It’s all about location, location, location. Whether you want to improve your dating prospects or simply be in a city where you’re welcome to be yourself – it’s all about location. And you know what – the benefits go both ways.
There are still places in the US and around the world who seem to be oblivious to the fact that gays make the best neighbors. There’s no way to deny it – we have a tendency to spruce up the places we inhabit and drive up property prices just by being ourselves.
So, why bother paying those pesky property or state taxes to a place that doesn’t welcome us with open arms? Head on over to the best of the best gayborhoods. Here are the best cities for gay dating!
1. San Francisco, CA
This one’s a no-brainer. With the largest concentration of gay and lesbian people – 6.2% of residents identify as LGBT – Frisco deserves its notoriety as the gayest place in America. Want to try out a new gay bar? They’re on every corner. Want to walk around town holding hands with your love? Knock yourself out.
Property prices and living costs may be a bit steep, but SF has plenty to do for every taste and the variety is offers for a single gay man is worth every penny.
2. Portland, OR
It’s beginning to seem like the best place to be gay is mostly in the West. Over the past few years, Portland’s been busy with its rise in popularity, housing prices and gay-friendliness. A recent poll shows that 5.4% of its population identify as LGBT and the vibrant scene proves it.
You’ll find gay bars and dance parties galore as well as one of the country’s longest running drag club: Darcelle XV and Company.
Even if the club and bar scene isn’t your thing, you should still check out Portland sometime soon. Bonus points if you make it around the time the city hosts the Portland Queer Film Festival.
3. Austin, TX
Austin is now hailed as having a gay and lesbian social scene to rival those of New York and Los Angeles, with 5.3% percent of residents identifying as LGBT.
The Texan city has recently been going through a massive growth spurt and is fast becoming a favorite city for artists, entrepreneurs, and culture-seekers of various stripes and colors – all gay staples of a great place to live.
4. New Orleans
Gay Mardi Gras, the Saints and Sinners LGBT writers conference, the gay Easter Parade, a few dozen gay bars situated within walking distance of one another in the Quarter, and 5.1% of the resident identifying as LGBT, New Orleans has long been gay-friendly – way before it was cool.
5. Seattle, WA
With 4.8% of all residents in the Seattle metro area identifying as LGBT and one of the highest Human Right Index scores of all cities, Seattle earns its place as one of the best cities to be gay.
Plus, its home to PrideFest, the largest free Pride festival in the entire country. Typical attendance? Over 130,000 attendees.
6. Providence, RI
Rhode Island might not be the first place you think of when it comes to gay dating, but this is one of the most queer friendly places in America.
With 4.4% of residents identifying as LGBT and a surprisingly low record of hate crimes, it’s one of the best places in the country to be queer.
7. New York, NY
You just can’t beat NYC for gay nightlife, with the combination of clubs, bars and 4% of all residents identifying as LGBT. Add to that the plethora of hotties that roam the city both day and night and the Big Apple maintains its spot in the top 5 best gayborhoods in the country.
8. Atlanta
Georgia may not be the most gay-friendly state, but Atlanta is certainly one of the gayest cities. With queer events such as MondoHomo – a celebration of art, drag, burlesque, film, and BBQ – and one of the nation’s largest Prides, as well as a giant gay bookstore, gay sports leagues, and dozens of gay bars sprouting up across the city, Atlanta is one of our favorite gayborhoods.
9. Fort Lauderdale
This former Spring Break party town has been undergoing a massive transformation in the past few decades. Its ultimate purpose? To become a top gay hot-spot, of course.
With South Beach within swimming distance (no, not really) and plenty of bars, clubs, and shops nearby, it’s no wonder the area has attracted 1,270% more gay men per capita than the national average.
10. Burlington
Vermont’s largest city is not usually the first place you think of when you think gayborhood but it is the epicenter of the state’s equality efforts. The state legislature boasts several openly gay members and the nearby Ben & Jerry’s renamed its Chubby Hubby flavor “Hubby Hubby” in celebration of the state’s marriage equality law.
Can’t pack up and move quite yet? Check out the best gay dating sites to improve your dating prospects wherever you are.