The Carefree Life

Bahia Honda Key

The Gulf Coast of Florida has always been one of my favorite places on earth.  The beaches of fine white sand and the warm turquoise water pulls me in like a magnet.  We've been spending three days in the Fort Myers area and have been warmly welcomed at a women's community that was on our "must see" list.  Jane and I agree that this is a great place to live if you are seeking a friendly lesbian community in a subtropical climate.  Imagine beautifully kept park model homes or newer motorhomes parked on large lots surrounded by  well-established landscaping.  The most common mode of transportation in the community is the golf cart.  Many of the women here are very active.  Cycling, pickle ball and kayaking seem popular.  In the clubhouse there is a list of daily classes and activities.  And of course, a lovely pool is at the center of the clubhouse. 

We took a tour of the community on a golf cart with our new friend, Sharon, who has lived in the community since it began in the late 1990's.  She holds the history of the community and was once very active as a board member.  Now she seems content managing rental homes and lots and helping women like us get to know all of the attributes of the community.  Sharon showed us the places that had sold recently or were for sale.  The real estate bust a couple of years ago didn't seem to phase this community.  There aren't many places for sale right now and only a handful are available to rent.  Many women seem to divide their time between Florida and another home in a state that has more favorable weather in the spring, summer and fall.  License plates indicated most residents are from east of the Mississippi.  

Sunrise from our RV lot

Biking down the streets you get at least a wave and more often a hearty "Hi there!" and a smile.  On our first night here, we attended an art show.  Members of the community displayed their beautiful original artwork and had many of their pieces for sale.  Sales were brisk!  There is no shortage of musical talent here either.  Jane and I enjoyed listening to three different music groups perform on the patio, everything from a classical woodwind ensemble to a polka band with three accordions.  The second night we attended a performance by a lesbian comedian from Texas.  The clubhouse was packed for the show and the place was rocking with laughter for the entire performance.  Before the show, a woman behind me tapped my shoulder and said, "We're wondering who you are."  I explained that we were visitors and doing research on housing for LGBT seniors.  She and her partner had lived in the community for 15 years but they added that they were going to be leaving the community permanently in a couple of days and moving to a state in the northeast.  When I asked why they were leaving, she said, "We're getting old!  I want to be closer to my children."  Decisions.  We all must make them at some point.