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.
Are you thinking of moving to Norfolk? Well, the city is home to a vibrant and active LGBTQ community and has plenty of entertainment. Norfolk is also home to many theatres, events, festivals, and exhibitions, so you can be sure that there’s always something to enjoy in this city.
Furthermore, Norfolk hosts the Hampton Roads Pride Fest, which is a celebration of the city’s LGBTQ community and all it has to offer to a growing part of Norfolk’s culture. Norfolk has many LGBTQ organizations, such as LGBTQ Life Center, whose goal is to offer a safe space for the community and offer vital information that they may need to unite with others.
Whether it’s gay parties, entertainment, or meet-ups, you have the opportunity to have all these and more in Norfolk as well as a community that acknowledges and loves you for who you are.
If you’ve been thinking about moving to a new city, you should consider Norfolk, Virginia. Norfolk is the 3rd most populous city in the state and has around 23,000 residents. Lovers of the water will enjoy living here as the city is bordered by several water bodies and has miles of Bayfront and riverfront properties, including the Chesapeake Bay beaches.
Norfolk in Virginia 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 Norfolk, you might just discover the accepting surroundings you or your family require to prosper.
There is even a quirky gay scene in Norfolk, but like Durham, Manchester, Fargo, Charleston, 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk, moving here should not make you feel uneasy. The majority of people in Norfolk 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 Norfolk, 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 Norfolk is not what you expect…
In this article we will cover...
Highlights Of Moving To LGBTQ Norfolk
Norfolk is a melting pot of culture, ideas, and people. Here, you will meet people from all across the globe and locals love the arts and are immersed in the city’s history.
Residents of Norfolk are also 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 yourself.
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 Norfolk, there are numerous things to look forwards to, such as gorgeous waterfront views, delicious food and natural entertainment.
Let’s take a closer look at a few of the aspects that make up this remarkable city before we get into the details.
Water Surrounds It
Whether it’s salt or freshwater, anyone who loves being on the water will love this city as it’s surrounded by water on three sides. On the east is Virginia Beach, Chesapeake Bay is on the north, and Elizabeth River is on the western and southern boundaries. Along the bay and riverways are charming and beautiful historic neighborhoods you will enjoy.
It’s A Cultural Hub
Once you move here, you will realize that there’s so much to keep you busy. Several performing arts companies have found a home in the city, and there are plenty of festivals and parades all throughout the year.
You will love the Chrysler Museum of Art or the Hermitage Museum and Gardens if you’re an art lover. If you’ve got kids, they will enjoy visiting the Norfolk Southern Museum or the Virginia Zoo.
Sports All Year Round
If you’re looking to watch live sports, there are plenty of options. The Baltimore Orioles has a minor-league baseball team called The Tides. You can also watch football games at Old Dominion University. During the winter, you can enjoy basketball games filled with alumni and tons of fun.
It’s An Employer’s Hub
Norfolk has been a long-time hub for different types of employers. The unemployment rate in the city is 3.7% which is the same as the U.S. average.
Some of the major employers in the city include the City of Norfolk, the U.S. Department of Defense, Maersk, General Dynamics, and others. Medical practitioners in the area are employed by Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and Bon Secours’ DePaul Hospital.
Does Norfolk Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
Norfolk has a bustling LGBTQ culture rich in history, entertainment, and events. The Yearly Hampton Roads Pride Fest has been held in Norfolk for more than 30 years, demonstrating how this community has evolved into an essential aspect of the city’s culture.
In the State of Virginia, lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender people have the same as non-LGBT people. LGBT rights in Virginia are relatively new, with most progress happening in the 2000s- 2010s. After the United States Supreme Court rejected an appeal in Bostic v. Rainey in 2014, same-sex marriage was declared legal in Virginia.
A statewide statute protecting LGBT people from discrimination in public accommodations, employment, housing, and credit has been in place since July 2020. Both gender identity and sexual orientation are now officially included in the state’s hate crime statutes, which have been in place since July 1, 2020.
Before July 1, 2020, the state only provided limited protections for LGBT people, only applicable in state employment. Virginia’s hate crime laws didn’t include a clause for gender identity or sexual orientation.
The state law outlawing sodomy between opposite-sex and same-sex couples, despite being ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2003, wasn’t even repealed until 2014.
In November 2006, voters in the state approved a constitutional amendment that defined marriage as the union between a man and a woman. Before 2020, Virginia law included provisions prohibiting the recognition of same-sex marriages.
The provision also made it illegal for Virginia and its local jurisdictions, such as independent cities and counties, to create or acknowledge any legal status for unmarried peoples’ relationships, such as benefits in domestic partnerships.
Virginia law forbids discrimination based on sexual orientation on gender identity in all sectors, including employment, as of July 1, 2020.
The counties of Alexandria and Arlington and the independent city of Alexandria outlaw job discrimination based solely on sexual orientation.
Is Norfolk An Expensive City To Move To?
A single adult in the city pays $37,395 per year for transportation, housing, food, health care, child care, taxes, and other essentials, which is less than the state’s $44,012 yearly cost of living and less than the nationwide number of $38,433. Let’s take a closer look at some of the expenses you will incur while living here.
Housing
The median value for a home in the city is $199,400, which is lower than the country’s home value of $204,900. The median price for a home constructed before 1939 is $233,900, while the typical cost of a home built after 2014 is $272,100. The average renter in the city pays $1,031 per month, higher than the country’s median of $1,023 per month.
Transportation
Commuters in the city drive almost 81.70 percent of the time, compared to 85.5 percent nationwide. A reported 34.00 percent of employees commute to employment outside the city, a lower percentage than the 43.7 percent of commuters who work and live in other locations across the country.
Healthcare
Out-of-pocket insurance premiums and healthcare costs in the city are near the country’s average but higher than the state average, anticipating a basic level of healthcare coverage. The average price for a single adult residing in the area is $4,371 annually, compared to the average of $3,997 in the state and $4,266 overall.
Food
Another daily item that substantially impacts the cost of living is food. According to data from the United States Department of Agriculture, food prices vary from town to town. A single adult spends around $3,220 on food and groceries each year, while a family of four would spend $9,320. For comparison, a single adult’s yearly food spend in the state and the country is $3,370 and $3,240, respectively, while a family of four’s annual expenditure on food is $9,744 and $9,354.
The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Norfolk
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 Norfolk want to live in the relative chaos of downtown Norfolk – and thankfully, they (and you!) have options.
However, when choosing where to live in Norfolk, 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 Norfolk. 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 Norfolk, 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 Norfolk and talk about the Norfolk 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.
Ghent
This is a progressive neighborhood with several LGBT-owned establishments. The attractive historic charm of this district and the diversity of food alternatives make it unique. Ghent is an area rich in history, culture, and delectable cuisine. 21st Street and Colley Avenue, the neighborhood’s main thoroughfares, are dotted with diverse cafes, interesting shops, antique stores, and art galleries.
The district is not only an excellent destination to shop and eat, but it is also an excellent area to be on the water. For a fun-filled day on the Hague, rent a hydro bike or a kayak and enjoy the water. Many eateries, including an old-school drive-in, are located in the area.
There are several small enterprises and family-owned enterprises in the area. Ghent residents enjoy the neighborhood because it is a highly safe area. The district’s typical listing price is $299,900. With an abundance of green spaces, trees, and outdoor areas for your pet, it’s an ideal neighborhood to raise a family.
Some of the attractions in the area include the Chrysler Museum of Art, Virginia Symphony, and Weyanoke Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can see wildlife, plants, and unique birds. Homes in the area are older, although they’ve been well-maintained and are rather lovely. The median price of properties for sale in this neighborhood is around $330,000.
Lafayette
The Lafayette River runs through this neighborhood. It’s close to the downtown district and has a variety of restaurants and shopping. Lafayette Residence Park began as a suburban development north of the city’s developing downtown region in the first quarter of the 21st century.
The area sprang up around big single-family homes with American movement and revival era forms and styles, appealing to upper-class clientele.
The land was manicured with multiple parks, and an elaborate system of curved roads complemented the expansive home lots.
Presently, Lafayette is marked by a wide range of building types and architectural styles ranging from early 20th-century high-style architecture to mid-20th-century apartment complexes and homes with vernacular versions of the sophisticated designs established decades earlier.
There are roughly 284 historic homes in the Lafayette neighborhood, most of which are domestic resources. The community is pretty close, and the neighbors are generally lovely. In Lafayette, the median purchase price of residences is around $303,000.
Downtown
Downtown would be a wonderful neighborhood to live in because it is convenient and walkable, with plenty of stores and restaurants nearby. It’s a popular neighborhood among young professionals that want to be close to entertainment, food, and shopping. Because of its location, many of the residences in this area are tiny condominiums and apartments.
There are a few houses strewn about on side streets. Downtown is a thriving urban waterfront district where innovative grit meets traditional Southern hospitality. Among the historic sites are interesting museums and panoramic ocean views; visitors and locals find an abundance of activities on the water and an enormous local and international food scene with quirky art woven throughout.
The neighborhood, home to the world’s most significant naval base, NATO (North American headquarters), and an enormous seaport, is a cultural melting pot reflected in its attractions, diverse people, shopping, cuisines, and entertainment spots. Downtown is where everything comes together to provide an experience unlike any other.
Downtown has a typical listing price of $225,000, which is reasonable given its location. This neighborhood offers a wide range of job opportunities, including the hospitality industry, city offices, and legal firms.
Colonial Place
Colonial Place is a historic district with affordable housing alternatives that many people prefer because of its low crime rate and walkability. The Lafayette River surrounds this district, located on a peninsula in the city.
Colonial Place is a renowned district with college students, but it is also perfect for families. In the first quarter of the twentieth century, the district was built as a suburban community to help Norfolk’s burgeoning downtown region.
Colonial Place’s financial prospects were identified by housing developers, who were motivated by its placement on the Lafayette River and its accessibility to the streetcar line. The area sprang up around big single-family homes with different styles and forms, initially catered to upper-class clientele.
Traffic circles, tree-lined streets, and a complicated system of curved roadways were used to complement the less than one-acre residential lots on the flat plot.
Sidewalks and grassy medians dotted with shade trees- especially giant maples, protected the residential buildings from the streets. The average rent per month in this area is $1,265, while the median property price is $298,616.
Locals can be seen walking their dogs or running all over the area. It’s not close enough to walk to Ghent or downtown for shopping and dining, but it’s a short drive from some of the locations you might want to see.
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Norfolk
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.
Norfolk 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 Norfolk.
The Norfolk LGBT+ Project was established in 2007 by a group of people who wanted to do good in the lives of LGBTQ+ youngsters in Norfolk. Volunteers have provided face-to-face assistance throughout the city for many years. Still, it wasn’t until they registered in 2009 as a charity that they could expand services to include people of all ages.
The organization currently offers a wide range of drop-in youth and adult groups around Norfolk, one-on-one counseling, family support, low-cost counseling, and expert training for healthcare, schools, and other organizations.
The LGBT Life Center seeks to empower LGBTQ communities and people living with HIV by strengthening communities and families, empowering the LGBTQ community, and offering transformative advocacy and education.
BLAH LGBT+ youth is an LGBT+ service that supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth 25 and under. They have BLAH LGBT+ youth groups that are online.
Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Norfolk
Whether you’re moving alone or with your family, Norfolk is a beautiful city to live in. The community is welcoming, and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy all year round!
We hope you receive the freedom and security you deserve if you decide to start your new chapter in LGBT Norfolk. However, please remember that life is what you make of it. The best ways to learn more about LGBT Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk
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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk – 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 Norfolk 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!
