relocation to Cleveland or other area for retirement (Cincinnati, Lakewood: insurance, homes)

[Eliza8675309]

I'm close to 60 and in the process of restarting my life after divorce and planning for retirement, early if possible. Although I don't align with the politics and the rat-race culture, I've spent my entire life in California, haven't traveled much, and am now thinking that areas in the mid-west may suit me. I'm seeking a safe affordable area with great medical care, amenities, and nice people to add as friends to my life. I know I will be dealing with weather that'll be a new experience to me but I feel that the trade-off of being able to afford my life and slow down is well worth it. My mixed-race young adult LGBTQ child will likely be coming with me so a community that is accepting of racial diversity as well as LGBTQ community will be important. My child and I both have some significant health issues so again proximity to great medical care is important. A safe suburb or city that would allow me to buy a home with garden under $180K, within an hour to world-class medical would be a winning combo for me. I'm hoping to nail down one or two areas and visit within the next few months. I've looked at Fort Wayne, Indiana and both the Cleveland & Cincinnati areas, but I would sure value more feedback from others regarding their personal experience. Thank you in advance.

[on3]

Great medical care? Look no further than the Cleveland clinic. Your $ will go further in Cleveland than it will in Cali, but it will take adjustment to get used to the climate change. I lived in Cleveland area many years and now live in Cincy area. The proximity to cities in Indy and KY is nice. The main trade off I found is no Lake Erie but slightly better weather throughout the year. I’m in Cleveland area enough times during the year to still enjoy the lake. It’s no pacific ocean, but if you like the water, factor that into your decision.

[airics]

Originally Posted by on3

Great medical care? Look no further than the Cleveland clinic. Your $ will go further in Cleveland than it will in Cali, but it will take adjustment to get used to the climate change. I lived in Cleveland area many years and now live in Cincy area. The proximity to cities in Indy and KY is nice. The main trade off I found is no Lake Erie but slightly better weather throughout the year. I’m in Cleveland area enough times during the year to still enjoy the lake. It’s no pacific ocean, but if you like the water, factor that into your decision.

problem is that as of 2024, if you have insurance from the marketplace, they only accept Oscar... the most expensive and worst insurance out there....I can see the CC, from my house... I have to go to UH for a hospital.

[airics]

Originally Posted by Eliza8675309

I'm close to 60 and in the process of restarting my life after divorce and planning for retirement, early if possible. Although I don't align with the politics and the rat-race culture, I've spent my entire life in California, haven't traveled much, and am now thinking that areas in the mid-west may suit me. I'm seeking a safe affordable area with great medical care, amenities, and nice people to add as friends to my life. I know I will be dealing with weather that'll be a new experience to me but I feel that the trade-off of being able to afford my life and slow down is well worth it. My mixed-race young adult LGBTQ child will likely be coming with me so a community that is accepting of racial diversity as well as LGBTQ community will be important. My child and I both have some significant health issues so again proximity to great medical care is important. A safe suburb or city that would allow me to buy a home with garden under $180K, within an hour to world-class medical would be a winning combo for me. I'm hoping to nail down one or two areas and visit within the next few months. I've looked at Fort Wayne, Indiana and both the Cleveland & Cincinnati areas, but I would sure value more feedback from others regarding their personal experience. Thank you in advance.

home with a garden under 180k, nope

I also believe that Cleveland isn't very lgbtq friendly either....

I think the Cleveland Clinic has locations in other states too

[Heidi60]

Originally Posted by airics

problem is that as of 2024, if you have insurance from the marketplace, they only accept Oscar... the most expensive and worst insurance out there....I can see the CC, from my house... I have to go to UH for a hospital.

WOW, any reason that you know of for that decision?

I sometimes dream about returning to Ohio and CC would be a part of that choice, maybe.

[kpl1228]

My retirement plans include coming back home to Cleveland in about a year and a half. The medical care in Cleveland is a big part of this. I'm healthy but I'm also 60.
Once you've lived in a place with substandard medical care (I'm in New Mexico now) and you've had Cleveland's, you're spoiled for the good stuff.

[Heidi60]

I was curious about the Oscar plan which CC is promoting but here is the list of their accepted insurance plans:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/patie...pted-insurance
Medical offices/hospitals are well paid when you sign up for "Advantage" plans...Google how they are funded, as much $9,000 per month, per patient for treating a diagnosis like diabetes. Always consider that and how it impacts your wallet and care if you don't already know how those plans work.
I'm not sure why the previous poster said that Oscar is the only one?
Medical care where I live isn't very good either but I'm not sure about moving back to Ohio winters and some other problems there. The thought of another big move at my age fills me with terror. The housing stock seems to be larger home, which isn't what we want at this time while the smaller ones are in older parts of the city.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by airics

home with a garden under 180k, nope

I also believe that Cleveland isn't very lgbtq friendly either....

I think the Cleveland Clinic has locations in other states too

OP, here is just a sampling of homes in desirable areas of Cleveland for under 180K. Shaker Heights and Cleveland Heights are good options for you especially in my opinion. Kamms Corner in the SW area and on the west side around West Blvd/Cudell are decent options too.

https://www.realtor.com/realestatean...2?from=srp-map

https://www.realtor.com/realestatean...from=srp-mapon the east sode

https://www.realtor.com/realestatean...4?from=srp-map

https://www.realtor.com/realestatean...3?from=srp-map

https://www.realtor.com/realestatean...6?from=srp-map

https://www.realtor.com/realestatean...4?from=srp-map

Cleveland also a very sizable and widespread LGBTQ community that is well-integrated into the city with focus areas around Mayfield/Little Italy on the east side, Ohio City near downtown and the west side in/around the edge suburb of Lakewood.

[andrew61]

Originally Posted by airics

I also believe that Cleveland isn't very lgbtq friendly either....

Cleveland is not the worst place for LGBTQ... but it's not the greatest, either.

Cleveland's laws are certainly progressive enough in that regard. But much of the populace is still backward.

[on3]

Originally Posted by airics

problem is that as of 2024, if you have insurance from the marketplace, they only accept Oscar... the most expensive and worst insurance out there....I can see the CC, from my house... I have to go to UH for a hospital.

I can relate, my work offers blue cross blue shield and the hospital that is only 4 minutes from me isn't even in network and it's been that way for quite some time.