gay friendly small towns in the south

Median sold price: $374,249. Dubbed the Gay Riviera, Miami Beach is a city on a barrier island, separated from Miami proper by Biscayne Bay. 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. These LGBTQ-friendly small towns in the USA combine big-city perks with small-town charm in a most magnificent manner. The citys rep as the Hollywood of the South has helped bring in a more glamorous and artsy vibe as of late, and theres plenty of gay-friendly businesses to choose from. One reason is a sexual orientation wage gap. 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. Penn Hills is more family-friendly with a good school system and plenty of historic homes. , which includes wine tastings, drag brunches, pool parties, and other festive events. Its secluded think dunes and sea oats and 22-acre north Lido Park looms like a forest above. 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 Is Discrimination To Blame. LGBTQ folks want an equitable experience, says Ryan Weyandt, CEO of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance. Many overlook tropical freshwater lakes and preserves. The queer clubs in the city may be the most diverse in the South; there are western-themed, bear, Latino and gender-queer bars. The artsy, college town is home to Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design. Dubbed the LGBTA Main Street for The West Coast of Florida, the 12-block area offers a fun mix of shops, bars and restaurants. Given the left-leaning slant of the city, its surprising that Tallahassee doesnt have a more visible gay population. The Mad Hatter Lounge draws an eclectic crowd including the Lake Worth gay community. Relax in the onsite pool, jacuzzi, and saunas, then check out the gay-ownedLost River Trading Post, which has an eclectic collection of antiques, clothing, and locally-made goods, followed by cocktails and dinner at the LGBTQ-friendlyLost River Grill. In 1988 the city elected Broward Countys Wilton is home to a large number of gay-owned and gay-friendly businesses and even has a gay strip mall:Shoppes of Wilton Manors. 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. In 1988 the city elected Broward Countys first openly gay official and the current City Commission has a gay majority. QORDS hosts workshops on social justice, consent, and gender, and offers fun outings like dance and plant identification hikes. 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 Historic Old Northeast was the first developed in St. Petersburg. South Beach takes up its southernmost two miles and is glittered with eye-catching Art Deco gems and boutique hotel. The main street is the Drive (aka Wilton Drive), where shops and restaurants alike proudly display their rainbow flags. Some decided to stay and build a laid-back life in Vilano Beach, Matanzas Bay, or the San Savinoneighborhood of St. Augustine Shores. 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. This tour is hosted by a Portland local and lasts roughly two hours. Mount Dora even has a Christmas shop with an entire section dedicated to the LGBTQ community. 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. 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. Atlanta's population of queer people of color makes it unique from other cities. 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. 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. In 2019, Fort Lauderdale passed a law that protects the citys LGBTQ community from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Portland is another fantastic LGBTQ+ friendly city worth visiting either as a solo traveller, couple or family. 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. If youre looking to escape the big city, these awesome (and unexpected) places are ready to welcome you. As an LGBTQ+ person, when Im looking for a city break, Im looking for somewhere I can be myself, and in that case, I like to opt for progressive LGBTQ+ friendly cities with a rich history and plenty to see and do. Bars serving the LGBTQ community are located downtown, though there are more to choose from throughout the city. If youre looking to visit the beaches, then youll find many along the coastline here. Notwithstanding the consistent bigotry that saturates the legislature and state party politics, Dallas is a city of encouragement and hope for queer Texans. After the obligatory beach time, visit the, for drinking and dancing. 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. Fort Lauderdale has long been known as Floridas Gay Capital and supports the LGBTQ+ community with consistently progressive politics and an incredibly supportive community. Disclaimer: Most gay-friendly cities in Florida are quite diverse, and neighborhoods can change dramatically in just a few short blocks. 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. Seattle is a fantastic city to visit as an LGBTQ+ person. MEI fair law enforcement score: 22 out of 22 points. To make sure these cities are really LGBTQ meccas, each place had to have its own Pride celebration festival. The cost of living, housing prices and tax rates are particularly low in Orlando. Only about half are homeowners compared with about 65% of the general population, according to the report. If youve either done or ruled out the other cities on this list, then Albuquerque may well be the wildcard youve been looking for. South Tampa is a ***Disclaimer: There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate or sponsor links. 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. Atlanta, Georgia Aside from New Orleans, Atlanta is an LGBT hot spot; people travel from all over the South to Median home list price: $449,000*. Lets take a look: The gay community in Pittsburgh offers an intertwined hometown feel, which is why it was chosen as the setting for Queer as Folk, the groundbreaking Showtime series of the early aughts. This LGBTQ+ oasis offers easy access to Sonoma Countys world-renowned wineries plus plenty of in-town treats. WebSaugatuck is one of Michigan's most LGBTQ+-friendly small towns, with more than 100 businesses either owned by or catering to the LGBTQ+ crowd. And CAVO Lounge hosts a monthly drag brunch that is popular among both LGBTQ people and allies. The Magic City Acceptance Center (MCAC) is an LGBTQ-Youth support space that provides community events, workshops, heath services, free counseling and more to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer kids and their allies ages 13-24. 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. Countless bands started here, including Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. LGBTQ+ events occur regularly in the city, the most notable being the Orlando Come Out With Pride festival in October, attracting more than 185,000 people annually. Salem has a small gay scene and only one gay bar, but it has a popular Rainbow Pride parade (moved to September this year) as well as other events throughout the year, including the Salem Art Fair and Festival in July, the Salem Film Festival, and the Salem Lit Fest. St. Pete is much calmer than the party atmosphere of Miami. 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! 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. While Christopher Park contains two historical statues commemorating these riots that changed the lives of LGBTQ+ people across the world. The center of Long Beachs gay scene is located along Broadway, between downtown and Belmont Shore. San Francisco also boasts a vibrant street art scene, fantastic cuisine, and many unique LGBTQ bars, clubs and annual events, including the famous Pride parade that takes place during June and dates back more than 50 years. There you will find an impressive list of gay-friendly restaurants, bars, coffee houses and stores. WebColombia was delighted to be awarded two top prizes at the prestigious World Travel Awards. 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. 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. The beach itself is a huge draw, especially the gay beach at 12th Street and Ocean Drive. Just a bit farther south, youll find yourself in Coral Gables, another lush, old-money neighborhood with an understated gay presence. This natural phenomenon can affect the. For a more affordable option, a single-family home near downtown is currently listed at $349,900. 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. There are no gay bars. The island is only 4 miles long by 1 mile wide, so its pretty easy to find a gay-friendly neighborhood! 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. Gulfport is Tampa Bays Gay Margaritaville. Riverside also has Jacksonvilles highest concentration of gay bars. Another challenge: gentrification thats been going on for years in larger cities pricing people out. Over the last several decades, the uber-queer Five Pointsforms the hub of what is, without question, the most gay-friendly area of Jacksonville. Most notable of which is the Pride Parade and Festival, which occurs annually in June. San Francisco is one of the most quintessential gay cities in the United States, packed full of great things to see and do. However, dont let this put you off as the entertainment and activities during this time are world-renowned and well worth the hassle (and cost) to experience at least in our opinion. Recently, Larson has worked with transplants from Los Angeles and other people who can work from anywhere. Palm Springs is a great place to relax, rejuvenate, and reflect. 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. Most of the LGBTQ nightlife is located in the Shadyside neighborhood, a historic and walkable area that also has galleries and restaurants. They are presented 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. 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. 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. There are unique neighborhood vibes to suit your preferences. 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. Homes there are not cheap, though, with a newly built, two-bed, 2.5-bath condo listed at $1.9 million. One of our favourite things to do during our recent trip to Portland was the free walking tour. The city is also home to the only National Park Service site dedicated to LGBTQ+ history, the Quatrefoil Library and Archives. Aside from New Orleans, Atlanta is an LGBT hot spot; people travel from all over the South to attend Atlanta Pride. Senior Advice, a website that focuses on senior living, recently ranked Fort Lauderdale the #7 best city for LGBT people to retire in 2019. The city has a mix of musician/artsy folks, Southern belles, yogis, and snow birds who flock to the ocean. Senior Advice ranked West Palm Beach the #2 best city for LGBT people to retire in 2019. Well, everything. Huntington, West Virginia. The Stonewall Inn is where the 1969 Stonewall Riots occurred, catalysts for the gay liberation movement. 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. Stroll Main Street for over 125 locally-owned restaurants and stores housed in lovely 19th-century buildings. Many LGBT couples in town reside in this historic neighborhood, which has its own small fenced-in dog beach. 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. WalletHub gave Orlando the highest ranking for LGBTQ Millennial job seekers, in addition, roughly 33% of the population is single. Columbia, Missouri. There are several LGBTQ-friendly places to live in Florida. 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. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. Aside from mosquitoes and those pesky hurricanes, who wouldnt want to be surrounded by water and sun the majority of the year. Tamastslikt Cultural Institute by WorldFoto / Alamy Stock Photo Pendleton Situated in the desert outside of Los Angeles, this city is perfect for LGBTQ+ travellers with more than 30 gay bars and an extensive range of gay-friendly or gay-owned accommodation options. 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. If you like to be social, then check out the Triangle Connection, the towns LGBT Social group. Not only is it the biggest metropolis in the United States, but it has a substantial history of LGBTQ+ advocacy and community. 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. WebBest LGBTQ+-friendly small towns in the USA Photograph: Shutterstock 1. WebThe 10 Most LGBTQ-Friendly Towns and Cities in the U.S. Near Downtown, the fun and funky neighborhood of Thornton Park is full of lovingly restored homes from the beginning of the last century. In 2012, the Broward County school district became the first in the nation to recognize LGBT History Month. If you want to live downtown Fort Lauderdale, then Victoria Park is the neighborhood for you! and a fantastic art scene. Stroll Main Street for over 125 locally-owned restaurants and stores housed in lovely 19th-century buildings. Please inform us if you experience discrimination or homophobia while visiting any destinationso wecan make updates to our recommendations. In Dallas, Youth First Texas, a non-profit organization, is committed to providing social services, education, and activities for LGBT youth. The gay-owned Paradiso Restorante, an Italian favorite, is another LGBTQ crowd pleaser and has been around for over 20 years! With over 6% of its population being LGBT, Tampa has a perfect score on HRCs Municipal Equality. 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. Dunedin has a hip little downtown, a pedestrian-friendly Main Street, Scottish heritage and a gay nightlife destination that draws crowds. Ocean Beach is, in our opinion, the most popular with the LGBTQ+ community and is located along the Great Highway. This event began in 1972, and what started as a bon voyage party has transformed into a six-day event. St. Pete also is home to one of the West Coasts premiere gay beaches, Sunset Beach. 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. This is the closest waterfront neighborhood to downtown. WebThis gay-friendly, hilly town of cobblestone streets lies about 180 miles north of Mexico City. If the idea of living in Big Sky Country appeals to you, thenMissoulais the perfect place to relocate. Long Beach Pride has been held every June since the 1980s and includes a weeklong celebration of the diverse LGBTQ community here. 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. Galena, Illinois There arent LGBTQ+ bars or clubs in this Midwestern town, but its welcoming vibe, 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. We sold everything we had to travel the world in 2017, got married in Orlando, FL in 2019 and discovered family travel in 2021. At the end of the month, a Pride Kiki is planned at Ocean Breeze Waterpark. Stay at the gay-owned. Gay men are more likely to get paid less than heterosexual men, according to research from UCLAs Williams Institute. Bloomington, home to Indiana University, offers another LGBTQ-friendly oasis in the Midwest. This Is Why LGBTQ+ Americans Are Less Likely To Own Homes, How President Biden Plans To End LGBTQ Housing Discrimination. , which has staged original plays and musicals (including world premieres from Terrence McNally and Neil Simon), revivals, and concerts since 1939. Theres no denying that Florida is one of the most beautiful places to live. About 15 miles south on the main road to Mt. Provincetown, MA. Although some festivities may still be virtual, or a bit more muted than in past years, there are still plenty of reasonsand opportunitiesto dust off that rainbow flag and get ready to kiki across the country. 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. North Beach is poised to become one of the hottest gay neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale. 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. Be sure to contact us if you have a question or for more information. The MEI examines how inclusive a citys municipal laws, policies and services are of LGBTQ people who live there. 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. When we think of LGBTQ+-friendly destinations, big cities often come to mind. 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. 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 Do a quick search online for "gay-friendly travel," and you'll find the usual suspects New York City, Enter your email to be added to our mailing list. Thats why the Realtor.com data team sought out the nations most affordable gay meccas. Head over to the Tin Roof on Sundays to cheer on your favorite drag queen during the Battle of the Divas. Palm Springs is a great place to relax, rejuvenate, and reflect. 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. 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. 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. You dont [want] to walk out your door and go into a world thats abrasive and wants to judge you.. 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+. Lake Worth is home to the Compass Gay and Lesbian Community Center for Palm Beach County. Required fields are marked *. She has a master's degree in data journalism from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism. Gay clubs abound in Madrid, including Boyberry, La Kama, Barbanarama, El Bulldog, and Ricks. However, it has some surprisingly queer-friendly spots and an increasing number of LGBTQ+ annual events, including OutFest and Philly Pride. Thanks for subscribing! Charming and quaint, Dunedin is a historic, small town with a big-city mindset just north of Clearwater. Now dont get me wrong, its not the most LGBTQ+ friendly city in the United States by any means. And unlike New York and Los Angeles, the city of Philadelphia is also relatively affordable, making it perfect for a budget long weekend away. Here's a list of up-and-coming queer communities in the South.. There are 200 miles of biking and hiking trails to explore, and Lake Mendota offers kayaking and fishing. Many people consider gay life in Tally boring. 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. And if all that wasnt enough, youll also find several queer-owned businesses and annual LGBTQ+ events here. Most tourists come to Albuquerque as part of a day trip from the nearby, more popular city of Santa Fe. There is also a list of queer social events to attend including the citysPride Film Festival, a three-day event that has been around for 14 years. 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. 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. 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. And while Austin isnt the cheapest city to visit in the USA, its not expensive either, provided that youre not travelling during the peak season, which for Austin specifically is going to be during the South by Southwest festival. 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. It has no shortage of historic sites, three military bases, and tons of restaurants and bars. And while youre at it, maybe you can even find a new place to live. East Nashville Green Hills 12 South West End The Nations Hillsboro Village Memphis Memphis is a haven for Naples also a pet-friendly destination. 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. And, if you like yoga, Jessamyn Stanley, a black, queer, femme, and fat identified yoga instructor. Noted for its extensive gay, lesbian and transgender annual events, nightlife, clubs and bars, Boston is a fantastic place to travel to as an LGBTQ+ person. In April, Jane Castor was elected Tampas first openly gay mayor. Their well-known gay neighborhoods are South End, Savin Hill, and Melville Park. 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. Tennessee 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. It is on Bayou Texar and is surrounded by parks. So with such a widely diverse population, what isnt there to love? The camp counselors teach song-writing, how to play and how to form a band. It offers a mix of urban amenities with a suburban feel. 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. 1 most LGBTQ-friendly city last year. Explore, connect, and party in the sunshine state using our gay Florida travel guides. A turnkey Colonial built in 1930 and located right near Salem State University runs about $480,000. 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. Unsurprisingly given how progressive Boston is, there are plenty of annual LGBTQ+ events in the city and many gay-friendly and gay-owned businesses. The best LGBTQ-friendly small-towns in the USA offer the freedom to explore small-town America while feeling comfortable traveling as you are. 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. 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. This longtime LGBTQ+ hotspot offers scenic bike rides, inclusive bars and restaurants such as the, , and picture-perfect beaches. 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.