Finding a place to call home can be difficult for anyone. If you are a same-sex couple, it can be even more challenging to find a city that is accepting and welcoming of your lifestyle.
According to Effortless Insurance, who compose data points from all 50 states in the nation and found the cities with the highest number of same-sex couples. The company then compared that with other data like cost of living, average commute, and walkability to find the best cities for same-sex couples.
10. New York City, New York
Same sex married couples: 0.84%
Avg household income: $63,800
Cost of living: 83% higher than national average
Avg Commute: 40 minutes each way
Walkability score: 88 out of 100
New York City is known to be the Mecca for the LGBTQ+ community. Did you know that the movement for gay rights started in this city at the famous Stonewall Inn? It is also home to one of the most LGBTQ-friendly neighborhoods in the world, Hell’s Kitchen. New York state is also home to the most same sex married couples.
9. Miami, Florida
Same sex married couples: 0.92%
Avg household income: $41,900
Cost of living: 15% higher than national average
Avg Commute: 30 minutes each way
Walkability score: 78 out of 100
The state of Florida sits high on the list for the number of same-sex couples. They rank as the third highest state with same-sex marriages. Miami itself is known for the immense diversity and natural blend of cultures, which in fact makes it a great place for same-sex couples. Oh, and do not forget about the amazing weather!
8. San Diego, California
Same sex married couples: 0.88%
Avg household income: $80,000
Cost of living: 38.6% higher than national average
Avg Commute: 25 minutes each way
Walkability score: 51 out of 100
According to recent studies, San Diego has long been a safe haven for the LGBTQ community in California, outside of San Francisco. Companies like Sony, Sempra Energy, and Illuminia are three large companies located in San Diego that are incredibly open and welcome LGBTQ employees.
7. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Same sex married couples: 0.9%
Avg household income: $51,099
Cost of living: 3% lower than national average
Avg Commute: 21 minutes each way
Walkability score: 42 out of 100
Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the only city on this list where the cost of living is below the national average. If you are looking for beautiful landscape and warmer seasonal weather, then look no further. Also, if you are looking to save some money but want to still have access to city culture, then this southwest city is your answer.
6. Boston, Massachusetts
Same sex married couples: 1.05 %
Avg household income: $72,100
Cost of living: 39.5% lower than national average
Avg Commute: 30 minutes each way
Walkability score: 82 out of 100
Welcome to the state that first declared and legalized same-sex marriage, so it makes plenty of sense that this New England state is on the list for LGBTQ-friendliest states. Boston has some of the most same-sex couples in the nation, just shy of NYC. Wicked Queer is the oldest LGBTQ film festivals in the world and is host here in Bean Town. Boston is also home to many companies that are great for the LGBTQ community and have great standing with the Human Rights Campaign.
5. Portland, Maine
Same sex married couples: 0.83%
Avg household income: $51,500
Cost of living: 12% lower than national average
Avg Commute: 18 minutes each way
Walkability score: 61 out of 100
This small city located in Maine, is home to fewer than 100,000 residents. Though it may have a small population it is still amazing for LGBTQ couples. In fact, it got a score of 94 out of 100 from the Human Right Campaign in its Municipal Equality Index. Portland, Maine, has fair housing options, inclusive workplaces, and non-discrimination in city jobs. Why cannot more cities in our nation be like this small quaint town.
4. Santa Rosa, California
Same sex married couples: 1.25%
Avg household income: $68,000
Cost of living: 23% lower than national average
Avg Commute: 22 minutes each way
Walkability score: 44 out of 100
Located in the luscious wine country of California, this is one of the smallest cities on the list, but it is still a great place for same-sex couples. In fact, it has the second highest amount of LGBTQ couples on the list as well. Santa Rosa has the best laws protecting same-sex couples and the LGBTQ community in general.
3. Portland, Oregon
Same sex married couples: 1%
Avg household income: $73,000
Cost of living: 11% lower than national average
Avg Commute: 24 minutes each way
Walkability score: 68 out of 100
Portland received a perfect score of 100 out of 100 in the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index. The index review pointed out the housing, job opportunities, and the youth initiatives were the best of the nation, GO PORTLAND! It is also home to the fifth largest rate of same-sex marriages throughout the nation. Additionally, in 2019, it was ranked among the best places to live in the country overall.
2. San Francisco, California
Same sex married couples: 1.52%
Avg household income: $112,400
Cost of living: 62.5% lower than national average
Avg Commute: 31 minutes each way
Walkability score: 87 out of 100
The cost of living may be a little scary looking to the eyes, but according to Effortless Insurance’s study, it did find that same-sex couples have access to a lot of high paying jobs. Gap Inc. and Lyft are two very LGBTQ-friendly companies and takes care of its employees no matter their sexual identity. It is no surprise that San Francisco has the highest rate of same-sex marriages in the nation. California itself ranks as the top state for the most same-sex marriages.
1. Seattle, Washington
Same sex married couples: 1.1%
Avg household income: $93,500
Cost of living: 18.8% lower than national average
Avg Commute: 27 minutes each way
Walkability score: 74 out of 100
Watch out San Francisco, Seattle has just taken the best spot for LGBTQ couples in the nation. It has taken the number one spot for the past couple of years since 2018. Seattle consistently ranks in either of the top two spots for the past decade. It is another city that has received a perfect score from the Human Rights Municipal Equality Index. The study found that Seattle earned the top scores for it non-discriminatory practices in housing, employment, and public accommodations.