Its a place that seems to have something for everyone. Alaskamay not be the first place that comes to mind when looking for a queer-friendly city to call home, butAnchoragescores well on theHuman Rights Campaign 2017 Municipal Equality Index(MEI). Several LGBTQ+ friendly bars, cafes, restaurants, hotels, and events can also be found in Washington DC, making it easy to meet other LGBTQ+ people and support local LGBTQ+ businesses during your trip. This college town has not one, but two annual LGBTQ festivals: PRIDE Summerfest and PRIDE Film Festival. While many travellers choose to visit this pocket of the Sunshine State for Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, theres plenty more this incredible city has to offer, including a vibrant nightlife scene, fine dining and upscale shopping malls. 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. The rest of the year, however, this relatively conservative small city in the Florida panhandle has a small and quiet, even discreet, gay community. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use. We then leverage that expertise to develop city rankings for a range of topics including small towns, college towns and our annual Top 100 Best Places to Live. Located on the outskirts of Fort Lauderdale is the queer-friendliest small town on the Florida mainland: Wilton Manors. Diversity celebrations take place throughout the year with a multitude of festivals, parades, drag shows and dance parties. The gay-friendliest beach is on County Road 399, two miles past the Gulf Islands National Seashore sign. 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. Jay Wilks, the events organizer, told the crowd to do Huntington, West Virginia. With the growing LGBTQ community, we added a Naples and Marco Island travel guide to road trip experiences. WebAvondale Estates is a small, tight knit community that spans across 1.1 square miles with approximately 3,000 residents. Now dont get me wrong, its not the most LGBTQ+ friendly city in the United States by any means. Many LGBT couples in town reside in this historic neighborhood, which has its own small fenced-in dog beach. Try another? WebThe Heights ( Seminole Heights, Riverside Heights and Tampa Heights) are all gay-friendly hipster hoods in Tampa with historic bungalows, both large and small. And CAVO Lounge hosts a monthly drag brunch that is popular among both LGBTQ people and allies. 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. For more information, visit rainbowfamilyvillagesfl.com. In other words, if youre looking for tolerance, culture and diversity, youre no longer limited to major metropolises. For many, Florida is the retirement dream. 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. Downtown Tampa features swanky high-rise condos in Channelside, Harbor Island and upcoming Water Street. There is a lot of money in the Grove, and nightlife too mostly around CocoWalk though none of its explicitly gay.. Their well-known gay neighborhoods are South End, Savin Hill, and Melville Park. North Beach is poised to become one of the hottest gay neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale. Things in this historic town have become considerably more tolerant since the days of the Salem witch trials. Enter your email to be added to our mailing list. Located in Minneapolis Cedar-Riverside neighbourhood (known locally as The West Bank), this nonprofit resource offers a wealth of knowledge for travellers curious about LGBTQ+ culture and history. It is rumored that the population of Gulfport is over 50% LGBTQ. The city has a booming queer and trans population and is home to the southern Comfort Conference. Riverside also has Jacksonvilles highest concentration of gay bars. The charming island is also known for its white sand, pink shells, humble attitude, and beautiful waterfront homes. Sample delicious vino and support equal treatment for all at. , when the entire town is illuminated by candlelight. We wouldnt be surprised. 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. One might not instantly think of Floridas Panhandle as gay-friendly or welcoming due to its ultra-conservative nature. Its residents regard Madison as one of the most gay-friendly cities in the United States. For our complete LGBTQ guide to Delray, check out our Gay Florida Road Trip Guide to Delray Beach. WebThe 10 Most LGBTQ-Friendly Towns and Cities in the U.S. 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. Combined, the two cities have more than 200 gay-owned hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops, according to the states tourism bureau, and more than 1 million LGBTQ travelers visit every year. Members of the LGBTQ community are still less likely to own a home. 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. There are several LGBTQ-friendly places to live in Florida. In fact, about half of Leon Countys residents possess at least a college degree, and has the most highly educated population in all of Florida. WebThe 7 Best Towns in South Carolina for LGBT Families Columbia, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Rock Hill, Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson, South Carolina are top While big cities like San Francisco and New York have been long-renowned for their thriving gay scenes, theyre also notoriously expensive places to buy a home. Browse over 140 LGBTQ-owned businesses (also found in neighboring Douglas), swim and kayak atOval Beach(widely hailed as one of the countrys best), and climb to the top ofMount Baldheadfor sweeping views. One such business is the Relax in the onsite pool, jacuzzi, and saunas, then check out the gay-ownedLost River Trading Post, which has an eclectic collection of antiques, clothing, and locally-made goods, followed by cocktails and dinner at the LGBTQ-friendlyLost River Grill. WalletHub gave Orlando the highest ranking for LGBTQ Millennial job seekers, in addition, roughly 33% of the population is single. This is the closest waterfront neighborhood to downtown. Luckily, the United States has an abundance to choose from, with the list getting longer each and every day. 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. Then sing your heart out at theFront Porchpiano bar and hit upMaine Streetfor drinking and dancing. For a magical experience, visit during December forNight Of The Luminaria, when the entire town is illuminated by candlelight. The gayborhood of Palm Beach County, Lake Worth, lies just south of neighboring LGBTQ-friendly town West Palm Beach. While Christopher Park contains two historical statues commemorating these riots that changed the lives of LGBTQ+ people across the world. Dont leave town without catching a glimpse of the seven-story Christ of the Ozarks statue, hunting for ghosts at the, This LGBTQ+ oasis offers easy access to Sonoma Countys world-renowned wineries plus plenty of in-town treats. , which includes wine tastings, drag brunches, pool parties, and other festive events. The main street is the Drive (aka Wilton Drive), where shops and restaurants alike proudly display their rainbow flags. Festivities started Saturday at MJs Tavern, a gay watering hole in nearby Norfolk. Tennessee Big cities like San Francisco are known for being LGBTQ-friendly, but if you're looking for a change of pace, these unexpected small cities and towns deserve a second look. Theres no denying that Florida is one of the most beautiful places to live. WebHere are 24 large, small and medium-sized cities that offer an excellent combination of affordability, culture, community and LGBTQ friendliness. , the largest LGBTQ+ resort in the Midwest, and make some new friends by the pool. Mad Myrnasis the areas gay bar and cabaret, and hosts a variety of events including drag shows, dance parties andDrageoke! 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. Famously considered the gay capital of Florida, Fort Lauderdale has one of the highest concentrations of same-sex couples in the country, along with its lower-profile neighbor Wilton Manors, our No. One reason is a sexual orientation wage gap. Inside Our Suitcase is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Denver has an incredibly vibrant LGBTQ+ community with a range of diverse nightlife scattered throughout the city. This three-bedroom, 3.5-bath condo is currently on the market for $430,000. Dont leave town without catching a glimpse of the seven-story Christ of the Ozarks statue, hunting for ghosts at the1886 Crescent Hotel, or checking out a drag show atEureka Live. However, Lake Worth is a city has the highest percentage (1.9 percent) of same-sex couples in the county. The state capital of Rhode Island is home to fewer than 200,000 people, but it still has a thriving gay scene. Palm Springs, California. This vibrant foodie and shopping town isnt a gayborhood by any stretch, but you can still find drag queens and a gay bar in Delray Beach, which places it on our list of LGBTQ-friendly towns. 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. Over the last several decades, the uber-queer Five Pointsforms the hub of what is, without question, the most gay-friendly area of Jacksonville. It would be wise to use a local gay REALTOR to help you find your next home in just the right area! Near Downtown, the fun and funky neighborhood of Thornton Park is full of lovingly restored homes from the beginning of the last century. In 2012, the Broward County school district became the first in the nation to recognize LGBT History Month. 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. Mount Dora offers a small town vibe where everyone knows your name. Long Beach isnt what most people would quite call affordable. The upscale riverfront community of San Marco is slightly less gay-centric than Riverside or Avondale, but its got plenty of quaint shops and some of the best restaurants in the entire city. If youre looking to visit the beaches, then youll find many along the coastline here. However, if you have time to head further afield, be sure to check out the nearby Wine Country. There you will find an impressive list of gay-friendly restaurants, bars, coffee houses and stores. 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. 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. , where seemingly everyone in town gathers for its iconic tea dance. The Pink Triangle gayborhood includes a cluster of LGBT bars, entertainment clubs, and even a rainbow crosswalk. A two-story condo there is currently on the market for $329,900. 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. Salem has a small gay scene and only one gay bar, but it has a popular Rainbow Pride parade (moved to September this year) as well as other events throughout the year, including the Salem Art Fair and Festival in July, the Salem Film Festival, and the Salem Lit Fest. Mardi Gras is, of course, the biggest annual event in New Orleans. 1. Buy buyers can snag a three-bedroom historic home in nearby Belmont Heights that is on the market for under $1 million. Its officially Pride Month, and after more than a year in lockdown, its time to celebrate! Fort Lauderdale has long been known as Floridas Gay Capital and supports the LGBTQ+ community with consistently progressive politics and an incredibly supportive community. There are unique neighborhood vibes to suit your preferences. 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. There are drag queen brunches on the Dora Queen, LGBTQ meetup groups, lesbian realtors, gay-owned shops and more. Oakland Park is a sister city to Wilton Manors north. Atlanta is the epicenter of the gay South, and members of the LGBTQ community have flocked there from more conservative towns and states for decades. The final Midwestern city on this list, Minneapolis, is an excellent choice for LGBTQ+ travellers looking for a long weekend getaway filled with history and culture. 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. LGBTQ folks want an equitable experience, says Ryan Weyandt, CEO of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance. With antique shops, wineries, a rich arts scene, and rustic charm, this small town along the Delaware River is a popular weekend escape from New York and Philadelphia. Palm Springs is a great place to relax, rejuvenate, and reflect. 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 To make sure these cities are really LGBTQ meccas, each place had to have its own Pride celebration festival. 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. Hood, and close to many orchards and U-pick farm stands, the intimate and beautifully appointed Old Parkdale Inn is a lovely, gay-friendly B&B thats ideal if youd prefer a quieter, more countrified setting. However, youre also perfectly positioned to be within walking distance to the citys major sights and attractions, including museums, galleries and theatres. However, it has some surprisingly queer-friendly spots and an increasing number of LGBTQ+ annual events, including OutFest and Philly Pride. Brookings, South Dakota. Located in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, this Victorian spa town has a long history of promoting tolerance. 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. San Diego is a great place to be gay. And some of the small cities that are emerging as LGBTQ centers might come as a big surprise. While theres no designated gayborhood in Virginia Beach, the ViBe Creative District is an artsy cultural hub. Web21. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We're Cora & Helen, the founders of Inside Our Suitcase. The fun-loving southernmost city is selected repeatedly as Best Gay Resort Town by readers of Out Traveler magazine. Gay Neighborhoods Of Atlanta. And as a result, many LGBTQ+ people from nearby regions are moving here due to its increasing LGBTQ+ population and the wider support from the cities community. 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. 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. Pittsburgh, PA. Pittsburgh has built a reputation as a gay-friendly community since Whether youre in search of a beachside bungalow, an LGBTQ-rich community or a skyrise with waterviews in the city, Florida provides options for all who choose to live here. WebHere's a list of up-and-coming queer communities in the South. 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. 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. For younger LGBTs, QORDS, a queer summer camp for youth, welcomes people from around the nation to gather. There are no gay bars. Expand Your Horizons. During the festival, the cost of visiting Austin can be 2x to 5x, with many accommodation options selling out months in advance. Seattle is a fantastic city to visit as an LGBTQ+ person. Thats why the Realtor.com data team sought out the nations most affordable gay meccas. And having visited the city several times and choosing to get married here, we can very much see why. South Beach takes up its southernmost two miles and is glittered with eye-catching Art Deco gems and boutique hotel. Thanks for subscribing! Atlanta's population of queer people of color makes it unique from other cities. 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. The artsy, college town is home to Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design. The Big Easy of New Orleans, Louisiana, is an incredible queer-friendly city filled with history, fantastic culture and an increasingly popular LGBTQ+ scene. WebThis gay-friendly, hilly town of cobblestone streets lies about 180 miles north of Mexico City. Being active, outdoorsy and openly queer is not unusual when living here. WebThese Gay-Friendly Cities Have Lots to Offer LGBTQ BuyersIncluding Affordable Homes. Gulfport is also home to the nationally accredited LGBTQ Resource Center, located in the Gulfport Library. Rochester is the third-largest city in New York and home to a fabulous and flourishing LGBTQ+ community. LGBT folks living in the South are responsible for the blossoming queer communities, and they need support. After the obligatory beach time, visit the, for drinking and dancing. It has no shortage of historic sites, three military bases, and tons of restaurants and bars. Dont let this politically right-leaning region of Central Florida fool you. With a score of 85 out of 100, Anchorage deserves a closer look. And while youre at it, maybe you can even find a new place to live. 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. A four-bedroom, two-bath midcentury home here costs about $400,000. Until just recently, only 23 states, Washington, DC, and certain cities legally protected gay couples seeking housing. 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. The all-Lesbian Resort encompasses 50 acres and features 278 home and RV lots. Given this deep LGBTQ+ history, its no surprise that New York City is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the world in which youll find an endless number of queer-friendly bars, clubs, restaurants and hotels. Some decided to stay and build a laid-back life in Vilano Beach, Matanzas Bay, or the San Savinoneighborhood of St. Augustine Shores. Therefore, accommodation availability and costs increase dramatically. This three-bedroom, 2.5-bath home there is listed for $239,900. This Is Why LGBTQ+ Americans Are Less Likely To Own Homes, How President Biden Plans To End LGBTQ Housing Discrimination. Check your syntax! However, a recent poll found that 4.3% of the citys population identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. And, if you like yoga, Jessamyn Stanley, a black, queer, femme, and fat identified yoga instructor. Notwithstanding the consistent bigotry that saturates the legislature and state party politics, Dallas is a city of encouragement and hope for queer Texans. Mount Dora even has a Christmas shop with an entire section dedicated to the LGBTQ community. Out queer people living in Charleston are courageous pioneers for queer growth in the South., When people think of LGBTs in Florida, they probably think of Miami or Ft. Lauderdale. Stroll Main Street for over 125 locally-owned restaurants and stores housed in lovely 19th-century buildings. Explore, connect, and party in the sunshine state using our gay Florida travel guides. By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. It also has a growing LGBTQ community. Fort Lauderdale is a featured destination in our Gay Florida Road Trip Guides. 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.
