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Miami: A Tropical Gay Paradise

The whole world knows that Miami is an LGBTQ paradise. Warm waters, hot sands, and a spirited crowd of barely-dressed people mark this jewel of the south. With beaches that can’t be beat and a nightlife like no other, Miami will make any gay resident very happy indeed.

Here are a few things you should know if you plan on relocating:

A Brief History of Miami

The city of Miami is the seat of Miami-Dade County and is a mecca of cultural and economic resources. The Tequesta Native American tribe occupied the area for over 2,000 years before migrating to Cuba. It is the only major city in America that was founded by a woman, Julia Tuttle, a citrus grower.

Today, Miami has one of the largest concentrations of international banks in the U.S. It’s also a huge center for biotechnology and medical research. There is a lot of money in Miami.

Stats on Miami

  • Miami is the largest urban economy in Florida.
  • It is the warmest location in the United States in wintertime.
  • Sunscreen was invented here.
  • It gets its name from a tribe that lived there, the Mayaimi (16th -17th century).
  • It welcomes over 14 million tourists each year.

Here are some more fun facts about Miami.

The Community of Miami

Pridelines

Offering a safe environment for the LGBTQ community and allies, Pridelines is a meeting space that holds events, gatherings, classes, and groups. They offer a wide range of services and programs.

LGBTQ Non-Profit Directory

Here is a complete list of all nonprofits serving the Miami area including youth-specific programs and HIV testing.

The Best Weather

Miami is hot and humid. It has a tropical monsoon climate with a dry winter season. The climate is shaped by the Gulf Stream, Tropic of Cancer, and sea-level elevation. Temperatures from December to March average 76-80 degrees with January presenting the coolest month.

The wet season begins in June and ends in October. The area gets over 60 inches of rainfall a year, so be prepared. Miami also has a hurricane season, which spans from June to November.

LGBTQ Events in the City

Miami Beach Pride – March-April

For over a decade, Miami Beach has celebrated pride with a week-long festival of food, dancing, and fun. What started as a modest crowd of 15,000 now sees over 140,000 people from all over the world. It’s held on Ocean Drive every year and ends with a huge parade.

Miami Gayborhoods

Almost everywhere you live in Miami will be gay-friendly. It’s 130 miles of urban sprawl featuring red-roofed housing developments and prefab luxury neighborhoods.

Of course, there are some regions that are more fun than others. Here are some of the most diverse areas in Miami:

South Beach

A glittering art deco enclave that’s the apotheosis of the city, South Beach was the start of the Miami gay scene and will probably always remain so. Miami Beach is a neighborhood on its own little island. It’s a glamorous scene full of hot nightspots and celebrity-chef eateries.

The median price for a home in South Beach is $570,000 with an average price per square foot of $712. There are always lots of homes for sale in the area, with an average of 252 on the market.

South Beach is lined with chain stores and little indies shops. Ocean Drive is best known for its well-preserved art deco architecture and cool, casual vibe. It takes up the southernmost two miles and is the main neighborhood everyone thinks of when they hear “Miami.”

Wynwood

Also referred to as the “Design District,” it has recently been revitalized and renewed. The area is full of oddball galleries and high-end shopping. This is definitely where the art resides in Miami and is home to the Arsht Center, a performance venue.

The median price for a home in Wynwood is $277,000 with an average price per square foot of $333. There are always lots of homes for sale in the area, with an average of 317 on the market. It is a much more affordable neighborhood than South Beach.

Wynwood is also known for its many colorful murals. Wynwood Walls is an outdoor museum promoting large-scale works by world-renowned street artists. The surrounding areas have converted warehouses that are now hip craft breweries and chic boutiques.

Coconut Grove

This is one of Miami’s oldest neighborhoods and considered the “Wall Street of Central America.” It hugs the shoreline of Biscayne Bay and is an upscale and green neighborhood with a mangrove forest.

The median price for a home in Coconut Grove is $887,500 with an average price per square foot of $465. Property in this area spends an average of 131 days on the market with over 500 active listings.

The boho hangout has been home to many celebrities and is also host to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a stunning villa and estate with a Farmer’s Market every Sunday. The neighborhood also hosts sailing clubs and several marinas that dot the waterfront.

Ready to look at some "for sale" homes in Miami? Connect with a top Miami Gay Realtor today!

Parks and Recreation

David T. Kennedy

Located in Coconut Grove, this park is a sprawling green space used for all types of activities. Every weekend, you can attend free yoga, ride on the bike trail, or let your puppy roam the built-in dog park. It’s also home to one of Miami’s tastiest treats, the frozen lemonade.

Arts and Entertainment

Pérez Art Museum Miami

This is a contemporary art museum in the city that is located in Museum Park in downtown Miami. It is dedicated to collecting and exhibiting art from the 20th and 21st centuries.

The Nightlife

It seems everywhere you turn, there is another jiving gay bar in Miami. Here are a few to consider:

Twist

7 different bars in one club that also features drag queens and a mega dance floor. The party never stops.

Azucar Nightclub

This is a high-energy Latin bar that has cabaret theme nights and drag war shows.

South Florida is an amazing gay haven in America (if not the world) that is inviting and vibrant 24/7. In addition to stunning beaches and incredible nightlife, the city has a history of inclusion that would make any new LGBTQ residents super comfortable.

If you're considering a move to Miami, connect with one of our Top Miami Gay Realtors today!