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Seattle Gay City Guide - The Emerald City

One of the most beautiful cities in the country, Seattle is home to a chill and relaxed LGBTQ lifestyle. It’s a thriving gay community that ranks 6th in the nation. Seattle is also a place you can quickly escape with a ferry across the magnificent Puget Sound or a winding drive through the Hoh Rainforest.

 

A Brief History of The Emerald City

First inhabited by Native Americans for 4,000 years, Seattle is situated on an isthmus between Lake Washington and the Puget Sound. It has amazing views of Mt. Rainier and the best seafood on the Pacific coast.

Seattle is called the Emerald City because it’s surrounded by evergreen trees, giving a foresty feel year-round.

 

Quick Seattle Stats

  • Over 744,955 people live in Seattle.
  • 64% of the city is owner-occupied.
  • Seattle is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest.
  • Pike Place Market started because of onions.
  • Seattle had the world’s first gas station.

Here are some more fun facts about Seattle.

 

The LGBTQ Seattle Community

Gay City: Seattle's LGBTQ Center

The main center for LGBTQ activity in Seattle, Gay City cultivates connections and access to resources to promote liberation, joy, and determination in our communities.

Seattle LGBTQ Community Development

The Seattle LGBTQ Community Center creates a business space that honors the past and meets the needs of the LGBTQ community. They seek to inspire the next generation.

 

Not Just Rainy Weather

Seattle doesn’t rain all the time (despite the movies we’ve seen). In fact, the climate is rather temperate. Classified in the Mediterranean zone, some also put it in the oceanic zone. Seattle sees winters that are cool (not cold), wet, and relatively mild. Summers can be rather dry but a nice temp.

 

Key LGBTQ Events in the City

Seattle Pride – June

Since 1974, Seattle’s LGBTQ community honors the city’s first Gay Pride Week. Held at Seattle Center, the event includes everything from food fare to stage events and of course, plenty of gorgeous costumes.

Seafair Weekend Festival

Called the “Unofficial Seattle Holiday,” Seafair Weekend Festival is an entire 2-day event of airshows, boating, and festivals all in one.

 

The Best Seattle Neighborhoods

Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill is considered the center for the LGBTQ community in Seattle. 4.5% of households are same-sex couples and the neighborhood is a densely populated residential region. It holds one of the city’s most prominent entertainment and nightlife districts, boasting bars, nightclubs, eateries, coffee shops, etc.

The median price of homes listed right now in Capitol Hill is $624,950 while the median price of homes that sold is $780,700.

Capitol Hill also has a plant conservatory, walking trails, and excellent panoramic city views.

Madrona

The Madrona neighborhood is mostly residential and located in east-central Seattle. It sits right on the shores of Lake Washington and has a motto of “The Peaceable Kingdom” because of racial diversity.

The median home value in Madrona is $1,078,033.

4.1% of couples in Madrona are same-sex, making it the second-largest LGBTQ neighborhood in Seattle.

Madrona is bounded on the south by E. Cherry Street. It also offers Madrona Park with boating, lakeside swimming, hiking, picnicking, and other fun outdoor activities.

Vashon Island

Vashon Island is the largest island in Puget Sound with a population of about 10,000. It’s 36.9 square miles and has a same-sex population of 1.8%.

The median home value in Vashon is $638,840

There are no bridges to connect this island to the mainland, giving it a rather rural character. Vashon Island is home to the annual Strawberry Festival and many creative LGBTQ artists. It’s an affordable place for artsy island living.

Ready to look at some "for sale" homes in Seattle? Connect with a top Seattle Gay Realtor today!

 

Getting Artsy in the City

Seattle Art Museum

One of the greatest art institutes in the country, the Seattle Art Museum is located in downtown Seattle, but it also runs the Seattle Asian Art Museum and the open Olympic Sculpture Park.

Capitol Hill Arts and Cultural District

This neighborhood (which also happens to be the top for LGBTQ) is the key place for arts in the city. It’s the densest place for art in all of the state. From small boutiques to cafes and indie stores, it has something for everyone.

 

Parks and Recreation

Discovery Park

Discovery Park is the biggest park in the city of Seattle. It’s a treasure trove of emerald spaces, paved (and rough trails), and a natural shoreline. Whether you want to go for a hike or chill on the beach, the 534-acre park has loads of recreation.

Golden Gardens

Golden Gardens Park is located in Ballard, a neighborhood of Seattle. It offers beaches, hiking trails, wetlands, picnic areas, and more. It’s also next to the BNSF Scenic Subdivision railway line. So, anyone can easily hop on and head right over.

Seattle Ferry

Departing throughout the Puget Sound, there are several different ferries to take that are simply breathtaking. All serve drinks and snacks. Try some of these on a sunny weekend:

  • Downtown Seattle to Bainbridge Island – 40-45 minutes
  • Edmonds to Kingston – 30 minutes
  • Anacortes to Lopez Island – 40 minutes
  • Fauntleroy to Vashon Island – 20 minutes
  • Mukilteo to Whidbey Island – 20 minutes

 

Amazing Nightlife

Queer Trivia at Queer Bar

One of the most famous LGBTQ bars in Seattle, every Tuesday at 7 p.m. they host a fun game of trivia. But the place is fabulous any night of the week.

WERKshop Wednesdays

See acts come to life in an open stage format with low-pressure. Whether you are a newbie or a pro, everybody’s welcome.

Madison Pub

One of the oldest gay bars in Seattle, Madison Pub has a super relaxed vibe. It’s a sports bar with pool, TV, darts, and a jukebox.

CC Attle’s

CC Attle’s is a local gay bar serving cocktails and pub food. There’s a super fun open mike night with a large patio and late hours.

Seattle is an incredible city that welcomes the LGBTQ community with open arms. From Capitol Hill to Vashon Island, the region is full of art, nature, and a laid-back vibe, unlike any other place.

Connect with a Seattle Gay Realtor for a no obligation conversation today! 

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