Moving to a new city and buying or renting a home or apartment is a process. It can be an especially tedious process for Black or LGBTQ potential homebuyers. For LGBTQ residents looking to move to a larger city that’s affordable, there’s the challenge of finding a gay-friendly city where rent and the cost of living are affordable.

In a lot of major cities, the LGBTQ population makes up anywhere from 5 to 15 percent. In 2015, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage in the United States, a huge step for the gay community. Since then, we’ve seen more LGBTQ characters and families on our television screens, more pride parades in cities and more LGBTQ-focused organizations on campuses.

While more media and life representation is great, navigating gay-friendly cities can be a challenge, especially in certain states. Here are five affordable gay-friendly cities in the U.S. to consider moving to.

Dallas, Texas

If you’re looking for one of the most affordable gay-friendly cities in the U.S., Dallas is the perfect southern city to move to. Dallas has the largest LGBTQ population in Texas, so it’s a very gay-friendly city. There are also plenty of gay bars and businesses, along with plenty of entertainment and dining options for young people. Dallas is also fairly affordable, with the average home price around $307,000 and the average apartment price around $1,300.

• Population: 1,299,544
• Public School Rating: A
• Average Home Price: $307,000
• Walkability: Moderate to High

For Black Families: As a Black LGBTQ family, you want to make sure you’re raising your family in a safe and welcoming environment. Dallas offers this and much more for LGBTQ families. With plenty of diversity and entertainment options, your family will always stay busy.

For Young Professionals: Dallas is a great city to live in for young professionals in the LGBTQ community. With plenty of gay bars, entertainment options and restaurants, the city caters to families and young professionals. The average rent is also incredibly affordable, so you get the most out of living in a large city with a ton of amenities.

Atlanta, Georgia

Known as the Peach State, Atlanta is the largest city in Georgia and one of the most affordable gay-friendly cities in the U.S. Atlanta is home to many gay clubs, entertainment options, family activities and small businesses. Homeownership is also more affordable in this city, with the average home price around $390,000.

• Population: 499,127
• Public School Rating: B
• Average Home Price: $390,000
• Walkability: Moderate to High

For Black Families: Atlanta is racially diverse with a large population of LGBTQ people, so naturally it’s a great place to raise families. From the museums to the Georgia Aquarium to parks and restaurants, there are plenty of activities for families to enjoy.

For Young Professionals: With so many large corporations and companies, Atlanta is a haven for young professionals. From job opportunities in healthcare, entertainment, finance, engineering and journalism, being in the city provides professionals with opportunities that smaller cities don’t have. For the gay community, there are also plenty of gay bars and businesses to support.

Raleigh, North Carolina

For those looking to live in a southern city, Raleigh is one of the most affordable gay-friendly cities in the U.S. to move to. A hub for industries like technology, gaming, engineering and marketing, Raleigh is a great city for young professionals and families. The average home price is around $380,000, making it affordable for families and young potential homebuyers.

• Population: 476,587
• Public School Rating: A
• Average Home Price: $380,000
• Walkability: Moderate

For Black Families: With over 28 percent of Black residents, Raleigh is a diverse city and great for LGBTQ youth and families. There are plenty of gay-friendly businesses, along with entertainment and dining options for families.

For Young Professionals: With plenty of job opportunities for recent graduates and professionals, Raleigh is a great city to consider moving to. Not only are there plenty of LGBTQ youth, but there are plenty of amenities for young people to enjoy.

Orlando, Florida

Orlando is another affordable gay-friendly city in the U.S. for families and young professionals. From theme parks to water parks to restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops and bars, there are plenty of amenities for young people and families to enjoy. It’s also affordable, with the average home price around $379,000.

• Population: 316,081
• Public School Rating: B
• Average Home Price: $379,000
• Walkability: Moderate

For Black Families: Orlando is a very family-oriented city. Known for family fun at it’s theme parks, water parks and attractions, you have everything at your fingertips. For LGBTQ families, the city is very gay-friendly, offering LGBTQ businesses, pride parades and more.

For Young Professionals: For those wanting to work in entertainment, hospitality and tourism, marketing, nightlife and healthcare, consider making Orlando your home. Renting is also affordable in this Florida city, with the average rent around $1,500.

Hartford, Connecticut

If you’re looking to move to a city up north, Hartford, Connecticut is one of the most affordable gay-friendly cities in the U.S. Over 120,000 residents call this beautiful city home, enjoying the museums, restaurants, galleries and events the city has. Homeownership is more affordable for this northern city, with the average home price around $219,000.

• Population: 120,686
• Public School Rating: B
• Average Home Price: $3390,000
• Walkability: Moderate to High

For Black Families: Around 36 percent of Black residents live in Hartford, Connecticut. It’s the perfect city for Black LGBTQ families, as it was named one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the U.S. in 2023.

For Young Professionals: If you’re a young professional in the LGBTQ community, Hartford will make the perfect home. Average rent is between $1,400 and $1,500, making it more affordable than other major cities up north like New York, Philadelphia and Washington D.C.