Out Traveler has named Chicago's Boystown area as top "Incomparable Gay Neighborhood" in an annual rating by the magazine.
The runner-up is The Mission in San Francisco.
Here is what Out Traveler noted about Boystown, which is centered around Halsted between Belmont and Waveland: "Are you surprised? Chicago's sizeable and friendly LGBT neighborhood, referred to as'Boystown' ( and sometimes 'Wrigleyville' ), was voted best gay neighborhood in the world, beating areas in other cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Barcelona, and Madrid. Chicago's Boystown, centered around Halsted Street, was the nation's first officially-recognized gay village in the U.S. and is the home to a large Pride celebration, as well as Market Days, an unrivaled August street party. The neighborhood has everything you could want: bars, clubs, restaurants, architecture, walkability, its own El stop, and now marriage equality ( Illinois legalized same-sex unions in 2012 ). It also seems more welcoming than some other gayborhoods that shall remain nameless. ..."
See www.outtraveler.com/best-travel/out-traveler-awards-2013/2014/01/01/out-traveler-award-winner-incomparable-gay .