Gay Neighborhoods Of Atlanta. Saugatuck and Douglas, two small beach towns, are popular destinations for gay and lesbian travelers, and frequently lauded as some of the most gay-friendly small towns in the country. Take your pick of LGBTQ-owned accommodations likeSomerset House InnandLands End Innand saunter down Commercial Street for hip art galleries, terrific seafood restaurants, and popular hangouts like theBoat Slip, where seemingly everyone in town gathers for its iconic tea dance. With a youthful community supported by the University of Montana a progressive liberal arts school an array of gay-friendly bars and restaurants can easily be found. We uncover the best of the city and put it all in an email for you. Another hot, up & coming, yet affordable LGBT-friendly neighborhood is North Andrews Gardens. The citys rep as the Hollywood of the South has helped bring in a more glamorous and artsy vibe as of late, and theres plenty of gay-friendly businesses to choose from. Lets take a look: The gay community in Pittsburgh offers an intertwined hometown feel, which is why it was chosen as the setting for Queer as Folk, the groundbreaking Showtime series of the early aughts. But Pensacola Beach has long been a refuge for land-locked gay Southerners looking for a beach getaway especially during the Gay Memorial Day holiday weekend. Web11 gay-friendly small cities in big red states. This, combined with the cities incredibly vibrant culture and quintessential architecture, makes it a must-visit city. Is Discrimination To Blame. Not officially sanctioned by Disney, the annual event has attracted a growing number of LGBT families with children. Poinsettia Heights is centrally located, walkable, close to Wilton Drive, the beaches, and a little something for everyone, larger, more spacious, million-dollar homes, pool homes, both waterfront and non-waterfront. Iconic sights here include the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Alcatraz Island, and Chinatown. Once ranked by The Advocate as one of the Top 5 Emerging Cities of Gay and Lesbians, Jacksonville boasts a healthy LGBT community and is one of the largest cities in Florida. Bars serving the LGBTQ community are located downtown, though there are more to choose from throughout the city. Not only is this city incredibly progressive and welcoming to the LBGTQ+ community, but its also home to some of the most incredible food (seriously, the BBQ restaurants here are to die for!) Located on the cusp of New Yorks Finger Lake region, the city is the perfect stop on an East Coast road trip or as a stand-alone long weekend destination. To come up with this list, the Realtor.com data team found states that had at least 2.5 married or co-habitating same-sex couples per 1,000 residents using U.S. Census Bureau data. Pride festivities arent the only gay-friendly events throughout the year either. 25mar4:00 pm9:00 pmPinellas Arts Village 4th Saturday Block pARTy! If Pensacola has a gayborhood its East Hill. Many of those fine homes still stand today and provide a deep sense of history and pride for the area. In North Fort Myers, the Resort on Carefree Boulevard is a place where new friends are waiting to share your favorite pastimes, where neighbors look out for each other, where you can thrive in a tropical paradise. Their well-known gay neighborhoods are South End, Savin Hill, and Melville Park. The all-Lesbian Resort encompasses 50 acres and features 278 home and RV lots. And while youre at it, maybe you can even find a new place to live. The Florida Keys, in general, are gay-friendly, however gay transplants have been relocating and vacationing in the island paradise of Key West since the early 1970s. Web21. Now dont get me wrong, its not the most LGBTQ+ friendly city in the United States by any means. Austin is home to an LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, an international drag festival, and several pride parades, including Queerbomb, an anti-corporate alternative to the main event. This progressive and liberal haven in the heart of Texas sees cowboys, politicians, gays, hipsters, artists, and musicians all live, work and play here in harmony. The city's laws offer some anti-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. Rochester is the third-largest city in New York and home to a fabulous and flourishing LGBTQ+ community. Yet many small towns across the USA are just as welcoming. San Francisco is one of the most quintessential gay cities in the United States, packed full of great things to see and do. When choosing accommodation, consider LGBTQ-owned inns like, A popular escape from Washington D.C., Lost River welcomes you with rolling hills, forested retreats, and several LGBTQ-owned businesses such as the, , a visitor favorite since 1982. Thanks for subscribing! About 45 minutes south, youll find the intercoastal city of St. Augustine also known as The Souths Little Secret. , when the entire town is illuminated by candlelight. The highly educated and progressive city is one of the gay-friendliest in the Midwest. And having visited the city several times and choosing to get married here, we can very much see why. When choosing accommodation, consider LGBTQ-owned inns likeTwenty Shore, and theDragonfly Guest House. Recently, Larson has worked with transplants from Los Angeles and other people who can work from anywhere. Ivanhoe Village District is a colorful bohemian community where youll find some fabulous antique dealers as well as a couple of laid-back neighborhood bars. Many LGBT couples in town reside in this historic neighborhood, which has its own small fenced-in dog beach. A turnkey Colonial built in 1930 and located right near Salem State University runs about $480,000. This area is connected to the business district via Market street, and once youre there, youll never be more than a few steps away from your next cocktail, a slice of pizza or cute outfit. The main street is the Drive (aka Wilton Drive), where shops and restaurants alike proudly display their rainbow flags. Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Panama City Beach are among the places seen as up-and-coming gay-friendly, family-friendly destinations, especially for LGBT families with children. You can expect to get around five inches of it during June, July, and August. Scoring an impressive 100 on the MEI,Bloomingtonis a progressive college town that takes pride in its reputation as an LGBTQ-friendly location. LGBTQ Youth Support. , which has staged original plays and musicals (including world premieres from Terrence McNally and Neil Simon), revivals, and concerts since 1939. Located on the outskirts of Fort Lauderdale is the queer-friendliest small town on the Florida mainland: Wilton Manors. Situated in the desert outside of Los Angeles, this city is perfect for LGBTQ+ travellers Check your syntax! 42. Key West is colorful and Miami is flashy but Sarasota is sophisticated and artsy, and has developed a loyal gay following, thanks to it being Floridas cultural capital. Sarasota Countys ever-growing arts and cultural scene, along with its international mix of residents and visitors, fosters that kind of open, diverse atmosphere. A single-family home overlooking Lake Travis is listed closer to the citys median list price, at $639,000. The queerest friendly spot or Gayborhood in Philadelphia is Washington Square West, an area packed to the brim with gay bars, clubs, restaurants and shops. The town is also famous for its festivals and has the most beautiful Christmas decorations in all of Florida right up there with St Augustine. You dont [want] to walk out your door and go into a world thats abrasive and wants to judge you.. Queer as Folk kind of put Pittsburgh on the gay map, says Brian Larson, a sales specialist with Coldwell Banker Real Estate in Pittsburgh. Big cities have long been the go-to places to live for members of the LGBTQ community looking for an enjoyable and inclusive place to call home. WebWilton is home to a large number of gay-owned and gay-friendly businesses and even has a gay strip mall: Shoppes of Wilton Manors. Unsurprisingly then, there is an abundance of LGBTQ+ events in the city here, both annual and one-off. Not only that, but Palm Springs is pretty close to both Coachella and Joshua Tree National Park, giving something for both the outdoorsy types and festivalists who might make Palm Springs their vacation destination. 2. NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA One of the country's largest gay events is Southern Decadence, which is hosted annually by the great city of New Orleans. It's a different world when juxtaposed to the rest of South Carolina; it challenges the state's reputation for intolerance (i.e.., Ted Cruz's upcoming Death to Gay's Rally). MEI nondiscrimination score: 30 out of 30 points. During the festival, the cost of visiting Austin can be 2x to 5x, with many accommodation options selling out months in advance. Unsurprisingly then youll find a range of LGBTQ+ friendly bars, clubs, restaurants and hotels in San Diego, with the majority concentrated in the Hillcrest neighbourhood. WebThe 7 Best Towns in South Carolina for LGBT Families Columbia, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Rock Hill, Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson, South Carolina are top Floridas population includes an estimated one million LGBTQ community members (This estimate doesnt account for tourists and may not fully account for snowbirds). Homes there are not cheap, though, with a newly built, two-bed, 2.5-bath condo listed at $1.9 million. Dubbed the Gay Riviera, Miami Beach is a city on a barrier island, separated from Miami proper by Biscayne Bay. Dj vu! Situated in the desert outside of Los Angeles, this city is perfect for LGBTQ+ travellers with more than 30 gay bars and an extensive range of gay-friendly or gay-owned accommodation options. The cost of living, housing prices and tax rates are particularly low in Orlando. As an LGBTQ+ person, when Im looking for a city break, Im looking for somewhere I can be myself, and in that case, I like to opt for progressive LGBTQ+ friendly cities with a rich history and plenty to see and do. Stroll Main Street for over 125 locally-owned restaurants and stores housed in lovely 19th-century buildings. Bloomington, home to Indiana University, offers another LGBTQ-friendly oasis in the Midwest. Therefore, accommodation availability and costs increase dramatically. Stroll along the southern end of St. Pete Beach through the Pass-a-Grille area that stretches 22 blocks where the gay community hangs out. Aside from delicious food and beautiful beaches, Charleston, South Carolina is a slick city rich in tradition and history with an increasingly visible LGBT population. Given the left-leaning slant of the city, its surprising that Tallahassee doesnt have a more visible gay population. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Finally, we sorted the list by the median list price of a home in May and limited our list to just one destination per state to ensure geographic diversity. Another challenge: gentrification thats been going on for years in larger cities pricing people out. Gay Florida Road Trip Guide to Delray Beach, Red Tide in Florida: What You Need to Know, Tampa EDITION, The Newest Luxury Hotel Near Amalie Arena, Suit Up with Style: The Perfect Tuxedos for Women and Nonbinary Individuals, SpringHill Suites Orlando Altamonte Springs/Maitland, Quench Your Thirst On The CoolCraft Beverage Trail, The Best Events in Miami During Rainbow Spring, The Most Popular LGBTQ-Friendly Resorts in Fort Lauderdale, Must-Visit Miami Michelin Star Restaurants, Your Guide To The Best Gay Bars In Tampa Bay & Surrounding Areas. Although some festivities may still be virtual, or a bit more muted than in past years, there are still plenty of reasonsand opportunitiesto dust off that rainbow flag and get ready to kiki across the country. In other words, if youre looking for tolerance, culture and diversity, youre no longer limited to major metropolises. While Christopher Park contains two historical statues commemorating these riots that changed the lives of LGBTQ+ people across the world. Sunny Tampa is close to the popular beach towns of St. Petersburg, Gulfport and Dunedin. Outside of museums, youll find that Fort Lauderdale has some of the best beaches in the United States, making it the perfect place to spend a week (or two) relaxing either as a solo traveller, couple or family. There are no gay bars. However, a recent poll found that 4.3% of the citys population identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. WebArgentina is socially liberal compared to most of its neighbors it was the first country in South America to legalize gay marriage in July 2010, and the ruling also included full When we think of LGBTQ+-friendly destinations, big cities often come to mind. Oakland Park is a sister city to Wilton Manors north. For a list of LGBTQ-friendly real estate professionals in Florida, click here. Most tourists come to Albuquerque as part of a day trip from the nearby, more popular city of Santa Fe. And some of the small cities that are emerging as LGBTQ centers might come as a big surprise. Here youll find countless incredible items from LGBTQ+ histories, such as an original printing of Dr Aldred Kinseys research and donations from prominent LGBTQ+ celebrities. The city has a long-standing acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community, with the residents here being one of the first in America to elect an openly gay mayor and a pride parade that dates back to the 1970s. South Tampa is a However, if you have time to head further afield, be sure to check out the nearby Wine Country. As the LGBT population ages, many predict Sea Ranch Lakes/Lauderdale by the Sea to be very popular LGBT-friendly beach resort communities, offering oceanfront living at very attractive prices. Many LGBT active adults have heard of the retirement community The Villages located about an hour northwest of Orlando. Noted for its extensive gay, lesbian and transgender annual events, nightlife, clubs and bars, Boston is a fantastic place to travel to as an LGBTQ+ person. You may have noticed that Tallahassee has a reputation for being particularly lesbian-friendly, and that may stem from the fact that between 1905-1947 FSU was a women-only institution, and was one of the largest women-only universities in the country! WebWilton Manors: South Floridas Most Famous Gayborhood Where to Go in LGBTQ-Friendly Dunedin Gulfport, Fla. - Quirky, Quaint and Welcoming to All Tampa's Gay Bars & Clubs: Introducing the GaYbor District Grand Central District & Grand Central Ave. in St. Petersburg, Fla. Out and About in St. Petersburg and Clearwater LGBTQ Travel in Key Most college towns tend to be more progressive, open and tolerant, and the small college town of Gainesville, home to the University of Florida, is no exception. And should you miss both of those, then youll still be able to find a wide range of LGBTQ+ friendly bars and clubs (the majority of which are located in either East Colfax Avenue or South Broadway) throughout the city open seven nights a week. Until just recently, only 23 states, Washington, DC, and certain cities legally protected gay couples seeking housing. The charming island is also known for its white sand, pink shells, humble attitude, and beautiful waterfront homes. Over the last several decades, the uber-queer Five Pointsforms the hub of what is, without question, the most gay-friendly area of Jacksonville. The Pink Triangle gayborhood includes a cluster of LGBT bars, entertainment clubs, and even a rainbow crosswalk. Do a quick search online for "gay-friendly travel," and you'll find the usual suspects New York City, A college town at heart, Madison is home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a state school with more than 30,000 students. Then sing your heart out at theFront Porchpiano bar and hit upMaine Streetfor drinking and dancing. The gayborhood of Palm Beach County, Lake Worth, lies just south of neighboring LGBTQ-friendly town West Palm Beach. An organization called Gear, Gender Education Advocacy Resources, that sponsors a Transgender Helpline. Atlanta's population of queer people of color makes it unique from other cities. All 50 Sex Scenes on 'Orange Is the New Black' Ranked! Within the Greater Fort Lauderdale area, there more than 100 gay-owned businesses, including bars and clubs, cafes and coffeehouses, award-winning hotels and guest houses, and there are many up and coming LGBT-friendly neighborhoods, including: Hallandale Beach, Pompano Beach, Sea Ranch Lakes and Lauderdale Lakes. Through proprietary research studies, engaging articles and original photography and video, we examine topics related to community amenities, education, sustainability, transportation, housing and the economy. The heart of the gay community, where all the best bars are located, is in midtown, around the intersection of Piedmont Avenue and 10th Street. Dunedin has a hip little downtown, a pedestrian-friendly Main Street, Scottish heritage and a gay nightlife destination that draws crowds. Admittedly, Fort Myers doesnt even compete with bigger cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or St. Petersburg for the title of Floridas most gay-friendly neighborhood, however the City of Palms does have a steadily growing LGBTQ+ community to boot. For our complete LGBTQ guide to Delray, check out our Gay Florida Road Trip Guide to Delray Beach. Mount Dora is artsy, beautiful and surprisingly super gay! Most notable of which is the Pride Parade and Festival, which occurs annually in June. While the city of Rochester is LGBTQ+ friendly, we recommend staying in the Park Avenue region of downtown during your trip. We already have this email. However, it has some surprisingly queer-friendly spots and an increasing number of LGBTQ+ annual events, including OutFest and Philly Pride. If youre looking to visit the beaches, then youll find many along the coastline here. Safety and an accepting community are two of the most important considerations of gay home buyers, according to a report last month by Freddie Mac and the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, an organization of real estate professionals. Best LGBTQ+-friendly small towns in the USA, There arent LGBTQ+ bars or clubs in this Midwestern town, but its welcoming vibe, historical sites, lush countryside, and inviting LGBTQ-owned inns, such as the, , make Galena a real charmer. This quaint town in Lake County is a rainbow diamond in the rough. This is the best but also the busiest time to visit the city. MEI fair law enforcement score: 22 out of 22 points. Known for its great shopping and dining on Fifth Avenue, world-class golf courses, with more than a hint of cosmopolitanism, Naples is not necessarily known for being a gay hotspot. There are several other LGBTQ-owned businesses in Lake Worth, although owners may not be as out and proud as they are in Wilton Manors. One reason is a sexual orientation wage gap. The Island City, as its known, is a little municipality 10 minutes north of downtown Fort Lauderdale and 40 minutes north of Miami. Published on September 5, 2020. Median gross rent: $1,227. It has no shortage of historic sites, three military bases, and tons of restaurants and bars. The latest U.S. Census figures report that Asheville has 83 percent more gay and lesbian residents than an average American city. Mount Dora even has a Christmas shop with an entire section dedicated to the LGBTQ community. This city is known for the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, affectionately referred to as the LGBTQ+ communitys Smithsonian. Mad Myrnasis the areas gay bar and cabaret, and hosts a variety of events including drag shows, dance parties andDrageoke! Downtown Tampa features swanky high-rise condos in Channelside, Harbor Island and upcoming Water Street. WebSaugatuck is one of Michigan's most LGBTQ+-friendly small towns, with more than 100 businesses either owned by or catering to the LGBTQ+ crowd. With amazing beaches, incredible restaurants and close connections with the nearby Los Angeles, its hard to find someone without this city on their bucket list. Gay clubs abound in Madrid, including Boyberry, La Kama, Barbanarama, El Bulldog, and Ricks. WebThe 10 Most LGBTQ-Friendly Towns and Cities in the U.S. and a fantastic art scene. Palm Springs is a great place to relax, rejuvenate, and reflect. There are over 100,000 residents that live in this self-contained community filled with golf courses, and access to more goods and services than youd find in a regular city of that size. And CAVO Lounge hosts a monthly drag brunch that is popular among both LGBTQ people and allies. And if all that wasnt enough, youll also find several queer-owned businesses and annual LGBTQ+ events here. Since then, our pride festivals have grown year over year into something that has really kind of been a destination.. North Beach is poised to become one of the hottest gay neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale. They are presented With a score of 85 out of 100, Anchorage deserves a closer look. Although there isnt a specific street or community that is home to a plethora of LGBTQ residents, if youre looking for a laid back, mature community, and living in an LGBTQ hot spot isnt a top priority, were confident youll feel at home in Naples/Marco Island. Most of the LGBTQ nightlife is located in the Shadyside neighborhood, a historic and walkable area that also has galleries and restaurants. The city has received a perfect 100-point score on the Human Rights Commissions Municipal Equality Index for the past six years. East Nashville Green Hills 12 South West End The Nations Hillsboro Village Memphis Memphis is a haven for During this time, youll go through Portlands artsy and quirky neighbourhoods, as well as the trendy Alberta Street, where youll explore queer businesses and murals, all while learning more about local culture. For younger LGBTs, QORDS, a queer summer camp for youth, welcomes people from around the nation to gather. Its proximity to national forests, rivers and lakes makes this small, inclusive town the perfect place for individuals looking for easy access to ample outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding and more. , where seemingly everyone in town gathers for its iconic tea dance. Sample delicious vino and support equal treatment for all at. Theres no central gay neighborhood here, but many of the gay bars are clustered downtown, in the Warehouse District. 1. Countless museums, theatres, public art exhibits, and parks are scattered through the city, providing an endless amount of things to do during your trip. In 2012, the Broward County school district became the first in the nation to recognize LGBT History Month. South Beach takes up its southernmost two miles and is glittered with eye-catching Art Deco gems and boutique hotel. The Miami neighborhood of Little Havana is the spiritual and cultural core of Miamis Hispanic community, hosting Gay8 Festival, the largest Hispanic LGBT Festival in the United States attended by over 60,000 people. Its also one of the few dog-friendly condos in the area. Its close to the beach, so real estate is pricey here. The annual Hampton Roads PrideFest, which includes a boat parade, has been moved to September this year, but there are still plenty of things to do during Pride Month. Then we looked at cities in these states that received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaigns annual Municipal Equality Index, where the LGBTQ advocacy group assesses equality in cities policies, laws, and services. For a more affordable option, a single-family home near downtown is currently listed at $349,900. Countless bands started here, including Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. With over 6% of its population being LGBT, Tampa has a perfect score on HRCs Municipal Equality. Pompano/Pompano Beach is more affordable area close to Wilton Manors. Annual pride celebrations in Las Vegas are held in October and include an LGBTQ+ Film Festival, The Rodeo Parade and a street festival on Fremont Street. Visit one or several, and youll find thriving LGBTQ-owned businesses, cozy B&Bs, rustic retreats, stunning beaches, rolling hills, historic sites, and quirky shops all within easy reach of major cities. Long Beach Pride has been held every June since the 1980s and includes a weeklong celebration of the diverse LGBTQ community here. In Dallas, Youth First Texas, a non-profit organization, is committed to providing social services, education, and activities for LGBT youth. This three-bedroom, 3.5-bath condo is currently on the market for $430,000. Home toAlaskas Pride organizationandIdentity Alaska,the states primary LGBTQ support group, Anchorage creates an atmosphere of acceptance for its queer residents with a parade that boasts an attendance of over 10,000. Well, everything. There you will find an impressive list of gay-friendly restaurants, bars, coffee houses and stores. Not only is it the biggest metropolis in the United States, but it has a substantial history of LGBTQ+ advocacy and community. And with home prices rising just about everywhere, its more important than ever to find places that are not only gay-friendly but also budget-friendly. Huntington, West Virginia. However, if you cant visit during the celebrations, dont worry, as the LGBTQ+ community in Las Vegas host a range of events for the local community and worldwide travellers year-round.