Why some LGBTQ+ home buyers are moving to the Twin Cities

People need to earn $150,000 to afford the typical home in queer-friendly areas — nearly 50% higher than in areas without LGBTQ+ protections, according to a new Redfin study.

Why it matters: The Twin Cities ranks among the more affordable U.S. metros where state laws protect LGBTQ+ people from housing discrimination , per Redfin.

The big picture: Some LGBTQ+ homebuyers are moving to the Twin Cities because of politics in their home states, says Edina Realty agent Sarah Rostance, Minnesota chapter president of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance.

• As other states move to restrict LGBTQ+ rights , Minnesota lawmakers have sought more protections, including for those relocating to the state for gender-affirming care .

What they're saying: Despite initial concerns about unwelcoming neighbors and that agents or lenders "might not take us seriously, as we are young and LGBTQ+ on top of that," Liz Smithson and her wife are happy with their decision to purchase an Edina condo in 2020.

• "The Twin Cities is a pretty open-minded and welcoming space," Smithson tells Axios.

Between the lines: There are often both financial and safety considerations for LGBTQ+ house shoppers.

• Saba Asefa, who owns a home with her wife in Saint Anthony Village, suggests LGBTQ+ house hunters scroll forums like Reddit and City-Data.com, and look for Pride flags in front of properties.
• "Our friends specifically bought in [Minneapolis'] Victory neighborhood because they read online that it has a welcoming queer culture," Asefa tells Axios.

Reality check: The LGBTQ+ homeownership rate is 20 percentage points lower than the rate for straight and cisgender people, according to the Urban Institute .

• That's largely because LGBTQ+ people are younger and therefore have less wealth, the researchers say.
• It's also partly due to income inequality, especially among trans people of color.
• Meanwhile, larger cities (often with higher costs of living) tend to offer more LGBTQ+ protections.

LGBTQ+ individuals "who are disowned, kicked out and overall removed from their family" don't get financial help from their parents, Duluth homeowner Zach Johnson says.

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