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 Maryland, we have put together this guide from experts on the ground, considering the pros and cons of life here, discussing LGBT rights in Maryland and whether Maryland embraces our community.
We also take a look at the most gay-friendly cities in Maryland, and LGBT community organizations in Maryland that you should be aware of!
Maryland, a Mid-Atlantic state that’s defined by its ample waterways and coastlines on the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean is, unsurprisingly, known for beautiful landscapes dotted with beaches and mountains. It is home to some of the best seafood in the country and excellent sports teams worthy of support.
It is a growing, vibrant state that is home to a distinct culture, diverse population and rich history. And if you’re worried about your health, you should know that the state is home to some of the country’s best hospitals. ..
In other good news for queer-identifying, Maryland is generally considered to be a fairly LGBTQ-friendly state. The state has a long history of supporting LGBTQ+ rights and has enacted a number of laws and policies to protect and support its LGBTQ+ community.
One of the ways to know whether a state is LGBTQ-friendly is the presence of anti-discrimination laws. In Maryland, there are laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodations. This means that it is illegal for employers, landlords, and businesses to discriminate against someone based on their LGBTQ+ identity.
Maryland also has a number of resources and support systems in place for its LGBTQ+ community. For example, the state has a number of LGBTQ+ community centers and organizations that provide support and resources to LGBTQ+ individuals. There are also a number of LGBTQ+-specific healthcare providers and support groups available in the state.
In terms of LGBTQ+ culture and community, Maryland has a number of cities and neighborhoods with a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. Baltimore, in particular, is home to a large and active LGBTQ+ community and has a number of gay bars, clubs, and events. Overall, Maryland is considered to be a welcoming and supportive place for LGBTQ+ individuals to live and thrive, but that isn’t to say everywhere here is a queer utopia.
To reduce the stress of your relocation, we recommend engaging a gay realtor in Maryland 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 Maryland – 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 Maryland
It’s hard not to get enthusiastic about the unique and tempting proposition that moving to Maryland 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 Maryland 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 Maryland 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 Maryland’s newest denizen.
Cuisine
Maryland is exactly where you should be if you appreciate enjoying seafood that has been appropriately seasoned and prepared. The state is renowned for the wide variety of seafood dishes it offers. The region does not run out of freshly caught seafood, such as crabs, because of its close vicinity to the water. Actually, there’s a meal for everyone here, whether adult or child.
Diverse Regions
People who favor a certain sort of topography will benefit from the fact that Maryland is separated into a number of regions with various types of geography. Those who love to hike or mountain climb will enjoy the interior of the state as this is where mountainous regions and hills are located. The coast, however, also boasts sandy beaches ideal for those who wish to experience living there.
If you like to hike in the mountains and hills and also enjoy the coastal way of life, Maryland will let you do both!
Shopping
Maryland is home to several historic communities that have existed here for years. The state is also situated close to many large cities if you’re looking for more options. These little towns provide a wide variety of exceptional shopping and dining options.
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 Maryland and what you can expect of LGBT life there.
Does Maryland Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
17 states, including Maryland, are mentioned in the HRC’s top group for moving toward innovative equality. The LGBTQ community is protected by the state’s anti-discrimination statutes in housing, employment, and public accommodation.
In addition to offering transgender health coverage to state employees, the state also forbids the exclusion of transgender people from special medical care. The state also has laws that prohibit bullying of schoolchildren based on gender expression or sexual orientation.
The National Register of Historic Places is yet to designate any properties in the state for significance to LGBTQ history, notwithstanding the state’s lengthy history with the community and the presence of a sizable LGBTQ community.
In order to carry out a historical study of LGBTQ+ history in Maryland, Preservation Maryland, a nonprofit entity, was bestowed a non-capital historic conservation grant in 2018 by the Maryland Historical Trust.
This was a means of putting the state at the frontline of states detailing their LGBTQ histories. The University of Maryland has previously been ranked as one of the best colleges in the country for LGBTQ+ students. These rankings took into account affordability, inclusivity, and academic support.
Is Maryland An Expensive State To Move To
Maryland has a high cost of living. The state has an expensive housing market and higher-than-average rent costs. Utility and food prices across the state are also not much lower.
Housing. The median home value in Maryland is $325,765, a figure that’s slightly more than average. However, the median property value can vary depending on where you choose to live. For instance, the median property price in Baltimore is $169,545, while the median jumps to $614,533 in Rockville. In Maryland, rent for a studio costs around $1,117, which is more than the national average. Maryland’s $1,255 median price for one-bedroom apartments is $304 more than the national average. If you require two bedrooms, the price goes up to $1,512.
Utilities. You will be responsible for paying your utility bills on a monthly basis unless they are covered by your rent or condo association fees. The average monthly power payment in the state is $131, slightly more than the $111 national average.
Food prices. Maryland’s food prices are less expensive than its housing prices. The average grocery cost in the state is 8.6% more than the country’s average. Each year, state residents spend between $3,200 to $3,600 per person on food.
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Maryland
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, Maryland 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 Maryland.
The Frederick Center is on a mission to advocate for and assist LGBTQ+ people in thriving, being accepted, and being validated in the larger Frederick community.
Since its founding, the center has developed into a reputable organization that supports and advocates for the LGBTQ+ community and has moved to support more than 500 program events annually, supporting a vibrant, accepting community of LGBTQ+ individuals. They believe that LGBTQ+ people improve the quality of life for everyone in the community.
The Pride Center of Maryland offers over 30 programs and services that reflect our dedication to ensuring Maryland’s sexual and gender minority community have equal access to care, services, and a space where they can be their authentic selves.
Each year, we serve thousands of Maryland residents in order to fulfill our commitment to uniting, empowering, and advocating on behalf of sexual and gender minorities of Baltimore and Central Maryland.
Equality Maryland’s goal is to improve life for LGBT people and their families in the state by eradicating discrimination and prejudice based on gender identity, sexual orientation, and gender expression.
The organization employs outreach and education to influence people’s minds and hearts. They also advocate for the adoption of laws that guarantee equal protection under the law across the state. They are on a mission to support politicians who are fair-minded and would defend the LGBT family.
Most Gay-Friendly Cities In Maryland
In Maryland, there are many wonderful areas to live in, but when relocating to LGBTQ Maryland, 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 Maryland cities to discover your perfect new home, each with its distinct personality.
Give yourself enough time to acquaint yourself with Maryland’s diverse personalities, and remember that there is no one perfect answer when it comes to the most gay-friendly places in Maryland…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 Maryland are and why you might want to consider them!
Baltimore
Most often, those looking for new homes opt to live in cities that have proven beyond reasonable doubt that they are welcoming, supportive and inclusive. In Maryland, one of the top destinations for the LGBT community is Baltimore. Also known as Charm City, Baltimore has severally scored perfect points in the HRCs MEI.
The city has an active LGBT task force that is proactive in the investigation of crimes committed against our community. The police department also isn’t shy about reporting hate crimes, and last, but not least, the city has openly LGBT elected officials that are privy to the LGBT liaison in the mayor’s office.
In the past, Baltimore, which is also known as a progressive city, has taken significant steps to safeguard and advance the rights of LGBT people.
PFLAG of Columbia-Howard County, MD, the GLBT Community Center of Baltimore, and Baltimore Pride are just a few of the many options for LGBT people in the city. A Pride festival, a Pride parade, and a Pride block party are just a few of the annual events that Baltimore hosts to honor the LGBTQ+ way of life.
Baltimore is the epicenter of the LGBT party scene, with a wide variety of establishments that meet the needs of LGBT people. Baltimore is very well-known for being a gay-friendly city and has excellent lodging alternatives for those who wish to go on a staycation.
The Hotel Indigo is a beautiful, unique hotel conveniently located near the city’s top sights. Live performances, limitless Bloody Marys, and endless mimosas are all part of their renowned drag brunch.
Another great LGBTQ+-friendly accommodation is Hotel Revival. The only boutique art hotel located in Baltimore offers stunning views of the surrounding area from every room, including the Washington Monument and Mount Vernon Square Park.
Washington DC
Without any doubt, one of the LGBT-friendly cities in the state is Washington, D.C., the country’s capital. LGBT people and their families need not worry when they move here as they are bound to prosper and feel comfortable, thanks to a variety of clubs, resources, and family-friendly activities taking place all year long.
Each year, there’s a street festival on Pennsylvania Avenue. The festival also features a procession to honor the LGBT lifestyle as part of Capital Pride. Other LGBT events in Washington, D.C., include Gay Day, Fringe Fest, and the HRC National Dinner.
Life gets different when you travel a few blocks north of the White House. The capital’s hip, diverse, and gay areas of Adams Morgan and Dupont Circle are filled with lively bars, inviting cafes, thrilling restaurants, and interesting boutiques.
The LGBTQ+ scene is growing in this area, which is where DC starts to buzz. The city boasts a strong LGBTQ+ community, and 5% of its population identifies as such. There’s something for everyone in the city, whether it’s the premier gay cemetery or the country’s first gay bookstore.
Dupont Circle is located in the middle of the city and features a fountain and traffic circle at its center. It’s a well-liked residential area with unique pubs, international eateries, hip stores, and vibrant nightlife. The neighborhood adopted a bohemian way of li in the 1970S and has also served as a historical center for LGBTQ+ life in the city. With the gay and lesbian communities, the area has grown in popularity.
Dupont Circle is comparable to NYC’s Greenwich Village and L.A.’s West Hollywood. After Lambda Rising, the city’s first gay bookshop opened, it attracted widespread attention. Many events now take place in this neighborhood, including the Street High Heel Race and Capital Pride.
Arlington
Whether you’re a resident or a tourist, you will love spending time in Arlington. The city aims to be a welcoming space and community for LGBT people. The county was given a perfect score of 100 by the HRCs Municipality Equality Index in 2021.
Arlington, which is located right across the Potomac River, will provide you with easy access to all of the city’s options and services while keeping the friendliness and charm of a small-town neighborhood. Arlington is home to a variety of vibrant, walkable communities that are conveniently placed on the local Metro system.
You can attend annual events like the National Cherry Blossom Festival or Arlington Pride, or Capital Pride. Additionally, the distinctive capital views that come with the city make for the ideal setting for truly spectacular wedding parties!
The only straight-friendly bar and restaurant in Northern Virginia are Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant. The establishment is one of the well-known hangouts in the area where LGBTQ+ couples can simply be themselves, and enjoy drag acts and karaoke. Even the weekend brunch menu is excellent!
Finding Gay Realtors In Maryland
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 Maryland 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 Maryland, 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 Maryland 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!
