Gay detroit michigan

Detroit, Michigan, is steeped in history and showcases immense diversity. Many recognize this city for its staying power, its impressive architecture, thriving music scene, and a vibrant, energetic ambiance. Each of Detroit's neighborhoods boasts its own unique personality and a solid sense of kinship. 

Concerning the LGBTQ community, Detroit stands out as one of the most welcoming places to reside and visit. LGBTQ bars, restaurants, and various resources are plentiful within the community. For instance, the Ruth Ellis Center provides support for LGBTQ youth and strives for racial equality across Michigan, which exhibits the area's dedication to a brighter, fairer future.

Thanks to the welcoming neighborhoods and events celebrating the LGBTQ community, approximately one hundred thirty-one thousand queer individuals flourish in Detroit. The city is also quickly becoming one of the most varied places in the country. A study from 2020 found that no city experienced greater growth in diversity across the United States than Detroit. 

There's a great deal to appreciate about the Motor City, and its affordability is a major advantage. If Detroit is on your shortlist, here are some top neighborhoods to consider.

Royal Oak

Royal Oak sits on the northern periphery of Downtown Detroit. This historical neighborhood has undergone a complete transformation into an inclusive community, with streets adorned by a combination of modern and historic buildings. Situated in the lush Woodward Corridor, the area offers immediate accessibility to a multitude of shopping and dining establishments, and it is also very pedestrian-friendly. 

The neighborhood is known to welcome people from all backgrounds, with numerous LGBT-owned businesses, bars, restaurants, and inclusive establishments. The primary attraction in Royal Oak is its Downtown area. It is eclectic, brimming with youthful energy, and maintains a progressive atmosphere. 

Best Spots and Events in Royal Oak

There's so much to do and experience in Royal Oak. Whether you favor the party scene, enjoy visiting the theater, or prefer low-key gatherings, there's something for you here. Some of the best spots are: 

• Dance the night away at Pronto!
• Attend a performance at the Royal Oak Music Theatre
• Celebrate at the Royal Oak Pride Festival

Our Favorite Spot in Royal Oak

Pronto! tops our list of places to visit in Royal Oak. This lounge and show bar has been a local favorite since it opened in 1991. It puts on shows like VIP karaoke, has live DJs, fiesta Fridays, Lesbian nights, and drag shows. 

Moving to Royal Oak

Around fifty-nine thousand people are residents here. The dynamic culture and excellent schools are considerable draws to the area. It's conveniently located near the business district, so those commuting to work find themselves in an advantageous spot. If you're contemplating buying a home here, the average home price is $323,999.

Ferndale

Ferndale is a neighborhood located to the north of metro Detroit in the Woodward Corridor, with 9 Mile Road as its primary thoroughfare. Originally a relaxed and tranquil residential area, the neighborhood has grown into a leading destination for shopping, dining, and leisure. It mirrors Royal Oak in the sense that it has developed into a bustling neighborhood that takes pride in its diverse community. Today, Ferndale is recognized as the most LGBTQ-friendly neighborhood in Detroit. 

The LGBT community has expanded significantly here in the last few years, establishing it as a welcoming place to settle down. People enjoy strolling around its revitalized downtown area, where you can discover charming coffee shops, The Ringwald Theatre, and art galleries. 

Most importantly, Ferndale has one of the highest counts of same-sex couples in the region, ranking only behind Pleasant Ridge; in fact, two of its previous mayors are openly gay.

Best Spots and Events in Ferndale

What we value about Ferndale is that it provides opportunities for relaxed activities while also embracing LGBTQ life. Some of the best things to experience and events to attend in Ferndale include:

• Savor a slice of Detroit-style pizza at Como's
• See a performance at The Ringwald Theatre
• Participate in Ferndale Pride and their DIY Street Fair

Our Favorite Spot in Ferndale

Soho is a bar situated in the heart of the neighborhood's entertainment district. The ambiance fluctuates from laid-back to lively depending on the day and time of your visit. We appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, karaoke nights, dance parties, and numerous bars.

Moving to Ferndale

Ferndale is on the smaller side when considering neighborhood populations in Detroit. With twenty thousand residents, the average home costs approximately $250,000. It is surrounded by excellent schools and is not far from the metro Detroit area. 

Palmer Park

Palmer Park is Detroit's original gayborhood and is actively competing for the title of the most LGBTQ-friendly neighborhood in metro Detroit.

This neighborhood acted as the central hub for the city's LGBTQ advocacy movement during the seventies and eighties. The Ruth Ellis Center, which provides services to at-risk LGBTQ youth, is located here and has received praise from several openly recognized celebrities, including Whoopi Goldberg and Wanda Sykes. The neighborhood is eighty-nine percent Black and ten percent white, encompassing a variety of people of all ages, making it exceptionally inviting for young families. 

In addition to its rich history of advocacy, the area is famous for its historical architecture, stately mansions, and stunning apartment district. The art scene is vibrant here, with many local artists residing or exhibiting their work around the neighborhood. 

The park hosts Hotter than July, the Black LGBTQ celebration that attracts queer people of color from across the Midwest during the summer. 

Despite the area's abundance of retail shops and many bars, the main attraction is its beautiful green space.

Best Spots in Palmer Park

You'll find many more relaxed activities in this Detroit neighborhood compared to others. A few things you can enjoy here are:  

• Attend the Palmer Park Pride Picnic
• Enjoy a picnic at the park
• Appreciate artwork at the Palmer Art Fair

Our Favorite Spot in Palmer Park

Menjo's is one of the oldest LGBTQ establishments in Detroit. It is located in the Palmer Park hot spot within a large complex that houses three businesses: the Eagle Leather Bar, Menjo's Bar, and the Olympic Theater. You can go for happy hour, Sunday tea, karaoke, or dance to your heart's content. 

Moving to Palmer Park

This Detroit neighborhood has a smaller population, with about ten thousand residents. It is a quaint area, offering cozy coffee shops, a good school district, and easy access to Downtown and employment opportunities. The median home price is $180,000. 

Indian Village & West Village

Indian Village and West Village are two smaller neighborhoods that are adjacent to each other on the city's east side. Both are regarded as being accepting of the LGBTQ+ community. This region is well-known for its elegant and historic mansions and other structures. 

The general atmosphere of these neighborhoods is casual and welcoming. There are several unique retail shops, restaurants, bars, and cultural places to visit. Those who reside here frequently boast about how inclusive and close-knit the area is. 

Best Spots and Events in Indian Village & West Village

Even though they are smaller neighborhoods, there are still plenty of exciting things to do in Indian Village and West Village: 

• Participate in the West Village Home Tour
• See the historical Delos C. Gamble House
• Walk along the river at Gabriel Richard Park

Our Favorite Spot in Indian Village & West Village

You cannot miss Detroit Vegan Soul if you are vegan or open to trying vegan food. It is an LGBTQ-owned vegan establishment. People come for the cuisine, but they stay for the welcoming space and sense of community that the owners have fostered. 

Moving to Indian Village & West Village

Indian Village and West Village have approximately eight thousand residents. Despite the smaller population, the average home price is higher than in some other areas, with many costing around $300,000. Its proximity to the Palmer Park area and Downtown makes it a highly desirable place to reside. 

Midtown

Midtown, sometimes considered part of Downtown Detroit, is perfect for those who appreciate a more urban lifestyle, given its convenient access to Detroit's center. It's also a very diverse area: forty-nine percent of the population is Black or African American, and the population tends to consist of working professionals.

Gay men and women find living and working in this area appealing due to the neighborhood's accepting attitude, the exciting nightlife, sporting events, movie theaters, and museums. Detroit Public Theatre is located here and serves as the epicenter of the Michigan arts movement, delivering LGBTQ-focused entertainment year-round. 

Woodward Avenue is one of the significant thoroughfares that runs through Detroit and is occasionally referred to as Detroit's Main Street. This road is home to many of the neighborhood's core attractions, such as cultural landmarks and museums.  

Best Spots and Events in Midtown

The best aspect of relocating to Midtown is that there is never a shortage of things to do or occasions to attend. Here are a few to consider: 

• Catch a show at the comedy club Detroit House of Comedy
• Join the festivities of Motor City Pride in June
• Spend the day at the Detroit Institute of Arts

Our Favorite Spot in Midtown

Almost any place associated with gay life is delightful to spend time at, but there's something unique about visiting a city's original real gay bar. Gigi's is situated in Midtown and has functioned as an LGBTQ+ community center since 1973. We like that they regularly host themed dance parties. 

Moving to Midtown

Nearly seventeen thousand people live in Midtown, and despite being the urban center, the average home cost is only around $250,000. It's close to excellent schools, including Wayne State University. It's in an ideal position for travel throughout the rest of the city and is perfect for young professionals. 

Corktown & Woodbridge

Similar to Indian Village and West Village, Corktown and Woodbridge are adjacent neighborhoods. Corktown is the city's oldest neighborhood, dating back to the 1830s. It is recognized for its Irish influence and Victorian architecture.

In recent years, Corktown has undergone a comprehensive revitalization, which includes the redevelopment of the Michigan Central Station by the Ford Motor Company. Niche awards it an A rating for diversity, and it also boasts a substantial population of children under eighteen, making it a wonderful place to raise a family in a close-knit, revitalized neighborhood. Woodbridge closely follows with a diversity rating of A-. 

Most individuals would agree that the primary appeal of these Detroit neighborhoods is the vibrant restaurant and entertainment scene. It is a foodie's paradise on Michigan Avenue. There are LQBTQ bars that provide live music for you to enjoy. 

Best Spots in Events in Corktown & Woodbridge

Much like other neighborhoods in Detroit, Corktown and Woodbridge have a little bit of everything. If you're looking for inspiration on what to do, some activities include: 

• Enjoy a meal at PJ's Lager House
• Visit the original site of the Tigers stadium
• Walk along the Detroit Riverwalk

Our Favorite Spot in Corktown & Woodbridge

Our preferred spot in Corktown and Woodbridge isn't exclusive to LGBTQ individuals, but the restaurant is incredibly accepting of the LGBTQ community. Mink is acknowledged as one of the best restaurants in the city. It offers a five-course tasting menu that features ethically and sustainably sourced seafood.

Moving to Corktown & Woodbridge

Both neighborhoods combined have a total population of six thousand residents. The average cost of a home here is comparable to other inclusive neighborhoods, priced around $280,000. It's perfect for food enthusiasts, families, and individuals of all ages who desire a fusion of suburban and urban life. 

Be a Local to One of Detroit's Best Gay Neighborhoods

Detroit's bustling urban center has exceptional nightlife, while the smaller neighborhoods surrounding the city offer ample charm. As one of the premier cities representing the LGBTQ community, numerous establishments embrace and celebrate those within this demographic. 

As an additional perk of relocating to Detroit, the echoes of the automotive industry mean that the city is linked by several major highways, enabling you to swiftly embark on a vacation to another Midwest city if you wish. 

If you've been considering moving to one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the United States, Detroit is prepared with open arms. 

The cost of living within the Metro Detroit area is significantly more reasonable than in other large cities across the nation, with the average home selling for around $85,000. With home prices averaging around 80k, it's better to buy than to rent. 

Should you be willing to pay for private mortgage insurance in exchange for lower upfront costs, we can assist you in locating mortgages with low down payment requirements, sometimes as low as 3% to 5%. It is often suggested that you make a 20% down payment to avoid the higher cost of private mortgage insurance. Nonetheless, we acknowledge that this can constitute a significant expense for future homeowners. 

Pride Lending is here to assist. We have access to a variety of down payment assistance programs, including ones established by the City of Detroit to encourage permanent residency. 

Depending on your income and your current homeownership status, you may be eligible for up to $25,000 in down payment and closing cost aid; thanks to the low cost of housing, you could be well on your way to reaching your aspirations with this program. Additionally, we'll help you identify national programs for which you might qualify. 

Our team will also help you select the right mortgage program for your needs, whether that's an FHA loan or a VA loan. 

Pride Lending is the first mortgage brokerage in the United States to specifically focus on LGBT individuals. All of our staff are allies or members of marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. Our objective is to support everyone, regardless of their identity, in finding the right home loan for their requirements. 

Whether you favor living in the city or the suburbs, numerous LGBTQ+-friendly neighborhoods are available. If you're prepared to learn more about your mortgage options or start the pre-approval process, please contact us today! Email us at Andrew@Pridelending.com or give us a call at 725-231-0192.