[Blindtlk] Best places to live

[Dave Mehtingerr]

I've lived in at least 9 different cities, and some have been much more challenging than others. I did a search trying to get an idea of the best places to live if one is visually impaired. I found a study done by the AFB in 2003 that proclaimed Charlotte, NC as the best place to live if one is blind. I also found a discussion where many were surprised by this result, most claiming Charlotte has a poor public transit system. Of course one of the biggest concerns for most of us is access to good transportation. 

So I figured I'd ask the folks who know best. How do you like the city in which you live as far as the services you need as a visually impaired person? Would you recommend it to other blind people? What are the best services? What are the worst? 

I live in Charlottesville, VA and I have to say it's hands down the best place I've lived. I normally use a door to door para transit service that takes me anywhere in the county I wish to go. I use it daily for trips to and from work, as well as to go to the gym, shopping, doc appts, etc. this is the first city I've lived in that's had such a service and it's wonderful, except for some occaissional minor hiccups. Charlottesville also has a fixed route bus system, but that is certainly much less convenient for me. Charlottesville is a small town which I like; I'm not much for big city life. On the down side, access to medical specialists to treat my glaucoma and related issues is limited, but fortunately that is not a big issue since my eyes have been stable for many years. 

Of other places I've lived, Pasadena/LA, CA was a nightmare to get around in. Chicago was a bit better transportation wise, but waiting for buses/trains outside in the winter was truly unpleasant, and I sometimes didn't feel very safe on the trains at night. I've vowed never to live in Chicago again because of the winters. 

Champaign-Urbana, IL has a pretty good bus system, but like Chicago, waiting on buses in the winter isn't nice. 

So, tell me about where you live and how you find your city does in meeting your needs as visually impaired individual.