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.
As you contemplate a potential move to a new locale, one of the foremost considerations that may cross your mind is how hospitable the locals are to those who identify as LGBTQ+ and endeavor to live an authentic life. Regrettably, this remains a salient issue in our contemporary world, and it warrants thoughtful consideration.
To help queer folx who are considering moving to Gay Michigan, we have put together this guide from experts on the ground, considering the pros and cons of life here, discussing LGBT rights in Michigan and whether Michigan embraces our community.
We also take a look at the most gay-friendly cities in Michigan and LGBT community organizations in Michigan that you should be aware of!
Not many queer people would take time to think about the possibility of Michigan being a potential location to move to. The truth is that there are a lot of questions regarding the degree of tolerance and progressiveness of this state. If anything, Michigan isn’t exactly the most progressive state.
However, that doesn’t mean that it’s completely against LGBT people or that there aren’t pockets of acceptance in the state. Some of the more populated cities in Michigan such as Grand Rapids and Detroit, are quite progressive when it comes to LGBT rights. Michigan also has some small towns that are known for being gay-friendly hubs.
While it may come as a surprise, you should know that moving to LGBT Michigan will grant you a variety of options. There are plenty of neighborhoods all around the state that would make a good choice for LGBT families, so if you’re moving with kids, you don’t have to worry. Naturally still, any LGBT person would like to scope out a potential future home.
Whether you want to live in Michigan for a few years or make it your forever home, it’s important to know what living in the state is like. Luckily for you, we’ve put together an extensive resource that will help you learn what living in Michigan is like. Happy reading!
To reduce the stress of your relocation, we recommend engaging a gay realtor in Michigan early in the process to help you find your new perfect home there. They will have up-to-the-minute information on the best cities and areas for LGBT Michigan, and be able to match your needs to a neighborhood most suited to you.
You can just start with a no-obligation conversation, and if you decide to continue with your move to Michigan – they will not only have your best interests at heart but also ensure you are treated with dignity and respect throughout the entire process.
In this article we will cover...
Highlights Of Moving To Gay Michigan
It’s hard not to get enthusiastic about the unique and tempting proposition that moving to Michigan presents – especially once you get chatting with residents and long-time locals in the know about all their state’s hidden gems and best-kept secrets. After all, this is why many chose to live here.
Once you move here, you should quickly befriend locals, let them ‘spill the tea’ and then spend your free time discovering the best sights, food, nature and culture Michigan has to offer. On top of this, thanks to an offbeat yet deeply engaged LGBT community – which congregates at a few fabulous queer hot spots – securing a relocation to Michigan should allow you to meet local queer people with similar interests.
We are certain locals will have many more to add, but to get you excited, here are just a few highlights to look forward to as you become Michigan’s newest denizen.
LGBT Summers
If your aim is to enjoy a few LGBT summers in a fun state, life in Michigan could be what you’re looking for. The area of Saugatuck/Douglas is well known as a choice destination for LGBT visitors and has always welcomed the LGBT community. This area is popular for being the top LGBTQ resort in the Midwest and is also known as the home of one of the country’s largest gay and lesbian resorts.
The Dunes has hotel rooms, cottages, dorm-style accommodations, and deluxe suites for anyone that would like to enjoy a carefree summer. The Dunes also as a pool, Deck, Show Bar, Club, and bar, so you can be sure that whatever you’re looking for, your needs will be met.
LGBT Road Trips
There’s a reason why Detroit is known as Motor City. If you’re up to it, you can view the city’s auto history while you’re on a leisurely drive or on foot. If you love to learn about history, some of the best stops include the Russel Industrial Center, GM Renaissance Center, and Indian Village.
If history isn’t your thing, you don’t have to worry. You can head over to Belle Isle Park, or walk hand-in-hand with your love along the Detroit Riverwalk. Your exploration of the city, of course, wouldn’t be complete without heading to Douglas or Saugatuck to enjoy the tasty dishes of LGBT-owned, operated, and affirming restaurants.
Even though you will have to take a ferry ride to the area across Lake Huron, you will still enjoy Mackinac Island’s natural attractions, such as Arch Rock, the downtown at Mackinac Island, and historic buildings all over the area.
LGBTQ+ Rights In The USA
The laws governing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people have altered considerably over time in the United States and vary from state to state. In many ways, LGBT rights are some of the best in the world – but the devil is in the detail, and some places are much more hostile to queer life than others.
While same-sex marriage has been legal in every state since the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges ruling on June 26, 2015 (before Obergefell v. Hodges, same-sex marriage was legal in 36 states and Washington, D.C. ), LGBT people are still treated differently in different states – both societally and as inequality under the law.
Over half of all states still allow discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression, while counties and cities within states often have distinct laws as well. While some states permit adoption by all couples, others forbid it for all unmarried couples.
This is all to say what most of us already know is that LGBT rights and equality differ greatly across the USA, and the specifics of family, marriage and anti-discrimination laws are different in every state.
Thus, while it is comforting to know that you can choose to marry whoever you love across the USA (and have it recognized as such) and are protected against hate crimes based on sexual orientation or gender identity (which can be punished under Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009), there are still many questions you will likely have about moving to Michigan and what you can expect of LGBT life there.
Does Michigan Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
The small coastal towns, cities, and remote areas of the county are known for mountain biking and sea kayaking. However, that’s not all they’re good for, and they are more than simply lovely places to visit. They also take pleasure in being open to everyone, with several of them being nationally recognized as the best LGBTQ+ vacation destinations or cities.
Although state leaders are more tolerant of the LGBTQ population than in past years, the legislation hasn’t evolved accordingly. Even while there has been significant progress, inequity and hatred continue to exist. Policy safeguards are insufficient to allay personal safety concerns in the state.
Even so, the state has some legislation that can provide some protection to LGBT persons in other spheres of life. LGBTQ people in Michigan, however, aren’t satisfied with this. In Michigan, one can still lose their job on account of their gender identity and sexual orientation. Michigan does not have laws in place that support Equal Rights on account of one’s sexuality.
Unfortunately, what this means is that being transgender or gay could allow anyone to deny you employment and housing. If state laws were to change, all this could change and secure the protection of the LGBT community in Michigan. Even so, this doesn’t mean that all hope is lost. Some of the cities in Michigan have added LGBT rights.
For example, Ann Arbor became the first city in the state to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Detroit was also able to adopt similar legislation and went further to add gender identity or expression to its anti-discrimination ordinances. Huntington Woods has also gone ahead to ban conversion therapy for gays.
Is Michigan An Expensive State To Move To
Michigan’s cost of living is lower than the national average. The cost of services and goods in Michigan is 7.6% lower than the national average.
Housing
The average home in the state is worth $146,200, an amount less than the $204,800 countrywide median. Homes built in 1939 and earlier cost, on average, $99,500, while those built in 2014 and later are worth, on average, $322,100. The average Michigan renter pays approximately $850 per month for housing, which is less than the $1,020 per month nationwide median rent. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Michigan is $670 per month, while the average rent for a home with five and more bedrooms is $1,190.
Transportation
You should anticipate spending around $895 on gas each year. The average cost of auto insurance in the state is $1,430, which is lower than the nationwide average.
Healthcare
Michigan’s average cost of healthcare is $3,460 annually. A family of four in the state would be expected to pay around $10,550, which is $2,400 less than the country’s average.
Food Costs
If you’re a family of four, you should expect to spend around $8,740 each year on food. A single adult, on the other hand, should contemplate spending around $3,025 each year on food.
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Michigan
Wherever you live, it is essential that you support LGBT organizations in any way you can so that they can keep reaching out to and assisting other, more vulnerable members of the community. After all, we are stronger when we work together, and each of us will likely have a time in our lives when we require a little extra support.
Thankfully, Michigan has a supportive and diverse LGBTQ community, which has helped the state 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 state moving forwards! They are also great places to meet new people and find your queer chosen family in Gay Michigan.
OutFront Kalamazoo is an organization that seeks to advance social justice, forge alliances, transform hearts, and widen minds so that everyone in the region, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can live truthfully and free from prejudice.
A variety of services and programs are available via the organization in a welcoming and secure atmosphere. They provide a platform for visibility and participation as well as a chance to connect with those who want to live life with no restraints.
The organization also seeks to create a supportive, inclusive community for persons of all gender identities, expressions, and sexual orientations in Southwest Michigan.
Equality Michigan is a political advocacy organization that offers victim services, outreach, and education to assist LGBTQ+ people to live safely, support their families, and make a positive difference by enhancing their social, economic, and cultural well-being.
The organization achieves its mission by making sure marginalized voices are amplified. Equality Michigan works to reform Michigan legislation and solve issues that adversely affect the lives of LGBTQ+ people across the state.
Most Gay-Friendly Cities In Michigan
In Michigan, there are many wonderful areas to live in, but when relocating to LGBTQ Michigan, you should be cognizant that there are a few cities and gaybourhoods that are nearer to the queer hubs of life. Knowing them will allow you to pull your U-Haul up to your new house in a gay-friendly neighborhood or town that is best suited to your needs.
If you’re a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or otherwise queer person seeking a welcoming neighborhood with facilities you’ll cherish, start with these top gay and gay-friendly Michigan cities to discover your perfect new home, each with its distinct personality.
Give yourself enough time to acquaint yourself with Michigan’s diverse personalities, and remember that there is no one perfect answer when it comes to the most gay-friendly places in Michigan… and just because it does not make our list doesn’t necessarily make it a bad option.
We recommend speaking to a local LGBT real estate agent for a more detailed understanding of the best options today. Now, let’s take a look at where these fabulously gay-friendly cities in Michigan are and why you might want to consider them!
Saugatuck, MI
Saugatuck is popular with the LGBT community thanks to its abundance of queer-friendly resorts. The city is also known as the “Art Coast of Michigan,” thanks to its artist’s colonies. Saugatuck is a city of progressive views and is home to 140+ LGBT-friendly businesses and gay-owned establishments.
The most special thing about this city is that it isn’t only for visitors. Saugatuck is also home to many LGBT families all throughout the year. Even so, before you move to this city, you have to remember that the cost of living here is quite high. Saugatuck, a classy beach town, is one of America’s most queer-friendly beach gateways, and there’s a reason for this.
The coast of this city has some of the most beautiful sand dunes and beaches in the country, and the entertainment scene here is quite sizzling. Saugatuck is home to the famous Dunes Resort, which is one of the main attractions of the town. Here, you can choose to enjoy a short vacation or simply visit to enjoy a drag show or cabaret performance.
There’s also the Hidden Garden Cottages which is located a stone’s throw away from downtown and the water. If you’re looking for a little more fun, Oval Beach might be the destination you’re looking for.
Here, you get the best choice to enjoy a brew. Uncommon Coffee Roaster and Guardian Brewing Company are both located close by. The nearest urban area to Saugatuck is Grand Rapids, which is popular for its art.
Detroit
Those who are drawn to creative energies will love living in Motor City. Detroit has carried the history of the auto industry, with innovators and inventors dominating past eras. Even so, architecture is still a big part of the city and brings in travelers from different parts of the world.
A good number of the Detroit neighborhoods are LGBT-friendly and draw queer professionals that are bent on restoring some works of popular early architects in the region. Indian Village and West Village are home to some unique shops and homes beautified by some Pewabic Pottery.
There are also many dining options owned and run by LGBT people. Detroit has previously been named one of the best-kept secrets and queer-friendly destinations of the Midwest. Detroit is home to many LGBT attractions and nightlife that you will enjoy if you choose to move here. A great example is Menjo’s, a very popular gay bar, which used to be one of Madonna’s favorite hangouts.
The city also puts together the state’s largest Pride Celebration, known as Motor City Pride, held in downtown. Other nearby cities, such as Ferndale, also have plenty of LGBT-owned and friendly attractions like theaters, restaurants, and bars. Detroit’s LGBT theater troop, Ringwald Theatre, is one of the best places to be in the city.
Locations such as Zeke’s BBQ host several events and fundraisers for the LGBT community. Soho Ferndale is a popular gay bar featuring casual but stylish cocktails and weeks of exciting activities.
Grand Rapids
In past years, Grand Rapids was named one of the gayest cities in the country. The city offers a lot of the music, food, and art that you can get in Detroit, only at cheaper rates. It is not only the perfect location for LGBT travelers, but it’s also ideal for those looking for a place to call home.
There are plenty of welcoming destinations all over Grand Rapids. Downtown Grand Rapids is home to the state’s oldest gay bar, the Apartment Lounge, which is only a short walk away from welcoming shops, breweries, museums, and restaurants if you want to splurge on some shopping, head over to Uptown or take a trip to the West Side for a refreshing scene of a range of dining options.
If your mission is to adventure Lake Michigan shore, Grand Rapids is a great home base! Grand Rapids is home to the Grand Rapids Pride Center, which identifies as the hub for LGBTQ+ support. The center hosts Grand Rapids Pride Festival, which features many LGBTQ artists, vendors, and many performers.
Those who live in Grand Rapids have the pleasure of enjoying performances by the West Michigan Gay Men’s Chorus, which presents regular concerts all around town. The city is known to have ordinances that protect the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression in employment and housing.
Finding Gay Realtors In Michigan
When looking for the ideal realtor, why would you consider someone’s sexuality? This may seem strange at first, but there are several reasons why contacting a gay realtor in Michigan is a great way to find your dream house.
After all, when it relates to one of life’s most significant 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) 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 describe feelings of discomfort, unnecessary trouble, unenthusiastic representation, or even antagonism or outright contempt.
Everyone deserves a pleasant, stress-free home buying or selling experience while being adequately represented, and this is why we feel you should hire a gay realtor to assist you in finding your future home.
LGBTQ realtors are more likely to be familiar with the diverse communities in their area and know which ones may be best suited to you when looking for a home.
That’s not to say a heterosexual realtor isn’t capable, but they’ve probably never had to address 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 conduct extensive research into the neighborhoods in which they sell homes to ensure that clients are safe.
It used to be challenging to locate professional LGBT-friendly real estate agents in Michigan, 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.
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 Michigan 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, tradespeople, and more.
Read the biographies of LGBT real estate agents, then choose the one who is right for you. It’s critical that you find someone who will be by your side and support you and your family during one of life’s most exciting occasions.
Even better, there is no hidden motive, cost, or obligation whatsoever!
