A hello and a question

[Tennman44]

Hi Jacksonville! I currently live in Tennessee but will be moving fairly soon. I'm seriously considering a move to Jacksonville but first I need to know if it is a gay-friendly place. I've read that Jacksonville is quite conservative but also has a diverse population. Is there a part of town that is more gay-friendly than another? Thank you for any help you can give.

[Miss Fixit]

Two of Jacksonville's historic districts - Springfield and Riverside - are truly gay-friendly.

[Garden guy]

IT's extremely conservative with a church on every corner and one in particular has had it's teeth in jax for many many years..but the weathers nice and it's pretty safe for glbt..once here you'll build a great net of family...it's a small group but very supportive...good luck and hopefully welcome.

[Jimmy]

It's not so bad.  The community has largely been a "closeted" one or out-of-the-spotlight community.  Depending on where in Tennessee you live now, it's probably pretty similar culturally.

But over the past few years, our GLBT community has pulled together, developed many new resources, and begun to take our place at the table of Jacksonville civic life.

I wouldn't describe Jacksonville as a gay-friendly place.  But it's a friendly place and becoming more open and aware and friendly to our community.  Come on down and check it out.

I recommend Riverside/Avondale as the epicenter of GLBT life in the city.  Most of our bars are in the vicinity, our churches, our businesses, our social services/service organizations.  Really, anywhere in the "urban core" of Jacksonville would be ideal including Springfield, San Marco, Riverside/Avondale or Murray Hill.

Connect with some of our organizations on Facebook and get to know us. 

www.rivercitypride.com
www.rainbowhousejax.com
www.jaxequality.org

[The Compound]

Definitely Riverside/Avondale, then also SanMarco and Springfield.
I think 32204 is said to be the gayest zip code in Jax.   

[Jimmy]

Certainly a mix between 32204 and 32205.   Census data backs that up, I do believe!

[Tennman44]

Thank you all for your help. I'm not completely "out" yet but will be soon so I know I'll have to look for a new place to live since I currently live in a very gay-UNfriendly town. I've done a small amount of research on Jacksonville so I know basically where Riverside and San Marco are. I like the location of San Marco but I got the impression that it is more wealthy family oriented than gay oriented. Of course, ya'll know better than I which parts of town would welcome me. If I move to your fine town (which I truly hope to do) I'll most likely end up in Riverside/Avondale.

[BridgeTroll]

Just curious... What town in Tennessee?

[Tennman44]

The Knoxville area.

[Jimmy]

I'd say that your read on San Marco ($$) vs. Riverside is correct.  Good luck with everything!

[Tennman44]

Thank you so much.

[RiversideLoki]

Riverside... gay neighbors always have the best parties.

[jcjohnpaint]

I have lots of gay friends here and see couples holding hands etc.  I never sensed hostility, but I am sure every area has it jerks.  From what I have seen/ pretty gay friendly city.

[finehoe]

Your age will have a bearing on which 'hood you're likely to prefer as well.

[Dog Walker]

Riverside... gay neighbors always have the best parties.

Second that!