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The new gay ghettos |
by Robert Treadway
What's a gay ghetto?
It's an enclave, usually in a large city, where you can find LGBT people working, playing and living -- whether it's in Hell's Kitchen, NY or Hilltop, WA. And where gays go, eventually so do higher property values, less crime, better schools, ethnic diversity and economic growth. Newer gay ghettos are likely more affordable than more established "gay-borhoods," and ripe for investment and community building.
Yep, the little fixer-upper in that emerging gay ghetto you're scouting for its affordable price, hip vibe and inclusive feel is also likely to be a very smart property buy.
GayGhettos.com just released its first list of the nation's top up-and-coming LGBT locales. In regional and alphabetical order, the winners are:
NORTHEAST
- Hell's Kitchen (New York, NY) -- The new generation of residents are folks who started looking on the Upper West Side, then realized they could enjoy much the same lifestyle south of Lincoln Center. Gay boutiques, restaurants and nightlife are popping up around the area.
- Near Northeast (Syracuse, NY) -- Tucked away, as its name states, just northeast of downtown Syracuse is this area with a diverse past and a growing gay population. The Hawley-Green GLBT Neighbors promotes the neighborhood as gay-friendly and gay residents have followed.
- New London (CT) -- Last year's Supreme Court decision on eminent domain focused a lot of attention on the city of New London. Ready to rise up from its years of decline, this is a great place for investment property buying.
- South End (Boston, MA) -- Housing in the South End is very expensive by U.S. standards, but it's relatively inexpensive compared to other central Boston neighborhoods like the Back Bay and Beacon Hill. The community boasts a vibrant gay, black, and young urban professional population.
MID-ATLANTIC
- Canton/Highlandtown (Baltimore, MD) -- Baltimore is fast becoming the low-price alternative to Washington, DC, and its suburbs. And with that movement, Canton has become trendy with its mix of hip, new stores and old boutiques and has a growing gay population, while Highlandtown is just being rediscovered. Both are former industrial hubs enjoying a home-buying renaissance.
- New Hope (PA) -- Nestled along the banks of the Delaware River, the village of New Hope and its surrounding area offers scenic countryside a thriving arts community and is well known for its acceptance of all lifestyles.
- Rehoboth Beach (DE) -- Once a gay population on the decline, this seaside community has refurbished its infrastructure, is attracting new commercial activity and increasing its list of year-round residents as well. Its low tax rates, including no sales tax, are points in its favor.
- Shaw (Washington, DC) -- An area tucked behind and aside the newly revitalized convention center area in the heart of D.C. Gay businesses and homebuyers are emerging.
- Washington Square West (Philadelphia, PA) -- A neighborhood of handsome town homes and charming, narrow back streets where many gay businesses and much of the night life is located.
SOUTHEAST
- Midtown (Atlanta, GA) -- One of Atlanta's premier neighborhoods. Located in the heart of the city, with both an active arts and business district, as well as a plethora of housing options, one can really live, work and play in this neighborhood. Midtown has a large gay population, and prides itself on diversity and acceptance.
- NODA -- North Davidson Street (Charlotte, NC) -- Known as Charlotte's historic arts district, the area is quickly becoming a dynamic and eclectic urban community. Gays and lesbians are following.
- Oak Cliff (Dallas, TX) -- Stroll through Oak Cliff and you'll see what old Dallas may have looked a lot like. About half of all businesses are gay-owned.
- Uptown (Tampa Bay, FL) -- Just north of downtown, Uptown offers several architectural styles, is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city and has a great history. Brick streets, mature oak trees, and a variety of housing add to the character. Round Lake offers a peaceful respite in an urban area. Prices are still affordable.
MIDWEST
- Andersonville (Chicago, IL) -- A long-time lesbian neighborhood, gay men have started taking a shine to it as well. known for its unique commercial district, made up almost entirely of locally-owned, independent businesses.
- East Side (Madison, WI) -- A mostly middle-class neighborhood with liberal values and a thriving arts scene.
- The Third Ward/South Second (Milwaukee, WI) -- Property owners think the corridor's future is best tied to the entertainment and art sectors that are already established along the street. More than a dozen bars and nightclubs dot a one-mile stretch south of the Menomonee River.
- Wicker Park (Chicago, IL) -- Wonderfully diverse, dynamic neighborhood with a rich history and currently home to one of the largest working-artist populations in the country.
West
WEST
- Hilltop (Tacoma, WA) -- With one of the highest populations of gays in Tacoma, the area is cleaning itself up from its gangs and drugs past up and housing prices are rising fast. Gay-owned and gay-friendly lounges have been popping up around this district. The area will only see more gentrification in the years to come due to planned office and condo developments, affordable historic homes, great sense of community and easy access to downtown Tacoma.
- Northeast Broadway (Portland, OR) -- Portland's growing eastside population fostered the renaissance of this area, which now boasts a lively collection of cafes and shops. Many of the boutiques are independent, meaning that you won't find a cookie-cutter approach to your shopping.
- Oakland (CA) -- After years of being the red-headed stepchild of San Francisco, in 2004 the city launched a campaign to attract new gay and lesbian residents. The main focus for property buying is on Park Boulevard near East 18th Street, about two blocks from the southeast shore of Lake Merritt.
- Stapleton (Denver, CO) -- The old Stapleton Airport grounds have been redeveloped into a new urbanist community. The nation's largest urban development, it is an urban tapestry of homes, shops, offices, parks and schools in a walkable community of classic city architecture.
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