Prices of everything are rising all over the world and living comfortably is slowly becoming a luxury for many couples, gay ones including. Some cities that are affordable might not be suitable for gay couples due to safety reasons, while others that are perfectly safe and fun might not be affordable for a middle-class gay couple. So is there a middle ground—a city that is both safe and cheap? Here are the most affordable cities for gay couples right now:
Portland, Oregon
Portland is a very gay city and the liberal hub of the States. According to Advocate, Portland is the 20th gayest city and the 6th best city for queers in the US. However, Portland is at the top of our lists because it’s much cheaper than the top-tier queer centers like New York, LA, San Francisco or Seattle. Portland has a very liberal lifestyle and it’s possible to see queer couples and throuples of all sizes, shapes and colors hold hands in the streets living their best life.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
If “Queer as Folk” put Pittsburgh on the map among the gay community, we certainly stayed due to the amazing atmosphere, great safety and pretty solid affordability for average couples. Since its humble ally-ship days, Pittsburgh continued to create safer and safer environments for queer people and provide us with many opportunities. Gay couples from all over the country are settling down in Pittsburgh where they can enjoy a lavish lifestyle compared to other markets. Most of the LGBTQ nightlife can be found in the Shadyside, a neighborhood full of galleries, bars and restaurants. This neighborhood has two-story condos going for a little over $320,000, while it’s possible to find a three-bedroom,three-bathroom home in family-friendly Penn Hills for $240,000.
Abilene, Texas
If you’re looking for a spot with extremely affordable housing and a low cost of living, Abilene in Texas is a great spot. Mostly known for its military base and many colleges, it might not sound like a perfect gay living choice, but the city is working to increase its LQBTQ+ community visibility. The best thing about this city is Abilene apartments which are cheap to rent or buy. It’s easy to find affordable accommodation that’s also spacious and comfortable, unlike in NYC, San Francisco or even Houston. Abilene might not yet have many gay neighborhoods or events, but it’s easy to visit nearby San Angelo or Lubbock for some great gay fun.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
This coastal city on the Atlantic Ocean is probably the prime resort city in Virginia, with its economy mostly based on tourism. Virginia Beach is rich in historic sites, restaurants and bars, and it’s also blessed with a growing LGBTQ community. Virginia Beach still doesn’t have a designated “gayborhood” but the ViBe Creative District attracts many queer folks. Real estate in Virginia Beach can get costly due to the closeness of the ocean, but it’s also possible to find three-bedroom, three-bathroom condos for less than $450,000.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is unofficially the center of the gay lifestyle in the South. Members of the community have gathered there from all over the South and its more conservative towns, cities and states. Atlanta AKA Hollywood of the South has a very glam and artsy vibe, especially lately, with many gay-friendly bars, restaurants and businesses to enjoy. Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ population is so large that it has two pride events, Atlanta Pride and Atlanta Black Pride. The midtown, where Piedmont Avenue and 10th Street cross, is the center of the gay community with all the best nightlife and events. It’s possible to find a modern condo there below $350,000.
Grab your partner and consider moving to one of these gay-friendly yet affordable cities. You’ll not only live comfortably but also enjoy all the safety and love you can get from the booming LGBTQ+ community.
QUEERGURU Lifestyle Editor PETER MINKOFF is a gay health and lifestyle writer at QUEER VOICES magazine. Besides writing, he worked as a freelance fashion stylist in Europe and Australia. A true craft beer and soy latte aficionado, he loves spending his days at the beach and visiting second hand stores on a daily basis. Follow Peter on TWITTER for more tips.
