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Since you've received suggestions that are even warmer, I'll throw out Oak Ridge TN. Very affordable, Highly educated, art center with classes, adult education. Politics are all over the spectrum.
Since you've received suggestions that are even warmer, I'll throw out Oak Ridge TN. Very affordable, Highly educated, art center with classes, adult education. Politics are all over the spectrum.
No denying that part of the country is beautiful, very appealing and probably named Top 10 Destination on the Rise with good reason!
Knoxville, too. No Democrat has represented the district since 1855.
The county primary election turned out 65,000 Republicans and 26,000 Democrats.
Property Assessor 44,000 GOP win.
County commission number of voters turning out seemed to be dominated by GOP.
TN primary election had 855K GOP voters versus 371K Democrats. Now, Trump slayed that state which indicates at least it isn't super ideological like, say, a Cruz state - with demographics dependent on caucus voter party activists. Because Trump's base stretches the spectrum from Democrats to Evangelical GOPs.
Granted, you usually have a higher Democrat turnout in a general election versus primary.
But that county was hugely RED in 2012 with GOP beating DEM by DOUBLE!
I think Obama won only 4. But two of them were the state's LARGEST counties: 232K Shelby (Memphis) and 139K Davidson (Nashville). This is a classic lesson in politics how large Democrat populations are all in urban clusters. Clusters with high demand for "services". Services cost money. Even though I'll mention my GOP county provides plenty of services including free bus transit and we just built a $10 Million Intergenerational Recreational Center. (Even though I wasn't thrilled with that but it was a private/public partnership).
The problem is, when Liberals make this one of their criteria, it doesn't exist.
If the OP were willing to compromise on THAT, their choices would be substantially greater.
IME, when Liberals say they want a Liberal area they mean they want a VISIBLY and VOCAL LIBERAL population. Possibly even "activist". A few years ago when Jacksonville FL put forward a bill to provide LGBT protections, some activists INSISTED on including "gender identification" provisions which became a sticking point. So the entire bill failed which IMO, was really uncalled for.
There are plenty of good places where the politics seem neutral or non-existent (mostly if it's a Republican county). I live in one. Maybe even Knoxville! But if a person wants a loudly LIBERAL place, it's never going to be "highly affordable".
So, OP it seems your two choices in TN are Memphis and Nashville areas.
Now go check out the crime rates.
Last edited by runswithscissors; 06-16-2016 at 07:23 AM..
What? Have you been to Missoula or spent any time in Montana?
Missoula has long been well known as THE (though it is not the only) liberal bastion of the state.
As for the rest of the state, while the politics do lean conservative, this is a "live and let live" kind of place in general, as I find most of the western U.S. to be. But, maybe since I am generally moderate, I'm always puzzled by the need to surround one's self with only those who think the same way.
As noted by another poster, your price range for housing might be a challenge in Missoula, but it's probably doable if you're flexible.
Often, though, when people say they enjoy fall and winter they aren't talking about what we experience here in Montana. Unless there are winter outdoor activities you enjoy or you truly don't mind being inside 6-8 months a year, a location with milder winters might be something to consider.
The air in Montana is dry all year. Your preference for dry air/ humidity might be another factor to consider, beyond just temperatures. A lot of the locations suggested have more moderate temps, and some have very high humidity.
What? Have you been to Missoula or spent any time in Montana?
Missoula has long been well known as THE (though it is not the only) liberal bastion of the state.
As for the rest of the state, while the politics do lean conservative, this is a "live and let live" kind of place in general, as I find most of the western U.S. to be. But, maybe since I am generally moderate, I'm always puzzled by the need to surround one's self with only those who think the same way.
As noted by another poster, your price range for housing might be a challenge in Missoula, but it's probably doable if you're flexible.
Often, though, when people say they enjoy fall and winter they aren't talking about what we experience here in Montana. Unless there are winter outdoor activities you enjoy or you truly don't mind being inside 6-8 months a year, a location with milder winters might be something to consider.
The air in Montana is dry all year. Your preference for dry air/ humidity might be another factor to consider, beyond just temperatures. A lot of the locations suggested have more moderate temps, and some have very high humidity.
That's a good match!
Obama had a clear win in 2012. Governor is a Dem. In the county: Sanders beat Clinton in the primary. Trump slayed Cruz indicating there's not that huge hard line Cruz-esque contingent there.
There's a bunch of houses on Trulia in her price.
The university is close.
I see a bunch of artsy stuff online.
So like you say the vision of fall and winter is different but like you, I agree the humidity is a huge factor elsewhere.
I wouldn't be surprised if the OP adds "walkability" to the wish list though. It's pretty common.
I'm going to weigh in, in favor of Bloomington, Indiana. It really is affordable, somewhat near a major city (Indianapolis), liberal, with a very good university, mild climate, and beautiful scenery. Most of the other towns being discussed fall short in one or more of these variables.
I'm researching different areas of the country, looking for a retirement city/town that is liberal, artsy, well-educated, and highly affordable (condo or small house under 200K, preferable 160K or lower). It would be very nice to have low taxes! I'm liberal (not an anarchist but definitely not a Republican), well-educated, very creative and I enjoy interacting with like-minded people. I'm also a fall and winter person (I hate warm weather but it's inevitable). I've always had a university town in mind, but I worry that since I would not be a part of the university structure, I would be on the outside looking in, which would frustrate me. I looked at Flagstaff and Sedona (way, way overpriced); was not too fond of New Mexico (my apologies to residents); I have Bloomington, IN on the radar screen (but fear the objection above); Tucson would be too hot and too conservative. I would move to California in a second, but I can't afford it; I've investigated the Washington State coast but I don't know if I could handle all the rain (same with Portland); I would probably like Asheville, NC, but prices are through the roof; Austin, TX might work (never been there) except for the heat and high real estate prices.
Are there any smaller, artsy, affordable towns out there, close enough to a bigger city for medical care?
Unfortunately, liberal people usually support land use restrictions that make home prices and rents more expensive, which jacks up the local cost of living. Then they want higher minimum wages to make up for it, which jacks up the COL some more. It's time for people of the liberal persuasion to connect the dots. Even a few left leaning media outlets are admitting as much:
I've always heard Tucson is more liberal than other areas in Arizona. Not like Phoenix and they pride themselves for not being from what I hear. I think there are affordable cities close to Asheville you might try.
Yes, actually Tucson is pretty liberal...definitely more liberal than Phoenix...and I say that as someone who doesn't usually agree with liberals, especially on economic policies.
I'm going to weigh in, in favor of Bloomington, Indiana. It really is affordable, somewhat near a major city (Indianapolis), liberal, with a very good university, mild climate, and beautiful scenery. Most of the other towns being discussed fall short in one or more of these variables.
Eh, call me a spoiled Californian, but I hardly think Bloomington counts as a "mild climate" although maybe the OP would be ok with it.
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I think there are affordable cities close to Asheville you might try.
