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New Jersey is generally known as a progressive state with many towns passing ordinances protecting the LGBTQ community, but which towns are the most LGBTQ friendly?

In a recent survey, New Jersey Gay Life asked readers to rank towns they believe are the most welcoming communities. While many of these towns were not necessarily ranked on this list, we will be examining those and putting together a more detailed look at some of the top spots for LGBTQ travelers and residents alike

What Makes a Town LGBTQ Friendly?

There are many things that make a town LGBTQ-friendly. Still, some of the most important factors include having an inclusive ordinance, having a large and active LGBTQ community, and welcoming transgender and gender non-conforming individuals.

Inclusive Ordinances

An inclusive ordinance is a law or policy that protects LGBTQ people from discrimination. In New Jersey, there are currently 24 towns with inclusive ordinances, which is more than any other state in the country. These towns range in size from small villages to major cities. They include:

Large and Active LGBTQ Communities

Another critical factor that makes a town LGBTQ-friendly has a large and active LGBTQ community. This means that there are plenty of places for people to socialize and connect with others who share their experiences. In New Jersey, there are many towns with thriving LGBTQ communities, including:

Transgender Inclusivity

Ensuring that transgender and gender non-conforming individuals feel welcome in a community is also an essential aspect of making a town truly LGBTQ-friendly. While some cities have ordinances protecting the trans community from discrimination or passed specific laws for their city or school district dealing with bathrooms or locker rooms, others are less strict in their policies regarding how they deal with this group of people. Some towns also have more services available for this than others. However, there is always room for improvement, and no city can be considered perfect when it comes to transgender inclusivity.

Mental Health Resources

Mental health resources in New Jersey are plentiful, with most towns having at least one LGBTQ-specific clinic or organization. However, not all towns have the same level of resources, and some are better equipped to deal with LGBTQ mental health issues than others.

The 5 Most LGBTQ Friendly Towns in New Jersey

Now that we have looked at what makes a town LGBTQ-friendly, let's look at the five towns voted as the most welcoming by New Jersey Gay Life readers.

Annandale

Coming in at number one is the town of Annandale. This small community of 4,500 people is known for being welcoming and inclusive of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. In fact, the town has had an ordinance protecting LGBTQ residents since 2002. There are also a number of businesses and organizations that cater to the LGBTQ community, making it a great place to live or visit.

Asbury Park

The coastal town of Asbury Park came in second on the list with high marks for its diversity and inclusion. The town is home to a large LGBTQ population. In addition, it has been at the forefront of many critical civil rights victories, including being one of the first towns in New Jersey to offer domestic partnership benefits to its employees. Asbury Park is also home to a number of LGBTQ-friendly businesses and organizations, making it a great place to live or visit.

Montclair

In third place is the town of Montclair, which is known for its progressive values and open-mindedness. The town has been at the forefront of many LGBTQ civil rights victories, including being one of the first towns in New Jersey to offer domestic partnership benefits to its employees. Montclair is also home to a number of LGBTQ-friendly businesses and organizations, making it a great place to live or visit.

Hoboken

Coming in fourth is the city of Hoboken. This vibrant city is known for its diversity and inclusion, with a large LGBTQ population and a number of businesses and organizations that cater to the city's LGBTQ residents. Location-wise, Hoboken is only a short drive from New York City and provides visitors with easy access to the Big Apple.

Trenton

In fifth place is Trenton, the capital city of New Jersey. As one of the state's most historically significant cities, Trenton has been at the forefront of many critical civil rights victories, including being one of the first towns in New Jersey to offer domestic partnership benefits to its employees. There are also a number of businesses and organizations that cater to the LGBTQ community in Trenton, making it a great place to live or visit.

The Bottom Line

While no town can be considered perfect when it comes to transgender inclusivity, the five towns listed above are a great place to start. These towns have demonstrated their dedication to LGBTQ rights and equality by passing ordinances and laws protecting the trans community and providing several resources for LGBTQ residents and visitors. So if you're looking for a welcoming and inclusive place to live or visit, look no further than the five most LGBTQ-friendly towns in New Jersey!