The area in the East Lakeview neighborhood is the largest Chicago gay neighborhood and the first officially-recognized gay village in the United States. The Boystown name was secured in the '90s thanks to a weekly column called “Boys Town,' which ran in the gay newspaper Outlines, according to a WBEZ piece on the neighborhood. Truth be told, it'll likely be called Boystown for the foreseeable future as some residents don't feel the new name really makes sense. Until September 2020, Northalsted was more commonly known as Boystown and situated around Halsted from Belmont Avenue to Grace Street. If you're LGBTQ and looking for an apartment, consider one of these gay-friendly Chicago neighborhoods. The state even has an LGBT Chamber of Commerce to help a business become certified as a diverse supplier or find a supplier. Some of the best Chicago neighborhoods for gay people boast sprawling green spaces, lakefront access, a thriving food and drink culture and a welcoming environment. The Windy City is also home to a large LGBTQ+ population.Ĭhicago hosts gay-oriented events and festivals and has an unbelievable nightlife geared toward LGBTQ culture.
Chicago is home to the Willis (Sears) Tower, Magnificent Mile shopping, mouth-watering deep dish pizza and more than 30 miles of lakefront paths.
