When looking for a place to call home, it’s essential to seek out cities that are welcoming and inclusive. This means finding cities with a visible LGBTQ+ community, plenty of LGBTQ+ owned businesses, community activities and events, city attractions, an overall positive vibe, and, of course, a general feeling of safety and support.
According to recent data from the Gallup Daily Tracking Survey, here are the top 10 U.S. cities with the highest percentage of LGBTQ+ residents. Check out the following cities to find your ideal community and build a fantastic life.
It goes without saying that San Francisco is the “original gay friendly city” in the U.S. with a long, important history as a vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Equality, support, and healthcare access are among the highest levels in all of the U.S. San Francisco can also boast some of the most fabulous LGBTQ+ neighborhoods including the Castro, SoMa, and the Mission. The city itself is decorated with lovely architecture and alive with festivals, culture, and the beauty of nature.
Resources for the LGBTQ+ Community in San Francisco
Portland is a magnificently scenic city that is known as much for its easy city life as its incredible abundance of green space, including expansive parks, lush forests, and awe inspiring mountains. Its reputation as one of the most progressive cities in the U.S. is just one of the many reasons the LGBTQ+ community is attracted to this exceptional city.
Resources for the LGBTQ+ Community in Portland
#3 Austin-Round Rock, TX – 5.9%
Austin is a friendly Southern city and one of the safest and most affordable cities for LGBTQ+ folks. As a large college town with a progressive and youthful vibe, it attracts young professionals and families alike. Austin is home to a large fellowship of artists as well as professionals in the tech industry creating a diverse and unique mix of community events. Outdoor activities like biking and hiking are plentiful, and the music scene is rich and alive earning it the title of “The Live Music Capital of the World.”
Resources for the LGBTQ+ Community in Austin
#4 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA – 5.2%
Seattle is a stunning city surrounded by water and mountains, and its natural beauty and proximity to nature are some of the biggest draws for many residents. The city is known for its intellectual attitude and progressive lifestyle which makes it an attractive place to live for like-minded LGBTQ+ folks. Seattle offers not only a cozy natural vibe, but also a vibrant city life as well.
Resources for the LGBTQ+ Community in Seattle
Los Angeles is another west coast city that has a longstanding and flourishing LGBTQ+ community. West Hollywood is well known as one of its most inclusive neighborhoods and 40% of its population identifies as LGBTQ+. The city as a whole offers residents extensive community support and resources. And, of course, there are the famous beaches, clubs, shopping, festivals, museums, and much more.
Resources for the LGBTQ+ Community in Los Angeles
Las Vegas is most famous for its glamorous casinos, luxury hotels, celebrity entertainment, and glitzy nightlife. It also attracts an incredibly diverse array of people from all over the world and has an active and supportive LGBTQ+ community. Las Vegas offers a healthy economy with a variety of employment options as well as plenty of housing opportunities in both the city and The Las Vegas Valley.
Resources for the LGBTQ+ Community in Las Vegas
Orlando is probably best known for its family vacation destinations of Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. But the city is also one of Florida’s most appealing economic, residential, and educational areas. The city and its surrounding residential neighborhoods offer an affordable and easy-going lifestyle along with its fantastic climate and beautiful Southern scenery. Its thriving LGBTQ+ community is noted for its supportive outreach programs and community groups.
Resources for the LGBTQ+ Community in Orlando
Boston is one of the oldest and most historic cities in the U.S. and has been labeled “The Cradle of Liberty.” It’s a welcoming and inclusive city known for its rich and important social, cultural, and political heritage. Boston is celebrated for being the first state to legalize same-sex marriage and the first to fight for the protection of transgender rights. It offers its residents incredible educational and employment opportunities, rich cultural activities, and a variety of arts, sports, and entertainment.
Resources for the LGBTQ+ Community in Boston
The “Mile-High City” is a great city for nature lovers. Located at the base of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, it boasts 300 days of sunshine a year and easy access to snow skiing and mountain climbing. The city itself has gorgeous parks and bike-friendly city streets. The LGBTQ+ community can enjoy welcoming and diverse neighborhoods as well as a thriving cultural scene.
Resources for the LGBTQ+ Community in Denver
#10 Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL – 4.8%
Tampa is the second city in Florida to make the top ten list. Located on the white sand shores of the Gulf of Mexico, it attracts visitors and residents alike with its balmy weather, beautiful beaches, and easy-going outdoor lifestyle. Tampa also offers its LGBTQ+ residents an affordable standard of living, plentiful cultural activities, and incredible restaurants and entertainment.
Resources for the LGBTQ+ Community in Tampa
When looking for a city that caters to your LGBTQ+ lifestyle, it’s important to find one that feels like home and offers the richest experiences that are important to you and your family. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant and bustling city life or the relaxing, natural vibe of outdoor activities, you’re sure to discover a welcoming and inclusive place to call home that you will love and enjoy for many years to come.
After you’ve decided which city 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 2000 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 any cost or obligation. We look forward to helping you find your perfect home in your ideal city soon!
