Tropical Shores is a hidden gem of a neighborhood just off Old Southeast and is truly a treasure. 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! St. Pete is much calmer than the party atmosphere of Miami. Only about half are homeowners compared with about 65% of the general population, according to the report. WebHere are 24 large, small and medium-sized cities that offer an excellent combination of affordability, culture, community and LGBTQ friendliness. Wilton Manors, FL. 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. 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. Portland is another fantastic LGBTQ+ friendly city worth visiting either as a solo traveller, couple or family. This library holds more than 12,000 books, 140 magazine titles and over 100 archival collections that celebrate the lives of countless people. 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. But those interested in putting down roots can snag a three-bed, 1.5-bath Colonial in the desirable Broadway-Armory Historic District, west of downtown, for under $400,000. 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. Soft sand, gentle waves, and warm smiles greet you in this delightful seaside town. The Heights (Seminole Heights, Riverside Heights and Tampa Heights) are all gay-friendly hipster hoods in Tampa with historic bungalows, both large and small. Until just recently, only 23 states, Washington, DC, and certain cities legally protected gay couples seeking housing. Many LGBT couples in town reside in this historic neighborhood, which has its own small fenced-in dog beach. 11 gay-friendly small cities in big red states - NBC News Madison is so gay friendly that finding out where a gay neighbourhood starts and ends is somewhat impossible, while the number of gay bars to choose from is so extensive that you may just have to extend your trip to visit them all! If it is your wish to live in the gayest city in Florida, make Wilton Manors your next home. Youll find some of the most famous LGBTQ+ historical sites in this city, including the Stonewall Inn and Christopher Park. Atlanta offers welcoming spots for LGBTQ+ folks across the city. If Pensacola has a gayborhood its East Hill. WebThis puts the Blue Ridge-area in the top 2 percent of counties in Georgia and in the top 10 percent in the nation. 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. Its kind of like if San Diego and L.A. had a baby, that would be Long Beach, says Charlotte Kornik, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Coastal Alliance. 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. West Palm Beach has more than 40 miles of beaches, plenty of shopping, and while relatively small, there is still some gay nightlife. Top LGBTQ Trips in Oregon Its officially Pride Month, and after more than a year in lockdown, its time to celebrate! While theres no designated gayborhood in Virginia Beach, the ViBe Creative District is an artsy cultural hub. Fort Lauderdale is a featured destination in our Gay Florida Road Trip Guides. South Beach has been gay enough for long enough for its gayness to seep into every aspect of the entire neighborhood. The city has a mix of musician/artsy folks, Southern belles, yogis, and snow birds who flock to the ocean. Penn Hills is more family-friendly with a good school system and plenty of historic homes. This college town has not one, but two annual LGBTQ festivals: PRIDE Summerfest and PRIDE Film Festival. 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. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use. If youre looking to escape the big city, these awesome (and unexpected) places are ready to welcome you. If you are planning a visit to the beautiful beaches of Florida, you may have heard of Red Tide. Its very kumbaya in terms of live and let live.. In April, Jane Castor was elected Tampas first openly gay mayor. Take your pick of LGBTQ-owned accommodations like, and saunter down Commercial Street for hip art galleries, terrific seafood restaurants, and popular hangouts like the. Recommended lodging options include Casa Crayola, a colorful collection of casitas Atlanta hosts Ladyfest ATL, a feminist, art and punk music festival, which is a lot of fun. 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. Most tourists come to Albuquerque as part of a day trip from the nearby, more popular city of Santa Fe. Asheville WebBest LGBTQ+-friendly small towns in the USA Photograph: Shutterstock 1. 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. Atlanta's population of queer people of color makes it unique from other cities. In other words, if youre looking for tolerance, culture and diversity, youre no longer limited to major metropolises. Many LGBT active adults have heard of the retirement community The Villages located about an hour northwest of Orlando. This quaint town in Lake County is a rainbow diamond in the rough. Gay-friendly towns in red states draw LGBTQ tourists: 'We're here LGBTQ community: These are the best and worst states for LGBTQ One of our favourite things to do during our recent trip to Portland was the free walking tour. About 45 minutes south, youll find the intercoastal city of St. Augustine also known as The Souths Little Secret. An organization called Gear, Gender Education Advocacy Resources, that sponsors a Transgender Helpline. Boston, Massachusettss diverse and inclusive culture, makes it one the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the United States. Well, everything. Palm Springs, California. The Pink Triangle gayborhood includes a cluster of LGBT bars, entertainment clubs, and even a rainbow crosswalk. 1 most LGBTQ-friendly city last year. Just a bit farther south, youll find yourself in Coral Gables, another lush, old-money neighborhood with an understated gay presence. 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. Inside Our Suitcase is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. It also has a rich theater and music community, an LGBTQ community center, and the groundbreaking Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction. Senior Advice, a website that focuses on senior living, recently ranked Fort Lauderdale the #7 best city for LGBT people to retire in 2019. Galena, Illinois There arent LGBTQ+ bars or clubs in this Midwestern town, but its welcoming vibe, The city has a strong LGBTQ+ community well represented in politics and an incredible pride festival in June which was recently ranked among the top ten pride festivals in the country by USA Today, attracting more than 350,000 people annually. 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. Its proximity to national forests, rivers and lakes makes this small, inclusive town the perfect place for individuals looking for easy access to ample outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding and more. 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. So where are the hottest gayborhoods? LGBTQ folks want an equitable experience, says Ryan Weyandt, CEO of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance. 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. 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. And some of the small cities that are emerging as LGBTQ centers might come as a big surprise. 5 Southern Cities with Thriving Queer Communities, Being a southern, queer, trans man isn't easy. 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). You dont [want] to walk out your door and go into a world thats abrasive and wants to judge you.. 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. 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 The best LGBTQ-friendly small-towns in the USA offer the freedom to explore small-town America while feeling comfortable traveling as you are. Stroll Main Street for over 125 locally-owned restaurants and stores housed in lovely 19th-century buildings. 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. 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. 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. WebWilton Manors: South Floridas Most Famous Gayborhood Where to Go in LGBTQ-Friendly Dunedin Gulfport, Fla. - Quirky, Quaint and Welcoming to All Tampa's Gay Bars & Clubs: Introducing the GaYbor District Grand Central District & Grand Central Ave. in St. Petersburg, Fla. Out and About in St. Petersburg and Clearwater LGBTQ Travel in Key Most 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. The city's laws offer some anti-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. After the obligatory beach time, visit theOgunquit Museum of American Art, see a show at theOgunquit Playhouseand enjoy Maines famous lobster atBarnacle Billys. 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. And in 2010, the Advocate magazine ranked Bloomington as the fourth-gayest city in the country. The burb of Gulfport is a bohemian village of pastel bungalows, artists, eclectic shops and outdoor cafes on the Boca Ciega Bay. Given the left-leaning slant of the city, its surprising that Tallahassee doesnt have a more visible gay population. 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 Five Points has become known for its edgy, colorful character as well as many independent shops, restaurants and businesses. The region is highlighted by colorful artwork and murals that meticulously cover the walls of many edifices. The city has received a perfect 100-point score on the Human Rights Commissions Municipal Equality Index for the past six years. Its also one of the few dog-friendly condos in the area. Thats why the Realtor.com data team sought out the nations most affordable gay meccas. The gayborhood of Palm Beach County, Lake Worth, lies just south of neighboring LGBTQ-friendly town West Palm Beach. Home of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville is another fantastic place for LGBTQ+ travellers to visit. The queer clubs in the city may be the most diverse in the South; there are western-themed, bear, Latino and gender-queer bars. 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. All 50 Sex Scenes on 'Orange Is the New Black' Ranked! One such business is the Situated in the desert outside of Los Angeles, this city is perfect for LGBTQ+ travellers Web On the count of three, about 50 gay couples kissed their partners in the public square of a small town in the Ozark Mountains. Required fields are marked *. This is the closest waterfront neighborhood to downtown. 42. 25mar4:00 pm9:00 pmPinellas Arts Village 4th Saturday Block pARTy! Floridas Most Popular LGBTQ Getaways 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. Median sold price: $374,249. It is on Bayou Texar and is surrounded by parks. However, aside from an ever-increasing LGBTQ+ population, what else does Columbus, Ohio have to offer tourists? She previously worked for CBS News, Bloomberg TV, and NY1. The Visit Bloomington website offers anLGBTQ Visitors Guideas a tip-of-the-hat to the LGBTQ community which has helped shape the citys culture. 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. Not only is this city incredibly progressive and welcoming to the LBGTQ+ community, but its also home to some of the most incredible food (seriously, the BBQ restaurants here are to die for!) The rest of the year, however, this relatively conservative small city in the Florida panhandle has a small and quiet, even discreet, gay community. Here youll find countless incredible items from LGBTQ+ histories, such as an original printing of Dr Aldred Kinseys research and donations from prominent LGBTQ+ celebrities. Tennessee , when the entire town is illuminated by candlelight. Columbus, Ohio, probably wasnt on your radar when looking for an LGBTQ+ getaway, right? 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. Those looking to put down roots can scoop up a two-bed, two-bath condo in the artsy downtown neighborhood near campus for under $675,000. The gay-owned Paradiso Restorante, an Italian favorite, is another LGBTQ crowd pleaser and has been around for over 20 years! Some decided to stay and build a laid-back life in Vilano Beach, Matanzas Bay, or the San Savinoneighborhood of St. Augustine Shores. Gulfport is also home to the nationally accredited LGBTQ Resource Center, located in the Gulfport Library. The annual Hampton Roads PrideFest, which includes a boat parade, has been moved to September this year, but there are still plenty of things to do during Pride Month. 1. Its a place that seems to have something for everyone. The island is only 4 miles long by 1 mile wide, so its pretty easy to find a gay-friendly neighborhood! 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. Countless bands started here, including Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. This charming and fun-filled city is ideal for those looking for a hometown where they can really beoutwhen they are out and about. 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. One reason is a sexual orientation wage gap. All sites are especially designed to accommodate manufactured homes or RVs in a natural setting. If youre looking for the LGBTQ+ hotspot in Texas, then Austin is the city for you. It offers a mix of urban amenities with a suburban feel. 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. They have regular drop-in hours where youth are able to relax, do For our complete LGBTQ guide to Delray, check out our Gay Florida Road Trip Guide to Delray Beach. The Best and Worst Places in the U.S. to Be LGBTQ 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. The artsy, college town is home to Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design. 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. 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. And CAVO Lounge hosts a monthly drag brunch that is popular among both LGBTQ people and allies. Its close to the beach, so real estate is pricey here. WebThe 7 Best Towns in South Carolina for LGBT Families Columbia, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Rock Hill, Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson, South Carolina are top Published on September 5, 2020. After the obligatory beach time, visit the, for drinking and dancing. Senior Advice ranked Tampa the #10 best city for LGBT people to retire in 2019. 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. Most notable of which is the Pride Parade and Festival, which occurs annually in June. Not only is it the biggest metropolis in the United States, but it has a substantial history of LGBTQ+ advocacy and community. A ruby slipper in a red state, Eureka Springs inclusive spirit, and dozens of LGBTQ-owned businesses make it the gay capital of the Ozarks. Samplefamous mineral waters, swoon at gorgeous Victorian buildings, and get lost in charmingly crooked streets. 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. Gay Florida Road Trip Guide to Delray Beach, Red Tide in Florida: What You Need to Know, Tampa EDITION, The Newest Luxury Hotel Near Amalie Arena, Suit Up with Style: The Perfect Tuxedos for Women and Nonbinary Individuals, SpringHill Suites Orlando Altamonte Springs/Maitland, Quench Your Thirst On The CoolCraft Beverage Trail, The Best Events in Miami During Rainbow Spring, The Most Popular LGBTQ-Friendly Resorts in Fort Lauderdale, Must-Visit Miami Michelin Star Restaurants, Your Guide To The Best Gay Bars In Tampa Bay & Surrounding Areas. 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. 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. But the beauty about Austin is people dont need to live in just one neighborhood to enjoy the queer culture. Diversity celebrations take place throughout the year with a multitude of festivals, parades, drag shows and dance parties. During the festival, the cost of visiting Austin can be 2x to 5x, with many accommodation options selling out months in advance. 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. Dj vu! However, a recent poll found that 4.3% of the citys population identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. For a magical experience, visit during December forNight Of The Luminaria, when the entire town is illuminated by candlelight. In North Fort Myers, the Resort on Carefree Boulevard is a place where new friends are waiting to share your favorite pastimes, where neighbors look out for each other, where you can thrive in a tropical paradise. 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. A two-story condo there is currently on the market for $329,900. 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+. LGBTQ Youth Support. San Diego is a great place to be gay. 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. Gay Neighborhoods Of Atlanta. For many, Florida is the retirement dream. Queer icons like Andy Warhol, Gertrude Stein, and Willa Cather have all called Pittsburgh home at one point, and the arts scene is still thriving today, with the Warhol Museum and the contemporary art museum the Mattress Factory. The fun-loving southernmost city is selected repeatedly as Best Gay Resort Town by readers of Out Traveler magazine. This, combined with the cities incredibly vibrant culture and quintessential architecture, makes it a must-visit city. >. Top Gay-Friendly Cities in the U.S 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. Many of those fine homes still stand today and provide a deep sense of history and pride for the area. Disclaimer: Most gay-friendly cities in Florida are quite diverse, and neighborhoods can change dramatically in just a few short blocks. From an ever-increasing sports scene to a historic hot roasted nuts shoppe no, seriously. Mount Dora even has a Christmas shop with an entire section dedicated to the LGBTQ community. Their well-known gay neighborhoods are South End, Savin Hill, and Melville Park. Web21. 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. Lake Worth is home to the Compass Gay and Lesbian Community Center for Palm Beach County. And it borders the most beautiful lakes in the state. South America's 4 most LGBTIQ+ friendly cities Lonely Planet 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. Columbia, Missouri. Brookings, South Dakota. 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. Gay men are more likely to get paid less than heterosexual men, according to research from UCLAs Williams Institute. 5 Surprisingly LGBTQ-Friendly Small Cities and Towns - Livability This tiny city has a vibrant LGBT community space called Compass, which aims to educate the public on LGBT issues.. Missoula, Montana. Most of the LGBTQ nightlife is located in the Shadyside neighborhood, a historic and walkable area that also has galleries and restaurants. There are no gay bars. Besides its arts communitywhich includes StageQ, a queer theater group that highlights LGBTQ storiestheres plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Riverside also has Jacksonvilles highest concentration of gay bars. Mount Dora offers a small town vibe where everyone knows your name. Stay at the gay-owned. 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. Long Beach isnt what most people would quite call affordable. Mardi Gras is, of course, the biggest annual event in New Orleans. This three-bedroom, 2.5-bath home there is listed for $239,900. Soft sand, gentle waves, and warm smiles greet you in this delightful seaside town. 1. Bonus: For those looking for more exciting nightlife, Boston is just 15 miles northeast. For a more affordable option, a single-family home near downtown is currently listed at $349,900. Wynwood, the citys artistic hub, has more of a gay-friendly hipster vibe, overflowing with vibrant restaurants, artwork, clothing stores, breweries, and club and dance venues, among a variety of other retail options. The largest city in New Mexico, Albuquerque, has become increasingly popular with LGBTQ+ tourists over the past couple of years. 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.