2. On both sides of the Mississippi River, you'll find LGBTQ-friendly neighborhoods offering an open, relaxed and affordable way of life. San Francisco, New York, and Miami are considered safe havens for us because of the well-established queer communities present in these . ; Cost of Living - Tampa's cost of living is 3% below the national average, and Tampa's purchasing power is 22.7% higher than in NYC, making it an affordable and fun city. 50. Some may be gay getaways, such as Provincetown . Le Marais' is Paris' spectacularly gay neighbourhood. Two cities in our region are ranked among the top 20 for LGBTQ . This is a list of gay villages, urban areas with generally recognized boundaries that unofficially form a social center for LGBT people. [1] They tend to contain a number of gay lodgings, B&Bs, bars, clubs and pubs, restaurants, cafs and other similar businesses. In Salida, lodging options are cheap if fairly nondescript. This week . Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale. Here are the top 10 cities for LGBT people to retire. Sao Paulo is not only Brazil's economic hub and the largest city in South America, but it's also the third-largest city in the world. New York City is, in fact, a collection of neighborhoods spread across five boroughs, and you're likely to find an LGBTQ-friendly watering hole or community in nearly every corner of the city. Check out the nicest places in every state. It's no wonder Southern Living named Aiken The South's Best Small Town for 2018. As members of the LGBTQ+ community, we have oftentimes been conditioned to only feel secure in big cities. There are about a dozen bars and hotels that cater to gays and lesbians; the Empress Hotel, for . Founded in 1886 as a hub for timber and cotton production, the town fell into disrepair in the 1950s as agricultural work declined and residents moved elsewhere. Greater Phoenix is a growing metropolis that maintains a laid-back personality, where friendly people are in the majority, and where superior service is to be expected. Since the town as a whole is incredibly gay-friendly, you'll find LGBT beachgoers at most of the 17 beaches. Looking more closely at some of the individual factors include in our index, Coventry was found to be the . The Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation Law and Public Policy released a study in 2006 saying that Dallas had the largest gay population in all of Texas. Gay Dallas is primarily focused on the Oak Lawn neighborhood with bars, restaurants, and stores. Population: 12,788 Not to be confused with its North Carolinian namesake, Beaufort (pronounced byoo-fort) has everything you would hope for in a small Southern town . The Oaklawn district of Dallas was voted the top "gayborhood" in the entire country by Out Traveler in 2014. That Asbury Park is the most gay-friendly Shore town comes as no surprise to anyone. The Stonewall Inn. 1. 15 Affordable Small Towns We Love. Our beaches are nestled among towering sand dunes and bordered by the winding Kalamazoo River on its way to Lake Michigan. 10. Carrboro is in the "Research Triangle." The following lists some towns with relatively high percentages of gay male couples and some are in the South. 6. Favorite Small Towns for Getting Outdoors. 13. 49. Columbia is host to one of the largest LGBT festivals in the South. Atlanta, GA. West Village, Chelsea, and Hell's Kitchen, New York City. 13 / 15. You can see the full results of the top 100 gay-friendly cities in the world here. Named for the beautiful Cottonwood trees that grow along the Verde River, the town grew from a small farming community to the Verde Valley's population center, called "the biggest little town in Arizona" by the . Bike, hike, raft, climbthese towns welcome adrenaline junkies. The Stonewall Inn. The city also has the highest concentration of gay couples of any major American city, with about 3% of all households. 09 of 10. After analyzing 150 cities with over 1,000 households, we've determined these are The Gayest Cities in Washington for 2020. Here are the best cities in America for LGBTQ+ seniors in 2018: 1. Or head to Columbia Heights to experience a strong Latino and hipster crowd with a mix of ethnic restaurants and cool taverns. Dallas has one of the biggest gay populations in the US and is home to the LGBT mega-church: The Cathedral of Hope. With the largest gay population of any city in Texas, Dallas presents an excellent . 11 gay-friendly small cities in big red states From West Virginia to Alaska, LGBTQ-inclusive cities can be found across the U.S., according to Human Rights Campaign's annual Municipal Equality Index. El Dorado, Arkansas or Florence, Alabama, might not be on your radar yet but affordable small towns like these are gaining attention nationwide and with good reason: They offer budget-friendly real . Being a massive city, there is a wide variety of people and scenes, so you are sure to find what you seek here. While Buenos Aires tops the list of gay-friendly cities, Uruguay has been ranked as the most gay-friendly country in South America several years in a row by Americas Quarterly. 1. Join us in Portugal for an Azores Islands Adventure. Houston. The Town of Cottonwood is surrounded by jagged mountains on the south and west, and to the north and east by mesas and buttes. Of course, the hub of all things queer-friendly . Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Motto: "Small Town, Big Ambitions". For such a small nation that is still relatively unvisited by the traditional tourist track, Malta has advanced LGBT rights. 10th. Another gay-friendly small town that's similar in scope and vibe is Ouray, which is famous for its ice-climbing. Ocean Springs Mississippi. This historic city has one of the most prominent LGBT community theater organizations, Friends of George's. Memphis also hosts the Mid-South Pride Festival, which always attracts a massive turnout. Of course, the hub of all things queer-friendly . Walla Walla, Washington. Belfast ranked as the most LGBT-friendly city in Northern Ireland, ranking in 18 th place overall. New Orleans, known for its historic French Quarter, is a "haven" for the LBGT community due to its "abundance . Located a mere 90 miles from Charleston, Beaufort is a 300-year old town chock-full of charm and good neighbors. ASBURY PARK. Politics: 40% Democrat 50% Republican. France. Continue to 9 of 10 below. The Memphis Gaydar is also a fun way to stay apprised with gay news, events, and more in the city and surrounding areas. Phoenix, which covers 514 square miles, is the sixth-largest city in the country with a population of more than 1.5 million people (Source: City of Phoenix). The South West region is home to award-winning wineries and restaurants that make use of the delicious local produce. The senior population in Atlanta is just under 10 percent and the general LGBT population there is just over 4 percent in the metro area. 42. Simpsonville, SC is ranked as one of the safest cities in South Carolina; only 2.77 violent crimes were reported by Safewise per 1,000 people. And in 1978, it became the first city in the state . Since long before the Civil War, New Orleans has been a popular haven for the LGBTQ community. To find the best gay hangouts, the top neighborhoods include the U Street Corridor, Dupont Circle or Logan Circle with LGBT favorite spots like Cobalt, 30 Degrees, Green Lantern or DIK Bar. With 14% LGBT population, this walkable suburb with a small-town atmosphere is dubbed the country's "Second Gayest City" (second only to Provincetown). Here is one South Carolina and 14 other small towns that are ideal for a summer getaway right now. More than 100 factors were considered in developing the list, said a SeniorAdvice spokesman. It's just a short drive south along the coast to visit some of the Southern Hemisphere's most beautiful beaches, including swank Camp Bay, which lies in the shadows of the Twelve Apostle mountains, and Clifton, which has a scene-y gay beach. Hamburg, Germany. Local resources: PGH Equality Center, Dreams of Hope. In Alabama, only 32 . Especially noteworthy for LGBT travelers is the fact that So Paulo hosts the biggest gay pride celebration on the planet. Big cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Boston are already on everybody's gaydar, but there are plenty of smaller or lesser-known queer-friendly cities and towns across the United States -- some in the unlikeliest of places -- that are worth a visit. There are also beautiful sites on the marina of the English Channel. When people think of LGBT-friendly South Florida cities, Miami probably pops to mind first. 2 and a half hours from DC which is a great destination. David Jones/Flickr. Retiree Cost of Living: 13.8% below national averages. It is a gay friendly town with great restaurants and completely open to gay men and lesbians. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia, Abingdon is one of those small towns in the south that is known for its combination of artsy vibes and historic charm. ; Gayborhood - Ybor City is the most well-known gayborhood with an eclectic mix of shops . That ranks as the number 6 most gay state in the nation. Our picks for the 22 small gay-friendly cities that LGBTQ travelers should consider visiting in 2022. Fort Lauderdale, FL. 1. Wilson, AR. Calgary, Canada. Tennessee Big cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Boston are already on everybody's gaydar, but there are plenty of smaller or lesser-known queer-friendly cities and towns across the United States -- some in the unlikeliest of places -- that are worth a visit. However, Playa De la Bassa Rodona is the official gay beach and preferred by most speedo-wearing . But Fort Lauderdale has most of the same gay-friendly accommodations and nightlife in a more laid back and affordable environment. Municipal Equality Index Score: 100. Just two hours south of London is the seaside town of Brighton. Local resources: PGH Equality Center, Dreams of Hope. Over 35 states, together with the District of Columbia, have since followed suit in this progressive movement. Columbia has 20 private schools and seven public school districts. Or head to Columbia Heights to experience a strong Latino and hipster crowd with a mix of ethnic restaurants and cool taverns. Along South Roosevelt Boulevard. 17. Saugatuck and Douglas are Michigan's premiere gay friendly small towns. Many houses in Pittsburgh are priced at $300,000 or less - which is very low, considering Pittsburgh is a major city. The water is not warm or blue but the girls are really cute. Tennessee Beaufort, South Carolina. Prague, Czech Republic. If it is your wish to live in the "gayest city in Florida", make Wilton Manors your next home. River North Denver, Colorado Denver has always been ahead of the gay curve. Various US cities have welcomed the LGBT community with open arms, celebrating Tax Status: Not Tax-Friendly. South Florida - Ft Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, West Palm Beach, Miami Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors. Making it into the Top 10 friendliest cities and towns in Australia is Hobart, Tasmania. When it comes to gay-friendly places for the senior set, a new national ranking shows what most South Floridians may already know. Some may be gay getaways, such as Provincetown . New Orleans, Louisiana. I was actually going to say the opposite. . The USA has become a friendlier place for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transsexual community since 2003 when Massachusetts became the first state to legalize same-sex marriage. Gay home buyers in the Rocky Mountain region have an affordable alternative to Denver. Chic women sip caf au lait with a menthol dangling from their fingers. Many houses in Pittsburgh are priced at $300,000 or less - which is very low, considering Pittsburgh is a major city. It's no wonder France has been dubbed the world's most popular tourist destination. Bristol took fifth place while Edinburgh, Leeds, Liverpool, Cardiff and Birmingham also featured within the top 10 most-friendly LGBT cities. To find the best gay hangouts, the top neighborhoods include the U Street Corridor, Dupont Circle or Logan Circle with LGBT favorite spots like Cobalt, 30 Degrees, Green Lantern or DIK Bar. Wilton Manors, FL. Northbeach is the city's most gay-friendly neighborhood, and a fully furnished unit in . Credit: Fred Salinas Photography. Uruguay legalized gay marriage in 2013 . Visit 5 small towns where residents get plenty of help reducing, reusing, and recycling. The gay rights advocacy organization, which has done the report annually since 2012, this year analyzed 353 cities. Check out the slideshow of LGBT-friendly small cities and towns below and . You can see the full results of the top 100 gay-friendly cities in the world here. Population: 1,013. North Charleston took the distinction of being the most diverse, while Mount Pleasant was the least diverse city. Saugatuck and Douglas, two small beach towns, are popular destinations for gay and lesbian travelers, and frequently lauded as some of the most gay-friendly small towns in the country. By Perri Ormont Blumberg. Published on 12/1/2021 at 6:03 PM. Charleston, South Carolina. The beach's shallow waters are only a short distance from the bars, restaurants and shops of Duval Street. This left us with scores ranging from 3,494 (North Charleston) to 8,053 (Mount Pleasant). Austin has a high number of Medicare registered doctors in the city, 20 hospitals and over 100 senior living facilities in close proximity to the area. In 2012, the Broward County school district became the first in the nation to recognize LGBT History Month. That means there are a total of 31,244 gay households in The Sunshine State. Bike, hike, raft, climbthese towns welcome adrenaline junkies. Everyone loves a comeback, and Wilson's is one for the ages. The house has a lovely front porch, which is a great spot for a morning coffee before strolling to the beach. The ranking was based on the number of openly gay elected officials, partnership . (Those cities average a scary 5.6.) While the Myrtle Beach or Disney vacations may seem more exciting, the calm simplicity of small-town summer just hits different. Among them: the percentage of LGBTQ population in the area, available social activities, festivals, weather, the existence of an LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, presence of gay-friendly senior communities, quality of health care, number of hospitals and pharmacies, local and state legislation protecting the . Saugatuck and Douglas, two small beach towns, are popular destinations for gay and lesbian travelers, and frequently lauded as some of the most gay-friendly small towns in the country. Walla Walla offers an LGBTQ-friendly, welcoming college-town vibe. LGBTQ Population - 5.9% of Tampa's metro area IDs at LGBTQ. Jun 23, 2016 at 9:00 am. 11 / 15. . The South is synonymous with things like "Southern hospitality" and "Southern charm," and tiny Beaufort, South Carolina epitomizes both. Scenes from Miami Beach Gay Pride parade on April 10. Pittsburgh has the smallest population of LGBTQ+ folks on this list, but it is also one of the most affordable places on this list. But beyond this, Abingdon has great outdoor recreation because it is so close to the Blue Ridge Mountains. There is a reason the senior population is nearly 20 percent in the state of Florida: the mild year-round climate. It's hip and has a ton of fun things to discover, and is very accepting to the LGBT+ community. Calgary, Canada. They can turn away gay men like me. That same month, the Texas Supreme Court approved a lawsuit challenging the city of Houston's provision of equal benefits to all married employees, including . 5. 1. Maldives. 6. Dallas. TripSavvy names Walla Walla its No. Hamburg, Germany. New York City is, in fact, a collection of neighborhoods spread across five boroughs, and you're likely to find an LGBTQ-friendly watering hole or community in nearly every corner of the city. "Renowned as a popular romantic vacation destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, it comes as a significant wake-up call that the Maldives bears such anti-LGBTQ+ laws," says Fergusson . The Gayborhood in Philadelphia. By Paul Jebara. Our goal with this post is to use data and science to determine the gayest cities in Florida. 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. Sheridan, a suburb about 10 minutes south of the larger city, is its own . 1 of 17. (Barbara Corbellini Duarte) TALLAHASSEE, Fla. Florida's Key West is one of the most gay-friendly places in the . 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. The city is also proof that "safe" doesn't have to mean "boring.". The one-stop Shoppes is perhaps the world's gayest strip mall, hosting 40 or so of the town's most cherished establishments across its canary-colored buildings, most of them LGBTQ+ owned and . Fort Lauderdale is the 10th largest city in Florida and along with its warm weather, it offers a warm welcome for those in the LGBTQ+ community . 3 days ago. Walla Walla, Washington. Prague, Czech Republic. Our Favorite Small-Town Foodie Havens. Gay cities of the Southeast USA 1. Held every October, South Carolina Gay & Lesbian Pride aims to educate the public about civil rights. The Heart of Dixie has five cities, including Birmingham and Mobile, that rank as among the worst for LGBT people, all scoring below a 10. Many gay-friendly companies offer tours that combine Cape Town with a safari. Not a major city, I don't think, but Carrboro, North Carolina was like the first place in the South with a gay mayor and the town apparently grants domestic-partnership rights to same-sex couples. The West Village might be NYC's historic gay center, but when it comes to contemporary queer life, Bushwick is the place to be. At 2 miles long, Smathers is big compared to other beaches on this tiny island of Key West, one of the nation's top destinations for gay travelers. After analyzing 263 cities with over 1,000 households, we've determined these are The Gayest Cities in Florida for 2020. Both cities maintain public beaches on Lake Michigan for swimmers and sunbathers, and are popular destinations for gay and lesbian vacations. Looking for more friendly cities? The Empress Hotel is also a great option. 3. With minds at peace, residents enjoy year-round festivals, including Sippin' In Simpsonville's Oktoberfest that takes . The 10 Gayest Places In Washington For 2020 . That means there are a total of 10,407 gay households in The Evergreen State. With that in mind, below are the top 10 best LGBTQ places to retire. Bushwick, Brooklyn. 1 gay-friendly destination for its welcoming college-town vibe, its sunny, dry climate and sweeping views of the Blue Mountains. Hobart. Best: Ann Arbor, Michigan. Gay city by the bay, Tampa FL. 49. So Paulo, Brazil. The city has an ever-evolving gay scene, and year after year, it keeps finding ways to support the local LGBTQ community with a variety of resources. The Gayborhood in Philadelphia. Save. A "TIME" magazine article identified Dallas as one of the country's most gay-friendly cities. This is a list of gay villages, urban areas with generally recognized boundaries that unofficially form a social center for LGBT people. In 1974, the city became the first in the country to elect an openly gay politician: Kathy Kozachenko, who served on its city council for two years. Although the South West features popular tourist destinations like Bunbury and Margaret River, there are plenty of small towns dotted along the coastline that provide visitors with a memorable experience. With over 140 gay-owned businesses, ranging from B&Bs to bars to art galleries to cutesy ice cream shops, the small neighboring towns of Saugatuck and Douglas are home to the largest gay resort in the Midwest-and thanks to local protection of gender identity and sexual orientation, you'll be hard-pressed to find anti-LGBTQ attitudes here. The Walla Walla Valley is famous for its vineyards, and there are about a dozen small breweries and . 4. David Jones/Flickr. Shutterstock. Our goal with this post is to use data and science to determine the gayest cities in Washington. The gay-friendly accommodation is within a stone's throw of the beach and next door to the gay nightclub, Paradise. level 1. Finally, we ranked each city based on the HHI with a lower score being more diverse than a high score. Reliable bets include chains like the Super 8 Salida. Co-founder of Big 7 Travel, Sarah created the company through her passion for championing the world's best food and travel experiences. [1] They tend to contain a number of gay lodgings, B&Bs, bars, clubs and pubs, restaurants, cafs and other similar businesses. Travel and Leisure recently released a list of the Top 15 Small Towns For Summer and a South Carolina town made the list. One of the oldest cities in South Carolina, Charleston also happens to be one of the most LGBT-friendly cities in the state. RELATED: 10 Myths About The South Of England That Just Aren't True. West Village, Chelsea, and Hell's Kitchen, New York City. 1. Skip gallery slides. 42. These numbers have only risen. Rehoboth Beach DE has girls for days. Contrary to gay-and-lesbian haunts like Chelsea and Hell's Kitchen, this East Brooklyn nabe lives in the non-binary future. Fayetteville, Arkansas is a picturesque location for retirees and seniors who are living on a budget. 6 LGBTQIA-Friendly Small Towns You Need to Visit From California to Maine, these queer-welcoming destinations do not disappoint. The Walla Walla Valley is also famous for its wine industry, which sprawls into neighboring Oregon. Abingdon, Virginia. Population: 32,900. family-friendly and safe, with heaps of culture and makes visitors soon feel like locals. 3. Famous for its cultural centers, the town is known for diverse, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. Co-founder of Big 7 Travel, Sarah created the company through her passion for championing the world's best food and travel experiences. Median home list price: $349,000. Beaufort, South Carolina. Pittsburgh has the smallest population of LGBTQ+ folks on this list, but it is also one of the most affordable places on this list. Smathers Beach, Key West. There are miles of beautiful white sand beaches in DE. Dallas, Texas. 50. Check out the slideshow of LGBT-friendly small cities and towns below and . New Orleans, Louisiana. A beautiful, small, gay-friendly town 45 minutes south of Barcelona, Sitges is a perfect spot for long stretches of white sandy beaches. The atmosphere in the city and beyond is hard to match, with a homey feel and locals who go the extra mile to welcome tourists. The Mile High City hosted one of the first pride parades in the USA, gay organizations (like The Colorado Gay Rodeo Association) were thriving in the early 80s, it was one of the first municipalities to adopt an anti-discrimination policy in 1990, and PrideFest ranks as one of the largest gay pride week- ends in . Average Retiree Income: $85,436. Ann Arbor has a long history of supporting its LGBTQIA+ community.