Living
Plan now for summer camps
Local schools, centers welcome LGBT families for season’s activities
(iStock photo)
Summer may still be a few months away, but many area camps are already filling up. Here are a few LGBT-welcoming places to check out.
Adventure Theatre (7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo) has a summer camp for children ages 6 to 15. There are six sessions, including a mini session at the beginning of the summer. The mini session lasts a week, while the regular sessions last two weeks, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The sessions end in four full-scale productions with costumes and props on the theater’s main stage.
The mini session is $400 plus a $14 registration fee and the two-week sessions are $800 plus the registration fee. There is also before and after care available at an addition price.
For more information and to begin registration, visit adventuretheatre.org.
Silver Stars Gymnastics has two locations in the area in Silver Spring (2701 Pittman Drive) and Bowie (14201 Woodcliff Court) with summer camp programs for children ages 3 and a half to 15.
Silver Stars gives kids the opportunity to learn cartwheels, navigate the monkey bars and climb the ropes. There are also nine different trampolines for children to safely learn to jump, tuck, twist and flip.
Full days run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with half days running from 9 a.m. to noon. Sessions last a week and are $290 for full day and $220 for half day with the exception of the week of July 4, which is $220 full day and $160 full day.
Parents also have the option for extended mornings for an additional $25 a week and extended afternoons for an additional $50 a week.
For more information, visit gosilverstars.com.
CommuniKids Preschool and Children Language Center offers Spanish, French, Mandarin and Arabic Immersion summer camps for children ages 2 and a half to 6.
The D.C. location (4719 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.) offers a Spanish immersion camp for children ages 2 and a half to 6. The Falls Church location (510 N. Washington St.) offers Spanish and French for children ages 2 and a half to 6 and Arabic and Mandarin Chinese for children ages 3 to 6. Both locations offer morning and afternoon extended care.
Each session, starting July 16, runs a week, with half-day and full-day options. A full-day session, running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., ranges from $375 to $400 and a half-day session, running from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., is $250.00. Before care, starting at 8 a.m. is an additional $20 per session while after care, ending at 6 p.m., is an additional $50 per session.
For more information and to see multi-session discounts, visit communikids.com.
Georgetown Day School offers many different camps, including an option to design your own camp.
For children in pre-school up to fifth grade, there is a day camp that runs from June 18 to Aug. 17. There are also sports camps, including soccer from July 2 to 13, a multi-sports camp from July 16 to 27 and basketball camp from July 30 to Aug. 3. There’s a math camp from June 18 to 29, various music programs running throughout the summer and a typing program. Camps range from $165 to $395 a week with varying times.
Teens rising to sixth grade up to 12th grade have their own programs. There’s a dance camp from June 18 to 29 for different levels, theater camps focusing on acting, the technical side and playwriting from July 27 to Aug. 10, music camps throughout the summer, film and animation from Aug. 20 to 24 and a service learning camp.
For more information and to register, visit gds.org. Camp locations and prices vary based on program.
The YMCA in D.C. offers a variety of camps for kids of all ages.
There’s Camp Sampler, which allows campers to experience programs from other camps, Cooking Delight, where campers learn the basics of cooking and nutrition and Medieval Madness where campers learn about the Middles ages by building castles, moats and playing games.
There are also specialty camps such as Active Arcade where campers play interactive video games like Wii Sports and Dance Dance Revolution, Creative Writing for those future novelists and Harry Potter Wizardy where campers can practice Quidditch, get sorted into a house and more.
The YMCA also offers sports camps, dance camps, art camps and more.
Prices vary based on program and membership with the YMCA. For more information, visit ymcadc.org.
The Lowell School (1640 Kalmia Rd., N.W.) has camps for children ages 3 to 14 beginning June 18.
The summer program is divided into two three-week sessions where campers will be able to participate in several activities each day. Campers in third grade through sixth grade will choose two interest areas in the morning and will spend three weeks focusing on more specialized skills that pertain to that activity.
After a lunch and some free time, campers spend the afternoon by choosing from the “jamboree,” a selection of activities that dance daily. The afternoon activities could include playing kickball, baking brownies or learning to jump double dutch. Campers will also have access to the indoor pool.
There is an application fee of $65 per camper plus a $150 tuition deposit. Each three-week session ranges from $730 to $1,465. There additional charges for after care and other options.
The Green Acres School (11701 Danville Drive, Rockville) has three different camp programs.
The Kreative Kangaroo program is one six-week session from June 18 to July 27. Younger children are introduced to summer camp with a mix of indoor and outdoor activities including science, arts and crafts, swimming and more. These campers must be 4 by Sept. 1.
The Junior Camp Program is one six-week session, also from June 18 to July 27, divided into four units, Unit D acting as a bridge between Junior Camp and Senior Camp. In this program, campers can pursue a special interest and even develop a new one. Activities are chosen on a daily basis. Each unit has a Special Day, when the activities revolve around a particular theme and Units B and C stay late on campus.
The Senior Camp Program is two sessions, June 18 to July 6 and July 9 to July 27. This program is for campers entering fourth to seventh grade. They design their own schedules based on their interests. At least 10 different activities are offered for each of the afternoon workshop periods. They change daily and are chosen the day before. This program also includes day trips and overnights, including a weekly field trip for campers in Units G and H.
Tuition is $2,370 for the six-week sessions, $1,325 for the first senior camp session and $1,500 for the second senior camp session. There is also a $60 application fee, $225 tuition deposit and various other camp fees.
For more information, visit greenacres.org.
Real Estate
Convert rent check into an automatic investment, Marjorie!
Basic math shows benefits of owning vs. renting
Suppose people go out for dinner and everyone is talking about how they are investing their money. Some are having fun with a few new apps they downloaded – where one can round up purchases and then bundle that money into a weekly or monthly investment that grows over time, which is a smart thing to do. The more automatic one can make the investments, the less is required to “think about it” and the more it just happens. It becomes a habit and a habit becomes a reward over time.
Another habit one can get into is just making that rent check an investment. One must live somewhere, correct? And in many larger U.S. cities like New York, Chicago, D.C., Los Angeles, Miami, Charlotte, Atlanta, Dallas, Nashville, Austin, or even most mid-market cities, rents can creep up towards $2,000 a month (or more) with ease.
Well, do the math. At $2,000 per month over one year, that’s $24,000. If someone stays in that apartment (with no rent increases) for even three years, that amount triples to $72,000. According to Rentcafe.com, the average rent in the United States at the end of 2025 was around $1,700 a month. Even that amount of rent can total between $60,000 and $80,000 over 3-4 years.
What if that money was going into an investment each month? Now, yes, the argument is that most mortgage payments, in the early years, are more toward the interest than the principal. However, at least a portion of each payment is going toward the principal.
What about closing costs and then selling costs? If a home is owned for three years, and then one pays out of pocket to close on that home (usually around 2-3% of the sales price), does owning it for even three years make it worth it? It could be argued that owning that home for only three years is not enough time to recoup the costs of mostly paying the interest plus paying the closing costs.
Let’s look at some math:
A $300,000 condo – at 3% is $9,000 for closing costs.
One can also put as little as 3 or 3.5% down on a home – so that is also around $9,000.
If a buyer uses D.C. Opens Doors or a similar program – a down payment can be provided and paid back later when the property is sold so that takes care of some of the upfront costs. Knowledgeable lenders can often discuss other useful down payment assistance programs to help a buyer “find the money.”
Another useful tactic many agents use is to ask for a credit from the seller. If a property has sat on the market for weeks, the seller may be willing to give a closing cost credit. That amount can vary. New construction sellers may also offer these closing cost credits as well.
And that, Marjorie, just so you will know, and your children will someday know, is THE NIGHT THE RENT CHECK WENT INTO AN INVESTMENT ACCOUNT ON GEORGIA AVENUE!
Joseph Hudson is a referral agent with Metro Referrals. Reach him at 703-587-0597 or [email protected].
Some vehicles age quietly — but not muscle cars.
For 2026, the Chevrolet Corvette tightens its focus, fixes one glaring flaw (the previously dowdy interior) and flaunts a futuristic design. The Dodge Charger, on the other hand, is loud and proud, daring you to ignore its presence at your peril.
CHEVROLET CORVETTE
$73,000-$92,000
MPG: 16 city/25 highway
0 to 60 mph: 2.8 seconds
Cargo space: 13 cu. ft.
PROS: Awesome acceleration. Race-car feel. Snazzy cabin.
CONS: No manual transmission. No rear seat. Tight storage.
Finally, the Chevrolet Corvette feels as good inside as it looks flying past you on the freeway. That’s thanks to the classy, completely redesigned cabin. Gone is the old, polarizing wall of buttons in favor of a sleeker, three-screen cockpit. There’s a large digital gauge cluster, a wide infotainment screen angled toward the driver, and a marvy new auxiliary display. Everything is modern and a bit glitzy — but in a good way.
Fit and finish are higher quality than before, and the controls are more intuitive. Chevy’s Performance App is now standard across trims, offering real-time data for drivers who enjoy metrics as much as momentum. And the new interior color schemes, including slick asymmetrical options, let you express yourself without screaming for attention—confidence, not obnoxious bluster.
As for handling, the steering is quick and sure, body control is exceptional, and acceleration is blazingly fast. A mid-engine layout also delivers sublime balance.
Three trim options, including the V8-powered Stingray, the E-Ray (also with a V8 but paired with electric all-wheel drive), and the Z06 and ZR1 variants for racing devotees.
(Note to self: For a truly mind-blowing experience, there’s the new 1,250-horsepower ZR1X all-electric supercar that goes from 0 to 60 mph in less that 2 seconds and is priced starting at $208,000.)
Yes, the ride in any of these Corvettes can be firm. And visibility is, well, rather compromised. But this supercar is a total Dom, not a timid sub. Think Alexander Skarsgard in “Pillion,” and you get the picture.
DODGE CHARGER
$52,000-$65,000
MPG: 16 city/26 highway
0 to 60 mph: 3.9 seconds
Cargo capacity: 22.75 cu. ft.
PROS: Choice of gas or EV power. Modern tech. Spacious cabin.
CONS: No V8 engine (yet). Soft steering. Less-than-lithe cornering.
Everything old is new again for the Dodge Charger. The automaker initially was phasing out gas-powered models in a shift to electric vehicles but then quickly pivoted back to include gas engines after yo-yo regulatory changes this year from, well, the yo-yos in the White House.
Powerful twin-turbo engines in the R/T and Scat Pack trims produce up to 550 horsepower. These models come standard with all-wheel drive but can be switched to rear-wheel drive for classic muscle-car antics when the mood strikes you.
At the same time, Dodge still offers the electric Charger Daytona, delivering up to 670 horsepower and ferocious straight-line acceleration.
The Charger’s aggressive design, massive digital displays and practical hatchback layout carry over, reinforcing its ability to be both a performance diva and everyday companion. With the larger-than-expected storage space, I appreciated being able to fit a boatload of groceries in the trunk during a Costco run.
New wheel designs, paint choices and trim variations help you visually distinguish between gas and electric Chargers. But no matter the model, each one feels decisive and deliberate on the road. Commuting in stop-and-go traffic during rush hour is fine, but this street machine excels at high-speed cruising on the freeway.
The turbo six-cylinder engine delivers muscular torque with less drama than the old V8s, but still with plenty of urgency. The electric Daytona version is a different kind of thrill, with its instant, silent thrust that feels like it could almost launch you to the moon.
Steering is stable but not exactly crisp, and the Charger’s weight makes it less lithe—and lively—than other muscle cars, especially when navigating tight corners.
But that’s just fine with me. Like Bea Arthur as Dorothy in “The Golden Girls,” this no-nonsense muscle car is proud to be big, bold and brassy.
Real Estate
Top buyer-friendly markets for the LGBTQ community
Home should be a place where you can be fully yourself
Buying or selling a home is one of the most meaningful financial and emotional decisions a person can make. For LGBTQ+ individuals and families, that journey can also come with unique considerations — from finding truly inclusive neighborhoods to working with professionals who understand and respect who you are.
The good news? Across the United States, there are increasingly buyer-friendly housing markets where LGBTQ+ home buyers and sellers can find opportunity, affordability, and community. When paired with the right representation, these markets can offer not only strong financial value, but peace of mind.
For more than 30 years, GayRealEstate.com has been the leading source of LGBTQ+ real estate representation, helping LGBTQ+ buyers and sellers connect with vetted, LGBTQ+ friendly real estate agents who understand the nuances of fair housing, legal protections, and inclusive service.
Below, we explore top buyer-friendly markets for the LGBTQ+ community, along with practical tips to help you navigate the process with confidence.
What Makes a Market Buyer-Friendly?
A buyer-friendly market isn’t just about lower prices — especially for LGBTQ+ home buyers. It often includes:
- Increased housing inventory (more choices, less pressure)
- Slower price growth or stabilized pricing
- Greater negotiating power for buyers
- Established or emerging LGBTQ+ communities
- Local protections and inclusive policies
- Access to LGBTQ+ friendly real estate agents and resources
Markets that combine affordability with inclusivity can be especially attractive for first-time gay home buyers, same-sex couples, and LGBTQ+ families planning for long-term stability.
Top Buyer-Friendly Markets for LGBTQ Home Buyers
1. Austin & San Antonio, Texas
Once known for extreme competition, many Texas metros have shifted into more buyer-friendly territory due to increased inventory.
Why it works for LGBTQ+ buyers:
- Strong LGBTQ+ communities, especially in Austin
- More negotiating leverage than in prior years
- Diverse neighborhoods at varying price points
Tip: Texas does not have statewide LGBTQ+ housing protections, making it especially important to work with an experienced LGBTQ+ friendly realtor through GayRealEstate.com.
2. Columbus & Cincinnati, Ohio
Ohio cities continue to attract buyers looking for value without sacrificing culture or inclusivity.
Why it works:
- Lower median home prices
- Growing LGBTQ+ populations
- Strong healthcare, education, and job markets
These cities are particularly appealing for LGBTQ+ buyers relocating from higher-cost coastal markets.
3. Richmond, Virginia
Richmond has become a standout for LGBTQ+ home ownership thanks to affordability, history, and progressive growth.
Highlights:
- Inclusive local culture
- Buyer-friendly price trends
- Walkable neighborhoods popular with LGBTQ+ professionals
4. Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minnesota
The Twin Cities consistently rank high for LGBTQ+ quality of life and legal protections.
Why LGBTQ+ buyers love it:
- Strong anti-discrimination laws
- Stable home values
- Excellent resources for LGBTQ+ families
Minnesota offers one of the safest environments for LGBTQ+ home buyers and sellers navigating the real estate process.
5. Jacksonville & Tampa Bay, Florida
Florida remains complex for LGBTQ+ buyers, but some metros still offer strong buyer opportunity.
What to know:
- Increased inventory = more negotiating power
- Coastal lifestyle at lower cost than South Florida
- Local LGBTQ+ communities continue to grow
Because statewide protections vary, partnering with a GayRealEstate.com LGBTQ+ friendly real estate agent is essential.
Finding LGBTQ-Friendly Neighborhoods
Not every “affordable” neighborhood is inclusive — and safety, comfort, and belonging matter.
When searching for LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhoods:
- Look for visible LGBTQ+ organizations, events, and businesses
- Research local non-discrimination ordinances
- Ask your agent about lived experiences, not just statistics
- Talk to neighbors and local LGBTQ+ groups
Agents in the Gay Real Estate Network often provide insight that listing data alone cannot.
The Importance of LGBTQ Real Estate Representation
While fair housing laws exist, LGBTQ+ housing discrimination still happens — sometimes subtly, sometimes overtly.
Working with an LGBTQ+ friendly real estate agent helps ensure:
- Respectful communication
- Advocacy during negotiations
- Awareness of legal protections
- A safer, more affirming experience
GayRealEstate.com has spent over three decades building the most trusted network of gay realtors, lesbian real estate agents, and LGBTQ+ friendly real estate professionals nationwide.
Legal Protections Every LGBTQ Buyer and Seller Should Know
Federal protections now include sexual orientation and gender identity under the Fair Housing Act, but enforcement and local laws vary.
Before buying or selling:
- Understand your state and local protections
- Know how to document discriminatory behavior
- Work with professionals who take advocacy seriously
- Use trusted LGBTQ+ real estate resources
GayRealEstate.com agents are experienced in helping clients navigate these realities with confidence.
Tips for LGBTQ Home Buyers & Sellers
- Get pre-approved early to strengthen your buying position
- Interview agents and ask direct questions about LGBTQ+ experience
- Don’t ignore your instincts — comfort matters
- Plan long-term: community, schools, healthcare, and protections
- Use LGBTQ+-specific resources rather than generic searches
Buyer-friendly markets create opportunity — but representation creates security.
Whether you’re a first-time gay home buyer, a same-sex couple relocating, or an LGBTQ+ seller preparing for your next chapter, choosing the right market and the right representation makes all the difference.
For over 30 years, GayRealEstate.com has been the trusted leader in LGBTQ+ real estate, connecting buyers and sellers with professionals who understand the importance of inclusion, advocacy, and respect.
Your home should be more than a place to live — it should be a place where you can be fully yourself.
Scott Helms is president and owner of Gayrealestate.com.
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