Lately, however, Washington D.C.’s gay neighborhoods have grown smaller, with many pillars of the gay community vanishing. Gone are Apex and Badlands, ambassadors of the D.C. “gayborhoods” for decades.
Modern Washington D.C. isn’t devoid of gayborhoods, but the shifting economics of the D.C. metro area has made it more difficult for gay neighborhoods to thrive in D.C. That doesn’t mean all is lost for gay areas in Washington, D.C. – there are still plenty of neighborhoods that embrace LGBTQ+.
The best Washington D.C. gay neighborhoods
If you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community in any city, chances are you want to know the best neighborhoods for security and communal queer-spaces. Here are the best areas to live in Washington, D.C.
Dupont Circle
- Average Rent: $3,119
- Popular LGBTQ+ Location: JR’s Bar and Grill
Dupont Circle is one of the most traditional gay neighborhoods, or gayborhoods, in the area. There are many bars, bookstores and restaurants that are geared toward the LGBTQ+ community. JR’s Bar and Grill, located on 17th Street, is less of a grill (it only serves popcorn) and more of a place for members of the D.C. LGBTQ+ community to congregate.
Dupont Circle can be an expensive district to call home, so you may find an older generation of people living within its confines. In addition to JR’s, 17th Street is renowned for its gay-owned businesses, featuring myriad art museums and boutiques. Some of the popular residential homes include the Richardsonian Romanesque, Beaux Arts and Queen Anne Homes.
Capitol Hill
- Average Rent: $3,015
- Popular LGBTQ+ Location: Orchid
In Washington, D.C., Capitol Hill is the place where many gay singles and families move when they don’t want to be in a lively party district like Dupont Circle. However, there are many gay bars and LGBTQ+ entertainment spots, restaurants and markets in this neighborhood, too.
During the weekend the Eastern market showcases a lot of crafts, foods and antiques. Over at Barracks Row in Capitol, Hill you can find Orchid Bar featuring a ’20s aesthetic with a 40-foot marble bar. Orchid is one of Capitol Hill’s premier queer hangouts, thanks to its weekend disco brunch and Prohibition-era glam theme. Also, adjacent to Capitol Hill is D.C.’s famous Capital Pride, a four-day event celebrating gay pride.
Columbia Heights
- Average Rent: $2,715
- Popular LGBTQ+ Location: Casa Ruby
While gentrification has been happening over the past five years, with the area becoming more modernized, Columbia Heights remains home to a large Hispanic segment of the LGBTQ+ community. Members of the gay community flock to Columbia Heights for its diversity, both in business and population.
Columbia Heights is home to an eclectic mix of creatives and ex-pats, many of whom frequent the densely populated neighborhood’s farmer’s market, GALA Hispanic Theater, vegan bakery combo, Mexican Cultural Institute and elegant row homes and embassies. Further, Casa Ruby, a center for homeless LGBTQ+ youth, recently opened in Columbia Heights.
“It’s where gay people and trans people can be themselves, where they can come in and they don’t have to worry about being undermined, hurt, violated, repressed, harassed,” says Ruby Corado, founder and director of Casa Ruby. “It is a place where people can come together and be supported by people who know what it’s like to have that done to them.”
Additionally, there’s a Wonderland Ballroom, which is on 11th Street and has a lively DJ and plenty of dancing. You can also find Rock Creek Park and the Metro in the area.
U Street Corridor
- Average Rent: $5,853
- Popular LGBTQ+ Location: Nellie’s Sports Bar
The ethnically diverse neighborhood has been thriving and changing over the past decade and is now home to many LGBTQ+ individuals and families. Known as a hub for some of D.C.’s best restaurants and nightlife, the U Street https://www.rent.com/district-of-columbia/washington-apartments/adams-morgan-neighborhood/luxurycorridor is also home to plenty of gay and lesbian bars.
Nellie’s Sports Bar is one of the city’s oldest and most popular gay bars. Nellie’s is famous for its Beat the Clock happy hour, with the price of a drink increasing by a dollar each hour of the evening. Drag bingo on Tuesdays draws a crowd, and the upstairs patio is popular for dancing. Across the street, the Dirty Goose is a rooftop bar known for its craft cocktails and a cool vibe that’s popular among the gay community.
Adams Morgan
- Average Rent: $3,265
- Popular LGBTQ+ Location: Pitchers
Known for its vibrant cultural activities and nightlife, Adams Morgan is a residential and commercial neighborhood in Northwest Washington, D.C. It’s composed primarily of historic rowhouses and is one of the most diverse ethnic neighborhoods in the city with a growing influx of immigrants from Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. Some of the best authentic international restaurants are located here, as well.
Situated in the heart of Adams Morgan is Pitchers, a gay sports bar, and A League of Her Own, the adjacent bar for lesbian women. The 10,000+-square-foot building features darts, video games and two large patios.
Downtown D.C.
- Average Rent: $3,187
- Popular LGBTQ+ Location: Green Lantern
As the nation’s capital is a liberal city, even its core downtown area is home to a popular laid back gay bar that’s tucked in an alleyway off of Thomas Circle in a converted two-story carriage house. The Green Lantern features special events, such as live exotic dancers, ’80s themed dance parties and its famous “Shirtless Men Drink Free” event every Thursday night from 10-11 pm.
Living in Washington, D.C.
The D.C. area is a prime place to live as the community is very diverse and generally accepting of individual differences. The city has a wide range of things to do and a strong job market with many opportunities to explore educational and cultural activities.
If you’re new to the area, take some time to visit neighborhoods and find the one that best suits your personality.
