Want to ive in a blue state!! (Minneapolis, St. Paul: rental, health insurance)

[allison nash]

I currently live in a red state, and I got the red state blues! I became disabled shortly after moving here, and it's very disabled unfriendly. I am a single parent with 4 kids (all adopted thru the foster care system, some have IEP's) and am looking for a family friendly city or town, not too big, affordable, with good schools and rental options. I have lived in Minnesota in the distant past, and more recently in the Berkshires, so I do know winter. Thanks for any advice

[moving123456]

California?

[Slig]

The "bluest" parts of Minnesota are in the larger cities, Minneapolis, St. Paul and Duluth. Most of the smaller towns in the state are on the conservative side from my experience.

[gearedtowardssalad]

Voting figures show this but I have experienced the exact opposite to be honest. Weird stuff.

[allison nash]

Thanks for your responce. I don't necessarily want to live in a "blue" community, just a State that values all it's citizens and make's it possible to retain a shred of dignity dispite a disability.

[Slig]

Originally Posted by allison nash

Thanks for your responce. I don't necessarily want to live in a "blue" community, just a State that values all it's citizens and make's it possible to retain a shred of dignity dispite a disability.

Could you elaborate a little on how your state is so disable unfriendly and what that has to do with the fact that it's a red state? I want to help you but to do so I'll need more background information.

[Globe199]

Originally Posted by allison nash

Thanks for your responce. I don't necessarily want to live in a "blue" community, just a State that values all it's citizens and make's it possible to retain a shred of dignity dispite a disability.

Well, that isn't Minnesota anymore. The governor is dead-set on slashing health insurance and other programs for the poor.

[scolls]

Isn't Pawlenty a republican? If you want a blue state, look to the Northeast.

[uptown_urbanist]

Minnesota is just as blue as the NE - what about Mitt Romney? Although unfortunately MN does have its share of conservatives who have found power, Pawlenty and some others among them. On the other hand, this is still strong DFL land.

Still, I think you're not going to find a good place based strictly on larger "blue" or "red" map colors. Minnesota has a strong history of good social services, but the current governor is determined to knock MN off its historical path. Are you looking for particular government-sponsored services? I guess I agree with Slig - if you can be more specific about exactly what you're looking for will get better responses. MN is overall a blue state, but there are patches of "red". I don't necessarily think that will translate into valuing citizens or respecting those with disabilities, although it is the case that "red" voters are less likely to vote for program funding (which I think you can argue translates into lack of value for its citizens, but that doesn't mean that anyone is going to think less of you personally). I'm assuming you're talking about some sort of funding issue, otherwise the local community values would be of more significance than the state government's view.

I think MN's "red" areas are heavily in the Twin City exurbs, with the cities themselves remaining firmly blue. I think the Iron Range is still pretty blue, isn't it? Maybe somewhere up there would be an affordable, family-friendly town? Or elsewhere in northern MN? If you do need special disability services you'll want somewhere big enough for that; maybe somewhere like Duluth or Bemidji would be an option. I think most places will have decent schools.

[allison nash]

Thanks for all the replies. I worked my tail off for 25 years, raised 1 kid and adopted 4 from the fostercare system, but the minute I became disabled, the social service agencies here act like you're trying to defraud the government. I guess I consider Minnesota as a state that still will value what I previously did. Also, 1 of my kids is black, and I want an environment that will be accepting. I'm looking for inexpensive housing, primarily.