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.
Before embarking on a relocation to Delaware, it’s natural to wonder about the level of acceptance the locals have towards individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ and seek to live their lives truthfully. Unfortunately, despite advances in society, acceptance isn’t always universal, and it’s a legitimate concern to have.
However, Delaware is a state that prides itself on being welcoming and inclusive, with a history of championing LGBTQ+ rights. So, if you’re considering Delaware as your next home, you can rest assured that you’re moving to a place that values diversity and embraces the differences that make us unique.
To help queer folx who are considering moving to Gay Delaware, we have put together this guide from experts on the ground, considering the pros and cons of life here, discussing LGBT rights in Delaware and whether Delaware embraces our community.
We also take a look at the most gay-friendly cities in Delaware, and LGBT community organizations in Delaware that you should be aware of!
Delaware is a lovely destination to visit and live in and provides visitors and residents with distinctive experiences. Delaware, which lies in the North East of the country, is surrounded by culture and refinement. The state is the second-smallest state in the country, and it’s only 96 miles long and varies in width from 9 to 35 miles depending on where in the state you are.
Delaware has a long history of LGBTQ+ acceptance and advocacy, with notable milestones, including the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2013 and the implementation of state-wide anti-discrimination laws in housing, employment, and public accommodations. These protections have made Delaware a relatively safe and welcoming place for LGBTQ+ individuals to live.
In terms of resources and support, Delaware has a number of organizations and initiatives dedicated to serving the LGBTQ+ community. The Delaware Pride Festival and the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center are well-known events and centers offering support, programming, and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals. The state also has a number of LGBTQ-inclusive healthcare providers, as well as a number of social and support groups for the community.
Overall, Delaware can be considered a relatively safe and welcoming place for LGBTQ+ individuals to live. While no place is perfect, the state’s history of acceptance and anti-discrimination laws, as well as its resources and support systems for the LGBTQ+ community, make it a strong choice for those seeking an inclusive and supportive environment.
Delaware offers an excellent spot to learn more about the LGBT lifestyle because it is the 11th state in the country to legalize same-sex marriage. The most LGBT-friendly destination in Delaware is Rehoboth Beach, a picturesque seaside community with gay and lesbian beaches, trendy eateries, and thriving nightlife (along with many gay pubs and lodging options). The seafood shacks along the Delaware shore are well-known for serving fried crab cakes, delicious buttery corn, and seasoned shrimp – giving you plenty of other choices too..
To reduce the stress of your relocation, we recommend engaging a gay realtor in Delaware 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 people 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 Delaware – they will not only have your best interests at heart but also ensure you are treated with dignity and respect throughout the entire process.
Here’s the ultimate guide that offers you all you need to know about this beautiful state.
In this article we will cover...
Highlights Of Moving To Gay Delaware
There are different aspects to every state that make it unique and attractive to transplants, locals, and visitors – and residents of Delaware are well aware that their state is brimming with hidden gems. Once you move here, you’ll be able to quickly befriend locals and spend your free time discovering the best sights and culture Delaware 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 Delaware should allow you to meet queer people with similar interests. To get you started, here are some of the top reasons to move to Gay Delaware…
The Beaches
There is an amazing mix of all kinds of people on the white dunes at Rehoboth. However, for LGBT tourists, it’s good to occasionally spend some time in a gay sanctuary, especially one as magnificent as Poodle Beach, a vast swath of sand near the end of the boardwalk’s south that is well-liked by gay men.
The volleyball matches are a terrific way to meet other single people, and the beach is constantly buzzing with pop music and activity. There is also a vendor selling strawberry slushes and grilled hamburgers on the beach, just in case you get hungry. Lesbians frequent the beach in North Shores, which is on the other side of town.
This calmer section of shoreline, divided by a lengthy pier and lined with WWII watchtowers, is less active. If you want to take a leisurely stroll through the verdant marshes of Gordons Pond Wildlife Area to switch up your day, Cape Henlopen is also close by and is easily accessible.
The Wilmington Arts Community
The arts community in Delaware and specifically Wilmington, is filled with a wealth of talent, and there are numerous LGBTQ people here. Considering Wilmington’s diminutive size, it is incredibly vast and diversified.
Visits to the Delaware Contemporary and the Delaware Art Museum, seeing a show at the Grand or the Queen, or going to Rockwood Park to enjoy a summer performance of Delaware Shakespeare are some of the best ways to see the state.
LGBT-Friendly Faith-Based Groups
Greater Wilmington is home to a large number of warm and embracing synagogues and churches. When you’re moving to Delaware, being involved in a faith-based community is a terrific way to learn more about the fabric of the state.
A lot of the buildings also have gorgeous architecture and fascinating history, like the Westminster Presbyterian Church, which was established in 1857.
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 Delaware and what you can expect of LGBT life there.
Does Delaware Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
Many of the towns in Delaware have given the LGBTQ community their full support. In this sense, Rehoboth, which is located in the southern area of the state, has gotten a lot of well-deserved recognition. Nevertheless, you cannot discount the part New Castle County has served in influencing people’s perspectives and opening their hearts.
The history of LGBTQ people is deeply rooted in the region. The very first gay rights demonstrations were held in Philadelphia, a city only a quick drive to the north. The Stonewall Uprising took place in New York, and as a result, June was designated as Pride Month. Several court rulings in favor of LGBTQ people have been issued in Washington, D.C., which is to the south of the state.
When it comes to fostering acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals inside its legal system and in regard to cultural views, the state has made significant and exciting progress. Leaders now have the chance to build on this solid foundation for equality. About 4.5% of people who live in Delaware belong to the LGBTQ+ community.
That amounts to an estimated 2.2 billion dollars in LGBTQ+ individual income, making it a market that anyone in business cannot ignore. Employee turnover hurts the state’s economy and corporate competitiveness in situations where LGBTQ+ employees don’t feel comfortable at work and are less likely to stay.
Delaware’s average replacement cost for an employee is $10,440. In order to keep these expenses low, the state and entities operating here have significant incentives to keep creating inclusive workplaces.
LGBTQ+ people are able to participate more actively in business because of anti-discrimination laws. Delaware’s economy would be significantly impacted if discrimination laws were more strictly enforced.
According to one estimate, the state’s economy might rise by $2.1 billion, or 3%. The state of Delaware has a thorough anti-discrimination statute that covers gender identity and sexual orientation and extends to housing, employment, public accommodations, and insurance. LGBTQ+ kids are protected by the state’s anti-bullying and anti-harassment regulations.
According to state law, any adult who is not married or is part of a married couple may ask a court to adopt a child. Even though religious institutions may request exceptions, the legislation forbids secular adoption agencies from rejecting prospective parents because of their religious convictions.
Is Delaware An Expensive State To Move To?
The cost of living in Delaware is comparable to the national average for the country. The median cost of goods and services in Delaware is 1.2% less than the national average, according to statistics from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The state has the 18th-highest average cost of living among all the states.
Housing: Delaware has a median house value of $244,700, which is $39,800 higher than the national average of $204,900. Homes built in 1939 or earlier are, on average worth $204,100, while those built in 2014 and later cost on average $352,700. In Delaware, the average renter pays $1,110 per month for housing, which is $86 higher than the $1,024 median monthly rent nationwide. In the state, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $886 per month, while the average rent for a home with five or more bedrooms is $1,645.
Transportation Costs: The average driver in the state can anticipate spending $1,026 on gas in a year, taking into consideration the average cost of gasoline, which in Delaware is $2.27 per gallon on average.
Food expenses: A single adult in the state spends, approximately, $3,335 on food each year, while a family of four spends about $9,633. For comparison, the average yearly food expenditure in the United States is $9,350 for a family of four and $3,240 for an adult.
Healthcare: In contrast to the national median of $4,260 for a single adult, the state’s average cost of health care is $5,114 annually. The average yearly cost of health care for a family of four is $15,460; this is $2,510 more than the corresponding U.S. average of $12,950.
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Delaware
Wherever you live, it is essential that you support LGBT organizations in any way you can use 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, Delaware 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 Delaware.
United Way of Delaware works through advocacy, strategic partnerships, donations, volunteering, and collective impact to make a real difference in the lives of those who are most in need. They acknowledge that ongoing gaps and inequities, which they work to eliminate and have been exacerbated by systemic racism, racial discrimination, as well as other forms of oppression.
The organization is an LGBTQ+ leaders’ safe haven to meet, brainstorm, communicate, plan, and make an impact in their community. The PRIDE Councils assist groups serving LGBTQ+ people in their efforts to improve Delaware as a place to live, play, and work.
CAMP Rehoboth is a nonprofit that serves the populations of Rehoboth Beach and its surrounding areas by fostering an accepting atmosphere for people of all gender identities and sexual orientations. As they work to create a more secure community with space for everyone, they hope to encourage mutual respect and collaboration among everyone.
They build thriving, secure communities where gender identity and sexual orientation are valued.
Their goals include fostering the creation of neighborhood organizations, creating community spaces, promoting human and civil rights, combating discrimination and prejudice, easing tensions within the community as a whole, and aiding in the region’s economic development.
They do this by fundraising for additional nonprofits, including AIDS service organizations, gay, lesbian, and bisexual community groups, environmental projects, recycling initiatives, literacy programs, and other initiatives aimed at improving the community as a whole.
Most Gay-Friendly Cities In Delaware
In Delaware, there are many wonderful areas to live in, but when relocating to LGBTQ Delaware, 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 Delaware cities to discover your perfect new home, each with its distinct personality.
Give yourself enough time to acquaint yourself with Delaware’s diverse personalities, and remember that there is no one perfect answer when it comes to the most gay-friendly places in Delaware… 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 Delaware are and why you might want to consider them!
Wilmington
Wilmington, the state’s second-most popular gay-friendly city, has a number of lovely historic neighborhoods as well as a reasonably lively downtown. There are only a few LGBT-friendly places and a small, isolated gay community. Many LBGTQIA visitors that wish to stay here will almost probably visit one of these locations.
The city’s culture does not fully embrace the gay lifestyle. However, there are numerous social programs geared at assisting underprivileged people in finding a home here because of the proactive political orientation of Wilmington’s municipal university.
You don’t have to limit yourself to the gay bars to feel like you’re part of the community because the university provides the city with more progressive leaders than it would have otherwise.
The median property price in Wilmington is only $118,300, and the residents’ average age is a young 34. A visit to one of these locations will almost probably be the consequence of having LBGTQIA friends.
Rehoboth Beach
For more than three decades, the LGBTQIA communities of Baltimore, Washington, and Philadelphia have made Rehoboth Beach a favorite vacation destination. It is a city that springs to life in the summer, and during the high tourist season, the population rises from a little over 1,500 to 50,000 merrymakers – most of them sporting the latest gay swimwear…
This little resort town offers a fantastic gay nightlife culture, with 200+ LGBTQA owned and run local businesses. The fact that the queer community in the state is accepted and well-established means it is not too self-conscious and does not feel any need to shock the conservatives. Thus the majority of businesses are not stereotypically gay, but welcoming to everyone.
The boardwalk and beach, which provide a variety of cuisine, drinks, and arcades in a nearly carnival-like atmosphere, are where most seasonal tourists and some residents congregate. A strong house party culture exists, with many of these gatherings being public. People find fliers that are posted throughout Poodle Beach and use them to find their way to these activities.
After dusk, there are a lot of upscale eateries and nightclubs that serve top-notch fare and entertainment. Additionally, there are lots of fantastic stores, as Delaware continues to be sales tax-free. But Rehoboth offers more than summertime entertainment. The arts and culture have long found a place in this modest artisan town.
There are plenty of excellent schools nearby, and businesses that thrive all through the year. the average age of residents in the area is 59, while the median home sale price in the city is $403,500.
Newark
One of the safest and quiet places to raise a family on the East Coast is Newark, a progressive college town that is welcoming to the arts, a breeding ground for culture, and a residence to a flourishing gay community. Beyond merely restaurants and bars, LGBTQIA people own and run a variety of other enterprises here. The ACLU’s LGBTQIA rights division has a strong presence in this town.
Since its founding, the ACLU has worked tirelessly to give the First State’s gay populations the foundation they require to establish themselves, gain recognition, and start and maintain a sense of security and belonging. The online civil rights initiative has been actively promoting LGBT rights since the beginning of 2010 and acting as a crisis hotline for nearby gay, lesbian, and transgender persons.
The Newark-based University of Delaware in the city is the residence of an active LBGTQ community and student organization on its beautiful campus.
An afternoon spent strolling around its grounds and then getting lunch at one of the eateries on Main Street is soothing. The median property price in the city is $194,900, and it is a posh neighborhood with a high business and educational profile.
Finding Gay Realtors In Delaware
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 Delaware 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 Delaware, 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 Delaware 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 that 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!
