Considering moving from Seattle to Knoxville (Halls: fit in, transplants, home)

[andy789]

I am considering moving to Knoxville from Seattle for graduate school. I am originally from the South but have found that I feel more at home in Seattle because my politics and religious views are more to the left. I also know, however, that I would find communities of like-minded people in Knoxville. If anyone has any thoughts on being a liberal in this more conservative area, I'd be thankful for your thoughts. Thanks!

[JMT]

Originally Posted by andy789

I am considering moving to Knoxville from Seattle for graduate school. I am originally from the South but have found that I feel more at home in Seattle because my politics and religious views are more to the left. I also know, however, that I would find communities of like-minded people in Knoxville. If anyone has any thoughts on being a liberal in this more conservative area, I'd be thankful for your thoughts. Thanks!

Yes, Knoxville is a pretty conservative city, and Knox County is overwhelmingly conservative. I think in the last election the GOP won Knox County by something like 80/20 but they won Knoxville city by something like 51/49. Keep in mind that even most Democrats around here are pretty conservative.

But as you said, there are definite pockets of liberalism in Knoxville particularly among the university community, especially among graduate students and most certainly among the faculty. You won't have any problems at all finding folks who agree with you.

You'll find that East Tennesseans generally have a live-and-let-live attitude. As long as you don't shove your opinions in people's faces, no one will really care for whom you vote.

[oldmanbob]

Agree again with JMT, folks here will accept you, and not a problem. In fact, we have a large increase of out of state people here, from all over, and you will find about whatever you want. You do have to start wearing the big orange colors, to really fit in.

[NorthPoleMarathoner]

Originally Posted by andy789

I am considering moving to Knoxville from Seattle for graduate school. I am originally from the South but have found that I feel more at home in Seattle because my politics and religious views are more to the left. I also know, however, that I would find communities of like-minded people in Knoxville. If anyone has any thoughts on being a liberal in this more conservative area, I'd be thankful for your thoughts. Thanks!

I lived in Seattle for a long time and have been living an hour west of Knoxville for 8 years now.

You won't have any problems.

Matter of fact, the only people I hear talking about politics are libs.

[knoxgirl80]

I agree with all of the comments. I would consider myself liberal, but always enjoy a good debate from any side of the political spectrum. I lived in Boulder, CO for several years (which is probably one of the more liberal places I can think of). I came to Knoxville for grad school and decided to stay. You can find plenty of open minded people here no matter if they are conservative or liberal or anything in between. As far as places in Knoxville to live that are considered more "liberal" I would say the university area and North Knoxville. More conservative area would be west knoxville, but there is still a good mix everywhere. Good luck with your search!

[creeksitter]

I say the most conservative area is Halls. West knoxville has a wider variety of transplants.