When we think of LGBTQ+-friendly destinations, big cities often come to mind. Enter your email to be added to our mailing list. The city has a mix of musician/artsy folks, Southern belles, yogis, and snow birds who flock to the ocean. Disclaimer: Most gay-friendly cities in Florida are quite diverse, and neighborhoods can change dramatically in just a few short blocks. It also has a growing LGBTQ community. 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. And CAVO Lounge hosts a monthly drag brunch that is popular among both LGBTQ people and allies. About 15 miles south on the main road to Mt. Tamastslikt Cultural Institute by WorldFoto / Alamy Stock Photo Pendleton The MEI examines how inclusive a citys municipal laws, policies and services are of LGBTQ people who live there. Most notable include the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the worlds largest rotating tramcar and the Indian Canyons, which are home to stunning desert views and wildlife. Pompano/Pompano Beach is more affordable area close to Wilton Manors. Dubbed the Gay Riviera, Miami Beach is a city on a barrier island, separated from Miami proper by Biscayne Bay. WebThis gay-friendly, hilly town of cobblestone streets lies about 180 miles north of Mexico City. South 1. Tropical Shores is a hidden gem of a neighborhood just off Old Southeast and is truly a treasure. 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). QORDS hosts workshops on social justice, consent, and gender, and offers fun outings like dance and plant identification hikes. And while youre at it, maybe you can even find a new place to live. Gay Stroll Main Street for over 125 locally-owned restaurants and stores housed in lovely 19th-century buildings. 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. Now dont get me wrong, its not the most LGBTQ+ friendly city in the United States by any means. 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. Some decided to stay and build a laid-back life in Vilano Beach, Matanzas Bay, or the San Savinoneighborhood of St. Augustine Shores. Lake Worth is home to the Compass Gay and Lesbian Community Center for Palm Beach County. From longtime LGBTQ+ escapes like Provincetown to the charmingly crooked streets of Eureka Springs, these places combine big-city perks like chic restaurants and acclaimed museums and theaters with small-town charm and inclusive communities. This tour is hosted by a Portland local and lasts roughly two hours. The Paradise Island Convention and Visitors Bureau has been making strides in their marketing efforts to make the Naples/Marco Island region more welcoming to LGBTQ people. Philadelphia is an increasingly queer-friendly city and an unlikely candidate on this list. These Are the Most Googled Questions and Answers About Asheville, NC Each October more than 10,000 people attend one of the most colorful Pride celebrations in the country, the Blue Ridge Pride Festival. Check your syntax! Unlike some larger cities, there isnt one primarily gay neighborhoodbut that means theres more room to spread out. Atlanta hosts Ladyfest ATL, a feminist, art and punk music festival, which is a lot of fun. While it's true that the South has discrimination, some cities, towns, and counties are progressing. Stay at the gay-owned. With over 6% of its population being LGBT, Tampa has a perfect score on HRCs Municipal Equality. Nashvilles annual pride event takes place in June and features some of the best live entertainment from the entire United States pride scene with previous headliners including; Lizzo, Betty Who and Salt N Pepa. While Tallahassee is open and friendly, many of the gay couples tend to live in the northern part of the city. Wilton Manorshas many city ordinances in place that extend equal benefits to the LGBTQ community along with protections against discrimination in both employment and family-oriented affairs. St. Pete is much calmer than the party atmosphere of Miami. Same-sex couples can be seen walking down the street holding hands without fear in this unique Southern town that dares to take a stand against prejudices that still exist in the surrounding region. 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. Quaint and charming, cultured and European, St. Augustines history is quite alluring to LGBT travelers. Wilton Manors, Florida. The rest of the year, however, this relatively conservative small city in the Florida panhandle has a small and quiet, even discreet, gay community. Web21. Columbus, Ohio, probably wasnt on your radar when looking for an LGBTQ+ getaway, right? In 1988 the city elected Broward Countys Columbia, Missouri. We wouldnt be surprised. 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. Gay Friendly Towns Elena Cox is a data journalist for Realtor.com. Its very kumbaya in terms of live and let live.. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you (for which we are extremely grateful).Also, while we do our best to highlight LGBTQ-friendly destinations and businesses, info provided is based solely on personal experience and recommendations by community partners. Plus the area is fun and the beaches gorgeous! This is the closest waterfront neighborhood to downtown. The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Best Place to Live, What a Budget of $300,000 or Less Will Get You in 10 Cities Across the Country, 6 Affordable Islands You Can Actually Live On, 10 Best Cities for Antique & Flea Market Lovers, 10 People On What Its Really Like to Leave NYC for a Smaller City, Bloomington / Photo Courtesy of Visit Bloomington, Copyright 2010-2023 Livability - Journal Communications, Inc, 5 Surprisingly LGBTQ-Friendly Small Cities, Human Rights Campaign 2017 Municipal Equality Index, The Western Montana LGBT Community Center. Another challenge: gentrification thats been going on for years in larger cities pricing people out. After the obligatory beach time, visit theOgunquit Museum of American Art, see a show at theOgunquit Playhouseand enjoy Maines famous lobster atBarnacle Billys. Pride festivities arent the only gay-friendly events throughout the year either. Pittsburgh, PA. Pittsburgh has built a reputation as a gay-friendly community since WebAvondale Estates is a small, tight knit community that spans across 1.1 square miles with approximately 3,000 residents. There are no gay bars. The city's laws offer some anti-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. Many overlook tropical freshwater lakes and preserves. For our complete LGBTQ guide to Delray, check out our Gay Florida Road Trip Guide to Delray Beach. This tiny city has a vibrant LGBT community space called Compass, which aims to educate the public on LGBT issues.. Named the second gayest city in America by the Williams Institute in 2010, this subtropical locale has just 12,600 residents but managed to score 100 on the MEI. A Republican stronghold, Naples still manages to attract a healthy dose of affluent gay and lesbian travelers every beach season. 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. With an annual events calendar that most significant cities envy, youll find no end of things to see and do in the city regardless of when you visit. While most of the Florida Panhandle is pretty conservative, Tallahassee is solid blue. Located in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, this Victorian spa town has a long history of promoting tolerance. Again, Tallahassee is a lone island of blue in a sea of red, so please do beware that 15 minutes in any direction outside of the city, attitudes about the LGBT community can change dramatically. WalletHub gave Orlando the highest ranking for LGBTQ Millennial job seekers, in addition, roughly 33% of the population is single. WebThe Heights ( Seminole Heights, Riverside Heights and Tampa Heights) are all gay-friendly hipster hoods in Tampa with historic bungalows, both large and small. We uncover the best of the city and put it all in an email for you. 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. 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. Prepare accordingly by bringing an umbrella or two. And while lesbians tend to earn more than heterosexual women, most still earn less than either gay or heterosexual men. This charming and fun-filled city is ideal for those looking for a hometown where they can really beoutwhen they are out and about. There are 200 miles of biking and hiking trails to explore, and Lake Mendota offers kayaking and fishing. Downtown Tampa features swanky high-rise condos in Channelside, Harbor Island and upcoming Water Street. WebHere are 24 large, small and medium-sized cities that offer an excellent combination of affordability, culture, community and LGBTQ friendliness. 5 Southern Cities with Thriving Queer Communities - Pride The 7 Best Towns in South Carolina for LGBT Families - Movoto Theres no central gay neighborhood here, but many of the gay bars are clustered downtown, in the Warehouse District. LGBTQ Americans Are Less Likely To Be Homeowners. Another hot, up & coming, yet affordable LGBT-friendly neighborhood is North Andrews Gardens. However, Lake Worth is a city has the highest percentage (1.9 percent) of same-sex couples in the county. Riverside also has Jacksonvilles highest concentration of gay bars. Theres also an active theater scene, with the annual Pride Theater Festival held in summer and the Pittsburgh International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival in the fall. WebWhat neighborhoods in Nashville are the most gay-friendly? And some of the small cities that are emerging as LGBTQ centers might come as a big surprise. We hope that nobody experiences discrimination or homophobia while visiting Florida, but we make no guarantees. Countless museums, theatres, public art exhibits, and parks are scattered through the city, providing an endless amount of things to do during your trip. Bonus: For those looking for more exciting nightlife, Boston is just 15 miles northeast. Located on the southern tip of St. Petes Treasure Island, among the string of barrier islands that extends along the Gulf of Mexico to the west of St. Petersburg, Sunset Beach is famous for its strip with beachfront bars and its Sunday beach parties. West Palm Beach has more than 40 miles of beaches, plenty of shopping, and while relatively small, there is still some gay nightlife. 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. The famously gay beach Sebastian Street Beach is located in Fort Lauderdale Beach, and is part of the pedestrian-friendly strip on a barrier island home to many hotels, shops and restaurants. Because of this, some LGBTQ people are looking for other places to call home, says Amin Ghaziani, a professor of sociology and Canada Research Chair in Urban Sexualities at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. This college town has not one, but two annual LGBTQ festivals: PRIDE Summerfest and PRIDE Film Festival. Given the left-leaning slant of the city, its surprising that Tallahassee doesnt have a more visible gay population. 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. Missoula, Montana. In fact, Atlanta has such a large, active LGBTQ community that it hosts two major pride events, Atlanta Pride and Atlanta Black Pride. (ID: 42), Island City Stage Presents I Wanna F#%*ing Tear You Apart by Morgan Gould, History Fort Lauderdales Women Trailblazers: Champions of Change Broward County presented by UKG Photo Exhibit, Meet Author John Bailey at History Fort Lauderdales Florida Scribes & Stories, onePULSE Topgolf Celebrating Common Ground. small Recommended lodging options include Casa Crayola, a colorful collection of casitas Median sold price: $374,249. From an ever-increasing sports scene to a historic hot roasted nuts shoppe no, seriously. This city is perfect for those seeking a place that offers plenty of acceptance and fun, along with the outdoor adventures Alaska is known for. WebThe NW 39th Street Enclave in Oklahoma City is considered to be the largest gay district in not just the Great Plains, but also among the central regions of the entire country, Published on September 5, 2020. WebThe 10 Most LGBTQ-Friendly Towns and Cities in the U.S. 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. Thats a larger percentage than those cities that probably did come to mind when you began your research, such as New York City and Washington D.C. For younger LGBTs, QORDS, a queer summer camp for youth, welcomes people from around the nation to gather. Five Points has become known for its edgy, colorful character as well as many independent shops, restaurants and businesses. This well-educated base has blossomed into a culture of liberal and Democratic voters, and is one of only a few Southern cities known for progressive activism. Huntington, West Virginia. Mount Dora offers a small town vibe where everyone knows your name. 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. Located on the outskirts of Fort Lauderdale is the queer-friendliest small town on the Florida mainland: Wilton Manors. But the beauty about Austin is people dont need to live in just one neighborhood to enjoy the queer culture. Gay Neighborhoods Of Atlanta. 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. 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! The city is also home to the only LGBTQ+ museum in America and is steeped in significant LGBTQ+ history, from the Stonewall Riots to the historic Chesapeake Bank at 14th and U Street. If youre looking to escape the big city, these awesome (and unexpected) places are ready to welcome you. After the obligatory beach time, visit the, for drinking and dancing. The highly educated and progressive city is one of the gay-friendliest in the Midwest. 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. 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. 2. While not specifically noted as a gay community, there is a gay community within the community called Rainbow Family and Friends. If youre looking to visit the beaches, then youll find many along the coastline here. Why this Georgia mountain town has become a gay-friendly hot Many people consider gay life in Tally boring. WebBest LGBTQ+-friendly small towns in the USA Photograph: Shutterstock 1. Yet many small towns across the USA are just as welcoming. 5 Surprisingly LGBTQ-Friendly Small Cities and Towns - Livability 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. 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. Aside from mosquitoes and those pesky hurricanes, who wouldnt want to be surrounded by water and sun the majority of the year. Iconic sights here include the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Alcatraz Island, and Chinatown. Being active, outdoorsy and openly queer is not unusual when living here. 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. 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. While the city as a whole has remained politically and socially conservative, gay-friendly locals work to keep the vibrant city life alive and eclectic. And unlike New York and Los Angeles, the city of Philadelphia is also relatively affordable, making it perfect for a budget long weekend away. Then sing your heart out at theFront Porchpiano bar and hit upMaine Streetfor drinking and dancing. 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). The Best and Worst Places in the U.S. to Be LGBTQ Atlanta offers welcoming spots for LGBTQ+ folks across the city. 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. 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. Dont let this politically right-leaning region of Central Florida fool you. Relax in the onsite pool, jacuzzi, and saunas, then check out the gay-owned, , which has an eclectic collection of antiques, clothing, and locally-made goods, followed by cocktails and dinner at the LGBTQ-friendly, With eye-popping dunes, stunning beaches, 19th-century homes, and art galleries galore, the Art Coast of Lake Michigan doesnt disappoint. 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. 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. 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. 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. For a magical experience, visit during December for. 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. Gulfport is also home to the nationally accredited LGBTQ Resource Center, located in the Gulfport Library. Home of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville is another fantastic place for LGBTQ+ travellers to visit. Asheville The Mad Hatter Lounge draws an eclectic crowd including the Lake Worth gay community. Sunny Tampa is close to the popular beach towns of St. Petersburg, Gulfport and Dunedin. The Heights (Seminole Heights, Riverside Heights and Tampa Heights) are all gay-friendly hipster hoods in Tampa with historic bungalows, both large and small. 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. The 10 Most LGBTQ-Friendly Towns and Cities in the U.S. Provide Error, group does not exist! She previously worked for CBS News, Bloomberg TV, and NY1. It would be wise to use a local gay REALTOR to help you find your next home in just the right area! LGBTQ folks want an equitable experience, says Ryan Weyandt, CEO of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance. 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. 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. WebThese Gay-Friendly Cities Have Lots to Offer LGBTQ BuyersIncluding Affordable Homes. Dunedin has a hip little downtown, a pedestrian-friendly Main Street, Scottish heritage and a gay nightlife destination that draws crowds. Gay-friendly towns in red states draw LGBTQ tourists: 'We're here Aside from New Orleans, Atlanta is an LGBT hot spot; people travel from all over the South to attend Atlanta Pride. 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. 9 LGBT Friendly Places To Live In Tennessee - Felix Homes 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. Brookings, South Dakota (Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons) Covington, Kentucky Covington is situated on the south bank of the Ohio River and has the Licking River on When it comes to gay-friendly places for the senior set, a new national ranking shows what most South Floridians may already know. One reason is a sexual orientation wage gap. Stay at theDunes Resorts, the largest LGBTQ+ resort in the Midwest, and make some new friends by the pool.