Topeka is the capital of Kansas, and, truly, it is a “Capital City” with so much to offer. It’s a fairly progressive, eclectic, and friendly city with a welcoming midwestern feel, a great deal of opportunity, and much to see and do. Even better, it's a city with a thriving LGBTQ community and a history of welcoming and supporting its LGBTQ community. In fact, prior to same-sex marriage becoming legal, it was one of two cities to have a domestic partner registry, and it was also a national trailblazer in offering protection for both public and private employees based on both sexual orientation and gender identity. For so many reasons, Topeka would make a wonderful place to call home!
A Look at Topeka's History
Topeka was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, and later by French Canadian settlers, before the time that it became a popular destination for pioneers heading west, due to its key location on the Oregon Trail. The city itself was officially founded in 1857, and it has grown since that time, attracting various industries and a diverse population, while remaining an important center of government. Today, Topeka is a vibrant, friendly, growing city where all can feel welcome and at home.
A Few Fun Facts About Topeka
Read more fun facts about Topeka here.
Topeka’s LGBTQ Community
Topeka is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:
PFLAG Lawrence/Topeka is the Topeka area’s closest 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 rainbow-colored Equality House is a Topeka landmark, and one that stands as a symbol for compassion, peace, and positive change. The house serves as a resource center for Planting Peace human rights initiatives, and as a safe place where all who enter can feel celebrated and loved for who they are.
What's the Weather Like in Topeka?
Those who live in Topeka can expect to experience all four distinct seasons each year. Winters can be cold and somewhat snowy, with temperatures typically dropping to around 19ºF in January and an average snowfall of around 16 inches. Summers are usually mild and pleasant, with the high temperature in July usually rising to an average of 89ºF. Spring and fall are also wonderful times to enjoy the outdoors, with spring promising beautiful blooming flowers, and fall promising crisp breezes and the bright colors of changing leaves. Topeka receives around 38 inches of rain, on average, each year.
Can’t-Miss Events in Topeka
Topeka Pride is the largest annual LGBTQ pride celebration in the area, and it’s one celebration you’ll want to put on your calendar. Typically held in June of each year, this annual celebration draws wonderful, friendly crowds each year, and includes family-friendly entertainment, plenty of vendors, excellent performances, delicious food, and plenty of opportunities to meet friends and have fun. Even better, the Topeka Pride group sponsors a wonderful variety of events throughout the year and is an essential part of Topeka's LGBTQ community.
The Best Neighborhoods in Topeka
Unlike some larger cities, Topeka doesn’t have one specific “gayborhood,” or area where most of the LGBTQ population lives – but this isn’t a bad thing. It simply means that because the entire city is very LGBT-friendly, there’s no gay neighborhood per se. Instead, many gays and lesbians live throughout the area. Finding the home and neighborhood that is right for you will largely be a matter of budget and personal preference, and as a result, it can be very helpful and important to find a Topeka LGBTQ realtor who knows and loves the city, and who can point you toward homes that might be a good fit. Topeka is a fairly affordable city generally, and the current median list price of homes for sale in Topeka is around $160,000.
Arts and Entertainment
NOTO Arts and Entertainment District
The NOTO Arts and Entertainment District is a wonderful area of Topeka full of local, eclectic shops, excellent eateries, a brewery, and any number of other great options for entertainment. Browse, shop, eat, and have fun – all in one place. It’s a great place to spend a day, or evening, out in Topeka.
The Topeka Performing Arts Center is one of the top spots in Topeka to enjoy a wide variety of shows and concerts throughout the year. Whether you enjoy ballet, drama, stand-up comedy, off-Broadway shows, or all of the above, you can find it here. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a show – or several – for yourself.
Parks and Recreation
Lake Shawnee is a beautiful outdoor recreation area that has been designated a top tourist destination in Kansas, for all that it offers. It is the site of numerous festivals each year, and is also a great place to enjoy fun out on the water, tennis, golf, hiking, or simply relaxing on a beautiful day in Topeka.
The Evil Knievel Museum is a unique museum showcasing an amazing collection of authentic artifacts that belonged to one of the most legendary daredevils of all time. A visit to the museum is sure to be interesting and fun, and it’s a great spot to check out and have some fun!
Topeka Nightlife
Studio 62 is a unique Topeka spot that combines art, drinks, and drag. The studio offers art classes during the day, and celebrations at night, and it’s one place you’ll definitely want to put on your list for a night out in Topeka.
The Boobie Trap Bar is somewhat of a Topeka legend, known for its excellent live music, strong drinks, and friendly crowds. It’s a great place to have fun with old friends or meet some new ones.
Contact a Topeka Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Topeka, 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 Topeka, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Topeka gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
