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Burbank LGBTQ City Guide

Located 12 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles, Burbank is the easternmost city in the San Fernando Valley. Often called the “Media Capital of the World," the city is located near Hollywood and is home to many different film studios and other entertainment industry businesses. It’s also a diverse city with a friendly LGBTQ population where all can find their place and feel at home.

A Look at Burbank’s History

Burbank was named after David Burbank, a dentist and entrepreneur originally from New Hampshire, who established a sheep ranch in the area in 1867.  Burbank was a savvy businessman who ultimately facilitated the construction of rail lines into the neighborhood, which made it an important hub and encouraged its growth. It became popular with the aviation and entertainment industries in the 1920s and 30s, and remains to so this day. In addition to being an important center of the entertainment and aviation industries, its proximity to Los Angeles means that Burbank offers so much to see and do, and any number of wonderful, eclectic, and diverse neighborhoods in which to find your perfect place.

A Few Fun Facts About Burbank

  • Burbank has a very interesting aviation history. Amelia Earhart’s lost airplane was built in Burbank. Some of Howard Hughes’s aviation facilities were also based here.
  • Famed mobster Mickey Cohen once ran a casino inside of a Burbank stable.
  • The well-known TV show “The Wonder Years” was filmed in Burbank.

Read more fun facts about Burbank here.

Burbank’s LGBTQ Community                                      

Burbank is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:

PFLAG Burbank

PFLAG Burbank is the city’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical and important role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.

Los Angeles LGBTQ Center

The Los Angeles LGBT Center is a pillar of the LGBTQ community in the greater Los Angeles area. It provides programs and services for the LGBTQ community, including health, social services, housing, and leadership and advocacy. It’s a great way to get connected and become involved.

What's the Weather Like in Burbank?

Those who live in Burbank can expect dry, hot summers, and fairly mild winters. The high temperature in July typically averages around 87°F, while the low temperature in January typically drops to around 42°F. The city receives an average of 20 inches of rain per year, no snow, and around 287 sunny days.

Can’t-Miss Events in Burbank

LA Pride

The annual LA Gay Pride Parade is held every June in West Hollywood, and as it’s only a short drive away from Pasadena, you won’t want to miss it! The event is organized by the Christopher Street West Association and sees over 200,000 people in attendance each year. In addition to a parade, the event has three stages, non-profit booths, and live entertainment.

The Starlight Bowl

The Starlight Bowl is a beautiful amphitheater located in Burbank, which was originally constructed in 1950, and which holds a variety of events throughout the year, and particularly a very popular summer concert series. Today it seats 3,000 in chairback seating, as well as 2,000 more on the lawn for a total capacity of 5,000 visitors. It’s a perfect place to enjoy a beautiful Burbank night under the stars.

The Best Neighborhoods in Burbank

Unlike some cities which tend to have one particular area of town that’s the “gayborhood,” the LGBTQ population in Burbank tends to be a bit more spread out. This isn’t bad news though – in fact, it simply means that the entire city is quite welcoming. Burbank itself is considered to be one of the major gay neighborhoods in the Los Angeles area.  It has a lot of independent and unique shops and restaurants, plus a number of gay clubs and events.  There’s not a particular part of Burbank where gays and lesbians congregate more than others, though.  You’ll be welcomed anywhere in the city. Homes tend to be fairly expensive, with condos starting at a minimum of $300,000 and single-family homes typically ranging from the $400 to several million-dollar range.

Arts and Entertainment

Flappers Comedy Club

For those who want to enjoy some great laughs, Flappers Comedy Club is the perfect place to find them. Many famous American comedians got their start here, and there are many comedy shows a week for guests to choose from. As an added bonus, the club also offers excellent food and drink options.

Warner Brothers Studio Tour

If you love movies and movie history, then visiting the Warner Brothers Studio in Burbank is definitely a must-try experience. Visitors can take a guided tour around the Warner Brothers production lot and go behind the scenes to learn about the famous movies produced here, as well as to see famous costumes, props, and scripts gathered throughout the history of Warner Brothers films.

Parks and Recreation

Stough Canyon Nature Center

This modern nature center is the perfect way to enjoy a beautiful day outside in Burbank. The center offers a variety of displays, a library, a beautiful amphitheater, and many great outdoor hiking opportunities.

Varsity Gay League

If you’re looking for more LGBTQ-oriented recreational activities, the Varsity Gay League in the greater Los Angeles area calls itself the original LGBTQ+ Recreational Sports Organization. Established in 2007, it offers year-round activities, games, and sporting events intended to unite the gay and straight communities with new and fun ways to play and interact. All are welcome!

Burbank Nightlife

The Front Yard

The Front Yard is located inside the Garland Hotel and is one of the most popular spots in Burbank. It is beautiful, bright, and airy, and a perfect spot to enjoy modern California food and excellent cocktails.

The Abbey

Just a short drive from downtown Burbank, The Abbey is known by many to be one of the most popular gay bars in Los Angeles. This lovely lounge is known for its beautiful outdoor terraces, lively dance floor, and friendly crowds.

Contact a Burbank Gay Realtor Today

If you're ready to make a move to Burbank, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Burbank, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Burbank gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!