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.
If you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community, the decision to relocate to a new state can be daunting, especially when you’re unsure of the level of acceptance you’ll receive. It’s a legitimate concern to have, and unfortunately, in this day and age, it’s still a reality that not all places are equally welcoming. However, with the rise of queer-friendly cities and states, the process of moving can be made more comfortable and reassuring.
By conducting research and tapping into resources, queer people can identify places where they can live their lives authentically and thrive. So, if you’re thinking of relocating, don’t let the fear of not being accepted hold you back. With some planning and support, you can find a new home where you’re celebrated for who you are.
To help queer folx who are considering moving to Gay Idaho, we have put together this guide from experts on the ground, considering the pros and cons of life here, discussing LGBT rights in Idaho and whether Idaho embraces our community.
We also take a look at the most gay-friendly cities in Idaho and LGBT community organizations in Idaho that you should be aware of!
Many distinctive cultural groups and events support Idaho’s LGBT culture, such as the Idaho Gay Rodeo Association in Boise and Boise Pridefest, which has attracted over 50,000 attendees in recent years. Boise stands as the state’s most gay-friendly community, with a variety of LGBT nightlife options providing welcoming spaces for gathering and socializing.
In addition, the city of Pocatello, Idaho, is emerging as a burgeoning center of LGBT culture, with initiatives like the Pocatello Pride organization fostering a sense of community and inclusivity. This growth in Pocatello reflects the broader trend of increasing LGBT acceptance across Idaho, contributing to a more diverse and vibrant cultural landscape throughout the state.
Despite the fact that same-sex unions have been legal in the state since 2014, discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation is still not prohibited by state law. Some cities, including Boise and Coeur d’Alene, have their own anti-discrimination laws.
Even so, there’s a reason why Idaho is fast becoming one of the most popular states in the country. Some aspects that make it attractive include its stunning wildlife and natural beauty. As a member of the LGBT community, we all know however that this means nothing if the state isn’t friendly to its LGBT population.
To reduce the stress of your relocation, we recommend engaging a gay realtor in Idaho 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 Idaho – 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 Idaho
Different aspects of every state make it a unique and tempting proposition to transplants, locals, and visitors – and residents of Idaho are well aware that their state is brimming with hidden gems. After all, this is why many chose to live here.
Once you move here, you’ll be able to quickly befriend locals and spend your free time discovering the best sights and culture Idaho 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 Idaho should allow you to meet queer people with similar interests.
We are certain they will have many more to add, but to get you started here are a few highlights of moving to LGBT Idaho.
Gay Scene in Idaho
Many distinctive cultural groups and events support Idaho’s LGBT culture, including the Idaho Gay Rodeo Association in Boise. The most gay-friendly community in the state is found in Boise, where a variety of LGBT nightlife alternatives offer a place to congregate and socialize.
Despite the fact that same-sex unions have been legal in Idaho since 2014, discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is still not prohibited by state law. Some cities, including Boise and Coeur d’Alene, have their own anti-discrimination laws.
Gay-Friendly Nightlife and Dining
Idaho provides a variety of cuisines, from regional favorites like finger steaks and huckleberry ice cream to Basque dishes like paella and croquetas. Due to a concentration on Northwest ingredients and traditional techniques, the dining scene in Idaho, and especially Boise, is particularly hot.
While there aren’t many gay pubs in Idaho, you can discover a close-knit community in downtown Boise, where a few clubs can keep you engaged well into the night.
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 Idaho and what you can expect of LGBT life there.
Does Idaho Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
Idaho’s magnificent natural scenery and lovely sunsets are completely gender-neutral and unconcerned with your sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.
That’s part of what makes the Gem State so appealing: pretty much everything that residents of the non-LGBT community find appealing about the state can also be enjoyed by members of the LGBT community, including easy access to outdoor recreation, reasonably priced real estate, a boatload of must-see attractions, entertainment, charming downtowns, and friendly locals.
As you might expect, there are patches of discrimination or ignorance in some areas, as well as politicians and religious leaders who continue to steadfastly oppose what they feel is different. However, there are also more people who are working to promote equality or, at the bare minimum, make it easy for those who are different to be left alone.
There has been an increasing push for cities to enact their own laws against discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation in housing and employment since 2012. Presently, 12 cities in the state have done so.
Therefore, whether you’re thinking about moving to a new area to support the cause and get involved in civil rights concerns, or you just want to relax with your family and enjoy skiing and fishing, you should definitely give Idaho a chance.
Additionally, Idaho is one of 26 states that penalize acts that have a low or negligible risk of transmitting HIV, and one of nine states that explicitly forbid Medicaid coverage for transition-related healthcare for transgender people.
Such regulations are regarded as antiquated and frequently result in misuse and discrimination against people who are HIV-positive, harming public health initiatives.
Since sexual orientation and gender identity are not protected by Idaho’s civil rights laws, LGBT residents of the state are at risk of prejudice. The state of Idaho could protect LGBT individuals by adding these provisions to its current laws, and doing so would not be expensive or onerous.
Is Idaho An Expensive State To Move To?
You won’t be looking at a very pricey or potentially affordable lifestyle if you relocate to Idaho. The state has the 25th-lowest cost of living in the country, ranking at the center of all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as per data collected in the third quarter of 2021.
Housing. Homes in Idaho cost, on average, $263,900, roughly $30,000 more than homes throughout the US. However, you’ll probably have to pay much more for a home if you want to reside in a well-known city like Boise. Due to the inflow of Californian buyers, the median sales price in the region has increased by 30% to $454,000. Rent costs have also increased 12.4% within a year to roughly $1,050 per month. That is $200 more than Idaho’s monthly median rent of $850.
Food. A recent survey revealed that Idahoans only spend between $3,200 and $3,600 annually on groceries, which is 6% less than the country’s average. Even the sales tax on goods has a tax credit in Idaho. A yearly income tax refund of about $100 per individual is to be anticipated. Additionally, eating out is generally affordable. A plate at a restaurant costs just $9.98 on average.
Utilities. Idaho has the lowest utility expenses out of all the states, which helps to counterbalance the somewhat higher average cost of housing. The average monthly cost for electricity, water, natural gas, cable, and internet for residents in Idaho is $343.70, which is $78.35 less.
Transport. Expect to pay around $80 a month on car insurance, and approximately $385 a year on regular upkeep and repairs. Additionally, you should budget $100 each month for gas and between $45 and $69 for state vehicle registration.
Healthcare. The yearly healthcare expenditure for the citizens of Idaho is $5,956, which is nearly $1,000 more than the national average. Outpatient services cost about $2,000, while inpatient care costs about $1,194. Prescription costs total $1,019 more. In the event that you require medical attention, you should budget $1,690 for treatment.
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Idaho
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, Idaho 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 Idaho.
The Community Center was established in December 1983 and serves the LGBT and related community by offering resources to the LGBT community. The Community Center is dedicated to bringing the LGBT community together through educational and developmental initiatives.
For group meetings and social events, the Community Center offers a secure and welcoming setting for youth groups, LBGT support groups, women’s organizations, and transgender groups.
TCC is dedicated to bringing the LGBT community together and offers a frequently updated referral list for counseling, medical, and legal support. They also offer information to LGBTQIA people thinking about moving to Idaho, and businesses and groups that want to support diversity.
Pride Foundation’s work is based on the straightforward but ground-breaking conviction that everyone should be able to live freely, honestly, and authentically wherever they call home. For over three decades, their innovative leaders have operated on the same tenet. In the middle of the HIV/AIDS crisis, a small but brave group of individuals established the Pride Foundation in 1985.
Their goal was to establish a source of hope and light during the previous era of great gloom. In order to achieve this vision, the organization has collectively committed more than $70 million to revolutionary community change. In all communities throughout the Northwest, Pride Foundation supports transformative movements that achieve fairness and justice for LGBTQ+ people.
They envision a world where all LGBTQ+ people can live openly and safely and be true to who they are in their communities.
The Most Gay-Friendly Cities In Idaho
In Idaho, there are many wonderful areas to live in, but when relocating to LGBTQ Idaho, 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 Idaho cities to discover your perfect new home, each with its distinct personality.
Give yourself enough time to acquaint yourself with Idaho’s diverse personalities, and remember that there is no one perfect answer when it comes to the most gay-friendly places in Idaho… 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 Idaho are and why you might want to consider them!
Boise
Although gay rodeos aren’t Boise’s biggest draw, it’s important to note that the state where modern rodeos are thought to have originated and where the current governor is a former rodeo champion hosts a well-attended annual cowboy festival that is put on by a vibrant section of the International Gay Rodeo Association.
The largest city in Idaho is impressively ranked No. 12 on Advocate’s list of the “Queerest Cities in America.” Boise was the site of the first gay bar in Idaho when it opened in 1976, and it now annually hosts Pridefest.
The state’s Human Rights Commission, which is based in Boise, works to ensure that all Idahoans are treated equally. Boise has had a written anti-discrimination ordinance since 2012.
From museums and galleries to a zoo and biking trails, this neighborhood offers a wide variety of attractions for visitors of all interests and ages. Each summer, thousands of people attend the Boise Pride Festival, which is past its 32nd year. Drag performance troupe LipsInc has made the Pride celebration enduring for years by frequently performing around the city.
Depending on your tastes and needs, Boise has a wide range of lovely neighborhoods. However, North End is typically the most well-liked among the LGBTQ population. Older, lovely, and character-filled homes with lots of charm may be found in North End. There are several restaurants and businesses around, as well as some of the most popular ones, making the region fairly walkable.
Both locals and visitors can enjoy the numerous bike trails and green spaces in the area. LGBT people, as well as their friends and allies, come together for Boise Pride to celebrate the distinctive culture and spirit of the LGBTQ+ community.
Pocatello
Because there are so many followers of the Church of Latter-day Saints, a religion that has, over the years, sent contradictory messages to the LGBT community, Southern Idaho is sometimes jokingly referred to as “Northwest Utah.”
Church leaders backed and contributed to California’s attempts to outlaw same-sex unions, but afterward told their followers not to discriminate in the workplace or on the housing market.
Pocatello, in the midst of all of this, has been praised for its support. It was the second city in the state to approve an anti-discrimination law, coming in only behind Boise on the list of Best Towns in the state that Support Equality Efforts.
Although the proposition was contested, the majority of voters upheld it. Right after Boise, Pocatello passed its own anti-discrimination legislation, and when these laws were contested, the vast majority of town citizens chose to uphold them.
Moscow
The University of Idaho’s campus in Moscow, which is located in this politically conservative state, has a reputation as a liberal enclave, which makes the city’s name a bit perplexing. Even though Moscow’s name conjures up evil Communist intentions, the pronunciation is different.
It’s Mos-COW rather than Mos-COE. The university features a well-known LGBTQA office and a resource center for its students, as well as frequent speakers and open events to support community education.
Furthermore, Washington State University, one of the country’s Top 25 LGBT-friendly universities, is only 4 miles away and is conveniently located. In addition, Moscow is regarded as one of the state’s safest cities per resident due to its low rate of violent and property crimes, so you don’t have to think too much about violent crime when you live here.
The University of Idaho has distinguished itself as a liberal stronghold in a largely conservative state for a very long time.
Unlike their contemporaries at Washington State University, who spent the majority of the 1970s waging conflicts about whether to acknowledge the group Gay Awareness as an official student committee, students of the University of Idaho were more accepting of the organization.
It takes a strong person to live in a tiny, rural village while being part of a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Members of the LGBTQ+ community frequently move to cities or other large urban regions in search of a more accepting society.
However, not all LGBTQ+ individuals can or want to make this transition in their way of life. Moscow’s LGBTQ+ population has always been active in its own unique way, but the state still has a long way to go before they feel welcome in rural towns.
Even so. Moscow is regarded as a forward-thinking blue dot in a predominately red state.
When passing through the residential sections or strolling through the downtown area, it’s not unusual to see rainbow flags flying or banners and yard art with similar messages. The movement for a more inclusive community has been ongoing for some time, most notably since the 1970s, and it has taken the city some time to get to this stage.
Finding Gay Realtors In Idaho
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 Idaho 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 Idaho, 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 Idaho 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!
