Where Oh Where Can a Gay Ghetto Be?
By Jeff Adolph
The largest gay-friendly real estate agent referral service on-line today, GayRealEstate.com, recently partnered with GayGhettos.com, a website that endeavors to list as many national gay-bourhoods as possible over the coming years. The methodology behind the union is to create a diverse LGBT network that offers not only professional service to the buyer and seller of a home but also enables the gay-friendly Realtor a way to generate leads and understand more about their clientele. The beauty of such an initiative is that many within the LGBT community can find a new home, or sell an existing on in a welcoming environment effortlessly.
Therefore, it comes as no surprise that GayGhettos.com has released its inaugural listing of the top LGBT neighborhoods in America in order to assist those of you who are searching for a place to call home...
NORTHEAST
Hell’s Kitchen (New York, NY)—The new generation of residents are folks who started looking on the Upper West Side, then realized they could enjoy much the same lifestyle south of Lincoln Center. Gay boutiques, restaurants and nightlife are popping up around the area.
Near Northeast (Syracuse, NY)—Tucked away, as its name states, just northeast of downtown Syracuse is this area with a diverse past and a growing gay population. The Hawley-Green LGBT Neighbors promotes the neighborhood as gay-friendly and gay residents have followed.
New London, CT—Last year’s Supreme Court decision on eminent domain focused a lot of attention on the city of New London. Ready to rise up from its years of decline, this is a great place for investment property buying.
South End (Boston, MA)—Housing in the South End is very expensive by U.S. standards, but it’s relatively inexpensive compared to other central Boston neighborhoods like the Back Bay and Beacon Hill. The community boasts a vibrant gay, black, and young urban professional population. MID-ATLANTIC
Canton/Highlandtown (Baltimore, MD)—Baltimore is fast becoming the low-price alternative to Washington, DC, and its suburbs. And with that movement, Canton has become trendy with its mix of hip, new stores and old boutiques and has a growing gay population, while Highlandtown is just being rediscovered. Both are former industrial hubs enjoying a home-buying renaissance.
New Hope (New Hope, PA)—Nestled along the banks of the Delaware River, the village of New Hope and its surrounding area offers scenic countryside a thriving arts community and is well known for its acceptance of all lifestyles.
Rehoboth Beach (Rehoboth Beach, DE)—Once a gay population on the decline, this seaside community has refurbished its infrastructure, is attracting new commercial activity and increasing its list of year-round residents as well. Its low tax rates, including no sales tax, are points in its favor.
Shaw (Washington, DC)—An area tucked behind and aside the newly revitalized convention center area in the heart of DC. Gay businesses and home-buyers are emerging.
Washington Square West (Philadelphia, PA)—A neighborhood of handsome town homes and charming, narrow back streets where many gay businesses and much of the night life is located.
SOUTHEAST
Midtown (Atlanta, GA)—One of Atlanta's premier neighborhoods. Located in the heart of the city, with both an active arts and business district, as well as a plethora of housing options, one can really live, work and play in this neighborhood. Midtown has a large gay population, and prides itself on diversity and acceptance.
NODA—North Davidson Street (Charlotte, NC)—Known as Charlotte’s historic arts district, the area is quickly becoming a dynamic and eclectic urban community. Gays and lesbians are following.
Oakcliff (Dallas, TX)—Stroll through Oak Cliff and you'll see what old Dallas may have looked a lot like. About half of all businesses are gay-owned. Oak Cliff also has its place in history: After assassinating President John F. Kennedy, Lee Harvey Oswald was captured in the Texas Theater on W. Jefferson Boulevard.
Uptown (Tampa Bay, FL)—Just north of downtown, Uptown offers several architectural styles, is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city and has a great history. Brick streets, mature oak trees, and a variety of housing add to the character. Round Lake offers a peaceful respite in an urban area. Prices are still affordable.
MIDWEST
Andersonville (Chicago, IL)—A long-time lesbian neighborhood, gay men have started taking a shine to it as well. known for its unique commercial district, made up almost entirely of locally owned, independent businesses.
East Side (Madison, WI)—A mostly middle-class neighborhood with liberal values and a thriving arts scene.
The Third Ward/South Second (Milwaukee, WI)—Property owners think the corridor's future is best tied to the entertainment and art sectors that are already established along the street. More than a dozen bars and nightclubs dot a one-mile stretch south of the Menomonee River.
Wicker Park (Chicago, IL)—Wonderfully diverse, dynamic neighborhood with a rich history and currently home to one of the largest working-artist populations in the country.
WEST
Hilltop (Tacoma, WA)—With one of the highest populations of gays in Tacoma, the area is cleaning itself up from its gangs and drugs past up and housing prices are rising fast. Gay-owned and gay-friendly lounges have been popping up around this district. The area will only see more gentrification in the years to come due to planned office and condo developments, affordable historic homes, great sense of community and easy access to downtown Tacoma.
Northeast Broadway (Portland, OR)—Portland’s growing east-side population fostered the renaissance of this area, which now boasts a lively collection of cafes and shops. Many of the boutiques are independent, meaning that you won’t find a cookie-cutter approach to your shopping.
Oakland, CA—After years of being the red-headed stepchild of San Francisco, in 2004 the city launched a campaign to lure new gay and lesbian residents. The main focus for property buying is on Park Boulevard near East 18th Street, about two blocks from the southeast shore of Lake Merritt.
Stapleton (Denver, CO)—The old Stapleton Airport grounds have been redeveloped into a new urbanist community. The nation’s largest urban development, it is an urban tapestry of homes, shops, offices, parks and schools in a walkable community of classic city architecture.
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© 2006 Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

































































Long Beach CA has a terrific community with choices of a more urban life, catering to loft living, to ocean views and the more residential suburban living, with Craftsman, Spanish and even some Tudor style homes. There is a thriving and active community with many social groups as well, not just an active bar scene.
Posted by: Melinda Elmer | December 19, 2006 at 05:42 AM
I have been on this mailing list for over a year now, and love the site. I just moved to the Bristol Borough area of Lower Bucks County, PA., and I think the area would be a great new area for a gay community. The main strret of Brick Walk Way has shops that are for rent/buy, which lead to the riverfront where there is a old warf, Bristol River theater and some great old great restaurants. It just could be the next New Hope, PA. All we need now is property value upped, more gay people , and Art. Please tell me what you think. Thank-you!
Posted by: Thomas Boffa | December 19, 2006 at 09:18 AM
Chicago's top gay neighborhood is still by far Boystown..aka Lakeview. Although prices have soared for housing, the famous Halsted street is still the address for 80% of gay clubs in the city.
Posted by: Mike Cohen | December 19, 2006 at 04:45 PM
How is the gay community in Orlando?
Pedro, I shall add an article or two about Orlando in the near future : )
Posted by: PEDRO | August 15, 2007 at 07:27 PM