Disclaimer: Most gay-friendly cities in Florida are quite diverse, and neighborhoods can change dramatically in just a few short blocks. 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. 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. If you are planning a visit to the beautiful beaches of Florida, you may have heard of Red Tide. WebThe 7 Best Towns in South Carolina for LGBT Families Columbia, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Rock Hill, Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson, South Carolina are top However, a recent poll found that 4.3% of the citys population identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Iconic sights here include the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Alcatraz Island, and Chinatown. Tennessee Another hot, up & coming, yet affordable LGBT-friendly neighborhood is North Andrews Gardens. It is on Bayou Texar and is surrounded by parks. 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. 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. Festivities started Saturday at MJs Tavern, a gay watering hole in nearby Norfolk. Boston, Massachusettss diverse and inclusive culture, makes it one the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the United States. WebBest LGBTQ+-friendly small towns in the USA Photograph: Shutterstock 1. 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 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. 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. One reason is a sexual orientation wage gap. At the end of the month, a Pride Kiki is planned at Ocean Breeze Waterpark. 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. Speaking of the theme parks, what started as a small group of gays and lesbians dressing in red and spending the day at Walt Disney World in 1991 has grown into one of the largest gay pride events in the world, attracting over 150,000 gay and lesbian travelers to Orlando on the first Saturday of every June. Unsurprisingly then, there is an abundance of LGBTQ+ events in the city here, both annual and one-off. There are unique neighborhood vibes to suit your preferences. Stroll along the southern end of St. Pete Beach through the Pass-a-Grille area that stretches 22 blocks where the gay community hangs out. 1. If you are more interested in new construction in the suburban areas of Tampa Bay, you may want to try Wesley Chapel in Pasco County or the more affordable of area of Riverview. 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. While relaxing is often at the top of most travellers lists on a visit to Palm Springs, theres still plenty to see, do and explore. 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!) Many LGBT active adults have heard of the retirement community The Villages located about an hour northwest of Orlando. 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. 1. An organization called Gear, Gender Education Advocacy Resources, that sponsors a Transgender Helpline. She has a master's degree in data journalism from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism. 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. 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. Another challenge: gentrification thats been going on for years in larger cities pricing people out. 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. Nashvilles annual pride event takes place in June and features some of the best live entertainment from the entire United States pride scene with previous headliners including; Lizzo, Betty Who and Salt N Pepa. 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. Aside from the enormous Gay Pride Parade that brings out thousands of LGBT tourists on Memorial Day weekend, residents in the area will tell you that everyday life is a bit stricter. Philadelphia is an increasingly queer-friendly city and an unlikely candidate on this list. Seattle is well-known for its rain. 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! If the idea of living in Big Sky Country appeals to you, thenMissoulais the perfect place to relocate. Aside from mosquitoes and those pesky hurricanes, who wouldnt want to be surrounded by water and sun the majority of the year. The only thing missing in Mount Dora is a pride parade or festival, butCome Out with Pride OrlandoandOne Magical Weekend at Disneyare less than an hours drive away. Homes there are not cheap, though, with a newly built, two-bed, 2.5-bath condo listed at $1.9 million. Unsurprisingly given how progressive Boston is, there are plenty of annual LGBTQ+ events in the city and many gay-friendly and gay-owned businesses. Dj vu! Brookings, Top LGBTQ Trips in Oregon Denver has an incredibly vibrant LGBTQ+ community with a range of diverse nightlife scattered throughout the city. Bonus: For those looking for more exciting nightlife, Boston is just 15 miles northeast. 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. Austin is easily one of the mostgay-friendly places in America, with an incredible LGBTQ+ community. LGBTQ Youth Support. 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. The city is also home to the only National Park Service site dedicated to LGBTQ+ history, the Quatrefoil Library and Archives. West Hollywood is the home of the LGBTQ community, as well as a plethora of clubs and bars. While same-sex marriage was legalized in 2015, members of the LGBTQ community still face discrimination, including in housing. The city has everything from street performers to colourful buildings, mountains to beaches and happy hour bars through to lovely independent bookshops. This charming and fun-filled city is ideal for those looking for a hometown where they can really beoutwhen they are out and about. There are drag queen brunches on the Dora Queen, LGBTQ meetup groups, lesbian realtors, gay-owned shops and more. Home of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville is another fantastic place for LGBTQ+ travellers to visit. Prepare accordingly by bringing an umbrella or two. This library holds more than 12,000 books, 140 magazine titles and over 100 archival collections that celebrate the lives of countless people. Located on the outskirts of Fort Lauderdale is the queer-friendliest small town on the Florida mainland: Wilton Manors. Besides the beaches, there are plenty of things to do here. One such business is the Safety and an accepting community are two of the most important considerations of gay home buyers, according to a report last month by Freddie Mac and the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, an organization of real estate professionals. Web11 gay-friendly small cities in big red states. While most of the Florida Panhandle is pretty conservative, Tallahassee is solid blue. A four-bedroom, two-bath midcentury home here costs about $400,000. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that Sin City is home to dozens of gay bars and nightclubs, including Peppermint Club, inside FireSky Resort & Spa and Vista Lounge at AQUA by Westgate Las Vegas. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use. A two-story condo there is currently on the market for $329,900. 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. Atlanta's population of queer people of color makes it unique from other cities. Ocean Beach is, in our opinion, the most popular with the LGBTQ+ community and is located along the Great Highway. Youll find some of the most famous LGBTQ+ historical sites in this city, including the Stonewall Inn and Christopher Park. Because of its proximity to the ocean, real estate here can get a bit pricey. San Francisco is one of the most quintessential gay cities in the United States, packed full of great things to see and do. Stroll Main Street for over 125 locally-owned restaurants and stores housed in lovely 19th-century buildings. And although still in its infancy, Naples Pride brings together LGBTQ community members and business owners from throughout the region. Orlando is consistently rated among the most visited cities in the United States for LGBTQ+ travellers. Palm Springs, California. 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. San Diego is a great place to be gay. 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. The gay-owned Paradiso Restorante, an Italian favorite, is another LGBTQ crowd pleaser and has been around for over 20 years! LGBTQ community: These are the best and worst states for LGBTQ 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. These LGBTQ-friendly small towns in the USA combine big-city perks with small-town charm in a most magnificent manner. Many people consider gay life in Tally boring. 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. Browse over 140 LGBTQ-owned businesses (also found in neighboring Douglas), swim and kayak at, (widely hailed as one of the countrys best), and climb to the top of. Livability explores what makes small-to-medium sized cities great places to live. Explore, connect, and party in the sunshine state using our gay Florida travel guides. All of them have good housing stock, plenty of things to do, and prices that are still (relatively) within reach. However, it offers less pricey options than nearby Los Angeles, along with a more chill vibe. Atlanta offers welcoming spots for LGBTQ+ folks across the city. In 2019, Fort Lauderdale passed a law that protects the citys LGBTQ community from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. A college town at heart, Madison is home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a state school with more than 30,000 students. 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. Most tourists come to Albuquerque as part of a day trip from the nearby, more popular city of Santa Fe. >. Stay at the gay-ownedPineapple Inn Bed and BreakfastorWishing Well B&B, and dont miss a show at the renownedBucks County Playhouse, which has staged original plays and musicals (including world premieres from Terrence McNally and Neil Simon), revivals, and concerts since 1939. Over the last several decades, the uber-queer Five Pointsforms the hub of what is, without question, the most gay-friendly area of Jacksonville. The island is only 4 miles long by 1 mile wide, so its pretty easy to find a gay-friendly neighborhood! It also has a growing LGBTQ community. South Its filled with hip shops and on-trend restaurants. Seattle is a fantastic city to visit as an LGBTQ+ person. 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 Dont leave town without catching a glimpse of the seven-story Christ of the Ozarks statue, hunting for ghosts at the, This LGBTQ+ oasis offers easy access to Sonoma Countys world-renowned wineries plus plenty of in-town treats. 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. A single-family home overlooking Lake Travis is listed closer to the citys median list price, at $639,000. 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. Birmingham The city has received a perfect 100-point score on the Human Rights Commissions Municipal Equality Index for the past six years. 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. 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. Brookings, South Dakota. Dubbed the Gay Riviera, Miami Beach is a city on a barrier island, separated from Miami proper by Biscayne Bay. Columbus, Ohio, probably wasnt on your radar when looking for an LGBTQ+ getaway, right? Please inform us if you experience discrimination or homophobia while visiting any destinationso wecan make updates to our recommendations. You dont [want] to walk out your door and go into a world thats abrasive and wants to judge you.. And CAVO Lounge hosts a monthly drag brunch that is popular among both LGBTQ people and allies. For more information, visit rainbowfamilyvillagesfl.com. And for those who already call this state home, its the perfect place to reside. A haven of counterculture and the birthplace of Starbucks coffee. 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. One of our favourite things to do during our recent trip to Portland was the free walking tour. For our complete LGBTQ guide to Delray, check out our Gay Florida Road Trip Guide to Delray Beach. Senior Advice ranked West Palm Beach the #2 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. Mount Dora is artsy, beautiful and surprisingly super gay! The 7 Best Towns in South Carolina for LGBT Families - Movoto The city has a booming queer and trans population and is home to the southern Comfort Conference. The Best and Worst Places in the U.S. to Be LGBTQ MEI fair law enforcement score: 22 out of 22 points. 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. 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. Yet many small towns across the USA are just as welcoming. The Pink Triangle gayborhood includes a cluster of LGBT bars, entertainment clubs, and even a rainbow crosswalk. The MEI examines how inclusive a citys municipal laws, policies and services are of LGBTQ people who live there. Members of the LGBTQ community can work and live comfortably in every neighborhood of this city as there is no gay neighborhood instead, the entire town is considered inclusive and safe for all residents. 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. 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. We uncover the best of the city and put it all in an email for you. The gay-friendliest beach is on County Road 399, two miles past the Gulf Islands National Seashore sign.