Washington is a state well-known for its natural beauty – and with its location in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, it certainly has plenty of it. It’s also known for its laid-back vibe, its adventurous, free-spirited people, and for generally being a progressive, forward-thinking place. It’s also a state full of many wonderful cities, each unique in its own way, and many with thriving and growing LGBTQ communities. If you’re considering making a move to Washington, there is no shortage of great cities and neighborhoods to choose from. Some of the cities you might want to consider include:
- Seattle: One of the most beautiful cities in the country, Seattle is the largest city in Washington, and is home to a chill and relaxed LGBTQ lifestyle. It’s a thriving gay community that ranks as the 6th largest in the nation. Seattle is also a place you can quickly escape with a ferry across the magnificent Puget Sound or a winding drive through the Hoh Rainforest. It offers a perfect blend of culture and nature, and there’s truly something for everyone in this city. Read the full Seattle Gay City Guide here.
- Spokane: The largest city between Seattle and Minneapolis, Spokane is currently the second-largest city in Washington state. Often called the Lilac City because of the beautiful flowers known to grow there, Spokane is also known for being a gateway to the northwest Rockies, Glacier National Park, and the Columbia Valley wine region. Spokane is a city known for its natural beauty, and also for its friendly people and welcoming vibe. If you’re thinking of finding your next home in Spokane, you’ll find a lot about it to love! Read the full Spokane Gay City Guide here.
- Tacoma: Situated on beautiful Puget Sound near Seattle, the Tacoma area is known as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly areas in the country. In fact, The Advocate named Tacoma the “Gayest City in America” in 2012. Tacoma offers abundant natural beauty, plenty to see and do, and opportunity for everyone, all amidst an eclectic, free-spirited, welcoming vibe. The “City of Destiny” as Tacoma is often called, would truly make a wonderful destination to call home! Read the full Tacoma Gay City Guide here.
- Olympia: Olympia is a naturally beautiful and slightly smaller city that serves as the capital of Washington and also as a major cultural center of the Puget Sound region. Olympia is a hip city, known for its progressive attitudes, indie music scenes, and thriving theater industry as well. Its LGBTQ community is large, proactive, and young – and the city offers many LGBTQ events throughout the year, not to mention being home to many LGBTQ owned shops, bars, and restaurants. Nature lovers will also love living in this city, as it is full of stunning natural beauty and plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities. Read more about some of the wonderful things that Olympia has to offer here.
After you’ve decided which city in Washington is the best fit for you, your next step should be to connect with a realtor who knows that city and its neighborhoods well, and who can help you find a home that you will love and enjoy for many years to come. If you’re ready to do exactly that, we have over 20,000 LGBTQ realtors in our extensive network at www.GayRealEstate.com, and we are ready to help! Choose an agent and start a conversation – there is never a cost or obligation. We look forward to helping you find your perfect Washington home soon!