The Napa Valley is known worldwide for its fine wine, beautiful scenery, and wonderful weather - and all of that is no surprise. Its beautiful, vineyard-studded hills and sunny skies draw countless tourists each year. Aside from being a wonderful place to visit though, it’s also a great town to call home. Because of Napa’s proximity to San Francisco, it is incredibly welcoming and friendly to the gay community. It is a diverse, beautiful, warm community full of friendly people and much to see and do. If you’re thinking of finding your next home in the Napa Valley, you’ll find plenty about it to love!
A Look at Napa Valley's History
Prior to the time that California became a state in 1850, the Napa Valley was located in the Sonoma District. In 1851 counties were finally organized, Napa became one of California’s original counties. The California Gold Rush of the 1850s expanded the area, and many who came for gold stayed and became cattle ranchers, farmers, or became involved in the lumber industry. Today, Napa’s agricultural industry is of course primarily centered around wine, although it is still an important spot for other forms of agriculture as well. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state, and even better, it is a city with a small but thriving LGBTQ community and is a wonderful place to visit or call home.
A Few Fun Facts About the Napa Valley
Read more fun facts about the Napa Valley here.
The Napa Valley’s LGBTQ Community
The Napa Valley is an area that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:
PFLAG Napa is the Napa Valley’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 role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.
The mission of Napa Valley Pride is to provide encouragement and support to the Napa Valley’s LGBTQ community, one person at a time. The group seeks to cultivate friendship, provide resources, and build a strong support network for the area’s LGBTQ population.
What's the Weather Like in The Napa Valley?
Many people associate California with plenty of sunshine, and Napa is no exception. The area sees an average of 260 sunny days per year, along with an average of 27 inches of rain per year, and no snow. Temperatures throughout the year range from an average high of 82°F in July to an average low in January of 38°F. Generally, temperatures are mild and pleasant, and any season of the year is a wonderful time to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the area.
Can’t-Miss Events in The Napa Valley
Though not in Napa itself, San Francisco Pride is such a celebration that it’s worth making the drive if you’re in the mood to celebrate. As far as pride celebrations go, this is one of the biggest in the country - and it’s one event that you won’t want to miss. This annual celebration draws crowds of thousands each year, and includes family-friendly activities, entertainment, parades, parties, plenty of vendors, speakers, excellent performances, delicious food, and endless opportunities to meet friends and have fun!
The Big Gay Train is absolutely a can’t-miss event in Napa each year. Organized by the area’s LGBTQ event-planning group, “Out in the Vineyard,” the train travels from downtown Napa up the valley to St. Helena. On the way, travelers can enjoy a wide variety of excellent wines produced by LGBTQ vintners, as well as delicious food specially paired with the wines for the occasion.
The Best Neighborhoods in The Napa Valley
Unlike some larger cities that tend to have one specific “gayborhood,” the LGBTQ community in Napa Valley is sprinkled throughout the area, and truly, anywhere in the city would make a wonderful place to call home. There are a variety of home styles available, from opulent homes, to smaller, yet still very lovely homes in a variety of price ranges. The median list price of homes currently for sale in the Napa Valley area is $848,900.
Arts and Entertainment
Napa’s storied wineries are an integral part of its culture and personality. No visit to Napa is complete without a tour of some of these wineries, and a tasting if you’d like. There are plenty to choose from, each with its own unique story and personality. It's a definite must-do when in the Napa Valley area.
Lucky Penny Productions is a talented, entertaining local theater group committed to developing and presenting performances of all kinds to entertain, inspire, challenge, and delight audiences. With a wide variety of shows offered throughout the year, there’s something for everyone, and you won’t want to miss the chance to enjoy a show - or several - for yourself.
Parks and Recreation
Robert Louis Stevenson State Park
If you love wild, untamed nature, you’ll love Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. This state park is well-known for its virtually untouched landscape and spectacular beauty. It offers several trails, including an incredible 5-mile hike to the top of Mt. St. Helena.
The Oat Hill Mine Trail follows 8.3 miles of an old stagecoach route that lies between Calistoga and Pope Valley in Napa. The trail is an excellent recreational experience for bicyclists, horseback riders, and hikers alike. It is a great way to enjoy so much of the Napa area's amazing natural beauty on a beautiful day.
Napa Valley Nightlife
As the Napa Valley is a smaller area, there are no specifically designated LGBT bars – but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t many welcoming nightspots. In fact, the Napa Valley community decided to make a local bar “Gay For A Day” – which means that every few weeks or so, a new local bar, pub, or eatery is selected, and made fabulous by the presence and support of the LGBTQ community. It’s a great way to meet friends, have fun, and support the valley’s wonderful businesses.
Contact a Napa Valley Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to the Napa Valley, 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 Napa Valley, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Napa Valley gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
