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 L.A.’s gay beating heart, it shouldn’t be a surprise that West Hollywood is one of the USA’s most desirable neighborhoods for LGBT people to reside. Even better, it’s one of the few places in the country with a heterosexual minority, with only 43% of the population identifying as straight. That should tell you something if you’re thinking of moving here and making a life for yourself...
West Hollywood is a truly fabulous city that welcomes everyone looking for a progressive and inclusive place to work, play, and raise a family. If you’re contemplating relocating to LGBT West Hollywood, you might just discover the accepting surroundings you or your family require to prosper.
West Hollywood reigns supreme as the symbol of gay L.A, thanks to its rainbow-colored crosswalks and multitude of openly queer bars and clothing shops. The city made headlines as the country’s first gay municipality when it officially became a city in 1984 and put in place a predominantly gay city council and has held tight its position as a gay-loving and friendly municipality ever since.
West Hollywood is Southern California’s hub of queer culture and hosts many LGBT events throughout the year, such as OUTLOUD Raising Voices Music Festival, WeHo LGBTQ Arts Festival, and WeHo Pride Parade. Whether you’re here for a few months or want to build a life focused on this city, you will not go wrong with WeHo’s enchanting sensibility and charm, from its classic Sunset Strip surrounded by palm trees and rich heritage to its beautiful scenery and storied hillside mansions.
While Los Angeles is a huge city, West Hollywood still maintains a small-town charm, neighborly vibe, and warm character – and has a truly out-of-this-world queer scene. Yes, just like in Miami, New York City, Washington DC, and other fabulously gay US cities, there is an outsized and often overwhelming gay scene here, and this is something a gay realtor in West Hollywood can help you navigate as you find your new perfect home here.
We’ll go over what you should expect when moving to LGBT West Hollywood, as well as how you can make the transition easier on yourself (or with your family) and make sure you’re prepared to enjoy every minute of your new life here!
In this article we will cover...
- Highlights Of Moving To LGBTQ West Hollywood
- Does West Hollywood Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
- Is West Hollywood An Expensive City to Move To?
- The Best Gay Neighborhoods In West Hollywood
- LGBTQ+ Community Events in West Hollywood
- LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In West Hollywood
- LGBT-Owned Businesses In West Hollywood
- Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ West Hollywood
- Finding Gay Realtors In West Hollywood
Highlights Of Moving To LGBTQ West Hollywood
Wherever you are in this vibrant city, there’s no doubt you will experience its energy. West Hollywood will offer you much in the form of fantastic restaurants, gyms, nightlife, groceries, shopping, and much more. Check out some of the highlights of this magical city.
Residents of West Hollywood, however, are well aware that their energetic city is still brimming with hidden gems that only locals know about. Once you move here, you’ll be able to quickly befriend locals and spend your free time discovering them for yourself.
On top of this, thanks to an exceptionally high predominance of LBGT+ residents and a flamboyant yet deeply engaged LGBT community, which congregates at a few fabulous queer hot spots in the city’s most popular neighborhoods, securing a relocation here will allow you to meet queer people with similar interests.
Almost anything your heart desires is available here. When relocating to LGBT West Hollywood, there are numerous things to look forwards to, such as distinctive architecture, endearing coffee shops, and boozy brunch haunts.
Let’s take a closer look at a few of the aspects that make up this incredible city before we get into the details.
It’s A Hip City
Also known as WeHo, West Hollywood is one of the hippest cities you will ever live in. Most of the cafes and restaurants have pet-friendly patios. If you like, you can even join your dog at the gym. WeHo residents are always geared for fitness, so whether it’s hiking local traits, pumping it up at the gym, or running down boulevards, there are plenty of options for all lifestyles.
The Commute
Although LA is known for traffic, WeHo is California’s most walkable city, with a Walk Score of 91. The PickUp, a free night shuttle that runs along Santa Monica Boulevard on Friday and Saturday nights and connects the city’s western and eastern parts, is one of WeHo’s public transportation options. During peak times and on Saturday nights, CityLine Shuttles provides shuttle services for free throughout the city, as well as service to Highland and Hollywood.
It’s Huge On Halloween
Many people believe that Michael Jackson’s famous single, Thriller, was inspired by the West Hollywood Halloween Carnival. The West Hollywood Halloween Carnival is also the second-largest festival in Southern California, attracting thousands of residents and visitors. There are bar specials and costume contestants all night long, in addition to heaps of entertainment.
Job Opportunities
Living in WeHo allows you to take advantage of numerous job opportunities. WeHo employs about 25,000 people, the majority of whom work in the Science and Technology industry; Health and Information Services, Management, Arts and Recreation, and Business Operations are the most popular jobs held by residents of WeHo.
Jobs are also increasing here! Employment in the city increased by 2.85 percent between 2015- 2016. You also have easy access to the rest of LA, Glendale, and Santa Monica within commuting distance if working in your neighborhood isn’t your thing.
Does West Hollywood Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
West Hollywood is L.A.’s undisputed LGBTQ capital. The city is additionally one of the few cities in the U.S with a heterosexual minority- approximately 43% of residents in WeHo identify as straight, with 38% identifying as gay men and the remainder, 19%, divided between bi men and women, lesbians, and other’s that chose not to disclose.
WeHo, as it is fondly called, is a queer city known historically as one of America’s most prominent and flourishing “gayborhoods,” this region was officially declared a city in 1984, with a population of a little over 36,000 as of 2020, and is similar to Boystown in Chicago and Castro in San Francisco.
In 1970, WeHo hosted the first authorized Pride parade in the world and has since become the apex of LGBTQ culture in Southern California. Almost 40% of the population here identifies as LGBTQ. Visitors and transplants can expect a safe, inclusive environment based on the community’s interests and needs.
Is West Hollywood An Expensive City to Move To?
Living in WeHo, like the rest of LA, is not cheap. The median rent is around $1,500 per month. Those who buy a home here will pay around $640,000, which is more than three times the national average. If you live in WeHo, you need to have a car, particularly if you commute to work. It also entails dealing with the costs of car ownership.
Transportation costs here are 26% higher than the national median, but 1% higher than the state average. Groceries, goods, and healthcare services are also likely to cost more here than in other parts of the country. However, since you don’t live directly in L.A., that’s a benefit. While you can work in LA and reap the benefits of LA pay, you don’t have to pay thousands in rent to live downtown. You have the benefits at lower costs.
The Best Gay Neighborhoods In West Hollywood
While all the media today seems to think that gayborhood is dead or on the verge of extinction, we have news for them – it’s not! Instead, gayborhoods across the USA are growing in number and diversity; they might look slightly different.
Instead of being the main street serving mostly-exclusive LGBT clients (something we now think of as a gay village), gayborhoods have evolved into cultural archipelagos, a collection of queer islands coalesced by sexuality and gender and liberal allies. And cities frequently have more than one.
Today, it turns out not all LGBT people in West Hollywood want to live in the relative chaos of downtown Los Angeles – and thankfully, they (and you!) have options.
However, when choosing where to live in West Hollywood, remember that some areas are more conveniently located for all the fun queer events and activities. By being aware of them in advance, you can arrive at your new residence in the gay-friendly neighborhood that best suits your needs.
Discover your ideal new home in one of these prominent gay and LGBT-friendly gaybourhoods in West Hollywood. Each one has its own distinct personality, a friendly vibe, and amenities you’ll love and soon wonder how you ever did without. Give yourself lots of time to get to know the diverse areas of West Hollywood, and bear in mind that this city has plenty to offer everyone – queer or otherwise!
Now let’s take a look at where the handful of marvelous gay areas in West Hollywood are and talk about the West Hollywood gayborhood where you might feel most at home! Or speak to a local LGBT real estate agent for a more detailed understanding of the best options today.
WeHo Heights
The high-rise residential buildings overlooking LA distinguish WeHo Heights. Residents can walk to the Sunset Strip, which is full of fantastic restaurants, luxury retailers, and rock-and-roll venues right outside their front door.
West Hollywood Heights is one of the smallest neighborhoods in the city, located north of Sunset Boulevard. The district is mostly made up of apartment blocks. A four-story, seven-unit condo complex on Horn Avenue, which was once owned by actress Bette Davis, was demolished recently.
According to Eisenberg, the area has a population of about 1,000 people. Residents, however, despite being apartment dwellers, tend to love the area, so it isn’t as transient as most would expect. Traffic is a major issue in this neighborhood, and Sunset Boulevard, the area’s only artery, is always clogged.
The neighborhood came together to successfully stand up against Centrum Sunset, a proposed development that was to go into the Tower Records building. WeHo Heights comes with excellent views of the city, which is one of the aspects that has attracted many to live here.
WeHo Heights offers you the convenience of easy access to Sunset Boulevard with a range of clubs, restaurants, and shops, such as Book Soup, the only bookstore in the city.
Norma Triangle
The Norma Triangle is located in the western part of West Hollywood. This area includes the lively Santa Monica Boulevard section, which is home to many LGBTQ-friendly clubs, restaurants, and bars. The L.A. Pride Festival is held in this iconic community. Enjoy dinner, or a drink at the renowned The Abbey, and dessert at a Norma Triangle ice cream parlor–all within a block of each another.
Norma Triangle is the most well-known and historically significant of the neighborhoods, encompassing the south of Sunset Boulevard and north of Santa Monica Boulevard between San Vicente Boulevard and Doheny Drive. The area was once home to film star Norma Talmadge, and the households were once changing rooms for the celebrities after whom she named different streets such as Lloyd Place, Cynthia Street, Dicks Street, Keith Avenue, Phyllis Street, and others.
According to historians, houses were built for employees of the LA Pacific Railway, which had a distribution center where the Pacific Design Center currently stands. According to historians, the streets here were named for Moses Sherman’s children. The narrow roads a little north of Pavilions are lined with single-family bungalows from the 1910s to 1920s that, despite their diminutive size, are charming.
West Hollywood West
Single-family housing with a combination of contemporary and historical architecture can be found in West Hollywood West. The sleepy residential streets are linked to bustling commercial routes where locals have access to all of the amenities they require to live a happy life.
Residents of this neighborhood can dine and shop along Melrose Avenue, walk their dogs through West Hollywood Park, and pore over books at the West Hollywood Library. The neighborhood is bordered on the west by Beverly Hills and Doheny Drive, Melrose Avenue on the north, La Cienega Boulevard on the east, and Beverly Boulevard on the south.
Restaurants and cafes, movie theaters and malls, libraries, parks, design shops, galleries, and the Pacific Design Center are all within walking distance. The West Hollywood, West Residents Association, is one of WeHo’s most organized and largest resident associations that represents the West Hollywood West neighborhood.
LGBTQ+ Community Events in West Hollywood
After moving to a new city, you will likely want to create new connections, meet new people, and network. Thankfully, LGBT West Hollywood plays host to a variety of annual events for lesbians, transgender persons, gays, and anyone else who wants to have a good time.
While there are many queer events in the city, the ones listed here are the largest and greatest and are all worth marking in your calendar as you won’t want to miss them.
For years, West Hollywood has hosted one of the country’s largest Pride parades. Thousands of LGBTQ individuals and their allies from all over the region and across the globe flock to West Hollywood during Pride.
City Of West Hollywood’s WeHo Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival
Formerly Once City One Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival, the WeHo Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival is a celebration you shouldn’t miss. The event is one you wouldn’t like to miss and runs from Harvey Milk Day to the end of Pride Month.
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In West Hollywood
Wherever you live, it is critical that you support LGBT organizations in any way you can use so that they can keep reaching out to and assisting other members of the community who are more vulnerable. After all, we are all stronger when we work together, and each of us will likely have a time in our lives when we require a little extra support.
West Hollywood has a supportive and diverse LGBTQ community, which has helped the city 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 city moving forwards! They are also a place to meet new people and find your queer chosen family in West Hollywood.
The West Hollywood Soccer Club Inc.
The West Hollywood Soccer Club is a non-profit that seeks to challenge sports stereotypes by offering a safe, supportive community for all LGBTQ soccer athletes where they can participate in sports regardless of their color, creed, religion, race, ancestry, age, national origin, mental health, sexual orientation, or health status.
GALAS’ mission is to create a safe and nurturing environment for LGBTQ folks of Armenian descent, promote empowerment in their communities, and build linkages between the Armenian and LGBTQ communities, and other intersectional and allied communities.
The Connie Norman Empowerment Center
The Connie Norman Empowerment Center is the first of its kind in the country, serving Nonbinary and Transgender people and communities. For trans people in LA. Their unique program model offers extensive resources, support, training, and health services.
LGBT-Owned Businesses In West Hollywood
As an LGBTQ hub, one would be hoping to find lots of LGBT businesses in West Hollywood. This expectation isn’t wrong. We found some amazing LGBT-owned businesses in WeHo that we thought you’d love.
It’s only normal to want to support queer businesses after relocating to LGBT West Hollywood. Making a safe space where individuals can relax, shop, eat, and meet without fear is one way to build a safer and more accepting society – and LGBT businesses are frequently doing the heavy lifting to achieve this goal.
It is crucial to support these projects wherever you reside to ensure the survival and development of the queer community. When you shop local, you are personally investing in your city and community – a small step that can be transformational when people do it en masse. Here are just a few of our favorite LGBTQ+-owned companies in West Hollywood that you can support with your pink dollars…
Yogurt Stop was founded on the idea of providing excellent frozen yogurt with many delicious toppings baked in-house, locally-grown fresh fruit, and many frozen delights in a pleasant, laid-back atmosphere. They create an experience where family, friends, colleagues, and residents can unite in a community setting. Yogurt Stop believes in delivering prompt, friendly, professional, and courteous service to all of its customers.
Candle Delirium is the biggest and most popular online candle store for luxury and designer-scented candles. The shop has everything you’ll ever need. Whether you’re a fancy-candle admirer, a candle lover, or a candle addict, they have it all. You’re welcome to browse their extensive online collection to find the best gift sets, candle brands, sprays, perfumed candles, and high-end candles you deserve.
Circus of Books is one of the first adult bookstores for the gay community in Los Angeles. There’s a Netflix documentary about this bookstore with a story about the heterosexual couple that previously owned it.
Chi Chi LaRue, the most famous drag queen director in the porn industry, bought the WeHo landmark, making it the second business she owns along Santa Monica Boulevard. Both stores sell T-shirts, underwear, coffee table books, and adult toys, and are known for having friendly, knowledgeable staff.
Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ West Hollywood
We think WeHo is fantastic, and we hope you will enjoy living here. Here, you will find friendly neighbors and exciting town events, and its location makes it perfect for young professionals, couples, and singles looking to add a little spice to their lives.
We hope you receive the freedom and security you deserve if you decide to start your new chapter in LGBT West Hollywood. However, please remember that life is what you make of it. The best ways to learn more about LGBT West Hollywood are to live in a gay-friendly neighborhood, support local queer businesses and events, and join LGBT community clubs, organizations and teams.
We promise that if you go by these suggestions, moving to LGBT West Hollywood will be less challenging for you and that you’ll meet like-minded individuals and build up that all-important support network quickly.
Finding Gay Realtors In West Hollywood
Why would you consider someone’s sexuality when hunting for the ideal realtor? This may appear strange at first, but there are numerous reasons why contacting a gay realtor in West Hollywood is a good way to discover your dream house.
After all, it’s not unrealistic to expect fair, equal, and honest representation from someone who comprehends the queer community’s specific needs and desires when engaging in one of life’s most important transactions.
Further to that, sadly, many people (up to one-third of Americans) still genuinely think that our community does not deserve protection and dignity in areas such as housing, adoption, employment, and other aspects of life.
As a result, it’s not surprising that LGBT people who use mainstream realtors frequently express discomfort, unnecessary trouble, unenthusiastic representation, or even antagonism or outright contempt.
Everyone deserves a pleasurable, stress-free home buying or selling experience while being adequately represented, which is why we believe you should hire a gay realtor to assist you in uncovering your ideal future home.
When looking for a home, LGBTQ realtors are more likely to be informed about the diverse communities in their area and fully comprehend which ones may be particularly well suited to you. This isn’t to say heterosexual realtors aren’t competent; they’ve just never had to deal with many of the challenges that LGBT people face.
Gay realtors conduct thorough research into the neighborhoods in which they sell homes to make sure their customers are safe, rather than just being concerned with how thriving, trendy, or up-and-coming a neighborhood is (or appears to be).
It used to be challenging to uncover professional LGBT-friendly real estate agents in West Hollywood – 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.
Thankfully, 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 West Hollywood 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, tradesmen, and more.
Read the biographies of LGBT real estate agents, then select the one who is right for you. It’s essential that you find someone who will be by your side and support you and your family during one of life’s most exhilarating occasions.
Even better, there is no hidden motive, cost, or obligation whatsoever!
