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.
Whether you’re investigating the idea of moving to LGBT Salem Massachusetts (or have already chosen to make this city your next home), you will find a lot to love about living here. If you’d like to know a little more about this picturesque New England town and its diverse communities – you have come to the right place!
Salem is one of the earliest communities in New England, having been established in 1626, barely six years after the Mayflower arrived in what would become Plymouth Colony.
When most people think about Salem, MA, the first thing that comes to mind is the famous witch trials. In reality, for many individuals, Salem’s eerie past has cast a shadow over the city’s present. However, locals are aware that the city is much more than just what is recorded in history books. Salem is now a bustling city with a hip culture that welcomes all those looking to move to a progressive, inclusive city for work, play, and family.
Like San Bernadino, Santa Ana, Santa Rosa, Sedona and other small to mid-sized cities in the USA, there is a queer scene here but it is much more low-key than say, New York or Chicago. This is why a gay realtor in Salem is worth their weight in gold as they can help you find your new perfect home here in the most LGBT-friendly neighborhood.
Newcomers to Salem are welcomed each year (unless they are tourists around Halloween!), and the majority of them are unsure of what to anticipate when moving here. Rest assured that despite the rather concealed LGBT culture and history of witch-hunts, moving to this gorgeous city shouldn’t make you uncomfortable and you will find the accepting environment that you or your family need to thrive in.
Salem happens to be one of the most LGBT-friendly places in the country, with a perfect score in the HRC Equality Index. The vast majority of people here are accepting of the LGBTQ community, and you will discover businesses, shops, and services that will serve us with pride and respect.
Consider this article to be an LGBT Salem relocation guide that will help you know what to expect when relocating to this wonderful city. Leave all of your preconceived notions at the door because moving to LGBT Salem is not what you think it is.
In this article we will cover...
- Highlights Of Moving To LGBTQ Salem
- Does Salem Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
- Is Salem An Expensive City To Move To?
- The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Salem
- LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Salem
- LGBTQ+ Community Events in Salem
- LGBT Owned Businesses In Salem
- Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Salem
- Finding Gay Realtors In Salem Massachusetts
Highlights Of Moving To LGBTQ Salem
Salem residents are well aware that their city is both a tourist trap and a hidden gem. Once you will live here, you will discover there is plenty of places away from the overcrowded tourist trail and that Salem is still brimming with culture and beautiful sights just waiting to be discovered.
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 Salem, be it a world-class museum of art and culture, 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.
The City Has A Bewitching History
A number of Salem residents were convicted of practicing witchcraft and executed in the 1600s and also in the 1800s. You can probably guess that things in the city can get quite busy around Halloween given that the city’s history is so closely tied to witchcraft and the paranormal. Numerous tourists visit the city every year in search of a good Halloween scare. You’ll probably appreciate this time of year if you like spooky events and large crowds. But if you don’t really want to be bothered, Halloween can end up being your worst holiday.
People in Salem
For the benefit of those who live in Salem today, witches haven’t been spotted there for hundreds of years. Instead, you’ll discover a great community of individuals that don’t have any immediate plans to burn innocents at the stake. There are currently 43,146 people living in the city, within a median age of 36.
The city’s 18 sq mile area means that practically everything is accessible on foot. While perusing the neighborhood businesses, you can walk along Essex Street’s brick and cobblestone walkway without worrying about approaching traffic. Boston is about 30 minutes away from Salem if you ever decide to travel there, and the fabulous queer scene of Providence is just two hours away.
Seafood
In addition to having quick beach access, one benefit of residing in a seaside city is having frequent access to fresh seafood. Having said that, seafood fans will without a doubt adore the fantastic seafood alternatives that Salem offers. No matter what cuisine you prefer, you can find something to sate your taste buds here.
Top-Notch Education
Massachusetts is generally recognized for having excellent public school systems. There are some excellent elementary schools in Salem. Salem State University, the largest university in the MA university system, is also located in the city. Since its founding in 1854, the school has grown to include thousands of students and more than 30 buildings.
Does Salem Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
Whether you’re looking for a city that will offer you the occasional (or frequent) night out, festivals, a cultural escape, or endless romantic getaways, Salem could be what you’re looking for. In addition, the city has received a perfect score on the HRC Equality Index, making it one of the most LGBT-welcoming locations in the nation.
In terms of LGBT rights law, Massachusetts is one of the most progressive states in the United States. Since 1974, same-sex relationships have been recognized here. The state forbids discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodations, credit, and labor practices based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
LGBT culture is thriving and evident in Massachusetts. Kim Driscoll, the mayor of Salem, was chosen to win The Rainbow Times’ 2019 LGBTQ All-Star Award. In order to ensure that there is equality for all members of the Salem community, the Mayor has been tenacious in her advocacy and support work on behalf of all LGBTQ persons in Salem and beyond, even using her own voice to elevate it.
The mayor has fought for all LGBTQ people, especially the most helpless and frequently voiceless members.
Is Salem An Expensive City To Move To?
Aside from the high cost of housing, Salem’s cost of living is quite comparable to the national average. The price of utilities for the house and food is average or slightly over average. A loaf of bread costs around $2.48, a gallon of milk costs $3.26, while a dozen eggs cost $2.81 for residents.
Currently, the median price for real estate in the US is approximately twice as expensive. In Salem, the average price of a property is roughly $380,000, an increase of 7.8% from the previous years. The anticipated 11.2% gain during the ensuing few months is even more spectacular.
The cost of transportation is a little bit higher in Salem than it is in most Boston-area neighborhoods.
The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Salem
There are many places to reside in Salem for those who are looking for a calmer yet still queer-friendly environment – and not all LGBT people will want to stay in the revitalized downtown Salem and its Main Street.
When moving to LGBTQ Salem, bear in mind 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 delightfully ideal new home in one of these prominent gay and LGBT-friendly communities in Salem. Each one has its own distinct personality, a friendly neighborhood, and facilities you’ll love. Give yourself lots of time to get to know the many different and diverse areas of Salem, and bare 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 Salem are and talk about the Salem 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.
North Salem
North Salem is a section of the city with access to the sea, a bay, or an inlet. Such locations frequently feature amenities that draw locals and tourists to the shoreline for leisure activities or to take in the view. The neighborhood waterfront may be comparatively industrial and less conducive to pleasure in some densely crowded, less affluent communities.
North Salem is also quite nautical, which means it is walkable, somewhat historic, and crowded. As a result, the area has a somewhat nautical vibe, with a touch of the ocean and seafaring, which some people might truly love. Moreover, three-deckers, duplexes, and historic Victorian homes that have been divided into apartments. Pizza is sold in independent stores on the corner.
These are a few characteristics of areas where there are lots of modest 2, 3, and 4-unit apartment complexes. But compared to almost every other neighborhood in the country, North Salem truly stands out in this sense because it is dominated by so many little apartment buildings. This community serves as a wonderful visual and lifestyle exemplar.
Gallows Hill
With a median home price of $540,242, Gallows Hill is more costly than 52.3% of MA neighborhoods and 78.3% of neighborhoods nationwide. The current average rental cost in Gallows Hill is $2,945. The area’s average rent is greater than that of 65.0% of neighborhoods in MA.
Medium-sized three or four-bedroom to tiny studio and two-bedroom high-rise and apartment buildings and single-family homes make up the majority of the real estate in Gallows Hill. A mixture of renters and owners occupy the majority of the residential real estate. The majority of homes in the Gallows Hill area were constructed before 1939, and some even much earlier.
Additionally, a handful of houses were constructed between 1940 and 1969. The current vacancy rate in the neighborhood is 2.5%, which is substantially lower than 84.9% of all neighborhoods. This indicates that the housing market in Gallows Hill is extremely competitive given the high level of local real estate demand.
The Point
A mixture of renters and owners occupy the majority of the residential real estate. The majority of homes in the Gallows Hill area were constructed before 1939, and some even much earlier. Additionally, a handful of houses were constructed between 1940 until 1969. The current vacancy rate in the neighborhood is 2.5%, which is substantially lower of 84.9% of all neighborhoods.
This indicates that the housing market in Gallows Hill is extremely competitive given the high level of local real estate demand. Additionally, there are duplexes, three-deckers built quite close to each other, corner bodegas, storefronts on the ground level with flats above, and formerly large Victorian homes that have been transformed into apartments. These building forms characterize the real estate in areas where small 2, 3, and 4-unit apartment buildings predominate.
Many are located in old town centers in the outskirts of Midwestern and Eastern cities or in their older central neighborhoods. If you wax poetic over the appearance and atmosphere of such areas, with freshly made pizza, falafel, and a local florist right around the corner, you’ll probably feel that The Point neighborhood is worth giving a closer look.
When compared to other neighborhoods across the country, this one is an exemplary illustration of the prevalence of modest, 2, 3, and 4-unit apartment complexes. In fact, these homes make up no less than 38.6% of the area’s real estate, which is more than 96.5% of all American neighborhoods have. Additionally, if you enjoy the nuances, history, and elegance of historic neighborhoods and homes and find them attractive, you will undoubtedly be fascinated by this neighborhood.
The Point area boasts more historic homes per square mile than 99% of all American neighborhoods, with 73.3% of its residential real estate constructed no later than 1939, while some were constructed much earlier. This neighborhood genuinely stands out as unique in this regard.
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Salem
To progress the LGBTQ agenda, the queer community commonly has to rely on donor organizations or non-profits.
Wherever you live, it is imperative that you assist such organizations in any manner you can in order for them to reach out and aid others in the neighborhood. These Salem LGBT community organizations are some of the best. Every LGBT person has benefited from their tireless labor to secure the advancement and rights we enjoy now being aware of them is good whether you need their help now or potentially in the future.
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.
Greater Boston PFLAG is the city’s chapter of the biggest grassroots group of its sort in the nation. PFLAG is recognized for its objective of providing a wide range of support to LGBTQ individuals, friends, family, and allies of LGBTQ people across the nation. PFLAG is essential for providing the LGBTQ+ community with information, support, and advocacy.
North Shore Pride is dedicated to helping the LGBTQ community in and around Salem. Its goal is to support the LGBTQ community’s overall well-being and cohesion in the greater Salem area. The club works toward this goal all year long by offering materials, planning activities, and fostering community-building opportunities. It’s a fantastic way to connect with people and become active.
Youth are welcome to discuss topics that are important to them, increase their self-awareness, and explore their identities while discovering techniques for being safe and healthy at NAGLY. The staff and youth at NAGLY have built a solid community that encourages respect for oneself and for others via chances for group development and community service. All young people are welcomed and honored, regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, class, cultural background, or talents. Young people that are uncertain or unsure are offered support as they are in transition or developmentally and carefully examine appropriate possibilities.
LGBTQ+ Community Events in Salem
After moving to a new city, you will likely want to create new connections, meet new people, and network. Thankfully, LGBT Salem 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.
The city hosts North Shore Pride, a yearly pride festival for the LGBTQ community. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate, get involved in the community, support worthy charities, and most importantly, have a good time! You should mark your calendar for this day every year.
Boston has been commemorating members of its LGBTQ community with the hashtag #wickedproud for more than 50 years. The weeklong festival features a variety of events and activities meant to honor the LGBTQ community and advance inclusivity, respect, equality, and awareness throughout Greater Boston and beyond.
LGBT Owned Businesses In Salem
After moving to LGBT Salem, 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 Salem you can invest in with your pink dollars…
Circle of Stitches is a full-service yarn store and witchy boutique. You can find a variety of home goods and gifts manufactured by independent artists and businesses whose principles are supported by the store. The boutique provides locally produced crystals, locally crafted jewelry soy candles, and independently published tarot decks. Circle of Stitches provides a huge variety of premium yarns for weaving, crocheting, and knitting.
HausWitch Home + Healing blends the ideas of feminism, intentionality, interior design, and earth magic to bring healing and magic into regular space. Since its debut in 2015, HausWitch has attracted an international coven of kind, creative people who continue to devote their time and efforts to deserving causes, neighborhood initiatives, and local activism. All genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, abilities, and all who feel like they need a genuinely supportive and secure environment in an evolving world are welcome at HausWitch Home + Healing.
Hervor is a lesbian-owned, all-natural, soap firm. They remain faithful to nature by obtaining local ingredients and with a social conscience. They never use substances like palm or fragrant oils.
Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Salem
Finding a town with such obvious appeal, one that is so amiable, accepting, and wholly inclusive, is uncommon. Just over lunch, you might start a conversation with someone half your age, someone twice your age, or a vampire! Whoever it is you find here, you can be sure that they will be warm and welcoming!
Remember that life is what you make it, and wherever (or if ever) you decide to start your new chapter in LGBT Salem, we wish you the freedom and security you deserve. Living in a gay-friendly area, visiting nearby LGBT businesses and events, and joining queer community groups and sports teams are always the best methods to discover more about LGBT Salem.
We guarantee that if you follow these recommendations, moving to LGBT Salem will be less difficult for you and that you’ll quickly find like-minded individuals with whom to establish your new chosen family.
Finding Gay Realtors In Salem Massachusetts
When searching for the ideal realtor, why would you consider someone’s sexuality? This may seem strange at first, but there are numerous reasons why contacting a gay realtor in Salem is a great way to find your dream house.
After all, when undertaking 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 express feelings of discomfort, unnecessary trouble, unenthusiastic representation, or even antagonism or outright contempt. Everyone deserves a gratifying, stress-free home buying or selling experience while being sufficiently represented, and this is why we feel you should engage a gay realtor to help you in finding your perfect future home.
LGBTQ realtors are more likely to be knowledgeable about the diverse communities in their area and understand which ones may be best suited to you when searching for a home. That’s not to say heterosexual realtors are not competent, but they’ve probably never had to handle 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 perform extensive research into the neighborhoods in which they sell homes to ensure that clients are safe.
It used to be challenging to uncover professional LGBT-friendly real estate agents in Salem – 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 Salem 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!
