people are now suggesting I fly to NYC. How about I cap my willingness to spend at $250 instead.

Edit 2: Thank you all for such wonderful suggestions and for the birthday wishes! I will keep a list of these places for the future. For this year, I narrowed it down to Jeffrey’s and Hestia (never been to either) and decided “treat yo self” - Jeffrey’s early in the week and Hestia later. I’ll report back!