Moving To LGBT Westchester, New York? How To Find Your Perfect Gay Neighborhood!

Considering a move to LGBT Westchester to get away, fall in love (or take one with you) and be your true self? You’ll be relieved to know this is a county that welcomes all those looking to move to a progressive, inclusive place for work, play, and family.

If you’re thinking of moving to LGBT Westchester, you might just find the accepting environment that you or your family need to thrive in.

Westchester County, which is a component of the New York Metropolitan Area, offers commuters from Midtown Manhattan a calm haven for their primary and secondary residences within an hour. The county seat is the city of White Plains, while the most populous municipality in the county is the city of Yonkers.

Westchester is one of the richest and most coveted locations in the U.S. and has a high living standard. It has a top-notch public education system, elite private schools, and a wide range of luxury real estate options. When it comes to LGBT life in Westchester however, the best way to describe it is vibrant but invisible.

Like Wichita, Worcester, Toledo, Olympia 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 Los Angeles – which is why a gay realtor in Westchester 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.

Nevertheless, moving to this lovely county shouldn’t make you uncomfortable despite the rather hidden LGBT culture. The vast majority of people are accepting of the queer community, and you will quickly discover businesses, shops, and services that proudly serve our group. Many go a step further a nd advocate, educate and celebrate our diverse LGBTQ+ community.

LGBT Westchester also has world-class recreation, entertainment, and culture.  Grand country manor homes, vintage Victorian and Colonial homes, sizable equestrian estates, and lovely waterfront properties are just a few of the many options available to residents.

Consider this article to be an LGBT Westchester relocation guide that will help you know what to expect when relocating to this wonderful county. Leave all of your preconceived notions at the door because moving to LGBT Westchester is not what you think it is.

Highlights Of Moving To LGBTQ Westchester

Westchester County residents are well aware that their underappreciated home is full of hidden gems. Once you will live here, you will be able to talk with locals and spend your free time discovering that Westchester County is brimming with culture and captivating sights…

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 county’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 Westchester County, be it distinguished architecture, charming coffee shops, or boozy brunch haunts. There is also a variety of groups, organizations, and support networks available to the LGBTQ+ community in Westchester County, should you need them.

Let’s take a closer look at a few of the aspects that make up this fabulous place before we get into the details.

Excellent Food

The truth is that while Westchester may not have a lot of options for 24-hour food delivery, you don’t have to travel all the way to New York City for fine dining or a luxurious experience! Blue Hill’s Dan Barber, The Inn at Pound Ridge, and X2O Xaviars are just a few of the world-famous chefs who have restaurants in Westchester.

Scenic waterfront

Would you like to swim in Long Island Sound or maybe enjoy kayaking n the Hudson?  Public beaches are available to Westchester residents including Playland Beach in Rye, which is home to the Rye Playland amusement park, Harbor Island Park, and Glen Island.

Arts And Culture

Westchester is home to renowned art museums such as The Neuberger Museum of Art, premier theaters like the Westchester Broadway Theatre, Tarrytown Music Hall, and The Capitol Theatre, a number of unique art centers, historic homes, and mansions, as well as numerous galleries, community art spaces, and spaces for cross-cultural interaction.

Gorgeous Homes

In Westchester, there is a house for every taste and budget! The county has traditional estates, waterfront classic and luxury waterfront villas, bespoke colonials, as well as brand-new homes. Styles, Sizes, and costs vary.

Does Westchester Embrace The LGBTQ Community?

In Westchester, which has a reputation for being a rich and moderately progressive suburb of New York City, queer culture is largely unnoticed but it is there. Overall, Westchester is a decent place for queer people to live. Open discrimination is uncommon, regulations are evolving, and tolerance is the rule.

However, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender residents may find it challenging due to the absence of a strong gay community and the scarcity of gay social venues. While there is a thriving community, it is frequently overlooked. People may not be aware that the upbeat pharmacist or the neighbor across the street are queer. 

Data from the 2000 census revealed that there were 2,000 couples that identified as same-sex partners, almost equally split between men and women. Even so, there are many more people who are single and those who don’t provide this type of information to the census.

However, there are LGBT people living all around the county. In Westchester, there isn’t a “gayborhood.”  In a study of LGBT residents in the county conducted by The Loft and Westchester Magazine, 69 percent of respondents characterized Westchester as LGBT-friendly, while the majority also said the same about the area’s medical facilities, educational institutions, and places of worship. Westchester is very open-minded due to its proximity to New York.

Is Westchester An Expensive County To Move To?

In comparison to Manhattan, where the typical price per square foot is almost $1500, Westchester has a median price per square foot of $314. However, location has a significant impact on pricing. While single-family homes in White Plains typically sell for roughly $400k, a similar-sized family home in Scarsdale costs an average of $1.4 million. 

Housing costs in Westchester are 65% more expensive than the national average, and utility costs are 36% more expensive. Gas prices and transport costs, such as bus fares, are 19% more than the national average. The cost of groceries is 9% more expensive in Westchester than it is nationwide. Medical care costs in Westchester are 16% higher than those nationwide.

The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Westchester

For those moving to LGBT Westchester, there are many places to reside for those looking for a calmer-than-Manhattan yet still queer-friendly environment.

When moving to LGBTQ Westchester, 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 Westchester. 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 Westchester, and bare in mind that this county has plenty to offer everyone – queer or otherwise!

Now let’s take a look at where the handful of marvelous gay areas in Westchester are and talk about the Westchester 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.

New Rochelle

Everything is available in New Rochelle. With outstanding community support and legislation that serves to create a fostering atmosphere for emerging artists, the downtown sector is quickly gaining a reputation for its expanding, vibrant art scene.

The public schools in this neighborhood are top-notch, while Westchester’s three private colleges, the College of New Rochelle, Iona College, and Monroe College are very popular. 

The New Rochelle High School boasts the highest percentage of Ivy League acceptances of any school in the county. The retail, entertainment, and dining options in the downtown are excellent. A wide variety of housing alternatives, including historic residences, high-rise apartment buildings, and multi-family residential complexes, are supported by the size of the real estate market. 

In addition to this, New Rochelle is a welcoming, secure, and lovely place to live. It offers a pleasant fusion of a suburban setting with urban energy. Its downtown is expanding and has a thriving art scene in addition to a wide variety of bars, restaurants, and shops. It also has one of the lowest crime rates in the region. 

Additionally, it is ideal for commuters because it is only a 30-minute train ride to New York City. For individuals who want the excitement of a big city without the headaches of living in a busy metro, New Rochelle is the perfect place to live.

Rye Brook

Consider living in Rye Brook if you want to live in a neighborhood where people watch out for one another, crime is practically nonexistent, and where a festival, block party, and different other events are waiting to happen. Here, you can enjoy your weekends lounging on the beach in the neighborhood park. 

If you can afford it, this location of just over 9000 residents offers an excellent standard of living. Despite the fact that the median home price in the neighborhood is $725,400, not everyone will fall into that category.

The Rye Ridge Shopping Center has an amazing selection of stores, gyms, restaurants, and services. This shopping district is convenient for the locals. Additionally, Rye Brook features distinctively developed enclaves, which are particularly appealing to local newcomers looking for friends. 

There are several parks, but Pine Ridge Park stands out for its fields and play spaces. The village has a municipal building, and two sizable hotels, one of which has a golf course and is close to the Hutchinson River, Parkways, and two important interstates. In this neighborhood, there are a number of office buildings and five neighborhood parks, playgrounds, and ballfields.

Bronxville

Bronxville is a small but very desirable neighborhood featuring some of New York’s most costly real estate. It provides a charming small-town atmosphere with a quick commute to Manhattan. One of the top high schools in the nation, Bronxville High School is renowned for its rigorous academic and athletic programs. 

The neighborhood also has a vibrant downtown area with a variety of fantastic mom-and-pop stores, eateries, and bookstores. The setting in Bronxville is stunning and straight out of a movie. The average house in the neighborhood costs over $1.4 million, so it’s incredibly pricey.

LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Westchester

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 Westchester LGBT community organizations are some of the best and are a wonderful place 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.

LPSS, Inc. (Lambda Peer Support Services)

LPSS is a non-profit for the LGBTQ community in Westchester and the surrounding areas. The organization is run entirely by volunteers and offers workshops, short and long-term support groups, a variety of activities, and other programming.

Under the continued supervision of licensed clinicians, peer facilitators have received training to lead all groups. LPSS works to promote a feeling of community, eradicate prejudice and homophobic stereotypes, and lessen the suffering that results from such issues. 

The LOFT: LGBT Community Services Center

The LOFT is the lower Hudson’s only LGBT community center. It is also amongst the oldest LGBT organizations. The organization’s goals are to campaign for complete equality for all LGBT persons and to offer a secure gathering space for the LGBT community in the area.

The LOFT has a lending library for support, peer-to-peer support groups, educational programs, a senior outreach program, gala events, and other social activities. 

Center Lane/Westchester Jewish Community Services

Center Lane is Westchester’s only LGBT and queer youth community center. The center offers a drop-in center, support groups, educational and recreational opportunities, community education on LGBT issues, and family counseling.

LGBTQ+ Community Events in Westchester

After moving to a new county, you will likely want to create new connections, meet new people, and network. Thankfully, LGBT Westchester 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 county, 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.

Transtober Fest

Transtober Fest is an annual outdoor festival for the transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming community of all ages in Westchester.  Attendees under the age of 18 wanting to attend this event must be escorted by an adult.

Westchester Pride

Music, cuisine, dancing, a flag-raising ceremony, and many other activities are always part of the County’s formal festivities in downtown White Plains. There is always something for everyone thanks to a family zone, pet parade and family zone. The event also ends in style during the evening with a party you should never miss. 

LGBT-Owned Businesses In Westchester 

After moving to LGBT Westchester, 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 Westchester you can invest in with your pink dollars…

Animal Specialty Center

ASC is a renowned veterinary hospital with emergency care available around-the-clock. Critical Care, Surgery, Physical Therapy, Acupuncture, Neurology, Radiation, Physical Rehabilitation, and Medical Oncology are some of their areas of expertise. They use a team approach while working together with you and your family vet from diagnosis to aftercare, offering an unmatched level of specialized care.

Their priority is the health of your pet and broadening the scope of veterinary medicine. Every new treatment, piece of cutting-edge gear, and personalized treatment program has been created to enhance your pet’s quality of life.

Regency Studios

Regency Studios has 25 years of experience in Westchester, specializing in cinematography and photography for lavish weddings, mitzvahs, engagements, maternity, and family sessions.

The establishment has built a powerful team with incredible abilities surrounded by motivated people. They stand out because of their enthusiasm for both art and service. They consider their work to be a service and find that helping others is fulfilling. 

Find Yourself Through Exercise 

Owner of FYTE Jessika Ramie wears many hats. She is a Certified online personal trainer, an exercise enthusiast, and a Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certified Coach. Jessika is also a bodybuilder, a specialist in therapeutic recreation, and a nutrition and fitness educator. She is dedicated to offering affordable, life-changing, fitness coaching and transformation to her clients.

Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Westchester

While Westchester is an expensive location to move to, there’s a lot the county has to offer that will make up for the dent in your budget. If you’re looking for a county with great amenities, one that offers a small-town vibe, or a suburb feel to it, Westchester is for you! Here, you will find a thriving, welcoming LGBT community that is supported by awesome resources and organizations.  

Remember that life is what you make it, and wherever (or if ever) you decide to start your new chapter in LGBT Westchester, 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 Westchester.

We guarantee that if you follow these recommendations, moving to LGBT Westchester will be less difficult for you and that you’ll quickly find like-minded individuals with whom to establish your newly chosen family.

Finding Gay Realtors In Westchester New York

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 Westchester 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 Westchester – 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 Westchester 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!