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. Friendly Small Towns 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. And if all that wasnt enough, youll also find several queer-owned businesses and annual LGBTQ+ events here. While not specifically noted as a gay community, there is a gay community within the community called Rainbow Family and Friends. Bloomington, home to Indiana University, offers another LGBTQ-friendly oasis in the Midwest. Most tourists come to Albuquerque as part of a day trip from the nearby, more popular city of Santa Fe. A four-bedroom, two-bath midcentury home here costs about $400,000. Home of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville is another fantastic place for LGBTQ+ travellers to visit. Disclaimer: Most gay-friendly cities in Florida are quite diverse, and neighborhoods can change dramatically in just a few short blocks. With a youthful community supported by the University of Montana a progressive liberal arts school an array of gay-friendly bars and restaurants can easily be found. 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. 42. 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. 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 Mount Dora offers a small town vibe where everyone knows your name. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! 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. It also has a growing LGBTQ community. In 2012, the Broward County school district became the first in the nation to recognize LGBT History Month. Unlike some larger cities, there isnt one primarily gay neighborhoodbut that means theres more room to spread out. After the obligatory beach time, visit the, for drinking and dancing. Ivanhoe Village District is a colorful bohemian community where youll find some fabulous antique dealers as well as a couple of laid-back neighborhood bars. If you like to be social, then check out the Triangle Connection, the towns LGBT Social group. 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. Why this Georgia mountain town has become a gay-friendly hot The town is also famous for its festivals and has the most beautiful Christmas decorations in all of Florida right up there with St Augustine. 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! NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA One of the country's largest gay events is Southern Decadence, which is hosted annually by the great city of New Orleans. Tennessee 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. Most of the LGBTQ nightlife is located in the Shadyside neighborhood, a historic and walkable area that also has galleries and restaurants. And while youre at it, maybe you can even find a new place to live. 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. Another hot, up & coming, yet affordable LGBT-friendly neighborhood is North Andrews Gardens. 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. 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. Web11 gay-friendly small cities in big red states. While Christopher Park contains two historical statues commemorating these riots that changed the lives of LGBTQ+ people across the world. West Hollywood is the home of the LGBTQ community, as well as a plethora of clubs and bars. There is no shortage of events for members of the queer community to attend. 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. Alongside an extensive range of LGBTQ+ owned businesses to support during your travels. 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. 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. WebThis gay-friendly, hilly town of cobblestone streets lies about 180 miles north of Mexico City. Theres no denying that Florida is one of the most beautiful places to live. If the idea of living in Big Sky Country appeals to you, thenMissoulais the perfect place to relocate. 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. Therefore, accommodation availability and costs increase dramatically. Long Beach isnt what most people would quite call affordable. A two-story condo there is currently on the market for $329,900. Austin is home to an LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, an international drag festival, and several pride parades, including Queerbomb, an anti-corporate alternative to the main event. Fort Lauderdale is a featured destination in our Gay Florida Road Trip Guides. This natural phenomenon can affect the. Best LGBTQ+-friendly small towns in the USA - Time Out United We sold everything we had to travel the world in 2017, got married in Orlando, FL in 2019 and discovered family travel in 2021. About 45 minutes south, youll find the intercoastal city of St. Augustine also known as The Souths Little Secret. Aside from delicious food and beautiful beaches, Charleston, South Carolina is a slick city rich in tradition and history with an increasingly visible LGBT population. 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. Annual pride celebrations in Las Vegas are held in October and include an LGBTQ+ Film Festival, The Rodeo Parade and a street festival on Fremont Street. The largest city in New Mexico, Albuquerque, has become increasingly popular with LGBTQ+ tourists over the past couple of years. 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. One such business is the Given this deep LGBTQ+ history, its no surprise that New York City is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the world in which youll find an endless number of queer-friendly bars, clubs, restaurants and hotels. 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. 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 Gulfport is also home to the nationally accredited LGBTQ Resource Center, located in the Gulfport Library. To learn more about the region, check out the Mount Dora Road Trip Guide. Web21. 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. For a list of LGBTQ-friendly real estate professionals in Florida, click here. Iconic sights here include the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Alcatraz Island, and Chinatown. The gay-friendliest beach is on County Road 399, two miles past the Gulf Islands National Seashore sign. This quaint town in Lake County is a rainbow diamond in the rough. 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. Soft sand, gentle waves, and warm smiles greet you in this delightful seaside town. and-coming Destinations Around the World We already have this email. 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. 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. , when the entire town is illuminated by candlelight. Stroll Main Street for over 125 locally-owned restaurants and stores housed in lovely 19th-century buildings. , the largest LGBTQ+ resort in the Midwest, and make some new friends by the pool. 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. Tropical Shores is a hidden gem of a neighborhood just off Old Southeast and is truly a treasure. Charming and quaint, Dunedin is a historic, small town with a big-city mindset just north of Clearwater. Most of Key Wests gay and lesbian nightlife takes place on Duval Street, in an area called the Pink Triangle. The Miami neighborhood of Little Havana is the spiritual and cultural core of Miamis Hispanic community, hosting Gay8 Festival, the largest Hispanic LGBT Festival in the United States attended by over 60,000 people. 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. The beach itself is a huge draw, especially the gay beach at 12th Street and Ocean Drive. The Pink Triangle gayborhood includes a cluster of LGBT bars, entertainment clubs, and even a rainbow crosswalk. While it's true that the South has discrimination, some cities, towns, and counties are progressing. Senior Advice ranked Tampa the #10 best city for LGBT people to retire in 2019. And unlike New York and Los Angeles, the city of Philadelphia is also relatively affordable, making it perfect for a budget long weekend away. This city is known for the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, affectionately referred to as the LGBTQ+ communitys Smithsonian. To come up with this list, the Realtor.com data team found states that had at least 2.5 married or co-habitating same-sex couples per 1,000 residents using U.S. Census Bureau data. And for those who already call this state home, its the perfect place to reside. There are over 100,000 residents that live in this self-contained community filled with golf courses, and access to more goods and services than youd find in a regular city of that size. Some decided to stay and build a laid-back life in Vilano Beach, Matanzas Bay, or the San Savinoneighborhood of St. Augustine Shores. Atlanta, Georgia Aside from New Orleans, Atlanta is an LGBT hot spot; people travel from all over the South to 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. 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. The 7 Best Towns in South Carolina for LGBT Families - Movoto Only about half are homeowners compared with about 65% of the general population, according to the report. The 7 Best Towns in Georgia for LGBT Families - Movoto Real Estate 5 Southern Cities with Thriving Queer Communities, Being a southern, queer, trans man isn't easy. With antique shops, wineries, a rich arts scene, and rustic charm, this small town along the Delaware River is a popular weekend escape from New York and Philadelphia. In April, Jane Castor was elected Tampas first openly gay mayor. 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. Whether youre in search of a beachside bungalow, an LGBTQ-rich community or a skyrise with waterviews in the city, Florida provides options for all who choose to live here. Provincetown, MA. 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!) Seattle is a fantastic city to visit as an LGBTQ+ person. 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. Located on the outskirts of Fort Lauderdale is the queer-friendliest small town on the Florida mainland: Wilton Manors. 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. We uncover the best of the city and put it all in an email for you. 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. Published on September 5, 2020. 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. Things in this historic town have become considerably more tolerant since the days of the Salem witch trials. WebThe NW 39th Street Enclave in Oklahoma City is considered to be the largest gay district in not just the Great Plains, but also among the central regions of the entire country, San Diego is a great place to be gay. When choosing accommodation, consider LGBTQ-owned inns likeTwenty Shore, and theDragonfly Guest House. Naples also a pet-friendly destination. The ViMi District, more officially known as Virginia-Mills, is one of the citys most vibrant gay neighborhoods. 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. Affordable Gay Vacation Towns - TripSavvy And with home prices rising just about everywhere, its more important than ever to find places that are not only gay-friendly but also budget-friendly. However, if you miss Pridefest, dont worry as there is another fantastic 4-day LGBTQ+ festival, Denver OutFest, held in October. Median sold price: $374,249. 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. While big cities like San Francisco and New York have been long-renowned for their thriving gay scenes, theyre also notoriously expensive places to buy a home. With 14% LGBT population, this walkable suburb with a small-town atmosphere is dubbed the countrys Second Gayest City (second only to Provincetown). 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. Its a place that seems to have something for everyone. Portland is another fantastic LGBTQ+ friendly city worth visiting either as a solo traveller, couple or family. This is the closest waterfront neighborhood to downtown. 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. There are drag queen brunches on the Dora Queen, LGBTQ meetup groups, lesbian realtors, gay-owned shops and more. In 1988 the city elected Broward Countys 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. 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. Many LGBT active adults have heard of the retirement community The Villages located about an hour northwest of Orlando. WebBest LGBTQ+-friendly small towns in the USA Photograph: Shutterstock 1. OutCoast.com Explore LGBTQ Florida is a digital magazine and Florida travel blog that highlights Floridas LGBTQ-inclusive destinations and businesses. With over 6% of its population being LGBT, Tampa has a perfect score on HRCs Municipal Equality. Gay clubs abound in Madrid, including Boyberry, La Kama, Barbanarama, El Bulldog, and Ricks. Aside from mosquitoes and those pesky hurricanes, who wouldnt want to be surrounded by water and sun the majority of the year. 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. For a magical experience, visit during December for. Your email address will not be published. Mount Dora even has a Christmas shop with an entire section dedicated to the LGBTQ community. Austin is easily one of the mostgay-friendly places in America, with an incredible LGBTQ+ community. South Tampa is a And, if you like yoga, Jessamyn Stanley, a black, queer, femme, and fat identified yoga instructor. Visit during the summer forGay Wine Weekend, which includes wine tastings, drag brunches, pool parties, and other festive events. Its residents regard Madison as one of the most gay-friendly cities in the United States. It was recently recognized by Thrillist as the most gay-friendly city One might not instantly think of Floridas Panhandle as gay-friendly or welcoming due to its ultra-conservative nature. The town even has a touch of LGBTQ nightlife at Bambusa Bar and Grill. Named the second gayest city in America by the Williams Institute in 2010, this subtropical locale has just 12,600 residents but managed to score 100 on the MEI. Quaint and charming, cultured and European, St. Augustines history is quite alluring to LGBT travelers. and a fantastic art scene. 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. They are finding places like Pittsburgh where they can actually have quite a lavish lifestyle as far as homes go compared to other markets like San Francisco, Larson says. 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. If youre looking for the LGBTQ+ hotspot in Texas, then Austin is the city for you. , where seemingly everyone in town gathers for its iconic tea dance. Dubbed the Gay Riviera, Miami Beach is a city on a barrier island, separated from Miami proper by Biscayne Bay.