We’ve identified communities where you will be safe and welcome and where your vote will be a game-changer at the ballot box.
Sweet Virginia Breeze
Virginia Beach
Living in Virginia Beach, Virginia, offers a unique coastal lifestyle that blends the relaxed atmosphere of a resort city with the amenities of a large, diverse urban area. Residents enjoy miles of sandy beaches, a lively boardwalk, and abundant opportunities for water sports, surfing, and fishing, all year-round thanks to its mild climate. Beyond the tourist-heavy oceanfront, Virginia Beach is a sprawling city with numerous distinct neighborhoods, highly-rated public schools, and a significant military presence, contributing to its diverse population. There's a strong emphasis on outdoor recreation, family-friendly activities, and a growing culinary scene that extends beyond seafood. The cost of living is generally moderate compared to other East Coast cities, though some areas can be pricier. For LGBTQ+ individuals, Virginia Beach has made significant strides in recent years, consistently receiving high scores on the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index due to inclusive city policies, programs, and an appointed LGBTQ+ liaison, alongside a visible and growing community supported by local organizations and businesses like The Rainbow Cactus Company, making it an increasingly welcoming place to live.
Cool Fact: Virginia Beach is home to the only PrideFest Boat Parade in the United States, celebrating the region's maritime heritage. This unique event is part of the annual Hampton Roads PrideFest, which has been a vibrant celebration of the LGBTQ+ community since 2011. The festival includes a variety of events, with the boat parade being a standout feature that sets it apart from other Pride celebrations nationwide.
Some Virginia Beach Stats:
Urban ● $$ ● Schools: A ● Crime: C ● Community Health: Above Average ● Coastline ● Walkable
Fredericksburg
Living in Fredericksburg, Virginia, offers a unique blend of deep historical roots and modern Southern charm, creating a dynamic environment that appeals to a diverse population. The city is renowned for its meticulously preserved colonial and Civil War-era architecture, cobblestone streets, and numerous historic sites, providing a constant connection to America's past. Beyond its history, Fredericksburg boasts a vibrant downtown with a lively arts scene, independent boutiques, chef-owned restaurants, and burgeoning craft breweries. Residents enjoy all four distinct seasons, with opportunities for outdoor recreation along the Rappahannock River. Its location, roughly equidistant from Washington D.C. and Richmond, makes it an attractive commuter hub while maintaining a more relaxed pace of life and a generally lower cost of living compared to Northern Virginia. For LGBTQ+ individuals, Fredericksburg has a growing and increasingly visible supportive community, actively fostered by local organizations like Pride Center FXBG, which provides resources, hosts events, and creates safe spaces, contributing to a more welcoming and inclusive environment within the city itself.
Cool Fact: The Fredericksburg Area Museum is hosting an exhibit titled "Out and About", which focuses on the history and stories of LGBTQ+ individuals in the Fredericksburg area. This exhibition aims to preserve and share the narratives of the local LGBTQ+ community, highlighting their contributions and experiences within the region's rich history.
Some Fredericksburg Stats:
Suburban/Urban ● $$ ● Schools: C ● Crime: C ● Community Health: Average ● Airport: 30 - 60 Minutes