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.
The city of Manchester is home to a vibrant LGBT community and has previously been named one of the queerest cities in the country. Regardless of who you are, there’s something for everyone here, so whether it’s queer-friendly restaurants, gay bars, regular LGBT events, or special community activities, you will find a space that will accommodate you.
The city of Manchester also has funky nightlife and a few LGBT bars to explore. There are also plenty of friendly shops and restaurants in the city that you and your loved ones will feel comfortable frequenting. Manchester is also home to many colleges, so you can be sure that the city is a cultural and event hot spot thanks to the young and diverse population here.
New Hampshire, lives up to its motto of “Live Free or Die” and those thinking of moving to the Queen City have access to plenty of LGBT-focused organizations that are ready to offer you support. Manchester is renowned for being livable and affordable — there are no state or local taxes to worry about, and the economy is robust. Moving here will afford you a range of outdoor recreation opportunities.
You may take a steamboat trip on Lake Winnipesaukee, hike up the White Mountains, relax at Hampton Beach, or explore the city’s picturesque back roads. Back in the city of Manchester itself, you’ll find a truly fabulous patch of urbanity that welcomes everyone looking for a progressive and inclusive place to work, play, and raise a family. If you’re contemplating relocating to LGBT Manchester, you might just discover the accepting surroundings you or your family require to prosper.
There is even a quirky gay scene in Manchester, but like Fargo, Charleston, Norfolk, Columbia, and other mid-sized cities in the United States, it is rather low-key, especially when compared to Chicago or Houston. This is why a gay realtor in Manchester is priceless, as they can assist you in finding your new perfect home in the gaybourhood most suited to you.
Despite the relatively hidden LGBT culture of Manchester, moving here should not make you feel uneasy. The majority of people in Manchester are accepting of the LGBTQ community, and you will quickly discover that the majority of businesses, shops, and services will serve you with pride.
We’ll go over what you should expect when moving to LGBT Manchester, 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!
Check your preconceptions at the door because moving to LGBT Manchester is not what you expect…
In this article we will cover...
- Highlights Of Moving To LGBTQ Manchester
- Does Manchester Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
- The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Manchester
- LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Manchester
- LGBTQ+ Community Events in Manchester
- LGBT-Owned Businesses In Manchester
- Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Manchester
- Finding Gay Realtors In Manchester
Highlights Of Moving To LGBTQ Manchester
Residents of Manchester are well aware that their underappreciated city is brimming with hidden gems. Once you move here, you’ll be able to quickly befriend locals and spend your free time discovering them.
For example, Manchester is home to two professional sports teams, fantastic restaurants, and a prominent concert facility. It will provide you with a small-town atmosphere while having only a little over 112,500 residents. There are many retail enterprises, like the Mall of NH, where you will find anything you might need.
On top of this, thanks to an offbeat 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 Manchester, 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.
Outdoor Activities
Can’t decide whether to spend your day hiking the mountains or relaxing at the beach? You don’t have to pick one if you live in Manchester! Only a few hours separate you from Hampton Beach and the White Mountains. Manchester and its surrounding area provide a ton of fantastic outdoor activities. You can play baseball, go jogging on the track or go swimming in Livingston Park.
You can also enjoy a game of pickleball in Rock Rimmon Park or climb up the summit for a fantastic view of the city. Take a walk to the statue of the person who came up with New Hampshire’s slogan, “Live Free or Die,” while strolling across lush lawns in John Stark Park.
Winter Sports
Manchester transforms into a magical wonderland during the winter thanks to its location. More than 100 inches of snow accumulate on average every month throughout the winter, providing the ideal terrain for snowboarding, skating, and skiing. McIntyre Ski Area is a top location for tubing, sledding, and skiing, and is situated close to Derryfield Park within close proximity from Downtown Manchester.
Prior to the ski season, you’re welcome to visit the adjacent Pats Peak Ski Area to take part in the exciting Oktoberfest festival or the Ski & Snowboard Sale. You can get an Epic Season Pass and immerse yourself in lessons at Crotched Mountain.
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, why not step into Massachusetts to go skiing at Bradford Ski Area or Nashoba Valley Ski Area? You can also visit Great Brook Ski Touring Center.
Local Arts And Culture
For lovers of the arts, Manchester is full of fantastic sights! Purchase tickets at The Palace Theater for ballet performances or Broadway hits. If you’re moving with kids, you can let them do some exploring of their own and let them participate as volunteers or actors at Palace Teen Apprentice Co., Palace Youth Theatre production programs, or a plethora of camps at Forever Emma Studios.
Enjoy Friday Night Comedy, live shows by well-known musicians, and Movies for a Cause show at Rex Theatre. You can catch a show at Majestic Theatre Studios, or take piano instruction.
Catch performances of Shakespeare at the Dana Center for the Humanities, or immerse yourself in a jazz orchestra or an opera. Check out stunning landscape paintings at the Diane Crespo Fine Art Gallery if you’re an art lover.
Weather And Natural Disasters
Manchester experiences extremely long, chilly winters and sweltering, sticky summers. Generally, July and August signal the hottest time of the year, with highs of approximately 82F and lows averaging around 60F. Even so, heat waves with temperatures above the 90s can occur often. January and February are the coldest months of the year with highs around the 30s and lows in the 10s.
The city sees almost 42 inches of rain will fall on annually, with June and October seeing the highest precipitation. Manchester also experiences 60 inches of snowfall annually, with the majority of that occurring between January and March.
Large-scale natural catastrophes are uncommon in Manchester, however ‘The State of Emergencies’ do occur occasionally each year, usually as a result of “Nor’easters” storms.
Manchester Cost Of Living
Manchester NH’s cost of living is greater than the country’s average at 113.2. Costs for utilities, housing, and groceries are slightly higher, but the cost of transportation and healthcare is a little lower than average.
The annual cost of living for a family of four, including food, childcare, housing, transportation, and other costs, is approximately $83,700. The median household income is a little over $56,460.
Does Manchester Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
The Advocate, an LGBT magazine, in 2016 designated Manchester, NH, as one of America’s Queerest Cities. In fact, Manchester ranks as the 14th most “queer.” Manchester is listed slightly above Berkeley, California, and below Waterbury, Connecticut, on the 7th annual list of 15 cities. Hartford, Connecticut, is at the top of the list.
In 2009, New Hampshire became the union’s sixth state to legalize gay marriage, expanding the market in New England for gay nuptials and the associated spending. A few hours after the state Senate passed the law 14-10 across party lines, the state’s majorly Democratic House of Reps authorized gay marriage and made it the fourth state that year to do so.
In New Hampshire, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people have the same legal rights as heterosexual citizens, with the majority of developments taking place in the last two decades. Same-sex relationships are legal, and as of January 1, 2008, NH started letting same-sex partners choose to establish a civil union.
Regarding state law, civil unions provided the majority of the same safeguards as marriages, but without the federal advantages of marriage. Since January 1, 2010, it has been legal in New Hampshire to marry someone of the same gender.
A year after this, civil unions in the state expired and were converted into marriages. State law has also provided protection from discrimination based on sexual and gender orientation since 2018.
Additionally, a law prohibiting the use of conversion therapy on minors went into force in New Hampshire in January 2019. According to recent polls, a sizable number of New Hampshire citizens favor LGBT rights and same-sex marriage, making the state one of the most LGBT-friendly in the nation.
The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Manchester
While all the media today seems to this 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 Manchester want to live in the relative chaos of downtown Manchester – and thankfully, they (and you!) have options.
However, when choosing where to live in Manchester, 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 Manchester. 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 Manchester, 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 Manchester are and talk about the Manchester 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.
Downtown Manchester
Here, the past and present seamlessly converge. Living here puts you right in the heart of the city’s business and entertainment districts. The Verizon Wireless Arena will offer you the opportunity to watch a game while feasting at a restaurant, a bar, or a takeout joint.
Numerous loft, studio, and penthouse flats cohabit in the region alongside historical and settled single-family residences. This neighborhood’s fascinating feature is that many of its apartments are renovated old structures, some of which are even included on the National Register of Historic Places.
They have been renovated and now offer more modern amenities, including parking and exercise facilities.
East End
Even while a portion of Downtown does border the East End, there’s a lot more to this region. Smaller suburban communities such as Green Acres share zip codes with historic regions like Smyth, which is where the Currier Museum is located.
This neighborhood has a variety of housing. Some affordable single-family houses are located close to contemporary townhomes and flats with fitness centers that include steam rooms and saunas. The East End also has a few larger single-family homes spread about.
Many apartment buildings in this neighborhood were previously city structures that were transformed and refurbished because the neighborhood shares certain corridors with the historic districts and Downtown. Lakes, parks, historic homes, and roads close to the 28, 101, and 293 can be found on the East End.
West Side
Manchester’s West Side offers a variety of housing options and is close to the Merrimack River. The West Side is a terrific neighborhood to live in, and find an apartment you can call your own because it is home to historic neighborhoods like Northwest and Notre Dame.
Many apartments in the area are distinctive in terms of size and style, which also contributes to their particular pricing; some look like row houses, while others resemble standard apartments. Living on the West Side puts you near the waterfront, a minor league baseball field, and downtown, a mere ten-minute walk away.
Due to its proximity to the interstate and turnpike, city transportation is accessible from here, and traveling is easy enough.
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Manchester
Manchester is lucky to have a couple of resources and organizations to support its LGBTQ+ community. Here are a few we’ve put together that you can support or even find much-needed help.
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.
Manchester 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 Manchester.
PFLAG-NH is Manchester’s local chapter of the country’s PFLAG group. PFLAG is the biggest grassroots organization of its sort in the country, and it serves the Manchester region.
PFLAG is popular for its objective of providing a wide range of support to LGBTQ individuals, their friends, allies, and family across the nation. PFLAG, which has 200,000+ members and 500 chapters around the US, is essential in offering the LGBTQ+ community information, advocacy, and support.
Manchester Outright is a community facility specifically established to assist LGBTQ youth in the city. The group offers activities, tools, and support groups, as well as a friendly, enjoyable environment for everyone in an effort to fulfill its purpose.
Queen City Pride is on a mission to unify, celebrate, and promote New Hampshire’s LGBTQ+ community through public awareness, social participation, educational initiatives, and events. Queen City Pride promotes equity, inclusion, and well-being of the community and its allies in the Greater NH area.
The organization aims at promoting the development of safe spaces, holding an annual pride festival, collaborating with neighborhood advocacy organizations that deal with the problems and challenges that the queer community faces, and give voice to young people, transgender people, people of color, and other underprivileged groups.
LGBTQ+ Community Events in Manchester
The LGBTQ community in Manchester is lucky to have events hosted in its honor that offer chances for people to come together and unite toward a common goal. Here are some regular LGBT events you will enjoy upon moving to Manchester.
After moving to a new city, you will likely want to create new connections, meet new people, and network. Thankfully, LGBT Manchester 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.
You have to mark your calendar for Queen City Pride, which is a yearly LGBTQ pride festival in Manchester. This yearly event offers lots of chances to meet and make new friends and have fun, along with family-friendly activities, speeches, performers, and delicious cuisine.
LGBT-Owned Businesses In Manchester
It’s only normal to want to support queer businesses after relocating to LGBT Manchester. 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 Manchester that you can support with your pink dollars…
Enjoy the taste of summer with Playa Bowls. The establishment serves wholesome, delectable açai, coconut bowls, pitaya, and smoothies with the community and sustainability in mind by using the freshest, best-quality ingredients. Playa Bowls are your morning pick-me-up, lunchtime fantasy, post-surf fix, and an ideal nightcap. They came from the beach and are here for the world.
A variety of clothes, food, and collectibles stores surround Keke’s Dream LGBTQ+, which is located in a nook of the Mall of New Hampshire close to Gamestop. At first impression, it appears to be a simple, vibrant store.
Keke’s Dream- is so named after the owner’s son, who goes by the nickname Keke. The establishment began as a booth in the mall and is the type of store one would normally find in a typical mall. It is a business totally dedicated devoted to gay pride merchandise.
Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Manchester
Manchester is a beautiful city to live in! Whether it’s the weather, the vibrant nightlife, outdoor activities, or inclusive neighborhoods, there’s something to look forward to.
We hope you receive the freedom and security you deserve if you decide to start your new chapter in LGBT Manchester. However, please remember that life is what you make of it. The best ways to learn more about LGBT Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester
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 Manchester 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 Manchester – 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 Manchester 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!
