If you're thinking of making a move to the panhandle portion of the Sunshine State Florida, Pensacola is one city that is well worth a closer look. Pensacola is a beautiful coastal city known for its white-sand beaches, bright blue waters – and for the Blue Angels who fly through its skies regularly too. It's a city full of natural beauty, rich history, plenty to see and do, and a diverse and welcoming LGBTQ community too.
A Look at Pensacola's History
Nearly 500 years ago, the Spanish explorer Don Tristan de Luna sailed a fleet of ships carrying 1500 people from Europe to the New World, finally landing in “Panzacola” to establish one of the first European settlements in the continental United States. Eventually, the area became part of United States territory, and since that time, has grown steadily, as both an important port city, as a center of aviation and important military operations, and also as a center of tourism, thanks to its gorgeous beaches and stunning natural beauty.
A Few Fun Facts About Pensacola
Read more fun facts about Pensacola here.
Pensacola’s LGBTQ Community
Pensacola is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:
Pensacola PFLAG is Pensacola’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 role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.
The mission of the LGBTQ+ Pensacola is to create a “place of community for all” – and the community center certainly accomplishes this mission well. The center seeks to provide a safe and welcoming space for the LGBTQ community in Pensacola, and to plan events, and provide resources, advocacy, and opportunities for connection to the LGBTQ community living in the greater Pensacola area.
What's the Weather Like in Pensacola?
If you live in Pensacola you can expect plenty of sunshine, and fairly warm to mild weather year-round. Temperatures in January dropping to a low of 42ºF on average, and temperatures in July typically reach a high of around 90ºF. The area receives around 64 inches of rain per year and no snow.
Can’t-Miss Events in Pensacola
Pensacola Memorial Day Gay Weekend Beach Party
If you live in Pensacola, you certainly won’t want to miss the Memorial Day Gay Weekend Beach Party. This is a weekend of LGBTQ fun in the sun – and thousands show up to enjoy the beach and the festivities each year. Be sure to put it on your calendar!
Bay Pride is the area’s annual LGBTQ pride celebration, and it’s one event you don’t want to miss. Whether you enjoy parades, parties, family-friendly activities, or all of the above, you’ll be able to enjoy that at this fun, festive celebration.
The Best Neighborhoods in Pensacola
Unlike some larger cities that tend to have one specific “gayborhood,” the LGBTQ community in Pensacola is sprinkled throughout the city, and truly, anywhere in the city would make a wonderful place to call home, although the Historic Downtown District is one area that is particularly popular with the LGBTQ community. The downtown neighborhood is very friendly and walkable and full of unique architectural styles, vibrant nightlife, and many excellent restaurants, museums, shops, and theaters for all to enjoy. The median list price of homes currently for sale in downtown Pensacola is approximately $275,000.
Arts and Entertainment
Downtown Pensacola, located on the beautiful waterfront is a great place to spend the day or evening out having fun. The downtown area offers many fun activities and attractions, including excellent local eateries, eclectic boutique shops, lively nightlife, and more.
The Saenger Theatre is one spot you should definitely put on your list if you love the performing arts. The Pensacola Opera and Symphony perform here, and the theatre also attracts Broadway musicals as well as other well-known performers and shows throughout the year.
Parks and Recreation
National Naval Aviation Museum
Pensacola is home to the National Museum of Naval Aviation and the United States Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, also known as the Blue Angels. Those who love aviation history, or who simply want to see some of the best aviators in the country put on an amazing show should put the museum on their list. Typically, the Angels fly home over the beach every Sunday afternoon.
Pensacola Beaches
One can hardly talk about Pensacola without mentioning its beautiful beaches – and there are certainly plenty to choose from. Whether you prefer a more lively, crowded beach scene with lots of activity, or a more secluded place to enjoy a relaxing, calm day lying in the sand or playing in the surf, you can find a beach here that you’ll love.
Pensacola Nightlife
Though not specifically a LGBTQ bar, The Capt’n Fun Beach Club is friendly and welcoming to all, and definitely a must-try spot when in Pensacola. Located right on the boardwalk, it offers beautiful views and lively crowds, and it is and a great spot to enjoy delicious food and well-crafted drinks. The Club is well known for its Crawfish Sundays, but any day is a good day to stop by.
The Roundup is a laid-back, easygoing Pensacola LGBTQ bar known for its spacious outdoor deck, cozy and welcoming decor, pool tables, and lively karaoke nights. It’s a great spot to spend a night out with old friends – or meet some new ones!
Contact a Pensacola Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Pensacola, 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 Pensacola, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Pensacola gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
