is Charleston conservative? (Columbia: neighborhoods, pre-k, living in)

[lululoo]

hello-

i am currently living in Savannah (been there for about 6mos) and had occasion to visit Charleston. i found it really lovely, reminded me quite a bit of neighborhoods in DC and Alexandria, VA, where i am originally from. after the possibility of a job was offered, i am thinking of relocating.

my question is this-- is it a really conservative city? i notice many of the posters on here mention churches and Christian community. that is fantastic, but i am a Buddhist, and not so interested in joining a Christian church. i also have friends of many stripes-- gay, straight, black, white, purple haired, single momed, etc. am i looking at a social life of Burberry scarves and sports bars? what does the presence of the Citadel add to the political and social climate of the city? am i being a scaredy cat?

for reference, my favorite places to live have been San Francisco, New Orleans pre-Katrina, and Seattle (though I hated the weather).

Thanks so much!

[BrickG]

It is more progressive than would appear. Time is having its effect in Charleston just as it is in Austin, Texas.

[SCBeaches]

We are a FAR cry from San Francisco, though.

[OrangeCountyGirl]

SC-

LOL!

That is for sure.

[lenniel]

That's like asking "Is Chicago cold?"
Well, yes, sometimes. But during April-Nov it's beautiful and during July/August can be down right hot.

Every city is going to have it's pockets of rights/lefts.

[lululoo]

Originally Posted by lenniel

That's like asking "Is Chicago cold?"
Well, yes, sometimes. But during April-Nov it's beautiful and during July/August can be down right hot.

Every city is going to have it's pockets of rights/lefts.

true, true, maybe i should make myself clearer. let me rephrase.

is there such diversity among the populace that things like tattoos, weird hair colors and dress, go uncommented upon?

is it easy to meet people if you are outgoing, or is there a degree of reserve among the locals that makes it difficult to get to know them?

are there things to do at night that don't involve sports or church groups?

how tolerant is the attitude toward gays?

what is the arts scene like? local music scene?

how "republican" or "democrat" of a place is it?

hope that's a little clearer

[waccamatt]

Charleston is fairly liberal - in the city. The suburbs would be much less so. I am gay and Columbia and Charleston are the only 2 cities where I would live in South Carolina.

[nuevaluz]

My nephew, who lives in James Is, has lots of tattoos and facial piercings. He has a great job and active social life, and says he hasn't gotten much shade because of how he looks.