We’ve identified communities where you will be safe and welcome and where your vote will be a game-changer at the ballot box.

New Jersey’s Where My Heart Is

Central New Jersey’s Congressional District’s 7 and 9 are bordered by Pennsylvania to the west and NYC to the east.

The districts include everything from rural farmland to dense urban areas, giving the families, professionals and retirees who live there opportunities to choose their own adventures. Politically, these two districts are both considered to be competitive, as are upcoming senatorial and gubernatorial elections.

From an LGBTQ+ rights perspective, New Jersey is considered welcoming with strong protections in place.

NJ Congressional District 7

New Jersey: Congressional District 7

New Jersey's 7th Congressional District represents exactly what we're looking for: a place where LGBTQ+ people can live with the nation's most comprehensive legal protections while having genuine political influence in one of the country's most competitive districts. 

Community Snapshots

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Lambertville, Hunterdon County

Some Lambertville Stats:

Suburban ● $$$ ● Schools: B ● Crime: A ● Community Health: Above Average ● Nearby Airport ● Walkable

Living in Lambertville is like stepping into a picturesque, historic postcard where small-town charm meets vibrant artistic and culinary scenes. Nestled on the banks of the Delaware River, the town is renowned for its well-preserved Victorian architecture, independent boutiques, antique shops, and a diverse array of acclaimed restaurants and cafes. Life here offers a slower pace, with residents enjoying walkable streets, scenic views of the river and canal path, and a strong sense of community, often participating in local events like the popular Shad Fest. For LGBTQ+ individuals, Lambertville is exceptionally welcoming and has a long-standing reputation as a haven. This is deeply intertwined with its "twin city" across the river, New Hope, Pennsylvania. Together, these towns form a cultural hub that has embraced the LGBTQ+ community for decades, evidenced by openly gay leadership (like Lambertville's mayor), numerous LGBTQ+-owned businesses, and the celebrated annual New Hope Celebrates Pride Parade, which symbolically begins in Lambertville before crossing the bridge, embodying the unity and acceptance that defines life for the LGBTQ+ community in this charming riverside enclave.

Cool Fact: Every May, Lambertville partners with neighboring New Hope, Pennsylvania, to host the annual New Hope Celebrates Pride Parade. This unique event begins in Lambertville and crosses the Delaware River into New Hope, making it one of the few Pride parades that spans two states. The parade features over 1,800 participants, including floats, marching bands, and community groups.

Scotch Plains, Union County

Some Scotch Plains Stats:

Suburban ● $$$ ● Schools: A ● Crime: B ● Community Health: Average ● Nearby Airport

Living in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, offers a classic suburban experience, characterized by tree-lined streets, a mix of charming older homes and newer constructions, and a strong emphasis on family life and good schools. It's a primarily residential community with a friendly, tight-knit feel, offering residents convenient access to local parks, a modest downtown area with essential services, and easy commutes to larger employment centers and amenities via nearby train stations and major roadways. For LGBTQ+ individuals, Scotch Plains generally reflects the broader welcoming environment of New Jersey, a state with robust LGBTQ+ protections and a high degree of acceptance. While Scotch Plains itself doesn't have a specific "gayborhood" or a large, visible LGBTQ+ community presence in the way larger cities or more explicitly artistic towns might, its residents benefit from a diverse population, the progressive leanings of Union County, and easy access to the numerous LGBTQ+ resources and vibrant communities available in nearby urban centers like New York City.

Cool Fact: Following the annual Pride Flag Raising ceremony, the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA invites community members to participate in "Chalk the Walk." This interactive event encourages attendees to create vibrant sidewalk art, spreading messages of love, acceptance, and unity throughout the community.

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NJ Congressional District 7

New Jersey: Congressional District 9

Located in New Jersey's northeastern counties of Bergen and Passaic, the 9th Congressional District encompasses diverse suburban communities including Paterson, Clifton, Passaic, and numerous Bergen County municipalities. This multicultural, affordable region offers a compelling blend of suburban community feel with NYC access, plus diverse cultural opportunities that make New Jersey famous—all while enjoying New Jersey's comprehensive LGBTQ+ legal protections and serving as an ideal home for families, professionals, and retirees.

Community Snapshots

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Ridgefield, Bergen County

Some Ridgefield Stats:

Suburban ● $$$ ● Schools: A ● Crime: B ● Community Health: Above Average ● Airport: 30 - 60 Minutes

Living in Ridgefield, New Jersey, offers a classic, established suburban experience, marked by a dense residential feel, a mix of housing styles from various eras, and a strong sense of local community. Its primary appeal lies in its extremely convenient location: it's a commuter's dream, providing quick access to major highways, public transportation into New York City, and proximity to shopping and dining in surrounding Bergen County towns. For LGBTQ+ individuals, Ridgefield, like most of New Jersey, benefits from comprehensive statewide legal protections and a generally accepting atmosphere, meaning residents can expect a safe and welcoming environment even without a specifically designated LGBTQ+ community hub within the town itself.

Cool Fact: Man Ray, born Emmanuel Radnitzky, was a pioneering American visual artist and photographer associated with the Dada and Surrealist movements. He lived in an artists' colony in Ridgefield, where he created some of his most innovative works. His contributions to art, especially in photography, have left a lasting legacy.

Rutherford, Bergen County

Some Rutherford Stats:

Suburban ● $$$ ● Schools: A ● Crime: B ● Community Health: Above Average ● Airport: 30 - 60 Minutes

Residing in Rutherford, New Jersey, offers a charming and vibrant suburban lifestyle, blending historic character with modern conveniences. This highly walkable town boasts a lively downtown filled with diverse restaurants, boutique shops, and community events, all set among tree-lined streets and well-maintained homes. It's a popular choice for commuters seeking easy access to New York City via train or bus, while still providing a distinct local identity and excellent schools. For LGBTQ+ individuals, Rutherford stands out as particularly inclusive; the presence of the active Rutherford Pride Alliance underscores a community-wide commitment to fostering visibility, advocacy, and social connections, ensuring a truly welcoming and affirming environment for all.

Cool Fact: Back when LGBTQ+ life was still very closeted in many suburbs, Bergen County (where Rutherford is) quietly became a hub for informal queer social networks. Several local bars, diners, and coffee shops became unofficial safe havens — places where LGBTQ+ people could meet without fear of harassment. These spots weren’t always advertised as “gay-friendly,” but word of mouth helped create a discreet, supportive community.

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We have put together a comprehensive guide for New Jersey that includes:

  • Safety and Legal Protections for LGBTQ+ People, including comprehensive anti-discrimination laws.

  • Political Context and Competitiveness; both districts are highly competitive

  • Community Overview of the Region and Neighborhoods, suburban and urban with access to NYC and Philadelphia.

  • LGBTQ+ Friendly Real Estate Brokers Serving the Region

  • Economic Opportunity and Cost of Living; diverse and booming job opportunities

  • Schools and Education, including Supports for LGBTQ+ Families; anti-bullying and non-discrimination policies and high quality school districts.

  • Healthcare Access, including Supports for LGBTQ+ Minors and Seniors, including strong LGBTQ+ affirming medical and mental health providers.

  • Civic Engagement Opportunities, including competitive school board and city council races and active advocacy groups.

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Why New Jersey Represents the Future

New Jersey’s Congressional Districts embody the kind of place where LGBTQ+ people can thrive while making a real difference. They are communities where:

  • Your safety is guaranteed by the nation's most comprehensive state laws and affluent, educated community support

  • Your vote genuinely matters in a highly competitive district that both parties actively contest

  • Your voice can influence policy through accessible local government and engaged civic culture

  • Your life can flourish with world-class amenities, excellent schools, and proximity to NYC

  • Your investment is protected by strong property values and economic stability

  • Your presence helps build the inclusive, competitive democracy we all need

    This isn't just a place to find safety—it's a place to live excellently while shaping America's political future.