Louise Lopez expertly guides queer individuals to vibrant, inclusive U.S. and North American neighborhoods with 15+ years of dedicated experience, ensuring they find not just a home, but a community where their authenticity is celebrated and protected.
LGBT Wichita is a fascinating city that welcomes all those seeking a relaxed place for work, play, and family. If you’re thinking of moving to LGBT Wichita, you might just find the accepting environment that you or your family need to thrive in.
Wichita is the largest city in Kansas with a population of around 390,000 and expanding. The population has increased by more than 4% since 2010. That is understandable given Wichita’s affordable cost of living, affordable housing, and robust economy – and is a reason why so many people, both gay and straight, are choosing to relocate here.
Speaking of gay, there is also a queer scene here but much like Worcester, Toledo, Olympia, Portland (Maine), Richmond and other small to mid-sized cities in the USA, it is rather low-key – especially when compared to say, New York or Los Angeles. This is why a gay realtor in Wichita is worth their weight in gold as they can help you navigate as you find your new perfect home here in the most gay-friendly neighborhood.
Despite the rather concealed LGBT culture, moving to this dynamic city shouldn’t make you uncomfortable. The majority of people here are accepting of the LGBTQ community, and you will soon discover that most businesses, shops, and services will serve you with pride.
Beautiful parks, a brand-new conference center along the Arkansas River, a burgeoning art scene, a diverse array of dining options, and vibrant nightlife can also all be found in Wichita. The city’s popular Botanica Wichita, a public garden with 18 acres of fauna, draws a lot of locals and tourists and will quickly become a favorite spot for a stroll once you move here. Thirty-three museums representing interests as varied as science, the old west, railroading, and art, are also located in Wichita – so culture vultures can leave any preconceived notion of a ‘flyover state’ at home.
Consider this article to be an LGBT Wichita relocation guide that will help you know what to expect when relocating to this wonderful city. Leave all of your preconceived notions at the door because moving to LGBT Wichita is not what you think it is.
In this article we will cover...
- Highlights Of Moving To LGBTQ Wichita
- Does Wichita Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
- Is Wichita An Expensive City To Move To?
- The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Wichita
- LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Wichita
- LGBTQ+ Community Events in Wichita
- Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Wichita
- Finding Gay Realtors In Wichita Kansas
Highlights Of Moving To LGBTQ Wichita
Wichita residents are well aware that their underappreciated city is full of hidden gems. Once you will live here, you will be able to talk with locals and spend your free time discovering that Wichita is brimming with culture and captivating sights including more than 1,000 restaurants, eight shopping districts and numerous attractions, theaters and festivals.
Securing a relocation here will also allow you to meet others with similar interests, thanks to a quirky yet highly involved LGBT culture, which includes a few fantastic queer spots of interest in the city’s most popular neighborhoods.
Almost anything that your heart desires can be found here. There are plenty of things to look forwards to when moving to LGBT Wichita, be it distinguished art, specialty coffee shops, bewitching ballet or even wineries!
Let’s take a closer look at a few of the aspects that make up this incredible city before we get into the details.
It’s Cowboy City
You are correct if you imagined Wichita as being populated by incredibly pleasant conservative families. Although there are always exceptions to the rule, the city is generally just what you would expect a Midwestern city to be like.
The Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum and the popular Old Cowtown Museum are good places to look for evidence of this.
The Culture
The cultural landscape of Wichita is extensive and diverse. It is home to numerous performing arts organizations and historical museums. The state’s largest museum, the Wichita Art Museum, is home to nearly 7,000 works of art. The Great Plains Transportation Museum and The Museum of World Treasures are among some of the museums found in the city.
Transportation
Wichita has a couple of privately owned airports in addition to the two primary public airports in the city. A firm called Wichita Transit runs a network of buses that go across the city.
Additionally, each bus has a bike rack that can accommodate up to two bikes. If cycling is your sport, the city features more than 60 kilometers of bicycle trails. Wichita Transit provides charter services such as express buses, trolleys, and taxi services.
Climate
The city has four distinct seasons. It also has an average temperature of 56.8 °F, with some winter lows of 10 °F and high summer temps of 114 °F. You might appreciate living in Wichita if you prefer a variety of weather.
Lots Of Fun
You’re welcome to take part in the Tallgrass Film Festival or the Wichita River Festival each year. There are various performing arts organizations, The Century II Convention Hall, small art galleries, the Sedgwick County Zoo, and other attractions nearby.
Does Wichita Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
The LGBT community in Wichita is thriving. There are numerous LGBT bars located all across the city. The Center in Wichita serves as a safe haven for LGBT youth as well as a location where the city’s bisexual, lesbian, gay, queer, transgender, and allied population may call home. The center, which is housed in a building that is also home to the offices of Equality Kansas, is situated in the heart of Wichita.
There is a meeting space available for individuals and groups interested in raising awareness of LGBTQIA issues, and an LGBTQIA library is now being constructed. They have informational materials and contacts for various other LGBTQA organizations located all throughout the city and state. They intend to keep expanding so that the community as a whole has access to a lot more resources.
Even though marriage equality has been legalized nationwide, this does not mean that everyone has the same rights. People in the city are still fired from their jobs and forced to leave their homes because they are LGBT, and there’s also some intolerance even with the Pride flag burning.
LGBT kids and families want to ensure that they are free from harassment, bullying, prejudice, and isolation. They also want to feel liberated to discover themselves by exploring their authentic selves.
Is Wichita An Expensive City To Move To?
Wichita’s overall cost of living is 9% less than the national average for urban areas. The Wichita sales tax rate is 7.3%. Compared to other cities, Wichita has a low total cost of living. Clothing, personal care items, transportation, groceries, and furnishings are inexpensive, yet healthcare and education are expensive. In Wichita, housing rates are very affordable.
The cost of a single-family home in the city, whether it is a recently constructed home or an existing home, is relatively affordable. Apartment rents here are 25% lower than the country average. Wichita has a $59,432 median family income, which is more than the national average.
Wichita’s median home price is $110,405, which is significantly less than the country’s median home price. This amount is, however, comparable to other real estate markets in the region.
The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Wichita
There are thankfully many other places to reside for those who are looking for a calmer yet still, LGBT-friendly environment as not all LGBT people want to be close to Downtown Wichita (the central business district of and political and financial hub of the city).
When moving to LGBTQ Wichita, bear in mind that some areas are more conveniently located for all the fun queer events and activities. By being aware of them in advance, you can arrive at your new residence in the gay-friendly neighborhood that best suits your needs.
Discover your delightfully ideal new home in one of these prominent gay and LGBT-friendly communities in Wichita. Each one has its own distinct personality, a friendly neighborhood, and facilities you’ll love. Give yourself lots of time to get to know the many different and diverse areas of Wichita, and bare in mind that this city has plenty to offer everyone – queer or otherwise!
Now let’s take a look at where the handful of marvelous gay areas in Wichita are and talk about the Wichita gayborhood where you might feel most at home! Or speak to a local LGBT real estate agent for a more detailed understanding of the best options today.
College Hill
The cultural hub of this neighborhood, which is located west of downtown, is College Hill Park. Amazing amenities, such as bike and walk routes, picnic spots, open greenery, and locations for sports and enjoyment, are offered to locals in this public area.
College Hill is a neighborhood of single-family homes that is close to the city center and has easy access to public transportation. The neighborhood has a lower crime rate than the areas around it making it appealing. It is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods and is located to the east of the city center.
The neighborhood has many old trees and a variety of people living there, including young families and senior couples. Many older properties have had renovations and updates. However, some homes still require some repair work.
As a result, College Hill is probably where you’ll locate your next fixer-upper if you’re an HGTV junkie. Despite its name, College Hill does not only cater to young adults in college. The neighborhood is home to many young professionals as well as a sizable number of families.
The majority of residents in College Hill own their homes, which have a median value of $161,800. In addition to having a wide variety of restaurants and bars College Hill also has retail malls and parks, so there are many things to do here. People who like to be social and active but also have professional occupations should consider living in College Hill!
Riverside
With fewer than 4,000 residents in 2019 and being one of the city’s smallest neighborhoods, Riverside is a wonderful neighborhood.
Riverside, located in Sedgwick County, is sometimes referred to as having a sparse suburban atmosphere and residences that are farther apart from one another. Since most people who live here own their homes, this gives them the chance to own additional real estate. The majority of residents in this neighborhood are young professionals and families and the median home value is $126,100.
Other neighborhoods in the city simply don’t have the same vibe as Riverside. Maybe it has something to do with how close the parks, museums, and Wichita downtown are to the historic neighborhood.
Or it could be the mature trees that line the streets. Whatever the motivation, Riverside is a welcoming neighborhood for families that provides a wide range of recreational and cultural opportunities.
Young professionals and families alike appreciate living in the calm neighborhood close to Delano’s companies, retail establishments, and dining options. Residents of Riverside have quick access to I-135 and Kellogg, and downtown is only a few blocks away. Delano, Midtown, and other popular neighborhoods are conveniently close by.
Historic bungalows and Tudor homes from the early 20th century can be found at Riverside, along with various museums. The local parks have expanded to include a golf course, tennis court, and playground for kids.
Crown Heights
Crown Heights is a great place to live. The neighborhood is located in Sedgwick county and is ideal for residents of all ages. On weekends and evenings with family and friends, you can find lots of bars, parks, restaurants, and other activities to enjoy. Young professionals make up the majority of the population of Crown Heights, but it is also home to residents of all ages.
The average house in the neighborhood is worth a little over $98,500 and Crown Heights residents enjoy a minimal suburban vibe, while the majority own their homes. Crown Heights is home to a good number of young professionals, many of whom have liberal political views.
High commendations are given to Crown Heights’ public schools. Most of the townhomes and homes in Courtland and Crown Heights South are medium-sized three and four-bedroom houses to the tiny studio and two-bedroom homes.
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Wichita
To progress the LGBTQ agenda, the queer community commonly has to rely on donor organizations or non-profits. Every LGBT person has benefited from their tireless labor to secure the advancement and rights we enjoy and being aware of them is good whether you need their help now or potentially in the future.
Wherever you live, it is imperative that you assist such organizations in any manner you can in order for them to reach out and aid others in the neighborhood. These Wichita LGBT community organizations are some of the best – and a great place to start if you’re looking for LGBTQ groups to join, seek support from, meet new people with or volunteer for a cause you care about.
The Center of Wichita serves as a safe haven for LGBT youth and the rest of the city’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Allied (LGBTQ+) population. It’s run and operated for and by the LGBTQ+ community.
The Center’s focus is to secure services and educational opportunities for the city’s LGBTQ+ youth. The hub is creating an LGBQ+ library that houses literature and contact details for various LGBTQ+ organizations across the state and city. It also has a central gathering place for individuals and groups interested in raising awareness.
The Wichita LGBT-Friendly Provider Directory is the city’s local directory of healthcare experts who provide quality care and are aware of the particular health issues facing the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. Every supplier featured in this directory has consented to be there.
PFLAG of South Central Kansas is Wichita’s branch of the largest grassroots group of its kind in America. PFLAG is popular for its objective of providing a wide range of support to LGBTQ individuals, their families, friends, and allies all over the nation. PFLAG plays a crucial and significant role in offering the LGBTQ community services, support, and advocacy.
LGBTQ+ Community Events in Wichita
After moving to a new city, you will likely want to create new connections, meet new people, and network. Thankfully, LGBT Wichita plays host to a variety of annual events for lesbians, transgender persons, gays, and anyone else who wants to have a good time.
While there are many queer events in the city, the ones listed here are the largest and greatest and are all worth marking in your calendar as you won’t want to miss them.
As one of the biggest events in the state, Wichita Pride is the annual pride festival for the LGBTQ community in the city. Every year, large crowds attend the festival because they enjoy the parades, family-friendly activities, parties, and several other events that are available. It’s an event you definitely want to mark on your calendar if you want to take part in the fun as well!
In addition to a burgeoning filmmaking industry, Wichita is also home to a strong art and music scene, all of which are commemorated at the yearly Tallgrass Film Festival. The film festival, which has been going on for 18 years, has consistently shown some of the greatest and most motivational movies.
Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Wichita
Other than being the largest city in Kansas, Wichita is also one of the most exciting. The city is home to various colleges, clubs, restaurants, malls, museums, and parks. Numerous job opportunities are available in Wichita thanks to a number of industries, including manufacturing, health care, education, and other services.
Remember that life is what you make it, and wherever (or if ever) you decide to start your new chapter in LGBT Wichita, we wish you the freedom and security you deserve. Living in a gay-friendly area, visiting nearby LGBT businesses and events, and joining queer community groups and sports teams are always the best methods to discover more about LGBT Wichita.
We guarantee that if you follow these recommendations, moving to LGBT Wichita will be less difficult for you and that you’ll quickly find like-minded individuals with whom to establish your newly chosen family.
Finding Gay Realtors In Wichita Kansas
When searching for the ideal realtor, why would you consider someone’s sexuality? This may seem strange at first, but there are numerous reasons why contacting a gay realtor in Wichita is a great way to find your dream house.
After all, when undertaking one of life’s most important transactions, it’s not unreasonable to expect fair, equal, and honest representation from someone who understands the queer community’s particular needs and wishes.
Furthermore, unfortunately, many people (up to a third of Americans) continue to believe that our community does not deserve protection and dignity in housing, adoption, employment, and other areas of life.
So it’s no surprise that LGBT people who use mainstream realtors often express feelings of discomfort, unnecessary trouble, unenthusiastic representation, or even antagonism or outright contempt.
Everyone deserves a gratifying, stress-free home buying or selling experience while being sufficiently represented, and this is why we feel you should engage a gay realtor to help you in finding your perfect future home.
LGBTQ realtors are more likely to be knowledgeable about the diverse communities in their area and understand which ones may be best suited to you when searching for a home. That’s not to say heterosexual realtors are not competent, but they’ve probably never had to handle many of the issues LGBT people face.
Rather than just being concerned with how bustling, fashionable, or up-and-coming a neighborhood is (or what it may appear like), gay realtors perform extensive research into the neighborhoods in which they sell homes to ensure that clients are safe.
It used to be challenging to uncover professional LGBT-friendly real estate agents in Wichita – and it was virtually impossible to find one if you were relocating here from out of state and didn’t have access to a local referral.
Thankfully, you no longer have to search for a realtor without knowing whether or not they are accepting of others because you can use a list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents in Wichita to do all of your homework for you.
Simply go to the page, and you’ll be presented with a free list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents who can help you with your relocation as well as other useful information like LGBT+friendly schools, shopping, storage firms, tradesmen, and more.
Read the biographies of LGBT real estate agents, then select the one who is right for you. It’s essential that you find someone who will be by your side and support you and your family during one of life’s most exhilarating occasions.
Even better, there is no hidden motive, cost, or obligation whatsoever!
