Share
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 antidiscrimination 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