Orlando, Florida, is a beautiful vacation hotspot for many, and a lovely place to call home for many more. With a population of nearly 325,000 people, this affluent and bustling city also has a diverse, gay-friendly community.
If you’re interested in relocating to an LGBTQ-positive place and want to have access to some of the best outdoor and interactive activities in the world, then these Orlando communities are exactly what you’re looking for. There are attractions for everyone, from decadent and diverse restaurants to intriguing social bars, beautiful waterfront views, and more.
Discover what Orlando has in store for you, whether you’re into the gay club scene, want to explore what’s happening at Hamburger Mary’s Bar, or just want to relax in this gay-friendly metro location.
Orlando’s Best Gay Neighborhoods
Universal Orlando is more than just the US theme park capital; it’s a great place to live. If you’re gay, selecting the best place to call home in Orlando can help you feel more at ease, knowing you’re living in a welcoming environment that is safe and family-friendly.
A great tip is to choose a neighborhood to live in based on your favorite activities, such as clubbing, dining at gay bars and restaurants, or exploring local attractions.
Celebration (Walt Disney World)
Originally created by the Walt Disney Company, Celebration is south of metro Orlando in a quiet, exclusive area. This town is a gay-friendly and family-friendly location known for its ornate architecture and fine attention to detail, among other attractions.
Known for its beautiful theme parks and walking paths, the Celebration community is designed to get people outdoors. You can explore Spring Lake Park, Water Street Park, and other beautiful green spaces in the area. If biking or walking is your favorite leisurely activity, explore Spring Park Trail, Aquila Loop, or Celebration Health Loop.
Popular restaurants like the Upper Crust Pizza, Columbia Restaurant, and La Luce make up the foodie scene around Celebration. Whether you love a happy hour or wish to consume Italian, vegan, or classic burgers, you’ll find your favorite place to nosh without going too far!
College Park
Outfitted with quaint, classic cottages and near beautiful lakes, College Park is a gay-friendly and family-friendly area established in the 1920s with a rich history. Water lovers can relax on warm days on Lake Ivanhoe and catch some waves or just take in the scenery of the beautiful skyline surrounding the neighborhood.
Also known for its eclectic appeal and vibrant nightlife, College Park is close to downtown Orlando, a perfect location to meet kindred spirits and gay-friendly communities into the wee hours.
Located a short distance from downtown’s center, adventure is a short jaunt away — perfect for exploring the city’s nightlife and bars. Head down to the Milk District to raise your glass at Southern Nights, one of the area's top-rated bars. Enjoy drag shows throughout the week, and remember to ask about the mesmerizing burlesque acts every week. SAVOY has all the electric-themed nights you could ask for, complete with go-go dancers and plenty of dancing and drag shows.
After a night of bar hopping, you can head over to The Spa Orlando, an LGBT-owned spa that offers complimentary wine with your treatments.
There’s plenty to explore down Edgewater Drive as you’re going downtown as well. Whether you’re looking for a place to eat (try Ollie’s Public House) or a pub (The Castle Irish Pub, operated by Irish owners), you’ll never be bored living in College Park.
Lake Como
Are you seeking a nature-inspired sanctuary to call your own? Lake Como has you covered. Nestled in the heart of metro Orlando, this community is rich with alluring trees and flora, including stunning oak trees and flowering azaleas.
If you’re more into walking paths and outdoor recreation than you are to the nightlife, Lake Como is a worthy place to call home.
Perhaps the most charming feature of the Lake Como area is the lion sculpture donated by the Macbride family, which helps set the tone of this scenic community. When visiting Florida, you can relax at any of the lakes, or, just a few miles away, enjoy fine dining at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar.
Nearby Thornton Park is a fun and quirky residential area with gorgeous old-world homes draped in Spanish moss, great for those who want to be close to the action but still have their privacy.
Ivanhoe Village
For the Indie enthusiast, Ivanhoe Village is home to some of the best hotspots downtown Orlando offers the gay population. The Hammered Lamb, for example, is a favorite among the LGBTQ+ residents and is gay-owned within the Ivanhoe Village district.
If you call Ivanhoe Village home, you will be able to enjoy art museums, theaters such as the Renaissance Theatre Company, bike trails, and open views of the beautiful Orlando sunsets.
There is never a dull moment in this location when it comes to Orlando gay bars and other entertainment.
Our Favorite Spot
Another attraction in the Ivanhoe Village district is the SAVOY Orlando, a gay bar with no cover charge but endless fun and interaction! Whether you’re into night parties with go-go dancing and drag shows or want to gather with friends and play pool, SAVOY Orlando is a gay-friendly hotspot to hang out and meet kindred spirits.
Exploring Gay Orlando
If you like to try new things, meet new people, or explore independently, the Orlando gay scene has much to offer. From the Milk District and Pulse Interim Memorial to the Dr. Phillips Center, there are many activities to explore.
Besides fine dining, gay bars, nightlife activities, art galleries, and theaters, there are several themed and recurring LGBTQ+ and friendly events you can make part of your tradition. Head to the city center, have a few drinks at a local bar, explore the diverse community, and take pride in where you live.
Gay Orlando Events
Orlando truly comes alive during Pride Month, where nearly every major venue celebrates inclusivity and joy for all ages. There’s even a special LGBT prom held at The Plaza Live for gay teens who may have felt unwelcome at their own high school.
Gay Days is a crowd favorite among gay Orlando events, hosted yearly at various locations. The five-day event features exciting events held at the most iconic attractions throughout Orlando. Gay Days events are held at amusement parks, nightclubs, and various venues to ensure something for everyone. The event is known to be one of the hottest in the city, so book your room early. It changes yearly, but you can stay up-to-date on the details here.
Red Shirt Pride Day is another gay–friendly event hosted in Orlando and helps to bring awareness to the LGBTQ+ population as a whole. This event encourages inclusion and is hosted by the KindRED Pride Foundation to support gays.
Red Shirt Pride Day is part of a greater celebration named One Magical Weekend. Major hotels in the area, including Hilton Hotel Orlando, offer discounted prices to entice tourists, and a plethora of venues join in on the fun, including the House of Blues and the Walt Disney World Resort.
This is in conjunction with the Pride Cup, a massive LGBTQ+ sporting event featuring kickball, beach volleyball, soccer, pickleball, and much more. It’s the perfect way to start the celebrations of Pride month.
The Winter Park Wine & Jazz Experience is an event several locals and travelers to Orlando look forward to for imbibing the delish spirits and exploring calming Jazz. If you want to attend an event outside a gay bar, this is it!
Feeling fancy? The Orlando Carnival Downtown should be your next stop. Carnival on the Runway is a unique red-carpet event where costumes and beautiful clothing created by up-and-coming fashion designers are showcased and take center stage to be adored by spectators. It’s a fun and engaging gay attraction. Plus, the winner gets a cash prize!
Remember the Pineapple Festival, a street festival with a Puerto Rican theme. Live music, food, and more are provided. It’s free to the public and welcomes everyone.
If you couldn’t get enough Pride in June, don’t despair: Orlando Pride is held in October and features a day-long festival by Lake Eola Park. Dance until sunup or marvel at the beautiful parade. Hamburger Mary’s ramps up its drag shows and dances, while the Stardust Lounge features stunning burlesque.
Nightlife
Orlando is not shy once the sun goes down; there are several nightclubs and bars to explore, fine art centers, and more. For one magical weekend, consider Pointe Orlando, a dance and disco club favored by the LGBT community and the general public.
If you want to experience fine dining and entertainment, Mango’s Tropical Cafe in Florida is a crowd favorite for those who like the bar scene with their meal.
Don’t sleep on The Patio, a dance club that embraces the LGBT+ community, where you can party on a budget and dance the night away. Several rooms with energy-pumping music make for a perfect nightlife scene.
Don’t miss the premier LGBT dance club, Southern Nights. Next door is the classy Southern Craft, a high-brow bar with a hand-crafted custom menu.
Do you need somewhere to hang out with the team after the game or look for a sports bar vibe? Head down to District Drive, one of the most popular bars among the LGBTQ+ community. It’s where everyone heads after a league game in OutSports.
Finally, you can dance until you drop at Fuego, a Latin nightclub in Florida where energy doesn’t stop!
Highlights of Moving to Orlando
Living in Orlando is more than choosing a gay–friendly place to call home. Pride Orlando runs strong, and there’s also the beautiful weather, entertainment, and comparable cost of living and employment to consider.
Since Orlando is a bustling and diverse city, there are several highlights to moving to this location. You can take advantage of Gay Days when the event rolls around and be within driving distance of Universal Studios. Universal Studios is another gay-positive attraction that Orlando, Florida, is known for.
Of course, any discussion of Orlando would be remiss without talking about the renowned theme park, Walt Disney World. Nearby Disney Springs, a bit south of Orlando, is the home to the Walt Disney World Resort and is known as a shopping mecca for those who love the House of Mouse.
Since Orlando is a metro city of diversity, expect a high quality of living and plenty of opportunities for entertainment and growth. Whether you want to raise a family in an inclusive environment or live closer to gay-friendly establishments, Orlando brings lots of value to you.
As a bonus, the weather is warm, whether in January or June, which means you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors year-round.
What’s the Weather Like?
Orlando is known for being humid and sunny but on the mild side for year-round weather, but that’s starting to change. Today, Florida residents enjoy mild weather from December to April but expect plenty of heat throughout the summer. Spring and fall are known to be hotter than the temperatures in the northern parts of the United States. Florida also sees more cold days than you would expect from the Sunshine State.
Temps can fall as low as 30° on its coldest days in January. On its hottest days, Orlando reaches temperatures in the 90’s or 100’s. Thankfully, this is more common during the summer months.
How About Schools?
Orlando is home to several colleges and universities and has several proud achievements regarding education. This town has a college-readiness score of 7.2 out of 10 compared to neighboring metro areas, with six high schools on the Best High Schools U.S. News Rankings.
What’s the Job Market Like? Also, What’s With Traffic?
Finding a job in Orlando may be easier than you think. The metropolis is ranked the third highest number of private sector jobs compared to similar metro areas. This means more job opportunities for you to enjoy, whether you want to call Orlando your permanent home or simply wish to explore your options.
Regarding traffic in this town, especially around main attractions and gay clubs, there are some congested areas at different times of the day. However, once you get familiar with the town, you’ll find it easy to navigate and that traffic consistently ebbs and flows predictably.
Many hot spots, including gay bars, are within walking distance. To make transportation easier and safer, you can also take advantage of taxi and local bus services.
Housing Market in Orlando
When relocating to a new city or state, the housing market is always a concern. Florida isn’t considered one of the most expensive states in the nation, but it’s also not the cheapest. The market remains volatile, so it’s crucial to look at the current state of the market before deciding to move. Companies like Pride Lending can help you secure financing that works for your situation.
Homeownership
If you’re considering buying an Orlando home, it’s essential to compare the prices of buying a house versus renting one and the mortgage rates for the area. It’s also wise to explore any environmental risks and which mortgage lenders in Orlando work best for you.
Orlando's average house price is $410,000, and homes typically sell within a month. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,900, making buying and purchasing relatively comparable budget-wise.
There are few environmental risks to buying a home, and the average market makes it not too competitive.
Orlando's average mortgage interest rate currently sits at just under 7%.
While Orlando is surprisingly affordable compared to other areas, homeownership is still a significant investment. That doesn’t mean homeownership is out of reach. Companies like Pride Lending can help first-time home buyers discover options that include 3% down-up or those looking for investment properties that put 25% down. It’s important to contact a professional lender to discuss your specific situation.
The City of Orlando’s Down Payment Assistance Program offers funding to qualified first-time homebuyers who meet income requirements and undergo a homebuyer education course. Orange County can also provide up to $70,000 in a loan that will be forgiven in 10 years if you stay in the home and do not refinance. This program is for those who have not owned a home in the last three years.
Our team at Pride Lending can help connect you to a number of other programs, such as Florida Hometown Heros, that may also meet your needs, including national down payment assistance programs. We’ll also assist you in finding the right loan product for you, including options that may allow you to put at little as
3% to 5% down.
Investing in Real Estate
If you’re ready to invest in real estate, it’s wise to know if you should invest in a home to live in or rent out as an Airbnb. Orlando is still growing, with a current 2% increase in population. Tourism also makes it stronger at certain times of the year.
Consider many factors before deciding to buy Orlando real estate. Think about whether you want to live close to a city center or gay bar or if you’d prefer purchasing a multifamily property near other local hotspots, such as Cocoa Beach, which is about an hour away.
Pride month in Orlando is another factor to consider when investing in Orlando real estate. Rental occupancy and profits soar at this time of the year as the occupancy rate goes up due to tourism, another big money maker.
However, even average rental occupancy can bring in a nice profit; College Park rentals alone have an 80% occupancy rate and can earn a host nearly $30,000 annually. The average nightly rate for an Orlando Airbnb is $128.
How Expensive Is Orlando?
Given the size of the metro area and the events, gay bars to visit, and activities you can do there, Orlando is surprisingly affordable.
For example, the average monthly income of an Orlando city resident is $4,657.95, while the average apartment rental is just over $1,900. A gallon of milk costs around $4.45, and utilities cost a little under $168 a month.
Orlando is much more affordable than Tampa. It costs nearly 15% more to live in Tampa than in Orlando. Similarly, Denver, a comparable metro area, costs around 11% more than Orlando.
The only way you’ll notice Orlando affecting your wallet is in its restaurant prices. The city boasts some decadent restaurants and diverse foods worldwide, and while you’ll pay a hefty sum, it’s well worth it.
Does Orlando Embrace the Gay Community?
Take a single look around, and you’ll see how strongly Orlando supports and embraces the gay community. From neighborhoods that are entirely gay-friendly to events, the central gay scene, and other activities dedicated to gay awareness and inclusion, Orlando is proud in many ways of the community it serves.
5% of Orlando’s entire population is LGBTQ+ which is more than Tampa with the metro city having a score of 27/30 for its anti-discrimination laws.
Orlando is also a top-ranked town for LGBTQ+ equality, bringing peace of mind to inhabitants who want to live in a more gay-friendly and inclusive place. Complete with nightlife activities, gay events, low cost of living, and high educational standards, Orlando can be considered one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world to live in.
If you are considering moving to or investing in Orlando real estate, contact us today to discuss your options or start the pre-qualification process.
Pride Lending is the first LGBT-focused mortgage lender in the United States. We have made it our mission to help people from all walks of life get the keys to their dream homes. Our team consists of allies and members of marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities. Thanks to our experience, we’re renowned for our supportive and inclusive approach to mortgage brokerage. Our goal is to match you to the right mortgage product for your needs, whether that is FHA loans, VA loans, conventional mortgages, or investment loans.
If you’re ready to join the ranks of homeowners in magical Orlando, call us at 727-591-7909 or contact us online. You can also apply now to know exactly what you can afford in this beautiful area!
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