Lancaster LGBTQ City Guide
Jeff Hammerberg
Founder & President @ GayRealEstate.com | LGBTQ+ Representation Nationwide
Tucked away in the Antelope Valley in Southern California, Lancaster sits in the western part of the Mojave Desert. Although it’s in the desert, it’s also not far from downtown Los Angeles, which means it’s near many of the other cities that make up the suburban Los Angeles area. It's a diverse city and one that is full of opportunity, as it is home to several major corporations and contractors, as well as the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center and other government agencies. Even better, it is a city with a welcoming LGBT community where all can feel welcome and at home. If you’re thinking of finding your next home in Lancaster, chances are, you’ll find plenty about it to love!
A Look at Lancaster's History
The Antelope Valley’s central geography historically served as an important hub of a trade route for tribes trading between the California coast, the Central Valley, the Great Basin, and the pueblos of Arizona. While the area itself has a long history, Lancaster itself is a relatively new city, being officially incorporated less than 50 years ago in 1977. Since its founding, it has grown quickly, both due to the many businesses located in the area, as well as a result of its proximity to Los Angeles and other surrounding suburbs. As it grew, it became an important center of industry and innovation, and it remains so to this day. It also became increasingly diverse and today it is a thriving, welcoming, vibrant city where all can find their place and feel at home.
A Few Fun Facts About Lancaster
· Lancaster’s Western Hotel was built in 1866 and is the oldest structure still standing in the city.
· Lancaster is home to the Aerospace Walk of Honor, which celebrates test pilots who made important contributions to Edwards Air Force Base, which is located in the Lancaster area.
· Lancaster’s West Avenue “G”, is the only “musical road” in the United States. The ridges on the side of the road are designed in such a way that driving over them produces a tune.
Read more fun facts about Lancaster here.
Lancaster’s LGBTQ Community
Lancaster is a city with a thriving and diverse LGBTQ community that is supported by various resources, including:
PFLAG Antelope Valley is Lancaster’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization. PFLAG is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country and has 500 chapters with more than 200,000 members in the United States. PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community, and offers monthly support meetings, as well as resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities for the LGBTQ community, friends, and allies.
What's the Weather Like in Lancaster?
Those who live in Lancaster can expect plenty of the sunshine and warm weather that California is so well known for. Summers in Lancaster can be quite warm, with highs in July reaching around 98°F in July, and winters can occasionally get chilly, reaching lows of around 32° in January. Spring and fall are generally mild and pleasant and are wonderful times to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Lancaster receives about 8 inches of rain each year, and around 1 inch of snow.
Can’t-Miss Events in Lancaster
LA Pride may be a bit of a drive from Lancaster – but that hour or so trip is well worth it. LA Pride is one of the biggest, most vibrant, and most exciting pride celebrations in the entire country. The festivities include a parade, parties, family-friendly activities, and many other events. It’s one party that you'll definitely want to put on your calendar.
If you’re in Lancaster, the California Poppy Festival is one event you’ll have to put on your list. The annual festival celebrates the abundant natural beauty of the Antelope Valley area – particularly, poppies! It offers plenty of vendors, food, and fun, and it is always a well-attended event each year.
The Best Neighborhoods in Lancaster
If you’re thinking of making a move to Lancaster, you will find that the entire city is very welcoming. Unlike some cities that tend to have one specific “gayborhood,” the LGBTQ community in Lancaster is sprinkled throughout the city, so there are many neighborhoods that would make wonderful places to call home. It is always advised to contact a Lancaster gay realtor who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find the perfect home in the ideal neighborhood. The current median list price of homes for sale in Lancaster is around $475,000.
Arts and Entertainment
Lancaster Performing Arts Center
The Lancaster Performing Arts Center is an excellent local theatre providing world-class entertainment. Since 1991, it has been challenging, inspiring, and engaging visitors with a wide variety of performances. Make sure to enjoy a show (or several!) for yourself.
The Lancaster Museum of Art and History, or MOAH, for short, is a stunning, modern museum dedicated to the appreciation of art, history, and culture in the Antelope Valley. The museum collects post-war period and contemporary art in a variety of mediums and even has many offerings for younger visitors as well.
Parks and Recreation
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
If you want a quick trip away to relax and refresh in nature, definitely give the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve a try. This beautiful, state-protected reserve is located in the western Mojave Desert at an elevation ranging from 2600-to 3000 feet, and while every time of year is a beautiful time to visit, during spring especially, there are a beautiful variety of wildflowers blooming around the park.
The American Heroes Park is a beautiful park and recreation facility located just one block north of BLVD downtown area in Lancaster. Visitors can enjoy playgrounds, soccer and baseball fields, basketball and handball courts, and plenty of places to simply relax picnic, and enjoy a beautiful Lancaster day.
Lancaster Nightlife
If you love great beer, delicious food, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere, you’ll definitely want to give Kinetic Brewing Company a try. This popular microbrewery is located in the heart of the historic downtown area, and it’s a great place to stop on a night out in the city.
If you’re looking for one of the most popular LGBTQ hangouts in the Lancaster area, look no further than Exotico Nightclub. The club offers strong drinks, great music, dancing, and friendly crowds.
Contact a Lancaster Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Lancaster, 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 Lancaster, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Lancaster gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!