Are you thinking about living in a gay ghetto? That’s the slang term for a neighborhood that’s mostly populated with members of the LGBT community. Often, the businesses in or around these areas are also owned by LGBT individuals. There are a number of reasons you might want to live in one of these areas, but there are a few reasons why you may not as well. Here are some of these pros and cons.
You’re Among Other LGBT Individuals and Allies
Some people simply feel more comfortable living among other LGBT individuals and families. You won’t have to worry about hiding who you are from your neighbors. You can proudly fly a rainbow flag from your home and display your Human Rights Campaign bumper sticker on your car without fear of being vandalized. You may find that you have a lot in common with your neighbors, too.
Your Children Won’t Be Bullied
Chances are, your children will be in school with at least a few other kids who have LGBT parents. This means that there’s less of a likelihood of your child being singled out and bullied. Many of these schools even have at least one LGBT person working there as a teacher or in the administration. Most also have a gay-straight alliance and a PFLAG chapter.
You May Pay More
Many LGBT neighborhoods are undergoing gentrification. That means property values are likely to increase, meaning you’ll pay more to buy a house in these neighborhoods. While that does mean that everything in the neighborhood is likely to have been remodeled and renovated, the bottom line is that some of these areas are simply no longer affordable for middle-class families.
You May Not like the Location
Some cities only have one small gay and lesbian community, and it may be located in an area of the city you don’t want to live in. For example, you may have to choose between moving into a gay ghetto or a much shorter commute to work. You’ll then have to decide if living in a gay neighborhood is more important to you than the commute or other things.
Finding the Perfect Gay Neighborhood
Some cities simply don’t have an LGBT neighborhood. That doesn’t mean there aren’t any gay or lesbian people in the city. It simply means they live throughout the area. Even in cities with a neighborhood with a high concentration of LGBT homeowners doesn’t mean you have to live there. Find the house that’s perfect for you.