Published on September 5, 2020. Palm Springs, California. While a tad more on the conservative side than Fort Lauderdale and Miami, West Palm Beach earned a perfect score on last years Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index which measures how inclusive laws and services are for LBGTQ people who work and reside there. Located in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, this Victorian spa town has a long history of promoting tolerance. We scoped out five small cities across the country that are earning a reputation for being LGBTQ-friendly with their growing queer populations and wide range of inclusive events, businesses and social environments. Over the last several decades, the uber-queer Five Pointsforms the hub of what is, without question, the most gay-friendly area of Jacksonville. Best LGBTQ+-friendly small towns in the USA - Time Out United Elena Cox is a data journalist for Realtor.com. As long as you live on campus (or nearby) you should be okay, just beware that 15 minutes in any direction, attitudes about the LGBT community can change dramatically. Fort Lauderdale is a featured destination in our Gay Florida Road Trip Guides. The gayborhood of Palm Beach County, Lake Worth, lies just south of neighboring LGBTQ-friendly town West Palm Beach. While theres no designated gayborhood in Virginia Beach, the ViBe Creative District is an artsy cultural hub. Being active, outdoorsy and openly queer is not unusual when living here. During the festival, the cost of visiting Austin can be 2x to 5x, with many accommodation options selling out months in advance. 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 If Pensacola has a gayborhood its East Hill. The Magic City Acceptance Center (MCAC) is an LGBTQ-Youth support space that provides community events, workshops, heath services, free counseling and more to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer kids and their allies ages 13-24. 9 LGBT Friendly Places To Live In Tennessee - Felix Homes Many LGBT active adults have heard of the retirement community The Villages located about an hour northwest of Orlando. The Pink Triangle gayborhood includes a cluster of LGBT bars, entertainment clubs, and even a rainbow crosswalk. Is Discrimination To Blame. 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. 2. A modern industrial condo there is currently listed below $350,000, while a single-family home steps from Piedmont Park (where the annual pride festival is held) is on the market for $799,900. With 4.1% of the population identifying as LGBTQ, Orlando has a well-established gay community and several popular gentrified neighborhoods such as Winter Park, Lake Eola Heights and Colonialtown. Sunny Tampa is close to the popular beach towns of St. Petersburg, Gulfport and Dunedin. And if you are hoping that many of your friends will visit after you move to the Orlando area, the proximity to the all the theme parks wont hurt. If youre looking to visit the beaches, then youll find many along the coastline here. Aside from mosquitoes and those pesky hurricanes, who wouldnt want to be surrounded by water and sun the majority of the year. Dunedin has a hip little downtown, a pedestrian-friendly Main Street, Scottish heritage and a gay nightlife destination that draws crowds. 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. 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 while Austin isnt the cheapest city to visit in the USA, its not expensive either, provided that youre not travelling during the peak season, which for Austin specifically is going to be during the South by Southwest festival. LGBTQ folks want an equitable experience, says Ryan Weyandt, CEO of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance. Sample delicious vino and support equal treatment for all atEquality Vines, dine at LGBTQIA-owned restaurants likeBig Bottom Market,Brotandboon eat + drinkand stay at the super welcomingR3 HotelorHighlands Resort. That number is even lower for LGBTQ people of color, who are more likely to experience housing discrimination. Youll find some of the most famous LGBTQ+ historical sites in this city, including the Stonewall Inn and Christopher Park. Virginia Beach, a coastal city where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, is one of Virginias prime resort towns, with much of its economy based on the tourism industry. Wilton is home to a large number of gay-owned and gay-friendly businesses and even has a gay strip mall:Shoppes of Wilton Manors. Gay clubs abound in Madrid, including Boyberry, La Kama, Barbanarama, El Bulldog, and Ricks. Well, everything. This college town has not one, but two annual LGBTQ festivals: PRIDE Summerfest and PRIDE Film Festival. 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. The citys annual Pridefest is held in June and has one of the largest attendance rates of any pride event in any city in the United States, with more than 200,000 people flocking to the Mile-High City for the incredible 4-day event. The MEI examines how inclusive a citys municipal laws, policies and services are of LGBTQ people who live there. Top Gay-Friendly Cities in the U.S Thats why the Realtor.com data team sought out the nations most affordable gay meccas. The 7 Best Towns in South Carolina for LGBT Families - Movoto This Is Why LGBTQ+ Americans Are Less Likely To Own Homes, How President Biden Plans To End LGBTQ Housing Discrimination. 11 gay-friendly small cities in big red states - NBC News That changed only in mid-February of this year when President Joe Biden directed the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to expand the interpretation of fair housing laws to cover sexual orientation and gender identity. WebHere are 24 large, small and medium-sized cities that offer an excellent combination of affordability, culture, community and LGBTQ friendliness. Atlanta offers welcoming spots for LGBTQ+ folks across the city. Floridas population includes an estimated one million LGBTQ community members (This estimate doesnt account for tourists and may not fully account for snowbirds). Unsurprisingly then, there is an abundance of LGBTQ+ events in the city here, both annual and one-off. 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. Gay Friendly Towns Besides its arts communitywhich includes StageQ, a queer theater group that highlights LGBTQ storiestheres plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. ***Disclaimer: There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate or sponsor links. Near Downtown, the fun and funky neighborhood of Thornton Park is full of lovingly restored homes from the beginning of the last century. San Francisco also boasts a vibrant street art scene, fantastic cuisine, and many unique LGBTQ bars, clubs and annual events, including the famous Pride parade that takes place during June and dates back more than 50 years. An organization called Gear, Gender Education Advocacy Resources, that sponsors a Transgender Helpline. There are 200 miles of biking and hiking trails to explore, and Lake Mendota offers kayaking and fishing. With a score of 85 out of 100, Anchorage deserves a closer look. some of the most famous LGBTQ+ historical sites in this city, ranked among the top ten pride festivals in the country by USA Today, Boston is a fantastic place to travel to as an LGBTQ+ person. Bonus: For those looking for more exciting nightlife, Boston is just 15 miles northeast. It would be wise to use a local gay REALTOR to help you find your next home in just the right area! Some of our favourite neighbourhoods to either visit or stay in during our trips to NYC include Chelsea, where youll find one of the best LGBTQ+ bars in the world, The Cubbyhole and Brooklyn, home to the lush Metropolitan Bar. The beach itself is a huge draw, especially the gay beach at 12th Street and Ocean Drive. The only thing missing in Mount Dora is a pride parade or festival, butCome Out with Pride OrlandoandOne Magical Weekend at Disneyare less than an hours drive away. Popular neighborhoods for LGBTQ people are Middleton, a few miles west of downtown Madison. 20 Most Gay Friendly Cities in the US - Yahoo! This tiny city has a vibrant LGBT community space called Compass, which aims to educate the public on LGBT issues.. Advocate named Tampa the 19th gayest city in the US in 2017, Business Insider ranked it the 3rd gayest city for queer singles, and Tampas cost of living is 3% below the national average, and Tampas purchasing power is 22.7% higher than in NYC, making it an affordable and fun city. Until just recently, only 23 states, Washington, DC, and certain cities legally protected gay couples seeking housing. Missoula, Montana. The Stonewall Inn is where the 1969 Stonewall Riots occurred, catalysts for the gay liberation movement. The fun-loving southernmost city is selected repeatedly as Best Gay Resort Town by readers of Out Traveler magazine. And in 2010, the Advocate magazine ranked Bloomington as the fourth-gayest city in the country. The Best Cities For LGBTQ Retirees - Forbes It was named the continent leader for LGBT friendly travel and the romantic city of Cartagena de Indias, on the Caribbean coast, also won South Americas best honeymoon destination. This LGBTQ+ oasis offers easy access to Sonoma Countys world-renowned wineries plus plenty of in-town treats. While not specifically noted as a gay community, there is a gay community within the community called Rainbow Family and Friends. Many LGBT couples in town reside in this historic neighborhood, which has its own small fenced-in dog beach. Atlanta, Georgia Aside from New Orleans, Atlanta is an LGBT hot spot; people travel from all over the South to Now dont get me wrong, its not the most LGBTQ+ friendly city in the United States by any means. Friendly Small Towns 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. The GaYBOR District is a coalition of gay and gay-friendly businesses that began on the west end of Tampas historic Ybor City neighborhood is now a 10-year-old presence in this former cigar-rolling, Latin immigrant enclave. She has a master's degree in data journalism from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism. Gay-friendly towns in red states draw LGBTQ tourists: 'We're here While the city of Rochester is LGBTQ+ friendly, we recommend staying in the Park Avenue region of downtown during your trip. Since then, our pride festivals have grown year over year into something that has really kind of been a destination.. The city has everything from street performers to colourful buildings, mountains to beaches and happy hour bars through to lovely independent bookshops. Naples also a pet-friendly destination. And for those who already call this state home, its the perfect place to reside. Buy buyers can snag a three-bedroom historic home in nearby Belmont Heights that is on the market for under $1 million. The historic neighborhoods of Riverside and Avondale are filled with gorgeous tree-lined streets, adorable Craftsman-style bungalows, riverfront mansions and numerous distinctive shopping districts. All of them have good housing stock, plenty of things to do, and prices that are still (relatively) within reach. Just a bit farther south, youll find yourself in Coral Gables, another lush, old-money neighborhood with an understated gay presence. If you want to live downtown Fort Lauderdale, then Victoria Park is the neighborhood for you! At the end of the month, a Pride Kiki is planned at Ocean Breeze Waterpark. We hope that nobody experiences discrimination or homophobia while visiting Florida, but we make no guarantees. 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. Its also one of the few dog-friendly condos in the area. This library holds more than 12,000 books, 140 magazine titles and over 100 archival collections that celebrate the lives of countless people. >. Expand Your Horizons. Providences PrideFest, which attracts more than 100,000 people every June, has been postponed to later this year because of the COVID-19pandemic. LGBTQ Youth Support. Pittsburgh, PA. 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There are a few bars that have gay nights, but thats it so if having a big gay scene is important to you then Tallahassee will probably be a disappointing place to call home. North Beach is poised to become one of the hottest gay neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale. Dubbed the Gay Riviera, Miami Beach is a city on a barrier island, separated from Miami proper by Biscayne Bay. For a magical experience, visit during December forNight Of The Luminaria, when the entire town is illuminated by candlelight. So where are the hottest gayborhoods? When choosing accommodation, consider LGBTQ-owned inns likeTwenty Shore, and theDragonfly Guest House. Provide a Few Fierce Surprises. With its increasingly luxurious hotels, exciting nightlife, and rich culture, Tampa is quickly catching up to the east coast cities of Miami and Palm Beach. This event began in 1972, and what started as a bon voyage party has transformed into a six-day event. However, dont let this put you off as the entertainment and activities during this time are world-renowned and well worth the hassle (and cost) to experience at least in our opinion. 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). Jacksonvilles first and oldest subdivision, Springfield, has been revitalized in recent years thanks to some handy, gay and gay-friendly investors who have purchased a number of the areas massive Victorian homes and restored them to their former glory. Voted Americas #1 Gayest City back in 2012 by Out Magazine, the city is a hotspot for LGBTQ+ travellers looking for a relaxing or adventure-filled long weekend break. You dont [want] to walk out your door and go into a world thats abrasive and wants to judge you.. Rochester is the third-largest city in New York and home to a fabulous and flourishing LGBTQ+ community. For younger LGBTs, QORDS, a queer summer camp for youth, welcomes people from around the nation to gather. Its residents regard Madison as one of the most gay-friendly cities in the United States. And having visited the city several times and choosing to get married here, we can very much see why. 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. With over 6% of its population being LGBT, Tampa has a perfect score on HRCs Municipal Equality. Founded in 1998,The Western Montana LGBT Community Centeris located in Missoula and runs an array of support groups and events where LGBTQ residents are welcomed and can find support and connect with others. , which includes wine tastings, drag brunches, pool parties, and other festive events. 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. Asheville 1. Here's a list of up-and-coming queer communities in the South.. 5 Surprisingly LGBTQ-Friendly Small Cities and Towns - Livability WebThough larger Arizona cities like Phoenix and Tucson are also known for being LGBTQIA+ friendly, Tempeh was the only city in this state to earn a perfect score from the HRC. and-coming Destinations Around the World 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. However, the acceptance of LGBTQ+ people and the fight for equality far surpasses the borders of Boston as the state of Massachusetts as a whole was the first in the United States to legalise same-sex marriages and the first to elect an openly gay representative back in 1974. The city has received a perfect 100-point score on the Human Rights Commissions Municipal Equality Index for the past six years. With just over 2000 residents,Eurekais small but mighty enough to be referred to as the gay capital of the Ozarks a title it earned partially through its many attempts to pass city ordinances prohibiting discrimination. And some of the small cities that are emerging as LGBTQ centers might come as a big surprise. Lauderdale Lakes features gated condo communities and is a must-see neighborhood if you want to be close to the action, but are on a budget. 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. Mount Dora is artsy, beautiful and surprisingly super gay! Las Vegas is one of the top destinations in the countryfor LGBTQ+ travellers, with the second largest population of LGBTQ+ residents in the United States. However, ask most people whove been to Austin during the South by Southwest festival, and theyll very much tell you the experience is well worth the price tag. 12 Small Towns Known for Being LGBTQ-Friendly - Cheapism 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. The heart of LGBT St. Petersburg is the historic Grand Central District featuring more than 70 GLBT-friendly businesses, including antique stores, home dcor galleries, salons, boutiques, bars and restaurants. , the largest LGBTQ+ resort in the Midwest, and make some new friends by the pool. What we found were mostly smaller cities with thriving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer cultures, and college towns that have strong anti-discriminatory laws. This tour is hosted by a Portland local and lasts roughly two hours. LGBT folks living in the South are responsible for the blossoming queer communities, and they need support. Notwithstanding the consistent bigotry that saturates the legislature and state party politics, Dallas is a city of encouragement and hope for queer Texans. Many people consider gay life in Tally boring. We already have this email. If youre looking for the LGBTQ+ hotspot in Texas, then Austin is the city for you. And while youre at it, maybe you can even find a new place to live. Countless museums, theatres, public art exhibits, and parks are scattered through the city, providing an endless amount of things to do during your trip. This longtime LGBTQ+ hotspot offers scenic bike rides, inclusive bars and restaurants such as theShipwreck LoungeandBubalas on the Bay,amazing whale watching, and picture-perfect beaches. However, if youre looking for an extended break in the city, then we recommend visiting during the International Balloon Fiesta, which takes place annually during the first two weeks of October. 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. The Best LGBTQ+ Hidden Gem in Every State - TripSavvy Stay at the gay-ownedPineapple Inn Bed and BreakfastorWishing Well B&B, and dont miss a show at the renownedBucks County Playhouse, which has staged original plays and musicals (including world premieres from Terrence McNally and Neil Simon), revivals, and concerts since 1939. LGBTQ-Friendly Places to Live in Florida | OutCoast.com This is the citys gay neighbourhood and, as such, is home to several incredible gay bars and clubs. St. Pete is much calmer than the party atmosphere of Miami. However, it has some surprisingly queer-friendly spots and an increasing number of LGBTQ+ annual events, including OutFest and Philly Pride. A popular escape from Washington D.C., Lost River welcomes you with rolling hills, forested retreats, and several LGBTQ-owned businesses such as theGuesthouse Lost River, a visitor favorite since 1982. Washington DC is another LGBTQ+ friendly city well worth visiting for a long weekend. There are unique neighborhood vibes to suit your preferences. Recommended lodging options include Casa Crayola, a colorful collection of casitas To learn more about the region, check out the Mount Dora Road Trip Guide. Browse over 140 LGBTQ-owned businesses (also found in neighboring Douglas), swim and kayak at, (widely hailed as one of the countrys best), and climb to the top of. There are several LGBTQ-friendly places to live in Florida. One of our favourite things to do during our recent trip to Portland was the free walking tour. Enter your email to be added to our mailing list. South Beach takes up its southernmost two miles and is glittered with eye-catching Art Deco gems and boutique hotel. A two-story condo there is currently on the market for $329,900. The center of Long Beachs gay scene is located along Broadway, between downtown and Belmont Shore. We sold everything we had to travel the world in 2017, got married in Orlando, FL in 2019 and discovered family travel in 2021. About 15 miles south on the main road to Mt. Its filled with hip shops and on-trend restaurants. The all-Lesbian Resort encompasses 50 acres and features 278 home and RV lots. In Dallas, Youth First Texas, a non-profit organization, is committed to providing social services, education, and activities for LGBT youth. Situated in the desert outside of Los Angeles, this city is perfect for LGBTQ+ travellers However, youre also perfectly positioned to be within walking distance to the citys major sights and attractions, including museums, galleries and theatres.