Montgomery is the capital city of the state of Alabama and is home to more than 370,000 people. Over the 200 years that it has been a city, it has grown into a thriving center of government, technology, and culture. It’s also home to several universities, including Alabama State University, Troy University, Faulkner University, and Air University, and is a part of Maxwell Air Force Base where many of the Air Force’s recruits study. Although Alabama may generally not be well-known for being particularly LGBTQ-friendly, the city of Montgomery is certainly an exception. It has an eclectic, welcoming, and vibrant LGBTQ community where all can find their place and feel at home.
A Look at Montgomery’s History
Montgomery is named after Richard Montgomery, who fought in the American Revolution. However, before that time, Europeans encountered the area that would eventually become Montgomery as long ago as the mid-1500s, when Spanish explorers entered the region. Montgomery was officially incorporated in 1819 following the merger of two towns situated along the banks of the Alabama River, and it officially became the state capital in 1846. Although Montgomery had a turbulent history during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Selma to Montgomery marches among other events, it has since grown and progressed to become a diverse and welcoming city to people and groups of all kinds. Today it is a city full of industry, art, culture, education and opportunity, and it is a wonderful place to call home.
Montgomery– A Few Fun Facts
Read more fun facts about Montgomery here.
Montgomery’s LGBTQ Community
Montgomery values and celebrates its LGBTQ community and all that it adds to the city. Some of the LGBTQ community resources in Montgomery include:
PFLAG Montgomery is the city’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical and important role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.
Montgomery County LGBTQ Business Council
The Montgomery County LGBTQ Business Council is a center dedicated to its mission of creating networking, social and business opportunities for LGBT business professionals and allies in Montgomery County, and it is a leading voice in Montgomery County advocating for the interests and protections of LGBT owned and operated businesses, workers, and customers.
What’s the Weather Like in Montgomery?
Montgomery residents can expect to experience all four seasons. As might be expected of a southern state, summers can be long and hot with temperatures reaching into the 90° range quite frequently. Winters are usually short and cold with temperatures dropping down to the mid-30s, but rarely below 25°F. Spring and fall are typically the mildest and most pleasant times of the year with spring offering beautiful blooms and fall bringing crisp breezes and bright leaves. Montgomery receives an average of 51 inches of rain per year and almost no snow.
Can’t Miss Montgomery Events
Montgomery Pride is the city’s annual LGBTQ pride celebration – and it’s one event that you won’t want to miss. It’s a festive, fun week with plenty to enjoy, and a great way to celebrate all that the LGBTQ community adds to the city.
Montgomery’s Best Neighborhoods
Unlike some larger cities, Montgomery doesn’t have one particular “gayborhood” where the majority of its LGBTQ population lives. Instead, it has a few neighborhoods that are popular with the LGBTQ community, and all wonderful places to live, depending upon your needs and preferences. The Downtown Montgomery area is popular, as are most of the neighborhoods centered around the universities. In addition, the Old Cloverdale historic district and the Garden District are both south of the downtown area, and popular with the LGBTQ community as well. There are a wide variety of home styles and price ranges available.
Arts and Entertainment
Montgomery Performing Arts Centre
Montgomery Performing Arts Centre is a state-of-the-art performing arts facility located in the heart of Montgomery that showcases a wide variety of performances from both local and international artists each year. There’s truly a show to fit everyone’s tastes – be sure to enjoy one, or several yourself!
Montgomery was the home of legendary country musician Hank Williams, and the museum dedicated to his legacy, nestled in historic downtown Montgomery is a top tourist attraction in the city. Spend an afternoon learning more about Hank himself and the city’s role in country music history.
Parks and Recreation
The Rosa Parks Museum is dedicated to providing important history about the accomplishments of those associated with the Montgomery Bus Boycott, including, of course, Rosa Parks herself. Great for adults and children of all ages, the museum includes a time machine that transports visitors back in time to witness segregation firsthand. The research center and museum allow visitors to gain more knowledge and understanding about Rosa Parks’, and about Montgomery’s important role in Civil Rights history.
Montgomery is a city full of beautiful parks and green spaces, and Riverfront Park is one of the most popular. The park offers opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, biking, picnicking, outdoor concerts, and more.
Montgomery Nightlife
Players Sports Pub is a popular gathering spot in Montgomery to watch sports, enjoy some good pub food, drink some beer, and have fun with friends. It’s always a great place to relax and unwind.
Alley Bar is a hip nightspot in a renovated historic building, with an extensive drink menu and a chill outdoor patio area. You’ll definitely want to put it on your list of must-try spots for a night out in Montgomery.
Contact a Montgomery Gay Realtor Today
If you’re ready to make a move to Montgomery, at www.gayrealestate.com, we’re here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you’ll love. We’re proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Montgomery, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Montgomery gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
