7 Top Cities for LGBTQ Home Buyers - Real Estate, Updates, News & Tips

7 Top Cities for LGBTQ Home Buyers

The LGBTQ community, estimated to hold the potential for $1 trillion in buying power, has long been regarded as a bright spot for the housing market. But many members of this community have shied away from purchasing a home because they don’t always feel welcome in their neighborhoods, according to reports. The homeownership rate for the LGBTQ population is 49.8%, which is far below the U.S. average of 65.8%.

In conjunction with Pride Month, realtor.com®’s data team identified the places that are not only known for being gay-friendly but also affordable. The research team uncovered several smaller cities with thriving LGBTQ cultures as well as college towns that have strong anti-discrimination laws. “LGBTQ folks want an equitable experience,” Ryan Weyandt, CEO of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, told realtor.com®. “You don’t [want] to walk out your door and go into a world that’s abrasive and wants to judge you.”

To come up with the best markets for LGBTQ home buyers, realtor.com® found states that had at least 2.5 married or cohabiting same-sex couples per 1,000 residents; cities that received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s annual Municipal Equality Index, a reflection of how the LGBTQ community assesses equality in cities’ policies, laws, and services; and median home list prices in May. Researchers also limited their rankings to one city per state to ensure geographic diversity. The following areas topped their list for 2021:

1. Pittsburgh

  • Median list price in May: $299,050

2. Providence, R.I

  • Median list price: $299,950

3. Virginia Beach, Va.

  • Median list price: $337,050

4. Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

  • Median list price: $349,950

5. Madison, Wis.

  • Median list price: $350,050

6. Bloomington, Ind.

  • Median list price: $359,050

7. Atlanta

  • Median list price: $450,050

Source: “Pride Progresses in Unlikely Places: 10 Best Cities for LGBTQ Home Buyers,” realtor.com® (June 7, 2021)

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