Thinking about moving to the south? While it’s true that many of the southern states do tend to be more conservative, and a number of them have made headlines with their anti-LGBT stance, there are some cities in the south that are very diverse and welcoming. The south can be beautiful, and if you’re a history buff, it’s full of fascinating places to visit. There are also a number of large corporations headquartered in cities like Atlanta and Miami, so the south has plenty of lucrative jobs. Here are some of the gayest cities in the south that you might think about moving to.
Nashville
The country music capital of the world, Nashville, Tennessee, is also home to a good sized LGBT population. You’ll find many of them in The District, the gay part of the city that features plenty of LGBT bars, clubs, and other businesses. The large number of colleges and universities in the city, including Vanderbilt and Tennessee State, bring in a number of young, accepting students to the area, too.
New Orleans
Home of Mardi Gras, it should come as no surprise that New Orleans, Louisiana, is a major LGBT destination. But while many people visit the city, it also has a good sized permanent gay and lesbian population. There are many different parties, parades, and other events in New Orleans that will certainly appeal to those who love glamour and glitz.
Austin
Austin, Texas, is where to go if you’re a part of the LGBT community, want to live in the south, and are in the technology industry. It’s been called the Silicon Valley of the South because of all the different tech companies there, which has also made it one of the fastest growing U.S. cities. Music is also big in Austin, giving it the title of the Live Music Capital of the World. It’s no wonder that the city is sometimes referred to as “Gay Austin.”
Dallas
Head to the north of Texas and you’ll find Dallas, a city home to one of the largest U.S. LGBT populations. It’s also the location of the Cathedral of Hope, a huge LGBT church. The center of the LGBT community in Dallas is Oak Lawn, a quiet neighborhood featuring a number of LGBT-owned stores, boutiques, and restaurants. As a part of the huge DFW Metro area, there’s plenty to see and do in the area, too.
These are just a few of the large cities in the south where the LGBT population isn’t just welcomed, it’s growing.