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.
Like any other city in a conservative state, you would expect that the city of Billings doesn’t have a thriving LGBT community. However, we’d like to point out that our community is resilient, and whenever we find the opportunity to thrive, we take it with both hands.
The same thing applies to Billings, Montana. Here’s the thing, though- we won’t promise you heaven on earth when you move to LGBT Billings, but we can say that there’s an LGBTQ community you can be proud to call your own. Billings is generally pretty accepting of who you are, but you should also be careful about the unwritten rules that come with living in a conservative community.
You also have to be aware that we might have different experiences of a location, so while some people might be happy with the limited nightlife scene of Billings, others don’t care about it. Some people might not care about your lifestyle, while others prefer that you don’t “flaunt it in their faces”.
Even so, you have to dig a little deeper to find out whether living in LGBTQ Billings is for you, so read on to find out more!
If you know Montana, you most likely associate it with gorgeous sunsets and panoramic landscapes. Billings, the largest city in the state, is popularly known as a “magic city” and has seen a rise in transplants over the last few years. If you’re contemplating relocating to this beguiling city – trust that you are not the only one, and you might just discover the accepting surroundings you or your family require to prosper.
There is even a quirky gay scene in Billings, but like Casper, Fort Wayne, Fairbanks, New Haven, and other mid-sized cities in the United States, it is rather low-key, especially when compared to New York or Los Angeles. This is why finding a gay realtor in Billings is priceless, as they can assist you in uncovering your new perfect home in the gaybourhood most suited to you.
Despite the relatively hidden LGBT culture of Billings, moving here should not make you feel uneasy. The majority of people in Billings are accepting of the LGBTQ community, and you will quickly discover that the majority of businesses, shops, and services will serve you with pride.
We’ll go over what you should expect when moving to LGBT Billings, as well as how you can make the transition easier on yourself (or with your family) and make sure you’re prepared to enjoy every minute of your new life here!
Check your preconceptions at the door because moving to LGBT Billings is not what you expect…
In this article we will cover...
- Highlights Of Moving To LGBTQ Billings
- Does Billings Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
- Is Billings An Expensive City To Move To?
- The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Billings
- LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Billings
- LGBTQ+ Community Events in Billings
- LGBT-Owned Businesses In Billings
- Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Billings
- Finding Gay Realtors In Billings
Highlights Of Moving To LGBTQ Billings
Billings is a city that has seen steady growth and prosperity through the years. However, what attracts you to this city might not be the same as what makes other cities attractive. Regardless, residents of Billings are well aware that their underappreciated city is brimming with hidden gems. Once you move here, you’ll be able to quickly befriend locals and spend your free time discovering that Billings is overflowing with culture and captivating sights…
On top of this, thanks to an offbeat yet deeply engaged LGBT community (which congregates at a few queer hot spots in the city’s most popular neighborhoods), securing a relocation here will allow you to meet LGBT people with similar interests.
Almost anything your heart desires is available here – and when relocating to LGBT Billings, there are numerous things to look forwards to, such as bountiful nature, endearing coffee shops, and boozy brunch haunts.
Let’s take a closer look at a few of the aspects that make up this remarkable city before we get into the details.
Outdoor Attractions
Even though we wouldn’t exactly call Billings a city with numerous outdoor activities, there are plenty of those nearby! Living in Billings will grant you access to numerous outdoor attractions.
All you need to do is enjoy a three-hour drive away from the city, and you’ll find yourself at Yellowstone National Park for the hike of your life. If you feel three hours is too long a drive, you can still go to Red Lodge Mountain for some cold weather fun during the winter.
It’s Sunny
Look, we know. You’ve probably read or heard that the city is a wasteland with little to no sunshine. However, the truth is, while Billings does experience cold weather, Spring and Summer come alive with numerous sunny days. In fact, compared to the rest of the state, this city has mild winters. Come prepared with your sunscreen, sunglasses, and bathing suit!
Delicious Food
Again, we know you’ve heard that Billings isn’t the best city to have culinary adventures in. However, Billings does have fine dining establishments and quaint little restaurants in addition to fast food joints that will leave you asking for more.
There are so many diverse restaurants here, you will have a problem settling for one. if you love burgers, Billings will provide them. The city is the home of Burger Drive, a popular burger place throughout the state.
Bike Friendly
Among the things you should look forward to about living here, is how bike-friendly the city is. Billings is one of the best cities in the country to take part in cycling activities. Cyclists in the city enjoy spending time on Beartooth Highway, a 68-mile long byway that offers the perfect spot to raise a cycling challenge with your frenemies.
Does Billings Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
While Billings is ready to accept who you are, there’s an unwritten rule that you shouldn’t flaunt your lifestyle in other people’s faces. Most people won’t care what you do in your home, or how you live, but they don’t want to see it or hear about it. The same rule applies to heterosexuals.
While there are different parts of the community showing more support and demonstrating equity towards the LGBTQ+ community, Montana still experiences suicide, bullying, and family rejection of LGBTQ+ youth. Despite it all, there is coordinated, innovative, and effective work to ensure the LGBTQ+ communities in the state have the support they need.
Same-sex marriage has been allowed in the state since November 2014. In addition to this, families headed by same-sex couples and same-sex couples are eligible for all protections that heterosexual married couples enjoy.
While the state has no express statutes on discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation, a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in Bostock V. Clayton County emphasized that it is illegal under federal law to discriminate against LGBT people in employment.
In Montana, transgender people have the option to amend the gender designation on their official documents. Before, transgender individuals could only do this after undergoing sex reassignment surgery and receiving medical treatment. These conditions, however, were eliminated by revisions made in December 2017.
Ever since time, transgender people have been able to modify the gender designation on birth certificates by filing a “Correction Affidavit” signed by the applicant, a “Gender Designation Form”, and a certified copy of a court order stating that their gender has been changed to the Department of Public Health and Human Services.
Is Billings An Expensive City To Move To?
In Billings, the annual cost of housing, food, childcare, transportation, health care, taxes, and other needs for a single adult is $34,966; this is less than the national average of $38,433 and lower than Montana’s annual cost of living of $36,457.
Housing
The median home value in Billings is $212,700, which is more than the national $204,900 median home value. Homes built in 1939 or earlier cost on average $169,500, while those built in 2014 and later cost on average $270,800. The average renter in the city pays $860 per month for housing, which is roughly equal to the $1,022 median monthly rent nationwide.
Transportation
A single individual in the city should expect to spend approximately $9,590 per year on transportation after accounting for petrol prices, costs associated with public transportation, and vehicle maintenance.
Healthcare
The average annual cost of health care for a single resident adult in Billings is $4,903.
Food and groceries
It is expected that a single adult would spend approximately $3,090 annually on food, while a family of four would spend $8,920.
The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Billings
While all the media today seems to think that gayborhood is dead or on the verge of extinction. We have news for them – it’s not! Instead, gayborhoods across the USA are growing in number and diversity; they might look slightly different.
Instead of being the main street serving mostly-exclusive LGBT clients (something we now think of as a gay village), gayborhoods have evolved into cultural archipelagos, a collection of queer islands coalesced by sexuality and gender and liberal allies. And cities frequently have more than one.
Today, it turns out not all LGBT people in Billings want to live in the (relative) chaos of downtown Billings – and thankfully, they (and you!) have options.
However, when choosing where to live in Billings, remember 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 ideal new home in one of these prominent gay and LGBT-friendly gaybourhoods in Billings. Each one has its own distinct personality, a friendly vibe, and amenities you’ll love and soon wonder how you ever did without.
Give yourself lots of time to get to know the diverse areas of Billings, and bear 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 Billings are and talk about the Billings 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.
Downtown
Most of the action in Billings occurs Downtown. Downtown is the busiest part of the city and has everything you would need, from restaurants to shops, museums, and nightlife. Downtown is also known as one of the best parts of Billing’s architecture.
The neighborhood has historical buildings, especially in the North side area. These buildings are from the 1800s when Billings was popularly known as “Magic City”. The neighborhood is also home to some 20th-century architecture.
Downtown is known for being trendy and creative, with street art and murals giving some of the old alleyways a fresh new look. Downtown is also home to the Yellowstone Art Museum and new artist studios. There are also some traditional museums in this part of town that detail Billings’ history.
Downtown is one of the best places in the city for eating out and shopping since it is home to most of the restaurants and boutiques in the city. Head out to South Park during the weekend and enjoy the farmer’s market held each Saturday from July to October.
If you’re a sports fan, head over to Dehler Park, which is home to the Billings Mustangs, a minor-league baseball team. Downtown is also well-known for historic homes, some of which include P.B. Moss Mansion located on Division Street.
The mansion is now known as the Moss Mansion Museum. The neighborhood is also home to residences built in the 1900s, and if this is what you’re after, you will find them in Alderson, Lewis, Clark, Yellowstone, and Burlington.
Billings Heights
Billings Heights is one of the safest neighborhoods in the city. It is also a popular residential area since its close to shops, hiking trails, and parks. It is home to Lake Elmo State Park, which offers lovely picnic opportunities next to the water. Lake Hills Golf Course is also located here and will ensure you enjoy golfing with excellent views.
Billings Heights has some permanent residents, and some areas of the neighborhood will feel like a suburb. The neighborhood has play parks for children, schools, and grocery stores. If you’re into indoor sports, MetraPark located in Billings Heights south, will offer fantastic opportunities for exercise and enjoying basketball games.
This neighborhood is a fantastic choice for those who love exploration, as it is one of the best places in the city to start on a trail. Whether you’d like to head to Pictograph Cave State Park or explore the Rims, there’s always something to do here. The heights are the neighborhood for you if you want to enjoy a residential
West End
West End is one of the city’s most quiet neighborhoods. Here, you will find parks everywhere you look since the area has many green spaces. One of the most popular parks is Zimmerman Park, which is great for enjoying panoramic views of Billings.
West End is relaxed, with many chill places to relax and unwind. While the bars and restaurants aren’t as many as that Downtown, the cuisine ranges from Japanese to Italian.
However, most of the eateries here are American-style bars and grills. Even so, West End comes second to Downtown when it comes to shopping. Rimrock Mall, located here, has more than 90 restaurants and shops.
One of the most popular attractions in Billings is Zoo Montana, which is a short drive away from West End. When moving to the city, you’re likely to hear about West End as it’s one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Billings.
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Billings
Wherever you live, it is critical that you support LGBT organizations in any way you can use so that they can keep reaching out to and assisting other members of the community who are more vulnerable. After all, we are all stronger when we work together, and each of us will likely have a time in our lives when we require a little extra support.
Billings has a supportive and diverse LGBTQ community, which has helped the city become more gay-friendly in recent years.
As a result, there are a variety of LGBT resources available to community members, their allies, friends, and families – and you ought to feel free to utilize them or consider giving your support as needed to keep your new home city moving forwards! They are also a place to meet new people and find your queer chosen family in Billings.
The Montana Two Spirit Society
The Montana Two Spirit Society was established in 1996 after a unified effort by Montana Gay Health Task Force and Pride Inc. The organization has grown throughout the years from a few participants to more than 100 attendees from other states as well. The gathering has representatives from Turtle Island as well.
The mission of the society is to educate and advocate for the Montana LGBTQ community and the general community about the traditions and histories of the Two Spirits. They promote spiritual well-being, health, and wellness through the healing of past wounds, sharing traditions, and learning new ways of preventing and healing disease.
406 Pride established an LGBTQ+ Resource Center in 2019. This Resource Center serves as an affirming and open space for people of all gender identities, expressions, and sexual orientations.
The center works with a variety of populations in the state to enhance acceptance, build unity, and fellowship and ensure that people in the LGBTQ+ community are viewed as full members of society in their workplaces, homes, and the general community.
MPT Billings is made up of LGBT and allied members of the community whose mission is to create a healthy environment for peers by enhancing their sense of belonging. Members of this group work together with the fiscal sponsor staff to ensure the community has access to HIV education, testing, prevention, and outreach.
LGBTQ+ Community Events in Billings
After moving to a new city, you will likely want to create new connections, meet new people, and network. Thankfully, LGBT Billings 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.
Billings Pride is an epic week-long event that you shouldn’t miss. The event is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in Billings and all its contributions to the city. The festival consists of a parade, family-friendly activities, and opportunities for networking, clinic listening, drag story time, and fun!
The Montana Two-Spirit Gathering is a fantastic gathering for First Nations, Native, and indigenous Two-Spirit people, their families, and friends. The gathering offers a drug-free, safe, and alcohol-free environment for its attendees. The event’s purpose is to encourage attendees to heal from the damage inflicted through colonialism, racism, ageism, transphobia, sexism, and homophobia.
LGBT-Owned Businesses In Billings
The following Billings businesses have vowed to foster a workplace and working environment that welcomes everyone and is devoid of prejudice based on sexual orientation and gender expression.
It’s only normal to want to support queer businesses after relocating to LGBT Billings. Making a safe space where individuals can relax, shop, eat, and meet without fear is one way to build a safer and more accepting society – and LGBT businesses are frequently doing the heavy lifting to achieve this goal.
It is crucial to support these projects wherever you reside to ensure the survival and development of the queer community. When you shop local, you are personally investing in your city and community – a small step that can be transformational when people do it en masse.
Here are just a few of our favorite LGBTQ+-owned companies in Billings that you can support with your pink dollars…
Kidz Cutz salon emphasizes providing wonderful, quick, and enjoyable services for the whole family. The salon is designed to be as kid-friendly as can be, with televisions on every station, a chalk wall, books, color tables, and more. Your youngster will truly want to go to this salon. Visit Kidz Cutz and take part in the hair fun!
The mission of STRIP Waxing Salon is to provide top-notch hair removal services backed by unmatched expertise and superior client care. The staff wants every customer to receive first-class services in a remarkable setting that is safe and secure while keeping costs affordable.
The goal of STRIP Waxing Salon is to develop lasting business relationships with all of its stakeholders, including its employees, customers, and neighborhood. They value fostering client relationships, community involvement, team empowerment and philanthropy.
Vintage Apothecary seeks to take care of your body, mind, and soul by offering infused oils and specially blended organic herbs. Additionally, you can get essential oil blends, magical wares, intuitive wellness sessions, Reiki, Grounding Footwork, and much more here!
Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Billings
If festivals are your thing, you will enjoy living in Billings. There are more than 20 festivals that take place throughout the city each year, such as the Strawberry Festival, the Wine and Food Festival, and the Magic City Blues Festival, amongst others. Beer drinkers will enjoy all the breweries the city has to offer. Even so, no matter your reasons for moving here, the city (and the majority of its residents) will welcome you with open arms.
We hope you receive the freedom and security you deserve if you decide to start your new chapter in LGBT Billings. However, please remember that life is what you make of it. The best ways to learn more about LGBT Billings are to live in a gay-friendly neighborhood, support local queer businesses and events, and join LGBT community clubs, organizations and teams.
We promise that if you go by these suggestions, moving to LGBT Billings will be less challenging for you and that you’ll meet like-minded individuals and build up that all-important support network quickly.
Finding Gay Realtors In Billings
Why would you consider someone’s sexuality when hunting for the ideal realtor? This may appear strange at first, but there are numerous reasons why contacting a gay realtor in Billings is a good way to discover your dream house.
After all, it’s not unrealistic to expect fair, equal, and honest representation from someone who comprehends the queer community’s specific needs and desires when engaging in one of life’s most important transactions.
Further to that, sadly, many people (up to one-third of Americans) still genuinely think that our community does not deserve protection and dignity in areas such as housing, adoption, employment, and other aspects of life.
As a result, it’s not surprising that LGBT people who use mainstream realtors frequently express discomfort, unnecessary trouble, unenthusiastic representation, or even antagonism or outright contempt.
Everyone deserves a pleasurable, stress-free home buying or selling experience while being adequately represented, which is why we believe you should hire a gay realtor to assist you in uncovering your ideal future home.
When looking for a home, LGBTQ realtors are more likely to be informed about the diverse communities in their area and fully comprehend which ones may be particularly well suited to you. This isn’t to say heterosexual realtors aren’t competent; they’ve just never had to deal with many of the challenges that LGBT people face.
Gay realtors conduct thorough research into the neighborhoods in which they sell homes to make sure their customers are safe, rather than just being concerned with how thriving, trendy, or up-and-coming a neighborhood is (or appears to be).
It used to be challenging to uncover professional LGBT-friendly real estate agents in Billings – 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 Billings 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!
