Liberal City in North Carolina (Raleigh, Durham: crime, chapel, homes)

[jent85]

My boyfriend and I are recent college graduates from the University of Florida. I'm looking to get into nonprofit work, while he is flexible but has experience managing a restaurant. We were planning a big move to Portland, OR because we love the outdoors, i'm vegan, and we're both liberal minded. Some family problems have arisen and it won't be possible for me to leave the southeast for awhile. I'm tired of Florida (lived here my whole life) and am looking into South Carolina or North Carolina.

Any opinions on cities that have (some) job potential? (stupid economy)
I looked into Asheville for the liberal-ness but found the job market to be stagnant.

How about Charleston? Raleigh? Columbia?

[mm34b]

The Triangle would probably be your best bet, Wake, Durham and Orange counties.

[JJingle]

I second the Triangle.

[mdp_az]

A third for the Triangle. Within the Triangle region, Durham would be the most liberal "city" while Chapel Hill is even more liberal, but more of a large town rather than a small city.

[jent85]

thanks for the help, i'll look into durham, because I am looking for more of a city than a town.

[anifani821]

Well. . . Durham . . . ick. I don't think Durham could be best described as liberal. It's kind of a nasty town except for Duke. Now, outside of Durham . . .

[healinghands]

Triangle area may be closest to Portland for the Southeast US. Better cost of living as well.

[12buttons]

Originally Posted by healinghands

Triangle area may be closest to Portland for the Southeast US. Better cost of living as well.

Nashville TN - cool musicians all over the place - NOT country western exclusively...many from NYC...cheap housing , very young population, great bars and nightlife..

[roncorey1]

Originally Posted by anifani821

Well. . . Durham . . . ick. I don't think Durham could be best described as liberal. It's kind of a nasty town except for Duke. Now, outside of Durham . . .

Don't listen to this GARBAGE!!!

Durham has some very nice neighborhoods (I live in one of them), and has a lot to offer. Durham is much more than Duke University. It has a deep and vibrant history and is very diverse. Areas near Downtown Durham has beautiful older homes with huge oak trees lining the streets. Durham Bulls Athletic Park is one of the best places to go see minor league ballgames. The old ball park hosts jazz and blues festivals. Eno Park has a festival every summer. The Durham Arts Council is very active in the community. The American Tobacco District and Brightleaf Square (downtown) are cool places to hang out at any night of the week.

Yes it has some rough neighborhoods(what city doesn't?) and higher than average crime rate; but Durham is over 200,000 in population and occupies almost 100 square miles! I'm sure you could find something nice.
And if Durham is not liberal, then why do I only see Obama/Biden signs in my subdivision?

[Palmetto Heel]

I'm curious about why you would want to live in NC or SC if you were looking for a "liberal" place to live? There are middle-of-the-road areas in both states but liberal? Not by national standards. You're better off moving to the Pacific NW. Good luck.