The Best Places for the Visually Impaired to Live

When you are visually impaired, taking your surroundings into account when moving to a new location is key. Factors such as the availability of public transportation, "walkability' of a city, cost of living, availability of disability services and general safety are paramount. Though visual impairment shouldn't limit where one chooses to live, there are some choices that are more suitable than others. The AFB (American Foundation for the Blind) did a survey on the best places to live for the visually impaired in 2003.

New York City

• New York City was listed by the AFB (American Foundation for the Blind) as one of the best places to live if you are visually impaired in the United States. New York ranked high due to its extremely accessible public transportation system that allows blind residents access to local cultural and social opportunities. New York is known for its cultural diversity which can be enriching to anyone.

Charlotte, North Carolina

• The AFB also listed Charlotte, North Carolina as a highly desirable place. Charlotte was given mention because of its walkability, affordability, temperate climate and a cooperative city government known for its work with blindness advocates. Blindness advocates work with the government to make the city a more livable place for the visually impaired. This may mean increased funding to blind centers, or a stellar vocational rehabilitation program (vocational rehabilitation is a government-sponsored program that works with disabled people to help them find a job or work with their employers).

Berkeley, California

• Berkeley California, like New York, is known for its cultural and social opportunities and its excellent public transportation system.

Kalamazoo, Michigan

• Kalamazoo, Michigan was named by the AFB because of its friendly atmosphere and because it's a city that is easy navigate, both by public transportation and by walking. Kalamazoo is mid-sized city that is also known for being an affordable place to live.

Louisville, Kentucky

• Louisville, Kentucky is known for having a good-sized blind community, which helps foster a feeling of acceptance. Acceptance can be important when moving to a new town. Community acceptance can make the acclimation process much quicker. It's also important to note that Louisville is fairly affordable.

La Crosse, Wisconsin

• La Crosse, Wisconsin was listed because it is a fairly large college town that offers both small-town affordability and the comfort of knowing one's neighbors, while still having a bus system and offering cultural, recreational and educational benefits