Lgbt Family-friendly Cities
When we imagine where the best places for a LGBT family to live is, places like New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles come immediately to mind. But what if those giant metropolises aren’t your cup of tea, and you prefer a smaller city to settle down in? While marriage laws still fight to be recognized in big and small cities alike, nothing has slowed down the proliferation of “gay families” across not only the U.S., but in Canada and Europe, too.
Here is list of smaller cities that have some wonderful things to offer the LGBT family and should not be overlooked if you are considering relocating and starting a family some time soon. These may not be the most obvious picks, and that’s why we wanted to bring them to your attention.
When doing research for our picks for the “top cities to live in for gay families,” we decided to include some of the lesser-known gay-friendly cities. The recipients of our list were chosen based on the following criteria:
An active gay community
Health care accessibility
Housing costs / cost of living
Educational opportunities
Recreational activities
Employment opportunities / economy
Here are our picks:
Atlanta, Georgia
This four-season city hosts a myriad of festivals throughout the year, is steeped in history, and offers families a wealth of opportunities for outdoor adventure. A big draw for families is easy access to city greenspace. Centennial, Piedmont, Candler, Grant, and Chastain parks, just to name a few. And it’s a dog-friendly city; every village has a dog park. You’ll find a wide range of neighborhoods to choose from in “Hot-lanta,” both in the city and outside the perimeter (or OTP, as it’s called by the locals). Midtown, known as the heart of the arts, is home to The Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Piedmont Park, The Woodruff Arts Center, and The Fox Theatre. Bungalows and skyscrapers, restaurants and churches, all share space in this very gay-friendly community. Atlanta was deemed “The Gayest City in America,” by The Advocate Magazine recently. In doing research across the nation’s cities, correspondent Mike Albo awarded points based on same-sex households per capita, statewide marriage equality, gay elected officials, and more.
Decatur is fast becoming the top pick for 30-somethings who are just starting a family. Besides offering a charming, small-town feel, the big draw to the city is quality schools. The city schools of Decatur are recognized as being in the top 10 in the entire nation.
Georgia: permits single GLBT adoption. Does not clearly prohibit joint gay adoption. Second-parent adoption unclear.
Adoption resources: The Giving Tree 720 Church St. Decatur GA 30030 404/633-3383
Georgia Mentor 2799
Lawrenceville Hwy Suite 205 Decatur, GA 30033 770/496-5500 fax 770/496-0101
Phoenix, Arizona
Located between two mountain ranges and boasting more than 300 days of sunshine, this city offers tons of recreational opportunities for families. Gay families make their homes throughout the valley, and as the city grows, more and more families are setting up camp in Tempe, Chandler, and Glendale, where a growing number of businesses are popping up to accommodate the expanding population. Affordable housing, outstanding healthcare, diverse cultural influence, top-notch medical care, and a vast array of activities make this a perfect place to raise a family. The community’s motto for this large, active gay community is “You’re welcome here anytime,” and the state motto, “Live and let live,” really say it all.
In case you and yours are planning to tie the knot, we found this great service to help you start planning your “Modern Union”: check out MRSTER.
Arizona: Permits single GLBT adoption. Does not clearly prohibit joint gay adoption. Second-parent adoption unclear.
Adoption resource: Aid to Adoption of Special Kids 2320 N. 20th St. Phoenix AZ 85006 602/254-2275
Bloomington, Indiana
According to the Bloomington C&VB, Bloomington is “home to the nation’s fifth largest per capita population of same-sex couples and one of the most progressive cities in the Midwest, both socially and politically.” You’ll find a diverse local population, a large University (home to the famous Dr. Kinsey and his Kinsey Research Institute) and lots of ethnic restaurants, art galleries and shops sprinkled throughout the city. Families can enjoy a variety of performances on the world-renowned IU School of Music campus, including theater, ballet, and opera.
Outdoor activities are in abundance in this city. Home to the state’s largest inland lake, Lake Monroe and the only national forest, you can go hiking, boating, fishing, or just spend the day at the park. Whatever your idea of outdoor fun involves, you’ll find it here.
Accolades and quotes about the city, that helped us choose it for our list, include: Bloomington was named number one “surprisingly gay small town destination” by Advocate.com and OutTraveler.com The Wall Street Journal ranked the Indiana University Kelley School of Business at number five in the nation on its list of favorite regional programs and number two on its list of public schools.
The verdict: “Whether you’re gay, straight or somewhere in between, Bloomington offers something rarely found in this country: a small town with a bold history of openness and acceptance.” Out Traveler Magazine.
Indiana: Permits single GLBT adoption. Does not clearly prohibit joint gay adoption. Second-parent adoption allowed in some areas.
Iowa City, Iowa
Big city amenities and small town hospitality give Iowa City the thumbs-up for one of our favorite cities to live in. A stroll through the downtown plaza and you’ll find a real sense of community and friendly commerce. You’ll find couples lounging in outdoor cafes on one corner, and the sounds of a local jazz band playing a catchy tune on the area’s outdoor mini stage on another. Tack on the fact that Iowa is a state that allows gay men and women to become foster parents and adopt, and it’s a home-run for couples looking for a place to settle down and raise a family. The legalization of same-sex marriages took effect last spring in the progressive state of Iowa, as well. The city is so progressive that there isn’t much of a gay infrastructure. It’s more of the “live and let live” mentality that resonates across the communities here.
The progressive state of Iowa has a long history of protecting equal rights. They repealed laws against interracial marriage, slavery and segregated schools long before the federal government. It’s also one of the few states that has a law protecting students from sexuality-based harassment. Some of the reasons residents tout the city as one of the best places to raise a family include: Low crime rate Excellent school system Affordable housing Diverse, stable economy
Home to the University of Iowa, Iowa: Permits single GLBT adoption. Does not clearly prohibit joint gay adoption. Second-parent adoption allowed in some areas. Children’s Home Society & Family Services (*see Minnesota listings for main office) 210 Second Street, SE, Suite 705, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 (319)363-4088 or (800)952-9302 ext 2488
Portland, Oregon
Portland is known for its abundance of parks, green spaces and proximity to natural wonders that include the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood.
Portland’s vibrant, diverse neighborhoods are home to all types of people, but it’s the cafs and markets, the art, parks, plazas, vistas and sanctuaries, that give the city its soul. Major performing arts institutions include the Oregon Ballet Theatre, Oregon Symphony, Portland Center Stage, and the Portland Opera. More than 75 other arts organizations offer theatre, music, dance, and folk art in Portland, helping Portland achieve its reputation as an arts destination for cultural tourists. In 2006, the city was named the 10th best Big City Arts Destination in the U.S by American Style magazine. Portland has had plenty of notable accolades. It was rated the Best Walking City and Best Bicycling City in America, and took the Number 1 spot for eco-friendly (green!) city in America in publications and was deemed the third “Least Wasteful City in America” by Nalgene Outdoor. Iowa city placed six in the quest for “fittest city in America” by Men’s Fitness. Not too shabby!
Oregon: Permits single GLBT and joint adoption. Second-parent adoption allowed in some areas.
Adoption resource: Open Adoption & Family Services 5200 SW Macadam Ave., Ste. 250 Portland OR 97239 (503)226-4870 or (800)772-1115 Para Espaol: 1(800)985-6763