, which includes wine tastings, drag brunches, pool parties, and other festive events. 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. 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. Thats why the Realtor.com data team sought out the nations most affordable gay meccas. The artsy, college town is home to Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design. Austin is easily one of the mostgay-friendly places in America, with an incredible LGBTQ+ community. Countless bands started here, including Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. Enter your email to be added to our mailing list. 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. This Is Why LGBTQ+ Americans Are Less Likely To Own Homes, How President Biden Plans To End LGBTQ Housing Discrimination. 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. However, ask most people whove been to Austin during the South by Southwest festival, and theyll very much tell you the experience is well worth the price tag. Then sing your heart out at theFront Porchpiano bar and hit upMaine Streetfor drinking and dancing. Charming and quaint, Dunedin is a historic, small town with a big-city mindset just north of Clearwater. However, it offers less pricey options than nearby Los Angeles, along with a more chill vibe. One of our favourite things to do during our recent trip to Portland was the free walking tour. The town even has a touch of LGBTQ nightlife at Bambusa Bar and Grill. Sunny Tampa is close to the popular beach towns of St. Petersburg, Gulfport and Dunedin. Explore, connect, and party in the sunshine state using our gay Florida travel guides. Just a bit farther south, youll find yourself in Coral Gables, another lush, old-money neighborhood with an understated gay presence. Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Your email address will not be published. However, if you have time to head further afield, be sure to check out the nearby Wine Country. The Windsor building, dubbed the Edie Windsor Building, in the TownShores 55+ condominium complex, is home to dozens of lesbian singles and couples. Some of our favourite neighbourhoods to either visit or stay in during our trips to NYC include Chelsea, where youll find one of the best LGBTQ+ bars in the world, The Cubbyhole and Brooklyn, home to the lush Metropolitan Bar. A college town at heart, Madison is home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a state school with more than 30,000 students. 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. Although Durham is small, it's part of the triangle area (Chapel Hill, Raleigh and Durham), and it's vibrant population's optimism makes it shine. 3. 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. Pittsburgh, PA. Pittsburgh has built a reputation as a gay-friendly community since In fact, Atlanta has such a large, active LGBTQ community that it hosts two major pride events, Atlanta Pride and Atlanta Black Pride. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. When we think of LGBTQ+-friendly destinations, big cities often come to mind. LGBTQ Youth Support. Being active, outdoorsy and openly queer is not unusual when living here. Oakland Park is a sister city to Wilton Manors north. Times are changing, and now those seeking the more relaxed pace of life found in smaller cities and towns have a variety of options to choose from. For a more affordable option, a single-family home near downtown is currently listed at $349,900. If youre looking for the LGBTQ+ hotspot in Texas, then Austin is the city for you. 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. Besides the beaches, there are plenty of things to do here. After the obligatory beach time, visit the, for drinking and dancing. However, it has some surprisingly queer-friendly spots and an increasing number of LGBTQ+ annual events, including OutFest and Philly Pride. 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. 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. Please inform us if you experience discrimination or homophobia while visiting any destinationso wecan make updates to our recommendations. 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. Plus the area is fun and the beaches gorgeous! Stay at the gay-owned. Downtown Tampa features swanky high-rise condos in Channelside, Harbor Island and upcoming Water Street. Big cities have long been the go-to places to live for members of the LGBTQ community looking for an enjoyable and inclusive place to call home. Its officially Pride Month, and after more than a year in lockdown, its time to celebrate! 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. So where are the hottest gayborhoods? Admittedly, Fort Myers doesnt even compete with bigger cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or St. Petersburg for the title of Floridas most gay-friendly neighborhood, however the City of Palms does have a steadily growing LGBTQ+ community to boot. Try another? And while youre at it, maybe you can even find a new place to live. Its very kumbaya in terms of live and let live.. South Beach takes up its southernmost two miles and is glittered with eye-catching Art Deco gems and boutique hotel. This is the best but also the busiest time to visit the city. This natural phenomenon can affect the. Expand Your Horizons. 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. 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. 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. The Heights (Seminole Heights, Riverside Heights and Tampa Heights) are all gay-friendly hipster hoods in Tampa with historic bungalows, both large and small. 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. However, if you miss Pridefest, dont worry as there is another fantastic 4-day LGBTQ+ festival, Denver OutFest, held in October. The city has everything from street performers to colourful buildings, mountains to beaches and happy hour bars through to lovely independent bookshops. Now dont get me wrong, its not the most LGBTQ+ friendly city in the United States by any means. Check your syntax! Only about half are homeowners compared with about 65% of the general population, according to the report. This tiny city has a vibrant LGBT community space called Compass, which aims to educate the public on LGBT issues.. When choosing accommodation, consider LGBTQ-owned inns likeTwenty Shore, and theDragonfly Guest House. The city has a mix of musician/artsy folks, Southern belles, yogis, and snow birds who flock to the ocean. 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. Sample, , swoon at gorgeous Victorian buildings, and get lost in charmingly crooked streets. After the obligatory beach time, visit theOgunquit Museum of American Art, see a show at theOgunquit Playhouseand enjoy Maines famous lobster atBarnacle Billys. There is a lot of money in the Grove, and nightlife too mostly around CocoWalk though none of its explicitly gay.. Homes there are not cheap, though, with a newly built, two-bed, 2.5-bath condo listed at $1.9 million. 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. And should you miss both of those, then youll still be able to find a wide range of LGBTQ+ friendly bars and clubs (the majority of which are located in either East Colfax Avenue or South Broadway) throughout the city open seven nights a week. Tennessee 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. Take in the posh shops and restaurants of St. Armands Circle or hit Sarasotas quiet, white-sand North Lido Beach. For many, Florida is the retirement dream. 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. Brookings, South Dakota. Philadelphia is an increasingly queer-friendly city and an unlikely candidate on this list. In 1988 the city elected Broward Countys first openly gay official and the current City Commission has a gay majority. South Beach has been gay enough for long enough for its gayness to seep into every aspect of the entire neighborhood. 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!) Its close to the beach, so real estate is pricey here. 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. It would be wise to use a local gay REALTOR to help you find your next home in just the right area! Some decided to stay and build a laid-back life in Vilano Beach, Matanzas Bay, or the San Savinoneighborhood of St. Augustine Shores. One might not instantly think of Floridas Panhandle as gay-friendly or welcoming due to its ultra-conservative nature. Near Downtown, the fun and funky neighborhood of Thornton Park is full of lovingly restored homes from the beginning of the last century. While the city of Rochester is LGBTQ+ friendly, we recommend staying in the Park Avenue region of downtown during your trip. The Pink Triangle gayborhood includes a cluster of LGBT bars, entertainment clubs, and even a rainbow crosswalk. 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. Palm Soft sand, gentle waves, and warm smiles greet you in this delightful seaside town. Senior Advice ranked Tampa the #10 best city for LGBT people to retire in 2019. While theres no designated gayborhood in Virginia Beach, the ViBe Creative District is an artsy cultural hub. 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). Lake Worth is home to the Compass Gay and Lesbian Community Center for Palm Beach County. Many overlook tropical freshwater lakes and preserves. Popular neighborhoods for LGBTQ people are Middleton, a few miles west of downtown Madison. Yet many small towns across the USA are just as welcoming. Photo: kolderal/Getty Images. The center of Long Beachs gay scene is located along Broadway, between downtown and Belmont Shore. Keep up to date with our latest rankings and articles! To learn more about the region, check out the Mount Dora Road Trip Guide. 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. 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. Elena Cox is a data journalist for Realtor.com. 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. Youll find some of the most famous LGBTQ+ historical sites in this city, including the Stonewall Inn and Christopher Park. 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. Sample delicious vino and support equal treatment for all atEquality Vines, dine at LGBTQIA-owned restaurants likeBig Bottom Market,Brotandboon eat + drinkand stay at the super welcomingR3 HotelorHighlands Resort. Well, everything. Palm Springs is a great place to relax, rejuvenate, and reflect. South Tampa is a more upscale neighborhood and nearby Hyde Park, a small neighborhood with high-end bungalows. Pompano/Pompano Beach is more affordable area close to Wilton Manors. Home to jazz, voodoo and Mardi Gras, New Orleans is one of the best cities in the South for gay travellers, with a vast number of gay bars, clubs, restaurants and accommodation options to choose from. Published on September 5, 2020. WebThe 10 Most LGBTQ-Friendly Towns and Cities in the U.S. And CAVO Lounge hosts a monthly drag brunch that is popular among both LGBTQ people and allies. 5 Southern Cities with Thriving Queer Communities, Being a southern, queer, trans man isn't easy. The MEI examines how inclusive a citys municipal laws, policies and services are of LGBTQ people who live there. For our complete LGBTQ guide to Delray, check out our Gay Florida Road Trip Guide to Delray Beach. West Palm Beach has more than 40 miles of beaches, plenty of shopping, and while relatively small, there is still some gay nightlife. Home toAlaskas Pride organizationandIdentity Alaska,the states primary LGBTQ support group, Anchorage creates an atmosphere of acceptance for its queer residents with a parade that boasts an attendance of over 10,000. 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. Sample delicious vino and support equal treatment for all at. Your email address will not be published. 1 most LGBTQ-friendly city last year. WebWith 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. With the growing LGBTQ community, we added a Naples and Marco Island travel guide to road trip experiences. Besides its arts communitywhich includes StageQ, a queer theater group that highlights LGBTQ storiestheres plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. The Stonewall Inn is where the 1969 Stonewall Riots occurred, catalysts for the gay liberation movement. North Beach is poised to become one of the hottest gay neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale. The Mad Hatter Lounge draws an eclectic crowd including the Lake Worth gay community. Located on the outskirts of Fort Lauderdale is the queer-friendliest small town on the Florida mainland: Wilton Manors. 2. The state capital of Rhode Island is home to fewer than 200,000 people, but it still has a thriving gay scene. 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. Median sold price: $374,249. There is no shortage of events for members of the queer community to attend. 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. It may be more transitional than others, but its convenient location and great prices makes up for it. , the largest LGBTQ+ resort in the Midwest, and make some new friends by the pool. 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.