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.
Most people wouldn’t be thrilled with the idea of moving to LGBT Milwaukee. However, that isn’t because it’s the worst place to live in, but because people think it’s too small and too cold.
However, the reality is Milwaukee is unexpectedly sophisticated and oozing Midwestern charm, one of those under-the-radar-queer-cities you’ll wonder why you haven’t heard about sooner.
Milwaukee has a long and illustrious history that dates back to the Native Americans. Whatever you think of the Trail of Tears, this city wouldn’t be in existence if it weren’t for its tumultuous history. Milwaukee takes its name from an Algonquian word that means “pleasant land,” or “beautiful land” a nod to the city’s Native American roots.
Milwaukee is a vibrant city that welcomes all those looking to move to a progressive, inclusive city for work, play, and family. If you’re thinking of moving to LGBT Milwaukee, you might just find the accepting environment that you or your family need to thrive in.
Like Honolulu, Long Beach, Providence, Tampa and other mid-sized cities in the USA, there is a queer scene here but it is much more low-key than say, New York or Los Angeles – which is why a gay realtor in Milwaukee is worth their weight in gold as they can help you navigate as you find your new perfect home here in the most gay-friendly neighborhood.
However, this somewhat camouflaged LGBT scene doesn’t mean that you should be nervous about making the move to this beautiful city. Most people are friendly towards the LGBTQ community and you will find services, shops, and establishments proudly serving our community.
Think of this article as a queer Milwaukee relocation guide that will help you understand what you’re getting yourself into when moving to this beautiful city. If you need a more nightlife and travel-focused guide detailing all the LGBT clubs, parties, and more, check out our Gay Milwaukee Guide!
Leave all your preconceptions at the door, because (spoiler alert) moving to LGBT Milwaukee is not what you think!
In this article we will cover...
- Highlights of Moving to LGBTQ Milwaukee
- Does Milwaukee Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
- Is Milwaukee An Expensive City to Move To?
- The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Milwaukee
- LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Milwaukee
- LGBT-Owned Businesses In Milwaukee
- Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Milwaukee
- Finding Gay Realtors In Milwaukee Wisconsin
Highlights of Moving to LGBTQ Milwaukee
Milwaukee residents are well aware that their city is a hidden gem. It is brimming with culture and beautiful sights just waiting to be discovered.
Also known as Brew City, Milwaukee is one of the country’s best places to live. Here, you have access to an affordable cost of living family-friendly offerings, great employment opportunities and a gourmet scene focused on craft beer and cheese.
Securing a relocation here will also allow you to meet others with similar interests, thanks to a quirky yet highly involved LGBT culture, which includes a few fantastic queer spots of interest in the city’s most popular neighborhoods.
Almost anything that your heart desires can be found here. There are plenty of things to look forwards to when moving to LGBT Milwaukee, be it entertaining clubs, charming coffee shops, or 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.
Harley Davidson Lives Here
Milwaukee’s links to Harley-Davidson are a distinguishing quality of the city. The world-renowned motorcycle maker is one of the city’s major employers, and Milwaukee is home to Harley headquarters. Harley-Davidson is still housed in the same facility it began more than a century ago. The Harley-Davidson Museum showcases the company’s history for everyone interested.
Motorcycle enthusiasts can visit this leading attraction to admire unique pieces such as Serial Number 1, which is the company’s oldest known motorcycle. You can also take a photo cruise of history to see how the company grew from modest beginnings in a simple shed to one of the top motorcycle companies in the world!
Attractions For Everyone
Milwaukee is home to some of the best downtown locations for starting families, and a wide variety of child-friendly activities. Every first Thursday of each month, the Milwaukee Public Museum provides free admission to everyone, so you’ve got full access to the museum’s collections and research.
Festivals Galore!
The impressive number of festivals celebrated year-round is one of the best things about living here. PrideFest Milwaukee celebrates the local LGBTQ community with concerts, a parade, and drag contests for all ages. Annual events such as Polish Fest- the country’s biggest Polish Fest, Irish Fest, Festa Italiana, and Mexican Fiesta honor cultures from all over the world.
If barbecuing is your thing, the Big Pig BBQ Fest is an excellent way for residents to relish the last days of summer by sampling some of the best barbecues available from local vendors. You’re welcome to join thousands of other music fans at Summerfest, where big recording artists such as Brandi Carlile, Thomas Rhett, and Styx have performed. Milwaukee has something for everyone’s taste in festivals.
Plenty Of Cheese Ahead!
Be aware that moving to this city comes with a potential cheese addiction. To say cheese will always be on your mind is an understatement! There are several restaurants and shops in town that sell outstanding cheese. Whether it’s handcrafted cheeses or delectable cheese curd, you can find it all at the Wisconsin Cheese Mart.
Does Milwaukee Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
Milwaukee’s LGBTQ+ community is not scared to show who they really are! Since the Prohibition Era, this wonderful community has been thriving and expanding. For the third year running, the city received a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Municipality Equality Index in 2020. Milwaukee is the state’s largest hub for celebrating, dancing, and showing pride in your true self, which is all thanks to the locals.
As a strongly liberal city, Milwaukee has a sizable LGBT community as well as many gay-friendly businesses and programs. The city’s annual “PrideFest Milwaukee” festival is also home to North America’s biggest LGBT music showcase. The housing market and business sector are both strong, with current gentrification raising home values and reviving the downtown area. Locals are undoubtedly part of a national trend geared toward greater acceptance of LGBT people.
However, in many parts of the city, a Midwestern-style “don’t ask, don’t tell” civility prevails. Generally, while queer Milwaukee residents aren’t often seen holding hands on the sidewalks, there are still some neighborhoods that stand out as welcoming and inclusive to LGBT residents.
Is Milwaukee An Expensive City to Move To?
Milwaukee has a cost of living that is 2% lower than the country’s average. Housing in the city is 3% higher than the national average, and utilities are 3% lower. Basic necessities such as food and clothing are about 5% cheaper than in the rest of the nation.
Healthcare services including doctor visits and dentistry are 14% more expensive here than they are in the country. Non-essential expenses like grooming services and entertainment, on the other hand, are 5% less expensive in Milwaukee.
Housing: The city’s median value for a home is $118,000, lower than the national median of $204,000. The median price for homes built before 1939 is $110,000, and that of homes built after 2014 is $207,000. Renting can be a less expensive option than buying a home. Milwaukee renters pay $842 per month on average, which is higher than the national average of $1,023 per month.
Transport: Considering the cost of public transportation, gas, and car maintenance, a single person in the city spends around $7,900 on transportation each year.
Food and groceries: A single adult is expected to spend around $2,870 on food each year, while a family of four would spend an average of $8,317.
The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Milwaukee
When relocating to LGBT Milwaukee, there are a few areas you should know about as they are close to the queer community, allowing you to conventionally pull your U-Haul up to your new house in a gay-friendly neighborhood or part of town.
If you’re a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or otherwise queer person manifesting a liberal neighborhood with facilities you’ll cherish, start with these top gay and gay-friendly Milwaukee neighborhoods to discover your perfect new home, each with its own distinct personality.
Give yourself enough time to acquaint yourself with Milwaukee’s diverse personalities, and remember that this city offers something for everyone – LGBTQ or not!
If it all seems a little overwhelming, you should speak to a local LGBT real estate agent for a more nuanced and up-to-date understanding of the best options available to you.
Most areas in this city would welcome you, but let’s take a look at the handful of the more fabulous gay areas in Milwaukee are and talk about the Milwaukee gayborhood where you might feel most at home!
The East Side
Any area east of Milwaukee River is included as the East Side neighborhood. This lovely neighborhood includes two parks planned by Frederick Law Olmsted, as well as a well-balanced mix of restaurants and shops as well as a range of housing options.
East Side is politically liberal and ordinarily gay-friendly since it’s the home of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee college. This highly walkable area of town provides excellent opportunities for outdoor activities and window shopping. A studio apartment can be as cheap as $100,000, while some homes can cost as much as $1,000,000. There is a price range and home here to suit everyone’s preferences.
Outdoor enthusiasts moving to this neighborhood will find many opportunities to enjoy the fresh air here, whether it’s jogging, fishing at McKinley Park, or boating at Bradford Beach. Because of its vibrant bar scene, which encompasses everything from homey pubs to cocktail lounges, this neighborhood is particularly popular among local singles.
Historic Third Ward
The Historic Third Ward is an affluent neighborhood that caters to the LGBTQ community. It is known for its boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries, as well as its easy access to a wide range of event and entertainment options, such as Summerfest. You can also enjoy an evening at one of the neighborhood’s outdoor River Walk restaurants, or any of the parks, shops, or restaurants.
Historic Third Ward, was previously a warehouse district. It has a distinct neighborhood allure that combines historic and contemporary elements. Businesses here are located in converted, historic warehouses and peppered with apartment buildings and modern duplexes. However, what definitely makes this neighborhood one of the city’s best places to live is its position as Milwaukee’s arts and fashion district.
There are many things to do here from festivals like Summerfest and the Third Ward Riverwalk. This neighborhood is not only one of the city’s coolest, but also one of the country’s hippest. Gay bars abound on 1st and 2nd Streets, which are part of the neighborhood. The neighborhood is essentially one giant recycling initiative. It is the spot to be, with many people transforming old warehouses into trendy restaurants and apartments. The Historic Third Ward has a median home value of around $379,000.
Walker’s Point
In 1835, Walker’s Point was established as a fur trading post. It is blossoming to encourage retail and condominium development to the south. Despite the fact that the area is still primarily industrial, there are many options for residential housing. Walker’s Point is known for its vibrant nightlife as it is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city. Visitors will enjoy terrific taprooms, breweries, and restaurants in the bustling neighborhood.
The neighborhood is also a foodie haven with a bit of grit. V visitors looking for LGBTQ+ nightlife and bars should head to this neighborhood. The area is also home to farm-to-table dining, antique shops, art galleries, craft ice-cream shops, distilleries, and a food truck park. Walker’s Point has a median home value of around $66,000.
Bay View
Bay View, located on the shores of Lake Michigan, is one of the city’s best locations for young professionals and singles. The live music, art galleries, nightlife spots, and annual festivals, in this neighborhood are some of the most popular attractions for locals. Outdoor recreation areas and parks such as South Shore Beach and South Shore Park offer plenty of green space. You can find cozy historic bungalows when it comes to the housing stock.
Kinnickinnic Avenue- abbreviated as KK- has birthed some of the city’s best restaurants in the past few years, and more than a half-dozen coffee shops. South Shore Park, close to Lake Michigan, hosts a farmer’s market in the summer.
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Milwaukee
To progress the LGBTQ agenda, the queer community commonly has to rely on donor organizations or non-profits.
Wherever you live, it’s critical that you support such groups in any way you can use so that they can reach out and aid others in the community. You might even need their assistance right or at some point in the future – and no matter what, every queer person has benefited from their tireless work to achieve the progress and rights we have today. Here are some outstanding community LGBT organizations in Milwaukee.
These are wonderful places to start if you’re looking for LGBTQ groups to join, seek support from, meet new people with or volunteer for a cause you care about.
The Milwaukee LGBTQ Community Center
The Milwaukee LGBTQ Community Center is committed to addressing the needs of the local LGBTQ community and ensuring the city is more inclusive and safer for all. The center provides educational resources, counseling, activities, and other programs to push its objective of celebrating and promoting the local LGBTQ community’s diversity.
Taking place over three fabulous days each June, PrideFest is the U.S.A.’s only pride festival held on permanent festival grounds. Each year, thousands of festival-goers converge to experience world-class queer entertainment, enjoy delicious food, wander the marketplace, and celebrate love. During the day, around 100 artists and performers are featured across each of the eight stages, showcasing local music and promoting the works of LGBT+ non-profit organizations. There is an amazing dance party at the Dance Pavilion all day and fantastic national headliners taking the party into the night. PrideFest is committed to implementing a safe space for young adults, so there is a dedicated, alcohol-free Youth Area with special entertainment. All restrooms are made gender-neutral for the duration of the festival. From music to voguing, drag performances to community conversations, everyone is welcome, empowered, and celebrated at PrideFest in Milwaukee.
This is the local chapter of the country’s PFLAG organization. PFLAG’s mission is to offer support to LGBTQ individuals, their allies, family, and friends in different ways such as advocacy and education.
Diverse & Resilient’s goal is to ensure communities are more accepting of LGBTQ+ people’s well-being and safety. This organization keeps reminding society that the people in the LGBTQ+ community live fulfilling lives and make contributions to each other’s welfare and that of the larger community via their wealth of resources.
AIDS Walk Wisconsin
Whether you’re looking for a different way to show your support for the fight against AIDS, or just looking for a fun run, the annual AIDS Walk Wisconsin’s 5K Run in October is a good option. Now in its 29th year, this is the largest H.I.V. fundraising event in Wisconsin and has raised more than $13.1 million for the fight against AIDS since its formation. The event takes place at the Summerfest Grounds and includes entertainment and activities, themed rest stops, medical support, and food/water.
LGBT-Owned Businesses In Milwaukee
After moving to LGBT Milwaukee, it’s only natural to want to support queer businesses. One strategy for establishing a safer and more inclusive society is to create a secure environment where people may rest, buy, dine, and connect without fear, and this is exactly what LGBT companies should strive for.
To safeguard the queer community’s survival and success, it is critical to support these initiatives wherever you are. When you shop locally, you put in a personal investment in your city and community. Here’s a short list of LGBTQ+-owned businesses in Milwaukee you can invest in with your pink dollars…
The Milwaukee location of this fabulously gay American burger, bar and grill chain. We loved the old-school diner vibes, the nightly queer entertainment, the iconic drag, and the cute arcade bar attached. The drag brunch shows are particularly worthwhile and always come with a hefty side of sass.
Gregory León owns and operates Amilinda, a pleasant Portuguese and Spanish and Portuguese eatery that is generally regarded as one of the best restaurants in the city. Their inviting dining room features an open-plan kitchen and walls clad in classic cream city brick. It’s hard to go wrong with anything you order off the menu here! Amilinda is situated at the heart of Milwaukee.
A gay cornerstone bar that packs something extra – and the best place to experience Milwaukee’s drag scene. After the shows, dance the night away with D.J.s spinning tuns to make it impossible not to werk (or twerk). Duck into the photo booth, snatch a selfie in the monster mirror in the unisex bathrooms or take advantage of the regular drink specials. If you’re looking to unwind without judgment, D.I.X. is the place for you.
Maranta is Milwaukee’s first (and only) POC-owned plant shop, and it’s also an LGBTQ-friendly establishment! Maranta has a large selection of plants for sale.
And because their inventory is continuously updating, you should check back often and see what is new! They also have promotions and sales that benefit other businesses in the city, such as Hunger Task Force
Maya Ophelia’s offers a constantly changing menu based on what’s in season. Most of their menu items, along with all their meats, sauces, and cheeses are made fresh. They work tirelessly to ensure that no meal goes unnoticed, and strive to destigmatize plant-based diets. Although they aren’t an allergen-free kitchen, they follow best practices to keep the environment as safe as they can.
Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Milwaukee
Milwaukee residents are proud of their city. They acknowledge that progress is needed to ensure their city stays safe. Moving here, you will have an inclusive and welcoming community you can call your own!
Keep in mind that life is what you make it, and wherever you choose to begin your new life in gay Milwaukee, we hope you find the openness and security you deserve. The surest way to discover LGBT Milwaukee is always going to be living in a gay-friendly neighborhood by frequenting local LGBT businesses and events and joining queer community groups and sports teams.
We promise that if you follow these steps, your transition to LGBT Milwaukee will be easier, and you’ll rapidly meet like-minded people to build your new chosen family here.
Finding Gay Realtors In Milwaukee Wisconsin
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 Milwaukee is a great way to find your dream house.
After all, when it relates to one of life’s most important 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) continue to 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 difficult to locate professional LGBT-friendly real estate agents in Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee 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 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!
