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 Nevada, we have put together this guide from experts on the ground, considering the pros and cons of life here, discussing LGBT rights in Nevada and whether Nevada embraces our community.
We also take a look at the most gay-friendly cities in Nevada, and LGBT community organizations in Nevada that you should be aware of!
When you think about Nevada, most likely, the first thing that will come to mind is Las Vegas, long-winded gambling days, and lots of partying. However, the truth is that there’s much more to Nevada than all this. The state has become one of the top destinations for LGBT people looking for gay-friendly neighborhoods to call home.
In fact, this is nothing new, and Nevada has a long history of supporting LGBTQ+ rights. In 1997, the state became the first in the nation to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, housing, and public accommodations. In 2015, the state extended these protections to transgender individuals.
Nevada is home to the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas offers a variety of programs and services, including health and wellness resources, legal services, and social events.
Several pride festivals and events are held throughout the state each year, including the Las Vegas Pride Festival and the Reno Pride Festival, so you can be sure that there are plenty of opportunities here for you to meet gay friends and make merry.
To reduce the stress of your relocation, we recommend engaging a gay realtor in Nevada 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 Nevada – 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 Nevada
It’s hard not to get enthusiastic about the unique and tempting proposition that moving to Nevada 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 Nevada 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 Nevada 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 Nevada’s newest denizen.
The Burning Man
If you’re one for festivals, you will love living in Nevada. Burning Man is one of the state’s most popular events. The festival, which takes place in Black Rock City each year, attracts more than 60,000 people. Here’s the most interesting thing, though- some of the attendees show up nude!
The festival aims to celebrate artistic and self-expression during an entire week leading to Labor Day weekend. If you love such revelry, look forward to this event!
There’s A Lot More To Las Vegas
Ok, ok, we agree, there’s plenty to see and do at The Strip. Whether it’s the casinos or bars, you can never get bored in Las Vegas. However, there’s still much more to do. You can enjoy entertainment all day long from some of the world’s most famous performers, drop your jaw at Cirque du Soleil shows, and so much more.
The city is also an excellent destination for those who love festivals, crazy rides, museums, and shopping. What’s more, Las Vegas is home to some of the country’s best restaurants.
Sight A Gay Alien!
We’ve all heard of all the UFO sightings at Area 51. If this is the stuff you live for, you will be happy to live in close proximity to the area. The state is also well-known for its ‘Extraterrestrial Highway” thanks to the number of apparent UFO sightings on the 98-mile state road.
Medical And Recreational Marijuana
Whether you’re going for medical or recreational marijuana, you will love living in Nevada as it’s now legal all over the state. The law came into ascension in 2017 and has helped to boost the state’s economy. Not only this, but the legalization of Marijuana here has made it possible for the state to have more available jobs for its residents.
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 Nevada and what you can expect of LGBT life there.
Does Nevada Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
There’s a reason why Nevada is one of the best states in the country for LGBTQ+ people. First, Nevada is generally safe, with low hate crimes fueled by differences in sexual orientation and gender identity. The state has adopted almost all laws, as advised by the HRC, that pertain to LGBTQ rights.
These laws range from anti-discrimination laws to laws against hate crimes, and parenting laws. The state also has protections for access to healthcare. In total, the state OF Nevada has passed more than 30 laws that protect the safety and rights of its LGBTQ residents. Nevada is also the country’s 14th state to adopt statewide discrimination for gender identity.
The state is increasingly becoming more LGBT-friendly, and it’s a location where you don’t have to worry about openly identifying as gay. Even so, as with many other gay-friendly places, you’re bound to come across the occasional troll, but that doesn’t mean you should pay them any attention at all.
Nevada is home to a visible LGBTQ+ community and LGBT organizations where you can volunteer, have access to services, and feel at home.
Is Nevada An Expensive State To Move To?
The state of Nevada has three metro areas. While you would expect Las Vegas to be one of the more expensive ones, this position is securely held by Reno. Even so, the cost of goods and services in the city is 1.7% less than the country’s average.
Housing
The average home in the state will cost you around $242,350, which is higher than the country’s average of $204,850. Homes built in 1939 and earlier in the state cost around $172,000, while those built in 201 and after cost an average of $374,500. If you’re more intent on renting, be prepared to spend around $1,050 each month on rent. A one-bedroom in the state costs around $810, and homes with five and more bedrooms cost an average of $1,890.
Transport
If you plan on driving yourself around in Nevada, you should expect to spend around $1,025 on gas alone each year. Insurance premiums cost an average of $2,030, which is slightly higher than the national average. A single adult living in Nevada should expect to spend around $9,460 each year on transport.
Healthcare
A single adult in Nevada should expect to spend around $3,680 each year on healthcare, which is significantly less than the national average. A family of four should expect to spend around $11,198 per year on healthcare costs.
Food and groceries
A single adult in the state should expect to spend an average of $3,240 on food each year, while a family of four spends around $9,350.
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Nevada
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, Nevada 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 Nevada.
The LGBTQIA+ Community Center of Southern Nevada
The Center’s aim is to centralize services, resources, and programs that address the needs of the LGBTQ community and those around them. The organization works as the hub for the LGBTQIA community through enhancing connections, a safe space, and programs, as well as opportunities for wellness and health.
Programs at the center specifically cater to LGBTQ youth, their families, adults, seniors, those living with HIV, and people with disabilities. Everyone is welcome at the center as it celebrates the diversity of different communities and works to enhance communities to live authentic lives.
Our Centre offers never does LGBTQ community access to support resources and services, advocacy, and educational programs. The Centre also seeks to build a community center that offers people of all backgrounds and ages a place where they can come together for social activities, support, and education.
Most Gay-Friendly Cities In Nevada
In Nevada, there are many wonderful areas to live in, but when relocating to LGBTQ Nevada, 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 Nevada cities to discover your perfect new home, each with its distinct personality.
Give yourself enough time to acquaint yourself with Nevada’s diverse personalities, and remember that there is no one perfect answer when it comes to the most gay-friendly places in Nevada… 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 Nevada are and why you might want to consider them!
Reno
If you’re looking for a friendly and safe location to call home in Nevada, Reno might just be the place for you. Reno loves to love, and the residents here are always keen to make newcomers feel welcome and at home. Just recently, Reno received a perfect score on the municipal equality index thanks to its inclusion of the LGBTQ community, and its policies.
Reno is also known as “the biggest little city in the world.” Generally, Nevada is very popular with the LGBTQ community thanks to its growing economy, present and vibrant gay community, beautiful scenery, and affordable way of life. By extension, Reno has become a liberal Hub in the region. While the city isn’t very popular for its gay night nightlife, it still has a variety of LGBT-friendly gay bars.
Many of the bars in Reno are located in chill neighborhoods. Even so, Reno is considered an extension of Las Vegas, thanks to its 24-hour nightlife and access to gambling. There’s plenty to do in Reno and whether you’d like to check out one of the mini golf courses or spend your day gaming, there is no time or space for boredom in this city.
Even though Reno doesn’t match up to Las Vegas in terms of all the glam and glitz, this doesn’t mean that the gay community is much smaller. The truth is that you will find a vibrant community you can identify with.
Las Vegas
True to its reputation, Las Vegas is a city where pleasure takes precedence. Not only is it one of the country’s top tourist destinations, but it has been the subject of many films. Las Vegas has hosted many artists, including Elvis Presley and is currently one of the world’s top entertainment hubs.
Las Vegas is a magnet for the LGBT community thanks to its excellent weather, the emergence of gay-owned and gay-friendly businesses, a growing economy, and lots of events.
Also known as Sin City, Las Vegas has much more to offer than entertainment. The city is an excellent location for those in the LGBT community looking for a place to call home, thanks to its non-judgmental attitude. Las Vegas hosts some of the most lively pride celebrations in the country and is also home to a variety of clubs and bars.
Those who come here also have the opportunity to enjoy an array of activities. You can trust us when we say that finding your next LGBT haunt or community will not be a problem here.
Just a warning, though, make sure that you take care of your life’s savings before you move to Las Vegas! The city is home to an array of casinos and hotels where you can easily spend all your days having fun! Most of the casinos in Las Vegas are open 24/7.
Unlike many other cities, it’s impossible to walk long hours in search of a gay venue. In fact, Las Vegas works very hard to make LGBT residents and guests feel at home. Most of the hotels here are keen on attracting an LGBT clientele with special packages and offers.
Hotels like Encore and Wynn have a pride concierge who ensures that LGBT clientele has access to information that will enable them to have a good time in the city.
If you’re looking to enjoy some gay events, you’re welcome to head out to The Strip and have a feeling of one of the many ‘gay nights’ hosted by some of the clubs.
Elko
Not many people might consider Elko a gay-friendly city, but the truth is that it has a growing LGBTQ population. The city is located on Nevada’s northeastern side and is the state’s gold belt capital, thanks to the heavy presence of mining activity.
Elko has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and is happy to have more than eighty LGBT-friendly businesses that are happy to support the LGBTQ community here. While it’s true that the number of LGBT people here does not rival that of Las Vegas or Reno, it is visibly growing, and they are generally well-accepted by the larger community.
Even so, as with any other city around the world, it’s not unheard of to encounter some backward views, so you still want to be careful about what you choose out there.
Finding Gay Realtors In Nevada
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 Nevada 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 Nevada, 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 Nevada 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!
