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. The city's laws offer some anti-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. 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. Missoula, Montana. and a fantastic art scene. Please inform us if you experience discrimination or homophobia while visiting any destinationso wecan make updates to our recommendations. Many people consider gay life in Tally boring. And if all that wasnt enough, youll also find several queer-owned businesses and annual LGBTQ+ events here. While theres no designated gayborhood in Virginia Beach, the ViBe Creative District is an artsy cultural hub. 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. At the end of the month, a Pride Kiki is planned at Ocean Breeze Waterpark. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We're Cora & Helen, the founders of Inside Our Suitcase. If it is your wish to live in the gayest city in Florida, make Wilton Manors your next home. They have regular drop-in hours where youth are able to relax, do This quaint town in Lake County is a rainbow diamond in the rough. QORDS hosts workshops on social justice, consent, and gender, and offers fun outings like dance and plant identification hikes. 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. >. Bloomington, home to Indiana University, offers another LGBTQ-friendly oasis in the Midwest. The island is only 4 miles long by 1 mile wide, so its pretty easy to find a gay-friendly neighborhood! By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use. 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. It has no shortage of historic sites, three military bases, and tons of restaurants and bars. 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. Unlike some larger cities, there isnt one primarily gay neighborhoodbut that means theres more room to spread out. Therefore, accommodation availability and costs increase dramatically. If youre looking for the LGBTQ+ hotspot in Texas, then Austin is the city for you. 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. 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. Luckily, the United States has an abundance to choose from, with the list getting longer each and every day. 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. 3. 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. 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. 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. The city is incredibly welcoming to LGBTQ+ tourists with one of the highest concentrations of same-sex couples across the U.S. according to the 2010 census, with more than 15% of the cities residents being LGBTQ+. And unlike New York and Los Angeles, the city of Philadelphia is also relatively affordable, making it perfect for a budget long weekend away. 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. From an ever-increasing sports scene to a historic hot roasted nuts shoppe no, seriously. Seattle is well-known for its rain. These LGBTQ-friendly small towns in the USA combine big-city perks with small-town charm in a most magnificent manner. This city is known for the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, affectionately referred to as the LGBTQ+ communitys Smithsonian. With its high end shopping, five-star restaurants, the beach, all while still living in a residential neighborhood that is a tightly-knit and well-organized gay community. For a more affordable option, a single-family home near downtown is currently listed at $349,900. Dj vu! The gay-owned Paradiso Restorante, an Italian favorite, is another LGBTQ crowd pleaser and has been around for over 20 years! 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. South Tampa is a more upscale neighborhood and nearby Hyde Park, a small neighborhood with high-end bungalows. Mount Dora even has a Christmas shop with an entire section dedicated to the LGBTQ community. About 45 minutes south, youll find the intercoastal city of St. Augustine also known as The Souths Little Secret. If you visit Atlanta, check out southern Fried Queer Pride, it's a southern queer, music, and art festival that tends to highlight queer trans people of color. Since then, our pride festivals have grown year over year into something that has really kind of been a destination.. Members of the LGBTQ community can work and live comfortably in every neighborhood of this city as there is no gay neighborhood instead, the entire town is considered inclusive and safe for all residents. 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. The queer clubs in the city may be the most diverse in the South; there are western-themed, bear, Latino and gender-queer bars. Web21. 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. If you are more interested in new construction in the suburban areas of Tampa Bay, you may want to try Wesley Chapel in Pasco County or the more affordable of area of Riverview. 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. There are drag queen brunches on the Dora Queen, LGBTQ meetup groups, lesbian realtors, gay-owned shops and more. With a perfect score of 100 on the HRC Municipal Equality Index (MEI), Brookings is an excellent example of a small gay-friendly city worthy of your tourist dollars. Mount Dora is artsy, beautiful and surprisingly super gay! While it's true that the South has discrimination, some cities, towns, and counties are progressing. One reason is a sexual orientation wage gap. Then sing your heart out at theFront Porchpiano bar and hit upMaine Streetfor drinking and dancing. If you are planning a visit to the beautiful beaches of Florida, you may have heard of Red Tide. 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 city has everything from street performers to colourful buildings, mountains to beaches and happy hour bars through to lovely independent bookshops. 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 several other LGBTQ-owned businesses in Lake Worth, although owners may not be as out and proud as they are in Wilton Manors. There are several LGBTQ-friendly places to live in Florida. And CAVO Lounge hosts a monthly drag brunch that is popular among both LGBTQ people and allies. 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. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that Sin City is home to dozens of gay bars and nightclubs, including Peppermint Club, inside FireSky Resort & Spa and Vista Lounge at AQUA by Westgate Las Vegas. Pride festivities arent the only gay-friendly events throughout the year either. This tiny city has a vibrant LGBT community space called Compass, which aims to educate the public on LGBT issues.. Downtown Tampa features swanky high-rise condos in Channelside, Harbor Island and upcoming Water Street. The MEI examines how inclusive a citys municipal laws, policies and services are of LGBTQ people who live there. Thanks for subscribing! Besides its arts communitywhich includes StageQ, a queer theater group that highlights LGBTQ storiestheres plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. This, combined with the cities incredibly vibrant culture and quintessential architecture, makes it a must-visit city. WebBest LGBTQ+-friendly small towns in the USA Photograph: Shutterstock 1. 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. 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. So where are the hottest gayborhoods? Yet many small towns across the USA are just as welcoming. 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. Long Beach isnt what most people would quite call affordable. And although still in its infancy, Naples Pride brings together LGBTQ community members and business owners from throughout the region. And having visited the city several times and choosing to get married here, we can very much see why. Lakeshore, for example, is a popular gayborhood. Or, if closer to downtown is more your thing, the artsy and hip All Saints neighborhood, is quirky, fun and very gay-friendly. South Tampa is a 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. With eye-popping dunes, stunning beaches, 19th-century homes, and art galleries galore, the Art Coast of Lake Michigan doesnt disappoint. 1. 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. While same-sex marriage was legalized in 2015, members of the LGBTQ community still face discrimination, including in housing. 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. Rochester is the third-largest city in New York and home to a fabulous and flourishing LGBTQ+ community. 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. 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. While most of the Florida Panhandle is pretty conservative, Tallahassee is solid blue. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. , which includes wine tastings, drag brunches, pool parties, and other festive events. For more information, visit rainbowfamilyvillagesfl.com. This three-bedroom, 3.5-bath condo is currently on the market for $430,000. Boston, Massachusettss diverse and inclusive culture, makes it one the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the United States. 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. WebThis puts the Blue Ridge-area in the top 2 percent of counties in Georgia and in the top 10 percent in the nation. Many LGBT couples are not out. There is, however, a growing LGBT presence here. Situated in the desert outside of Los Angeles, this city is perfect for LGBTQ+ travellers The Pink Triangle gayborhood includes a cluster of LGBT bars, entertainment clubs, and even a rainbow crosswalk. Most of Key Wests gay and lesbian nightlife takes place on Duval Street, in an area called the Pink Triangle. Required fields are marked *. This event began in 1972, and what started as a bon voyage party has transformed into a six-day event. If Pensacola has a gayborhood its East Hill. OutCoast.com Explore LGBTQ Florida is a digital magazine and Florida travel blog that highlights Floridas LGBTQ-inclusive destinations and businesses. Stroll Main Street for over 125 locally-owned restaurants and stores housed in lovely 19th-century buildings. 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. This natural phenomenon can affect the. 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. Atlanta offers welcoming spots for LGBTQ+ folks across the city. And while youre at it, maybe you can even find a new place to live. It would be wise to use a local gay REALTOR to help you find your next home in just the right area! 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. East Nashville Green Hills 12 South West End The Nations Hillsboro Village Memphis Memphis is a haven for The upscale luxury community of Coral Ridge offers a good mix of multi-million-dollar homes with less expensive condos. When it comes to gay-friendly places for the senior set, a new national ranking shows what most South Floridians may already know. Gay clubs abound in Madrid, including Boyberry, La Kama, Barbanarama, El Bulldog, and Ricks. But the beauty about Austin is people dont need to live in just one neighborhood to enjoy the queer culture. 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. 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. Palm Springs is a great place to relax, rejuvenate, and reflect. To learn more about the region, check out the Mount Dora Road Trip Guide. Head over to the Tin Roof on Sundays to cheer on your favorite drag queen during the Battle of the Divas. 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. Unsurprisingly then, there is an abundance of LGBTQ+ events in the city here, both annual and one-off. 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). Miamis oldest neighborhood, Coconut Grove, is also its greenest, still full of the lush hammocks that cover the Groves sleepy streets. A haven of counterculture and the birthplace of Starbucks coffee. 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. Orlando is consistently rated among the most visited cities in the United States for LGBTQ+ travellers. There is a lot of money in the Grove, and nightlife too mostly around CocoWalk though none of its explicitly gay.. Senior Advice, a website that focuses on senior living, recently ranked Fort Lauderdale the #7 best city for LGBT people to retire in 2019. Speaking of the theme parks, what started as a small group of gays and lesbians dressing in red and spending the day at Walt Disney World in 1991 has grown into one of the largest gay pride events in the world, attracting over 150,000 gay and lesbian travelers to Orlando on the first Saturday of every June. Throughout the year, Gulfport celebrates diversity in all of its colors, shapes and sizes, so it is no surprise that it is home to the most LGBTQ-welcoming residents. Median home list price: $449,000*. 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 you want to live downtown Fort Lauderdale, then Victoria Park is the neighborhood for you! Portland is another fantastic LGBTQ+ friendly city worth visiting either as a solo traveller, couple or family. 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. LGBTQ Americans Are Less Likely To Be Homeowners. Penn Hills is more family-friendly with a good school system and plenty of historic homes. Dubbed the LGBTA Main Street for The West Coast of Florida, the 12-block area offers a fun mix of shops, bars and restaurants. 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 theInn at Irish HollowandAldrich Guest House, make Galena a real charmer. The region is highlighted by colorful artwork and murals that meticulously cover the walls of many edifices. This longtime LGBTQ+ hotspot offers scenic bike rides, inclusive bars and restaurants such as the, , and picture-perfect beaches. 1 most LGBTQ-friendly city last year. 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 However, if you cant visit during the pride festival, dont worry, as the queer love lives on in the city throughout the year in the host of incredible gay bars and clubs. WebHere are 24 large, small and medium-sized cities that offer an excellent combination of affordability, culture, community and LGBTQ friendliness. 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. Dubbed the Gay Riviera, Miami Beach is a city on a barrier island, separated from Miami proper by Biscayne Bay. 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. 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. Its officially Pride Month, and after more than a year in lockdown, its time to celebrate! Youll find some of the most famous LGBTQ+ historical sites in this city, including the Stonewall Inn and Christopher Park. Its close to the beach, so real estate is pricey here. The celebrations begin on 12th night, and end on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and while travel prices during this time rise significantly if you have the chance to attend we highly recommend doing so. The burb of Gulfport is a bohemian village of pastel bungalows, artists, eclectic shops and outdoor cafes on the Boca Ciega Bay. 5 Southern Cities with Thriving Queer Communities, Being a southern, queer, trans man isn't easy. Washington DC is another LGBTQ+ friendly city well worth visiting for a long weekend. Expand Your Horizons. South Beach takes up its southernmost two miles and is glittered with eye-catching Art Deco gems and boutique hotel. 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. West Palm Beach has more than 40 miles of beaches, plenty of shopping, and while relatively small, there is still some gay nightlife. Tallahassee is not only the college hometowns of both Florida State University and Florida A&M University, but is also the state capital, and is considered a hub for science, education and state-level politics. So, whether youre looking for a same-sex getaway or a solo vacation in the United States, these are our top picks when it comes to LGBTQ+ friendly cities. 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. We sold everything we had to travel the world in 2017, got married in Orlando, FL in 2019 and discovered family travel in 2021. 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. 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. Five Points has become known for its edgy, colorful character as well as many independent shops, restaurants and businesses. The city has a booming queer and trans population and is home to the southern Comfort Conference. Take in the posh shops and restaurants of St. Armands Circle or hit Sarasotas quiet, white-sand North Lido Beach. Its very kumbaya in terms of live and let live.. The beach itself is a huge draw, especially the gay beach at 12th Street and Ocean Drive. WebThis gay-friendly, hilly town of cobblestone streets lies about 180 miles north of Mexico City.