Located on the south coast of Alaska in an area ringed with beautiful mountains, Anchorage is a progressive and innovative city known as the center for Alaskan business, and also known for its laid-back, welcoming, multi-cultural vibe. It is a city with an active and progressive LGBTQ community that has so much to offer all who call it home.
A Bit of Anchorage History
Initially, Anchorage was settled as a tent city in 1914, near the mouth of Ship Creek. For the first several decades of its existence, Anchorage was primarily a company town for the Alaska Railroad. Later due to expanded military presence and development and the use of natural resources in the area, Anchorage begins to grow. The city has continued to grow since that time, and today, it is known not only as a hub of thriving businesses an opportunity but is also widely known as the city that is the “cultural soul” of Alaska. With beautiful scenery, lots of opportunities, plenty to see and do, and a diverse, welcoming, and eclectic community – what’s not to love?
A Few Fun Facts About Anchorage
Read more fun facts about Anchorage here.
The LGBTQ Community in Anchorage
Anchorage has a well-supported, growing, and thriving LGBTQ community that is well-supported by a variety of community resources across the city. Some of those include:
Identity is an LGBTQ community center in Anchorage with the mission of advancing Alaska’s LGBTQ community through advocacy, education, and connectivity. Identity accomplishes this mission by offering resources, events, support, and networking opportunities to the LGBTQ community, friends, and allies in the greater Anchorage area.
PFLAG Anchorage is the city’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization. PFLAG is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the United States. For many years, PFLAG has played a critical role in providing support, education, advocacy, networking opportunities, and resources to LGBTQ communities across the country. It also offers monthly support meetings and events for the LGBTQ community, friends, and allies.
What’s the Weather Like in Anchorage?
Residents of Anchorage can expect to experience all four distinct seasons. Summers are usually mild and pleasant, with highs usually reaching around 67°F. Winters are often cold, with average highs in January of around 9°F. Spring and Fall are typically on the cooler side temperature-wise, but also very beautiful with changing fall leaves and gorgeous spring blooms. Anchorage receives 17 inches of rain, on average, per year, which is significantly less than the United States average of 38 inches of rain per year. As one might expect of an Alaskan city, Anchorage also sees its fair share of snow and sleet, so residents should always be prepared for wintry weather.
The Best Events in Anchorage
Anchorage Pride is the city’s biggest annual celebration of its LGBTQ community and all that it adds to the greater Anchorage community. For 42 years, this annual celebration has been an event full of festivities, fun, support, advocacy, education, and community. You won’t want to miss it!
The Anchorage Folk Festival is an annual folk music extravaganza offered in January of each year in Anchorage. Visitors can enjoy free public performances, jam sessions, workshops, and even a banjo competition. It’s truly a good time for all!
Where to Live in Anchorage
When you’re looking for a neighborhood in Anchorage, it’s hard to go wrong. Almost every area of the city is welcoming and friendly to the LGBTQ community, and where you live should largely be a matter of personal preference and what seems to be a good fit for your personality and needs. If you are looking for more of a “gay” neighborhood in the city, however, there are two neighborhoods worth a closer look:
This neighborhood, located north of Chester Creek, is easily accessible from Anchorage’s downtown waterfront. The Midtown District has a lively and thriving music and performing arts scene, as well as many LGBTQ businesses, restaurants, and nightspots. The median home value in the Midtown District is currently around $221,000.
Downtown Anchorage is more commercial in feel than the Midtown District. Located right on the waterfront, it is an area that is very popular with tourists. Downtown Anchorage offers plenty to see and do, including numerous five-star restaurants, Anchorage’s gay and lesbian community center, and plenty of lively and fun LGBTQ nightspots. There’s also plenty of business opportunity in this walkable waterfront neighborhood, and a variety of housing options and price ranges to choose from. The median list price of homes currently for sale in Downtown Anchorage is $435,000.
Arts and Entertainment
The Anchorage Museum is a large art, history, ethnography, science, and ecology museum, all rolled into one. The museum’s focus is exploring the land, people, art, and history of Alaska. It has a number of permanent displays and a variety of rotating and traveling exhibitions. Visitors are sure to be inspired, amazed, and educated here.
Cyrano’s is an award-winning theatre company based in Anchorage which produces an eclectic selection of plays year-round in its unique, 90-seat black-box theatre. The performances are sure to challenge, inspire, and entertain you.
Parks and Recreation
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a must when in Anchorage. The mission of AWCC is to preserve Alaska’s wildlife through animal care, conservation, research, and education. The center opened to the public in 1993 and sits on 200 acres at the entrance to the beautiful Portage Valley. Visitors can enjoy observing the wildlife of all kinds in their natural habitat, and it is a perfect way to spend a beautiful Anchorage day.
The Tony Knowles Anchorage Coastal Trail
Anchorage has 135 miles of bike paths that run through the city, and many consider the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail to be the best of them all. This 11-mile trail along the shoreline is sure to give you a unique and up-close vantage point to see Anchorage’s natural beauty in all its splendor.
Anchorage Nightlife
Mad Myrna’s is a popular LGBTQ nightspot in Anchorage where DJs spin lively dance music for the guests. The club is known for its cabaret shows and karaoke nights, in addition to being a great place to hang out with old friends and meet new ones.
The Raven is proud of its distinction as the “northernmost gay bar in the country” – and also of its reputation for being a long-standing, well-established favorite with Anchorage’s gay community. It’s a very popular place to relax on the patio with a cold beer and good friends. You’ll definitely want to enjoy an evening (or several) here!
Contact an Anchorage Gay Realtor Today
If you’re thinking of making the move to Anchorage, you’ll want to find a home you love in a neighborhood that’s a great fit for your needs and your lifestyle. An Anchorage realtor who knows and loves the community can help you do exactly that, and there’s no time like now to get started. Contact an Anchorage gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
