The 20 best under-the-radar cities for LGBTQ+ homebuyers in 2023

Affordability remains a pressing issue for homebuyers, as mortgage rates continue to climb and home prices have yet to level out. For LGBTQ+ house hunters, finding affordable housing comes with the added challenge of finding it in a safe and welcoming city.

Homebuyers can expect to pay as much as 63%¹ more to live in an area with explicit protections for the LGBTQ+ community, as compared to areas with none. These protections can include laws that explicitly outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in housing, healthcare, and more.

The cost of such a premium has had a dramatic impact on the community. The rate of homeownership for the LGBTQ+ community is just 49.8% as compared to the U.S. average of 65.8%.²

 And progress on closing the gap is slow: A profile of homebuyers and sellers in 2022 reveals that 91% of homebuyers identified as straight, with only 2% of identifying as gay or lesbian, 2% identifying as bisexual, and less than 1% identifying as transgender.³

So where can homebuyers maximize their buying power with the peace of mind of equal protection under the law? Orchard analyzed more than 500 metro areas for LGBTQ+ protections, home affordability and competition, and quality of life to identify the top under-the-radar cities for LGBTQ+ homebuyers (full methodology below).

Key takeaways

• Our rankings drastically changed from 2022 after we expanded our proprietary score to include more factors reflective of the housing market, like median days on market, average list price, and price per square foot; as well as lifestyle factors important to homebuyers, like employment rate, average commute time, and teacher to student ratios.
• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania takes our top spot, unseating Dayton, Ohio as the best city for LGBTQ+ homebuyers. 
• Pennsylvania and Iowa are the best states with three cities each  — together accounting for  30% of our list. Ohio and West Virginia followed, claiming two states each.
• The Great Lakes and Plains regions had the highest concentration of cities, likely due to their affordability and a rise in LGBTQ+ inclusive laws and services.‍
• Popular hubs of LGBTQ+ culture like San Francisco, New York, and Austin continued to rank low on our index because of their high cost.

Top 20 under-the-radar cities for LGBTQ+ homebuyers

1. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh didn’t stand out as a top contender in any single metric, but its solid performance across all categories pushed it to our top spot. The median list price in Pittsburgh is just $229,200 with an average price for square foot of $163. Pittsburgh also enjoys low competition among homebuyers, with homes spending a median of 65 days on the market. But it was the bonus point that pushed Pittsburgh to number one: The Williams’ Institute estimates that the Pittsburgh metro area has an adult LGBTQ+ population of 3.3% — though that number may seem small, compare it to well known LGBTQ+ hubs like New York City (4.5%), Austin (5.9%), Los Angeles (5.1%), and San Francisco (6.7%).

Known for its iconic bridges and rich industrial history, Pittsburgh also offers homebuyers a diverse and thriving cultural landscape, including a vibrant queer community. The LGBTQ+ scene in Pittsburgh is celebrated through events like the Pittsburgh Pride Parade and PrideFest, while LGBTQ+-friendly establishments like the LGBTQ Community Center contribute to a welcoming environment year round.

2. Detroit, Michigan

Moving up nine spots from our 2022 rankings, the Motor City offers artistic expression and a resilient LGBTQ+ community. Detroit's rich queer culture is vibrant and diverse, with organizations like Equality Michigan advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and an array of LGBTQ+-owned businesses, bars, and clubs contributing to the city's inclusive atmosphere.

Detroit was pushed up in our rankings by its low list price ($77,100) and price per square foot ($70), the lowest on our list), and  low competition for housing (66 DOM), the second least competitive city on our list). It also received bonus points for being a metropolitan area with a high LGBTQ+ population.

3. Huntington, West Virginia

Huntington took our third spot thanks to its affordable home prices. The median list price is just $134,450 and the price per square foot is only $86. Residents also enjoy low commute times, averaging just 18 minutes. However, the employment rate in Huntington lags behind other cities on our list at just 48%, and there wasn’t data available on the percentage LGBTQ+ population there, which also hurt its score.

Nestled along the Ohio River, Huntington is a vibrant city with a burgeoning arts scene, a revitalized downtown, and a welcoming queer community. The city's LGBTQ+ community finds support through organizations like the Huntington Pride Foundation, which organizes the annual Huntington Pride Festival, showcasing local talent and promoting inclusivity.

4. Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland jumped three spots from our 2022 rankings, due to an affordable price per square foot at just $77 — the second lowest on our list — a bonus point for its high LGBTQ+ population of 3.8%

Situated on the shores of Lake Erie, Cleveland is a vibrant city with a resilient queer community that embraces inclusivity and activism. LGBTQ+ individuals in Cleveland can enjoy a range of LGBTQ+-friendly establishments, such as Twist Social Club and Bounce Nightclub, and participate in events like Cleveland Pride, which celebrates the community's diversity and achievements.

5. Davenport, Iowa

Situated on the Mississippi River, Davenport is a charming city with a strong sense of community and a growing LGBTQ+ presence. The queer culture in Davenport is nurtured through organizations like QC Pride, which hosts an annual Pride Festival and organizes community events that highlight local queer artists and performers.

Homes in Davenport are some of the most affordable on our list, with a median list price of $213,500. Davenport also boasts a high quality of life, with a low average commute of just 18 minutes, a strong student-teacher ratio of 13:1, and a strong employment rate.

6. Kansas City, Missouri

As a bustling metropolis known for its jazz heritage and mouthwatering barbecue, Kansas City is also home to a vibrant queer community. The LGBTQ+ scene thrives in Kansas City with diverse events like the Kansas City Pride Festival and the Gay Pride Parade, while LGBTQ+-friendly neighborhoods like Westport offer inclusive spaces and nightlife options.

Homes here spend a median of 50 days on the market, with a median list price of $247,500. 

7. Brookings, South Dakota

Located in the heart of South Dakota, Brookings is a welcoming college town with a developing queer community that embraces inclusivity and support. LGBTQ+ individuals in Brookings find solace through organizations like Spectrum, which provides a safe space for queer students at South Dakota State University and organizes events promoting acceptance and visibility.

Brookings has the third highest median list price on our list at $347,950. However, the low competition among buyers and high quality of life there, pushed Brookings to our number seven spot.

8. Hartford, Connecticut

As the capital of Connecticut, Hartford combines a rich cultural heritage with a thriving queer community. LGBTQ+ individuals in Hartford find support through organizations like True Colors, which provides resources, support groups, and a vibrant annual LGBTQ+ youth conference that celebrates diversity and empowers queer youth.

Hartford boasts a growing LGBTQ+ community, estimated to be 4.6% of the population by the Williams’ Institute. Homes here cost an average of $141 per square foot, for a median list price of $209,900.

9. Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Situated along the Cedar River, Cedar Rapids is a culturally rich city that fosters a strong sense of community, including a growing LGBTQ+ presence. The queer culture in Cedar Rapids is nurtured through organizations like the LGBT Alliance of Eastern Iowa, which hosts events, support groups, and educational programs to create an inclusive environment for the community.

Homes in Cedar Rapids have a median list price of $199,950 but they spend just 42 days on the market, making Cedar Rapids one of the most competitive cities on our list.

10. Champaign, Illinois

Home to the University of Illinois, Champaign is a lively college town with a thriving queer community that benefits from the city's progressive mindset. The LGBTQ+ scene in Champaign is bolstered by organizations like the UP Center, which offers support services, educational programs, and community events, including the annual CU Pride Festival.

Homes in Champaign are among the most affordable on our list, selling for a median of $213,200, but they sell fast, spending a median of just 48 days on the market.

11. Minneapolis, Minnesota

Known for its thriving arts scene and beautiful lakes, Minneapolis is home to a strong and progressive queer community. LGBTQ+ individuals in Minneapolis can engage with organizations like OutFront Minnesota, which advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and organizes events like Twin Cities Pride, fostering a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.

Minneapolis has the highest employment rate on our list and scored a bonus point for its high LGBTQ+ population.

12. Morgantown, West Virginia

Home to West Virginia University, Morgantown is a welcoming city nestled in the scenic Appalachian Mountains and features a supportive queer community. The LGBTQ+ scene in Morgantown thrives through organizations like the LGBTQ+ Center, which provides resources, support groups, and social events, including Morgantown Pride, an annual celebration of queer culture and visibility.

Homes here are among the most expensive on our list, with a median list price of $315,000 — the fifth highest.

13. Iowa City, Iowa

As a lively college town and home to the University of Iowa, Iowa City fosters a progressive environment and a vibrant LGBTQ+ community. The queer culture in Iowa City is celebrated through events like Iowa City Pride, organized by Iowa City Pride, and through LGBTQ+-friendly establishments like Studio 13 and The James Gang.

But competition can be stiff here compared to the other cities on our list. Homes sell in just 45 days, for an average list price of $342,000.

14. Erie, Pennsylvania

Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Erie is a charming city with a rich maritime history and a growing LGBTQ+ community. The queer culture in Erie is supported by organizations like the Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, which hosts events like Pride Erie and advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, fostering a sense of acceptance and visibility.

Homes in Erie list for $157,225 with an average price per square foot of just $130.

15. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Dropping seven spots from our 2022 rankings, Philadelphia still ranks as one of the best under-the-radar cities for LGBTQ+ homebuyers. Homes there list for a median of $257,500 with an average price per square foot of $200. Commute times are longer there, averaging around 33 minutes, and employment is just 57%. But Philadelphia has one of the highest LGBTQ+ populations on our list at 4.2%, which pushed it to our number 15 spot.

Known as the birthplace of American democracy, Philadelphia is a vibrant and historic city that offers a rich blend of cultural attractions, iconic landmarks, and a thriving queer community. The city's LGBTQ+ culture is deeply rooted and celebrated, with the annual Philadelphia Pride Parade and Festival drawing thousands of attendees from all walks of life. In the renowned "Gayborhood" in Center City, LGBTQ+-owned businesses, bars, and clubs create a lively and inclusive atmosphere. Additionally, organizations like the William Way LGBT Community Center provide resources, support groups, and events that cater to the diverse needs of the queer community.

16. Juneau, Alaska

Nestled in the stunning Alaskan wilderness, Juneau is a unique city known for its natural beauty and close-knit queer community. LGBTQ+ residents of Juneau have a welcoming space in the Southeast Alaska LGBTQ+ Alliance, which hosts events, provides resources, and advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, creating a sense of unity and belonging.

Juneau has the least competition out of all the cities on our list —with homes spending a median of 72 days on the market — but the highest list price at $418,900.

17. San Antonio, Texas

A vibrant and culturally diverse city, San Antonio boasts a lively LGBTQ+ scene that celebrates both its Texan and Mexican heritage. The queer culture in San Antonio is showcased through events like Pride San Antonio, the city's largest LGBTQ+ celebration, while establishments like the Bonham Exchange and Heat Nightclub provide inclusive spaces for the community.

Up from #16, San Antonio climbed our rankings thanks to its continued affordability and high quality of life. Homes in San Antonio list for a median of $300,416 and spend 53 days on the market. 

Ready to make the move? Check out homes in San Antonio.

18. Akron, Ohio

Located along the Ohio and Erie Canal, Akron is a vibrant city with a growing queer community that embraces diversity and inclusivity. The queer culture in Akron is nurtured through organizations like the Akron Pride Initiative, which hosts events like Akron Pride Festival and creates safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals to connect and celebrate their identities.

Formerly our #3 city for LGBTQ+ homebuyers, Akron fell in our rankings due to relatively high competition among homebuyers — the second most competitive city on our list — and a middling quality of life,relative to our top 20. Still, LGBTQ+ homebuyers can find affordable housing here, with homes listing for a median of $119,000.

19. Albuquerque, New Mexico

In the high desert of New Mexico, Albuquerque offers a culturally rich city with a unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Western influences. The city offers stunning natural landscapes, vibrant arts, and a welcoming queer community. LGBTQ+ culture thrives in Albuquerque, with events like the Albuquerque Pride Parade and PrideFest celebrating the community's diversity and providing a platform for advocacy and visibility. 

Albuquerque has an estimated LGBTQ+ population of 4.4%, but some of the more expensive homes on our list. Houses here list for a median of $352,120 at $200 per square foot, and spend only 45 days on the market.

20. Lawrence, Kansas

Situated in the heart of Kansas, Lawrence is a lively college town with a thriving queer community that adds vibrancy to the city's artistic and cultural landscape. The queer culture in Lawrence is supported by organizations like the Lawrence LGBTQ+ Pride, which hosts events, offers resources, and advocates for LGBTQ+ equality, fostering a sense of acceptance and visibility.

Lawrence boasts a high quality of life, with a student-teacher ratio of 13.5:1, an easy commute of just 19.5 minutes, and a strong employment rate of 68%. Homes sell in just 41 days for a median price of $371,175.

The full rankings

Here are all of the data points for our under-the-radar rankings. Including more specific data on household income differences between same-sex male, same-sex female, and opposite-sex married couples, as well as monthly housing costs.

The top 20 under-the-radar cities for LGBTQ+ homebuyers (2022 rankings)

1. Dayton, Ohio
2. Syracuse, New York
3. Akron, Ohio
4. Greensboro, North Carolina
5. Louisville, Kentucky
6. Buffalo, New York
7. Cleveland, Ohio
8. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
9. Birmingham, Alabama
10. Columbus, Ohio
11. Detroit, Michigan
12. Tucson, Arizona
13. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
14. St. Petersburg, Florida
15. Las Vegas, Nevada
16. San Antonio, Texas
17. Arlington, Texas
18. West Palm Beach, Florida
19. Dallas, Texas
20. Orlando, Florida

What is homebuying power?

Homebuying power is a measure of the mortgage a person can qualify for, as well as the type of home that mortgage can buy. For example, if you qualified for a $300,000 mortgage in 2019, you would have been within striking distance of purchasing a home for $313,000 — the median priced home at the time. However, if you qualified for that same mortgage today, a $436,800 home — the cost of a median priced home in 2023 so far — would be out of reach.

The record appreciation of homes in the past three years has greatly impacted homebuying power of first-time buyers, pricing many out of the market. However, these under-the-radar cities still offer affordability.

Want to know how much house you can afford? Use our mortgage calculator.

Impact of household income

Household income greatly influences the type of financing someone qualifies for, and thus the kind of house they can afford. It follows that discrepancies across same-sex household incomes play a role in their homebuying power.

A 2019 study by the U.S. Census Bureau found that same-sex male married couples make significantly more than their opposite-sex and same-sex female counterparts — with the median household income being $123,600 for same-sex males, $95,720 for same-sex female married couples, and $96,930 for opposite-sex married couples. While same-sex female couples made the least, the discrepancy is not statistically significant compared to opposite-sex households.

The 2019 study by the U.S. Census Bureau did not offer any insight into differences across gender identity, effectively erasing these communities from important conversations about income equality and access to homeownership. More recent data shows little progress leveling the playing field for LGBTQ+ homebuyers, but it does offer a more nuanced picture of the LGBTQ+ community. 

What is an “under-the-radar” city?

These cities offer LGBTQ+ homebuyers more buying power and inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services for the LGBTQ+ community. Here’s what we looked at:

• Explicit legal protections: Each of the cities on our list had a perfect score on the Municipal Equality Index from Human Rights Campaign — a leader in LGBTQ+ advocacy — which measures the inclusivity of municipal laws, policies, and services.
• Home affordability: Houses in these cities have a lower list price and price per square foot than others, giving house hunters a lower barrier to entry and more buying power.
• Low competition among homebuyers: Homes in these cities spend more time on the market, denoting less competition and more leverage for buyers.
• High quality of life: We also factored in average commute time, student-teacher ratio, and employment rate to capture cities with a high quality of life.

How LGBTQ+ homebuyers can get ahead

If you’re thinking of buying a house, here are some steps to get you started.

• Make a savings plan: Saving enough money to buy a home can feel overwhelming, but making a plan can help. Plus, buying a house may take less money than you think. Some mortgages require down payments as low as 3%, and VA loans require little-to-no down payment and flexible credit requirements.
• Widen the scope of your search: New York City and San Francisco have long been viewed as the East and West Coast hearts of the LGBTQ+ community, but there are other cities with thriving communities, too. Expand your search to some under-the-radar cities to find affordability and community.
• Seek out educational resources: Lack of education was one of the top three barriers to homeownership for the LGBTQ+ community, according to the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance’s annual report on discrimination in the real estate industry. Seek out educational resources to learn more about the homebuying journey — you might not realize you’re closer to buying your dream home than you thought.

→ Learn more about how to buy your first home

Methodology

Orchard’s proprietary under-the-radar score combines home sale data and quality of life factors. To find the top under-the-radar cities for LGBTQ+ homebuyers, we applied these metrics to more than 500 municipalities across the country.

Here’s what we looked at and how much it accounted for:

• Equality score (45% of score): The higher the score, the better the protections for LGBTQ+ community members. Data for the equality score comes from the Human Rights Campaign’s 2022 Municipal Equality Index.
• Median price per square foot (15% of score): The lower the price per square foot, the better the city’s score. Data for price per square foot comes from Realtor.
• Median list price (15% of score): The lower the list price, the better the city’s score. Data for median list price comes from Realtor and captures the median from November 2022 to April 2023.
• Average days on the market (10% of score): This is a measure of how long it takes to sell a house. The higher the DOM, the less competition there is to buy a home, and the better the city’s score is. Data for DOM captures the median from November 2022 to April 2023 and was sourced from Realtor.
• Commute time (5% of score): Commute time represents the minutes spent commuting, as self-reported via U.S. Census data (American Community Survey) released in 2021.
• Student-teacher ratio (5% of score): This represents the number of teachers per student in classrooms in a city. Data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics 2021-2022 Public School Data.
• Employment rate (5% of score):  Employment rate is the percent of population of civilian labor force over 1 years old, via U.S. Census data (American Community Survey) released 2021.
• LGBTQ+ population (bonus point): An additional point was awarded to cities that have been identified by UCLA’s Williams’ Institute as having a high population of people who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community. These cities were taken from UCLA’s LGBTQ Adults in Large US Metropolitan Areas 2021.

Winnie Ng contributed to data collection and analysis for this report.

Selected sources

1. Garcia, Manny. (2020, June). LGBT Home Buyers May Be Priced Out of Areas With Legal Protections From Discrimination. Zillow.
2. LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance. (2021, June 1). How discrimination impacts the LGBTQ+ community and homeownership. LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance.
3. National Association of Realtors. (2022, November). 2022 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. National Association of Realtors.
4. Glassman, Brian. (2020, September). Census Bureau Implements Improved Measurement of Same-Sex Couples. U.S. Census Bureau.