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 folks who are considering moving to Gay Utah, we have put together this guide from experts on the ground, considering the pros and cons of life here, discussing LGBT rights in Utah and whether Utah embraces our community.
We also take a look at the most gay-friendly cities in Utah and LGBT community organizations in Utah that you should be aware of!
There is no getting around the Mormon influence, and Utah is considered a conservative state and has a history of opposition to LGBT rights. However, in recent years, the state has seen significant progress in terms of legal protections and acceptance for the LGBT community, particularly in urban areas like Salt Lake City.
If your primary concern is whether the state of Utah is LGBT-friendly, you should know that the state has a couple of gay-friendly cities that you will be happy to call home. Additionally, Salt Lake City, located in Utah, is a relatively LGBTQ+ friendly city with a higher percentage of its population identifying as gay compared to Los Angeles.
According to a previous Gallup poll, the city was ranked as the seventh gayest city in the country, with 4.7% of its people identifying as gay. It offers a trendy urban atmosphere and easy access to nature. Alongside Salt Lake City’s well-established LGBTQ+-friendly reputation, Moab stands out as another inclusive destination. Known for its stunning outdoor landscapes and adventure tourism, Moab is not only a magnet for nature enthusiasts but also an emerging haven for the LGBTQ+ community, offering a unique blend of natural wonder and an increasingly open and accepting social environment.
Despite the state being very conservative, with many residents believing homosexuality is a sin, there are some benefits to living in the state of Utah, with a variety of activities and venues to suit everyone’s interests, whether you prefer the solitude of the mountains or the social atmosphere of dining and drinking with friends. The state will also offer you endless options for outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, skiing, and shopping, as well as opportunities for inspiration.
To reduce the stress of your relocation, we recommend engaging a gay realtor in Utah 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 Utah – 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 Utah
It’s hard not to get enthusiastic about the unique and tempting proposition that moving to Utah 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 Utah 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 Utah 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 Utah’s newest denizen.
Strong Economy And Low Unemployment Rate
Utah has a diverse economy, with major industries including technology, finance, and tourism. The state is home to several major companies, such as Adobe, eBay, and Oracle, and is also becoming an important center for startups and innovation.
Additionally, Utah has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country and is consistently ranked among the top states for business and job growth. This makes it a great place to start or further your career. Furthermore, Utah has a high quality of life and low cost of living, making it an attractive place to live and raise a family.
Natural Beauty
Utah is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country, including the Great Salt Lake, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Arches National Park. The state also offers a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking, skiing, and rock climbing, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.
Additionally, Utah is home to several world-renowned ski resorts, such as Park City and Alta, making it a great place for skiing and snowboarding.
Utah Gay Ski Week
Park City is a town located in the Wasatch Mountains, about a 45-minute drive from Salt Lake City. It has a unique atmosphere resembling the Swiss Alps and is worth visiting any time of the year. However, for LGBTQ+ travelers, the town’s ski slopes become particularly vibrant during Elevation: Utah’s gay ski week.
This annual event is a five-day celebration of skiing and nightlife, making it a fun and exciting vacation destination for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Love Loud Festival
In 2017, Dan Reynolds, the lead singer of Imagine Dragons, started a family-friendly music festival to support and advocate for LGBTQ+ youth. The festival is held annually in the USANA Amphitheater outside Salt Lake City and has featured notable musicians such as Kesha and Tega & Sara.
The event raises money for various organizations that support LGBTQ+ rights, including The Trevor Project, GLAAD, and the Human Rights Campaign.
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 Utah and what you can expect of LGBT life there.
Does Utah Embrace the LGBTQ Community?
Although Utah has made progress in protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, there is still progress to be made in creating a fully inclusive and welcoming space for everyone in the community. In recent years, the state has enacted protective laws for LGBTQ+ individuals, including legalizing same-sex marriage and implementing anti-discrimination laws in employment and housing. Conversion therapy on minors is also prohibited.
Even so, there are still some differences in the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals compared to the rest of the population. A poll from 2019 indicated that a majority of Utah residents, over 75%, support laws that protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination.
According to a survey conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute, Utah has the second highest level of support for laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination in the country, only behind New Hampshire and tied with Vermont.
This is particularly significant because Utah is a traditionally conservative and religious state. In 2015, the Utah Legislature passed legislation that prohibits discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in housing and employment. This legislation was a significant compromise that protected the religious freedoms of churches and other religious groups.
In addition, the state recently passed a hate crimes law and is working towards banning conversion therapy for minors.
Conversion therapy is a widely criticized practice that attempts to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Overall, this poll demonstrates that Utah can serve as an example for the rest of the country in finding ways to promote equity and cooperation.
Is Utah an Expensive City to Live In?
Utah’s cost of living is lower than the national average. Utah’s cost of goods and services is 3.4% cheaper than the national average. Check out some of the expenses you will incur while living in Utah.
Housing
Housing is one of the state’s most expensive aspects. The average home in Utah costs $256,500, which is $51,700 higher than the nationwide $204,900 median home value. The average price of a house built in 1939 and before in the state is $200,000, while those built in 2014 or after cost $397,000.
Transportation
87.1% of commuters in Utah travel by car, compared to 85.5% nationally. The average motorist in Utah may anticipate spending $1,028 on gas each year.
Food
Food is another item that significantly impacts the cost of living in Utah. A single adult should anticipate spending $3,045 on food per year, and a family should anticipate spending around $4,045.
Utilities
The cost of utilities in Utah has decreased recently, with a 7% drop in the past year alone. This drop has resulted in utility costs that are 22% lower than the national average. Energy prices in the state are influenced by demand, but on average, residents pay around $130 per month for their energy bills.
Gas prices in Utah are relatively low, with a current average of $2.80 per gallon.
Phone bills in the state are around $139.30 per month. Utah’s utility cost is significantly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live.
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Utah
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, Utah 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 Utah.
Several organizations in Utah work to support and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Some of the critical organizations include:
The Utah Pride Center is a community center that provides a range of resources and support for LGBTQ+ individuals in Utah. They offer support groups, events, educational programming, and more.
Genderbands is a support network for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals in Utah. They offer support groups, social events, and other resources to help trans and gender non-conforming individuals connect with others and find support.
Encircle is an organization that provides support and resources for LGBTQ+ youth and their families in Utah. They offer a range of programming, including support groups, events, and educational workshops.
The Trevor Project is a nationwide organization that supports LGBTQ+ youth through crisis intervention and suicide prevention services. They have a chapter in Utah that provides these services to LGBTQ+ youth in the state. The organization was founded in response to the high rates of suicide among LGBTQ+ youth and has since become a crucial resource for these young people seeking support and acceptance.
Most Gay-Friendly Cities In Utah
In Utah, there are many wonderful areas to live in, but when relocating to LGBTQ Utah, 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 Utah cities to discover your perfect new home, each with its distinct personality.
Give yourself enough time to acquaint yourself with Utah’s diverse personalities, and remember that there is no one perfect answer when it comes to the most gay-friendly places in Utah…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 Utah are and why you might want to consider them!
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is a dynamic and diverse city that offers a lot for LGBTQ+ individuals. The city has a robust LGBTQ+ community with various events, activities, and resources specifically geared toward the community. Despite what you might have heard, Salt Lake City is an exhilarating place that defies easy categorization.
Even with having a population of 1.2 million, it has a small-town feel where everyone knows each other. The city is located in a desert region, but it is also close to the Wasatch Mountains, which allows for a range of outdoor activities. Salt Lake City is both conservative Mormon and progressive LGBTQ+ capital.
It is common to see a range of people coexisting on the same sidewalk, including families on their way to church and LGBTQ+ couples on their way to brunch. Salt Lake City has much to offer, including coffee shops, international food options, artistic offerings, and outdoor activities. It is also home to several neighborhoods with high LGBTQ+ populations, such as Sugar House, the Marmalade District, and the Avenues near Temple Square.
Salt Lake City is a welcoming and inclusive place for LGBTQ+ individuals. The city is home to various hip coffee shops popular with locals and tourists. There are also numerous international food options, ranging from traditional cuisines to fusion dishes. Additionally, the city has a strong artistic community with various offerings, including galleries, theater, and music.
The city’s location in the Wasatch Mountains region also means that there are plenty of outdoor activities available, including hiking, biking, skiing, and more. Salt Lake City has a vibrant and diverse cultural scene that has something for everyone.
Park City
Park City is a city located in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah and is known for its ski resorts and outdoor recreation opportunities. The city has a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere and is home to the Park City Pride Festival, which celebrates LGBTQ+ pride and diversity. Park City is also home to several LGBTQ+-owned businesses and has several organizations and resources that support and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
These include the Park City Pride Festival and Affirmation, which offer support and resources on various issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. In terms of outdoor recreation, Park City is an excellent place for outdoor enthusiasts, with a range of ski resorts and other activities such as hiking and mountain biking.
Park City is a beautiful place for LGBTQ+ individuals who want to live in a welcoming and inclusive community with plenty of outdoor recreational activities. The city is known for being welcoming and supportive of the LGBTQ+ community, and several neighborhoods are very popular among LGBTQ+ residents.
Old Town is a historic neighborhood at the center of Park City that is home to many LGBTQ+-owned businesses, events, and activities geared toward the LGBTQ+ community.
Prospector is another neighborhood in the north part of Park City known for its diversity and inclusivity. It is also home to several LGBTQ+-owned businesses and is close to resources and support for the community. If you’re considering moving to Park City, you’ll likely find it t place to call home.
The LGBTQ+ community is welcomed and supported in many neighborhoods in Park City, which offer a variety of atmospheres to suit different preferences.
Some neighborhoods have a lively nightlife, while others have a more relaxed, community-focused vibe. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find a neighborhood in Park City that feels like the perfect fit.
Ogden
Ogden is less than an hour from Salt Lake City International Airport. While we have already admited Utah isn’t the most gay-friendly state in the country, we still feel that the LGBT community in Ogden is too significant to ignore.
The truth is that the city of Ogden is going through a renaissance, with the downtown area revitalizing to include the hip 25th Street location. Ogden is a beautiful city to call home for any member of the LGBT community looking to build a base for their family. Ogden has much to offer anyone who would wish to call the city home, and you can look forward to a variety of ski resorts, scenic marathons, and endless biking and hiking trails.
The restaurants in this city are vibrant and flanked by eclectic shops anyone would love to while away their time in. What’s more, the city is close to Salt Lake City, so you can be sure that there is still access to a more significant LGBT community that you will be happy and proud to call your own.
While this city isn’t the most gay-friendly city in the state of Utah, the truth is that you are likely to find a small but thriving LGBTQ community that would be happy to welcome you into the fold.
As with any other city that you might be unsure of, we advise you to get to know the local attitudes or atmosphere.
Finding Gay Realtors In Utah
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 Utah 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 Utah, 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 Utah 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 that 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!
