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.
One of the most common thoughts you might have before relocating anywhere is how accepting the locals are towards LGBTQ+ folx and how easy it easy for people there to live as their most authentic selves. It is a very valid concern and something that sadly still needs to be considered in this day and age.
To help queer folx who are considering moving to Gay New Hampshire, we have put together this guide from experts on the ground, considering the pros and cons of life here, discussing LGBT rights in New Hampshire, and whether New Hampshire embraces our community.
We also take a look at the most gay-friendly cities in New Hampshire, and LGBT community organizations in New Hampshire that you should be aware of!
Have you been thinking of moving to gay New Hampshire? Well, get ready for picturesque landscapes, access to the outdoors, and a friendly state. New Hampshire is a family-oriented state, so those looking to move here with their families will love it!
What’s more, LGBT couples and families are also discovering the state, so if you move here, you most likely will find a welcoming community ready to welcome you home. Before you ask any questions about whether New Hampshire is a gay-friendly state, you should know that it has adopted the unofficial motto of “live and let live.” Enough said.
Generally, the northern inland bits of New England don’t live up to their southern coastal counterparts when it comes to LGBT-friendliness. However, it’s safe to say that New Hampshire is growing into a welcoming gay and lesbian destination, especially for those who appreciate forests and nature.
The state is exceptionally safe and has a low crime rate, and is continually mentioned as one of the best states to call home.
However, even if you will be welcomed almost everywhere, it is still wise to try to reduce the stress of any potential relocation – and as such, we recommend engaging a gay realtor in New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire – 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 New Hampshire
It’s hard not to get enthusiastic about the unique and tempting proposition that moving to New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire’s newest denizen.
Low Crime Rates
As we previously mentioned, the state of New Hampshire has some of the country’s lowest crime rates. This includes both violent and property crimes. New Hampshire has been mentioned as having the 3rd lowest crime rate in America. Any member of the LGBTQ community would be happy to live in such a safe and secure environment.
Job Opportunities
Word in the economic spaces is that the population growth of rivals that of any other state in the region. Apparently, the belief, which has since been debunked, was that there was a population spike due to the birth of babies.
In retrospect, the reality is that there have exceedingly been more deaths than births and the growth in population is due to migrants coming into the state. The migrants then have access to more job opportunities since deaths are more than births.
High Quality of Life
Living in New Hampshire will set you up for a high quality of life. State residents have access to a variety of amenities and resources, including natural resources like beaches, lakes, mountains, and rivers. In addition to this, living in New Hampshire means you can enjoy all four seasons. However, you must be prepared for very harsh winters.
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 New Hampshire and what you can expect of LGBT life there.
Does New Hampshire Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
New Hampshire’s concentration of LGBTQ people is high compared to its population. It’s also important to note that the state has some of the country’s lowest rates of hate crimes to the LGBTQ community. The state is also supportive of LGBTQ rights and same-sex marriage.
Even though New Hampshire doesn’t have laws addressing discrimination against students based on their gender identity and sexual orientation, it additionally doesn’t have prohibitions on transgender health care exclusions. Over the last few years, New Hampshire has, however, been a national leader when it comes to LGBTQ-supportive and affirming policies.
The state has non-discrimination protections against sexual orientation and interestingly achieved marriage equality way before the rest of the nation got it through the Supreme Court ruling. The state has laws banning discrimination in housing, employment, and credit based on sexual orientation.
It also prohibits discrimination in employment and public accommodation based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression.
Is New Hampshire An Expensive State To Move To?
Generally, the cost of living in New England is quite high. However, this doesn’t apply as much in New Hampshire as the cost of living here is much more affordable. Compared to the region, the state is reasonably priced and even though some costs are higher than the national average, they aren’t significantly so.
Housing
The average home in New Hampshire is valued at around $252,700, which is much higher than the national median value of $204,700. Homes in the state built in 1939 or before are valued at around $224,650, while those built in 2014 and after are valued at $372,500. Renters in the state pay around $1,075 per month on housing, which is slightly higher than the national average. If you’re aiming for a one-bedroom, expect to pay around $855, while rent for a home with five and more bedrooms costs around $1,520.
Transportation
If you take into account the cost of gas, the typical motorist in New Hampshire is expected to pay around $890 each year on gas. Expect car insurance to cost around $1,390, which is slightly less than the national average.
Healthcare
The average cost of healthcare for a single adult living in the state is $3,320 each year, which is significantly lower than the national average. A family of four is expected to spend about $10,170 per year on healthcare, which is also less than the national average.
Cost Of Food
A single adult living in New Hampshire is expected to spend an average of $3,450 on food costs each year. A family of four, on the other hand, would be expected to spend around $9,352 per year.
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In New Hampshire
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, New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire.
Sea Coast Outright is one of the only resources that’s available to LGBTQ youth in the area. The organization began its work in the 90s after a group of parents floated the idea for the organization.
The organization offers Pride celebrations, educational programs, and support groups for youth. The mission of Sea Coast Outright is to ensure youth have a safe space to delve deeper into their sexuality and gender in a welcoming environment.
The organization also seeks to foster a sense of community and security and hopes to build a future where everyone feels protected, understood, and valued. Seacoast is also on a mission to assist LGBTQ youth to grow into productive, healthy, and caring people.
PFLAG is a nationwide grass root organization whose mission is to offer a safe space to LGBTQ people, their friends, allies, and parents. PFLAG seeks to celebrate these people and the diversity they offer. The organization also seeks to create a society where everyone feels safe, cherished, and embraced.
The group also celebrates diverse gender identities and sexual orientations. They also believe that the only way people can attain their full human potential is to have dignity, respect, and equality.
Most Gay-Friendly Cities In New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, there are many wonderful areas to live in, but when relocating to LGBTQ New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire cities to discover your perfect new home, each with its distinct personality.
Give yourself enough time to acquaint yourself with New Hampshire’s diverse personalities, and remember that there is no one perfect answer when it comes to the most gay-friendly places in New Hampshire… 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 New Hampshire are and why you might want to consider them!
Portsmouth
Portsmouth is popular for its LGBT-friendly nightlife, numerous long-standing LGBT-owned enterprises, and openness to LGBT families. With a children’s museum, many youth sports leagues, and a water park, the Portsmouth area provides a secure and friendly environment for all families, LGBT families included.
Portsmouth is home to Strawberry Bank Museum, which is a protected peek into the past with a central park area ideal for entertainment, winter ice skating, and numerous family-friendly activities throughout the year. Portsmouth is conveniently located for commuting to Boston, some regions of the state, and various attractions in Southern Maine.
Portsmouth is a hub for art, culture, and acceptance in the state. Although the city’s LGBT community isn’t the loudest when it comes to nightlife, it is unquestionably alive and friendly. This is a city where any creative person who wants to experience the allure of old New England can feel at home. Homes with two bedrooms in Portsmouth start at around $450,000.
The theater community in Portsmouth is active and welcoming, and offers a source of entertainment, especially for the younger LGBTQ crowd. For a town of its size, the city hosts a pretty sizable Pride festival and parade, which is well embraced by the locals.
Manchester
Manchester, which has a population of little over 115,000, is the biggest city in the state. The city on the Merrimack River developed from a mill town into a sizable city home to a sports arena, live theaters, and quick access to locations in Vermont and Massachusetts via the highway.
Manchester has a thriving nightlife district with a number of LGBT-friendly clubs, as well as welcoming eateries and stores. Manchester, which is home to multiple colleges, is a bustling and exciting cultural hub. The city has a lot to offer people who decide to make it their home, and is also home to a number of parks that are ideal for families and a variety of kid-friendly activities.
It is only an hour away from several lakes and ski areas. The city’s LGBTQ community is dispersed all over, so there are a lot of great places to settle on when looking for the ideal New Hampshire neighborhood.
Northeast Manchester is a hugely popular neighborhood with the LGBTQ community. The city did develop into a significant hub for commerce, industry, and higher learning, and it still is today. It is also a hospitable, diversified city with a tiny but vibrant LGBTQ community and a lot to offer both tourists and locals.
Concord
Concord is New Hampshire’s seat of government and home to almost 43,000 inhabitants. The city is also the state capital. Concord is well-run and commonly considered the crossing point between cities such as Salem, Boston, and Manchester, as well as the state’s little towns.
The majority of the state, central and eastern Vermont, the majority of Connecticut, and Massachusetts are all easily accessible through Interstates 89 and 93 and can all be reached in no more than a few hours by car.
Family activities are abundant in Concord itself, and the city offers both outdoor and indoor activities all through the year through a variety of groups. The architecture of Main Street, which dates back to colonial times, is a combination of new modern structures that are only a few years old and older buildings with cobblestone walkways strewn about.
Concord is very much oriented to families and the best thing about it is that no one cares who the head of the household is. LGBT families are welcome and invited to make a home in this city!
Finding Gay Realtors In New Hampshire
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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire 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!
