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 the LGBTQ+ lifestyle. 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 Jersey, we have put together this guide from experts on the ground, considering the pros and cons of life here, discussing LGBT rights in New Jersey and whether New Jersey embraces our community.
We also take a look at the most gay-friendly cities in New Jersey and LGBT community organizations in New Jersey that you should be aware of!
The state of New Jersey has recently become very attractive to professionals, families, and millennials – both LGBT and straight. In fact, despite what people further north in New York might think, New Jersey is also a tourist magnet and one of the best places to live in the country. If your goal is to live in a culturally and ethnically diverse state, you should definitely consider living in New Jersey.
New Jersey has become increasingly popular in the last few years as its home to some of the country’s top schools, and state residents enjoy a very high quality of life in addition to having access to choice products from the farmer’s markets. There’s much to love about New Jersey. It is home to diverse cultures, historical landmarks, and delicious cuisine.
Not only this, but the state is known to be progressive, with many of its cities and town having ordinances that protect the LGBTQ+ community. Even so, as a member of our community, you obviously have many more questions to ask about the state. For one, is it safe? Are you welcome here? Well, we answer all these and more, so keep reading!
To reduce the stress of your relocation, we recommend engaging a gay realtor in New Jersey 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 Jersey – 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 Jersey
It’s hard not to get enthusiastic about the unique and tempting proposition that moving to New Jersey 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 Jersey 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 Jersey 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 Jersey’s newest denizen.
You Can BYOB
Here’s something that might surprise you. A good number of restaurants in the state do not have liquor licenses. As a result, customers are allowed to show up with their own wine and beer so long as municipal ordinances allow it. Restaurants that do have these licenses might allow you to BYOB. However, get ready to settle a cork fee. You know, bringing your own bottle to the restaurant isn’t such a bad idea.
The Weather
The climate in New Jersey isn’t too unpredictable. What you simply need to understand is that the summers here are extremely hot, with temperatures getting to highs within the 80s, and winters are desperately cold, with lows going to the 30s.
Space
If you’re planning on moving from big metros where space is an issue, you will enjoy living in New Jersey. Here’s the thing, though, living in New Jersey doesn’t only afford you extra living space, but you also have access to excellent outdoor spaces. Great for anyone with a family or who loves to entertain.
New Jersey Is Tranquil
Those looking to get away from the noise and the hustle and bustle of big cities will love living in New Jersey. Chances are that the neighborhood you choose to call home will offer you all the serenity you need.
Instead of waking up to traffic on your doorstep or blaring car horns, all you’ve got here is nothing but pure heaven. Think about the sound of nature drifting through your window, and maybe the neighbors’ kids playing outside.
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 Jersey and what you can expect of LGBT life there.
Does New Jersey Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
New Jersey, also known as Garden State, might not compare to New York City when it comes to the LGBT population. However, this doesn’t mean that the state lacks cities and towns where LGBTQ+ people and families don’t feel welcome. The state has witnessed lots of improvement, especially in the recent past and LGBT issues hold space in the state’s political discourse.
The truth is that not all LGBTQ+ people will feel comfortable and welcome in all of New Jersey’s towns and cities no matter how diverse they are. Some of the most welcoming communities in the state include South Orange, parts of Jersey Shore, and Maplewood.
Some cities in the state are very welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community and are keen to be progressive on issues that affect the community.
The state has more than 20 towns that have inclusive ordinances, which is a step in the right direction. A good number of towns in the community have vibrant LGBTQ communities and others have ordinances that specifically protect the transgender community from discrimination.
Others aren’t very strict and don’t have such protections. In any case, as with any other city, there’s always room for improvement when it comes to LGBT.
Is New Jersey An Expensive State To Move To?
New Jersey is one of the highest-taxed states in the country. Housing prices here aren’t cheap here, thanks to its proximity to New York and one of the highest population densities in America. Let’s take a look at some of the costs you will have to incur in New Jersey.
Housing
The median property value in the state is $418,400. This amount may potentially be higher in some cities. For instance,Jersey City has a median property value of $518,800, while Montclair has a home value of $852,500.
Utilities
Despite the high expense of living in New Jersey, whether you buy or rent, there are encouraging financial developments. New Jersey uses a median of 683 kWh each month. Expect to pay an average of $109.27 monthly energy bill, which is less than the national average.
Food
The cost of food varies around New Jersey. Jersey City’s costs for a dozen eggs and a gallon of milk are higher than the national average rates.
Transportation
You’ll have to get a car if public transportation isn’t your thing. Gas in New Jersey costs, on average, $4.26 per gallon. Car insurance premiums cost an average of $1,318 in the state, and New Jersey is ranked 30th in America for vehicle insurance.
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In New Jersey
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 Jersey 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 Jersey.
Pride Center of New Jersey is on a mission to offer a friendly and safe environment where anybody who identifies as LGBTQ+ can receive health and education resources, support, learning tools, and social opportunities in an accepting environment.
Extensive programming supporting this objective offers free HIV testing, meetups, and a variety of services for LGBT families. The Pride Center is happy to meet the needs of the NJ LGBTQ+ community, enabling thousands of people to live meaningful lives.
The services and groups offered by the organization have been beneficial to the LGBTQ+ community that had no support.
Garden State Equality seeks to promote the cause of equality in the state and across the country, by elevating the voice of the LGBTQ+ community through activism and education.
The organization puts in a lot of effort to make sure that the community they serve lives in equality. Garden State Equality is NJ’s biggest LGBTQ+ advocacy group and is now among the most prominent statewide advocates for LGBTQ+ rights.
They provide policy work, training, and advocacy as part of their services. They also focus on creating safe spaces for children, enhancing health care to better serve the needs of the LGBTQ+ population, and treating seniors with respect.
In addition, Garden State Equality aids the activist community in the state by providing an LGBTQ+ perspective on a variety of issues. All the work the organization does is based on economic, racial, justice, and disability concerns. The organization looks forward to a diverse state where all LGBTQ+ residents from different backgrounds always have equality.
Most Gay-Friendly Cities In New Jersey
In New Jersey, there are many wonderful areas to live in, but when relocating to LGBTQ New Jersey, 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 Jersey cities to discover your perfect new home, each with its distinct personality.
Give yourself enough time to acquaint yourself with New Jersey’s diverse personalities, and remember that there is no one perfect answer when it comes to the most gay-friendly places in New Jersey…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 Jersey are and why you might want to consider them!
Jersey City
Jersey City is a good choice for you if you’re seeking an edgy city to call home. The city has previously received the highest possible score in the HRC Municipality Index. Jersey City has a rich history of welcoming diverse groups, and it’s still evident in its multicultural elements.
Jersey City is undoubtedly the winner when it comes to New Jersey’s most LGBT-friendly cities. The city has initiatives led at the municipal level to welcome the LGBT community in addition to a sizable LGBT community, an LGBT community center, and a yearly pride festival.
The city’s police department and the mayor’s office also have a liaison to the LGBT community. Jersey City has also recently increased the range of healthcare options available to its workers to include gender reassignment surgery and other transgender medical care.
In terms of assisting the LGBT community, the second-largest city in the state ranks first in the state. Jersey City also came in the first place because of transgender-inclusive health coverage, openly gay city leaders, and active involvement with the LGBT community.
Asbury Park
Asbury Park is just 55 miles away from NYC and is quite the queer paradise with its picturesque boardwalk and LGBTQ+-friendly businesses. In reality, in the early 2000s, the LGBT community was the catalyst for the revival of the struggling beach town. Asbury Park was turned into a run-down, seedy beach town during the 1980s and 1990s, a pale imitation of its once-glorious self.
Due to the increasing number of gay-friendly businesses and bars in the area as well as the expanding LGBTQIA+ nightlife, the city has developed into a well-liked LGBTQIA+ beach destination over the years. Despite the fact that Asbury Park lacks a designated gay beach, LGBTQ+ beachgoers flock to the section of shore between 4th and 5th Avenues.
According to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, the city ranks third in New Jersey for the number of same-sex couples/1,000 households. Asbury Park, which is a smaller city, is ranked sixth in the entire state in the HRC Municipality Index.
The city is one of the most gay-friendly areas in New Jersey and is recognized as having the sixth-best beach there! The LGBTQ community here has been growing for decades!
The gay discotheque Paradise Nightclub first opened its doors close to the shore in 1999. The Empress Hotel is the only gay-focused hotel in New Jersey. Every year during their Sand Blast Weekend, the city holds a Gay Pride Parade.
Every year, hundreds of LGBT people visit the shore because of the parade and the exciting weekend! There is a thriving music culture in Asbury Park, and rock n’ roll is really popular here. The nightlife in Asbury Park is incredible, and the city is home to a lot of restaurants, gay clubs, pubs, and gay-owned businesses.
Lambertville
The HRC gave Lambertville a score of 98 thanks to being inclusive and welcoming. This riverfront town was included in HGTV’s list of the 50 Most Charming Small Towns in America and is has a wide variety of antique stores, art galleries, and trendy local eateries.
Lambertville tends to have small, quaint inns and boutique hotels because of its fierce independence. There are about 85 same-sex couples living in Lambertville. Hunterdon County, where it is located, is the 14th most populous county, although it ranks fifth in the percentage of same-sex couples. Lambertville is very popular with the LGBT community thanks to its ranking on the HRC Municipality Equality Index.
Finding Gay Realtors In New Jersey
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 Jersey 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 Jersey, 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 Jersey 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!
