A Conservative in Seattle? (Sammamish, Mercer Island: house, neighborhood, quality of life)

[RoundelSix]

This thread is the reverse of several I have read on here. Basically, Seattle is one of the areas I am looking at (job related) for relocation. I am fairly conservative, politically and socially, but I get along fine with people of other viewpoints. For the most part, I really could care less. I'm happy to share my thoughts but don't share unsolicited.

I'm not thin-skinned, and even if the environment were "hostile" it wouldn't be enough to make me scratch WA off my list of potentials. I just figured I'd see what the general attitude toward one like myself might be.

BTW, born and raised (reared, if you want to be technically correct) and currently residing in South Carolina. I am in my mid-twenties and will be completing a Masters degree in May.

[Hemlock140]

In general Seattle and all of King County are considered liberal. Still, there are pockets of conservatives in certain areas, such as Sammamish.
There was even an all conservative Seattle talk radio station until recently, when they went to oldies music.

I have been here 18 years and have not experienced any problems with
political views clashing in normal life. Most people keep their politics to themselves except at election time or organized events.

[eskercurve]

"I'm happy to share my thoughts but don't share unsolicited."

If that is true, and if it is true then you will get along well here. Heck, I was sharing with a friend of mine who moved out here and in a very crowded place I mentioned that I thought abortion was killing a human, and therefore should be illegal in all cases, and nobody even turned their head.

That was a slip up because almost nobody discusses politics openly here. Almost nobody... mention the viaduct or one of a few sore points (parking rates, the viaduct ... the viaduct again, did I mention the viaduct?) and you'll probably get unsolicited feedbdack. So, basic rule of thumb follows your ethos: don't share openly, and share only when solicited and then with humbleness.


If it's also true that you're "not thin-skinned" then you'll do fine as well. Reading the weeklies like Seattle Weekly will have a TON of ultra-left but insightful reading, and if you tire of that, then you can feast your eyes on the plethora of advertising and articles on the arts scene around here.

I think in general if a person moves here and keeps an open mind, they will do well, and I think that's a truism no matter where you go. Do as the Romans do, but hold your personal beliefs unless you decide to change.

[Seacove]

Eskercurve, I think you hit the nail on the head with the word "humbleness". While I'm liberal, I keep my opinions to myself unless asked and in a work environment, say nothing. If someone of an opposing view became confrontational about their politics, I would be offended even if I said nothing. I think a defining characteristic of Seattleites is an innate desire to avoid confrontation. It can lead to being passive-aggressive sometimes and can be viewed as introverted too, but humbleness is always well-received.

[RoundelSix]

Originally Posted by eskercurve

"I'm happy to share my thoughts but don't share unsolicited."

If that is true, and if it is true then you will get along well here. Heck, I was sharing with a friend of mine who moved out here and in a very crowded place I mentioned that I thought abortion was killing a human, and therefore should be illegal in all cases, and nobody even turned their head.

That was a slip up because almost nobody discusses politics openly here. Almost nobody... mention the viaduct or one of a few sore points (parking rates, the viaduct ... the viaduct again, did I mention the viaduct?) and you'll probably get unsolicited feedbdack. So, basic rule of thumb follows your ethos: don't share openly, and share only when solicited and then with humbleness.


If it's also true that you're "not thin-skinned" then you'll do fine as well. Reading the weeklies like Seattle Weekly will have a TON of ultra-left but insightful reading, and if you tire of that, then you can feast your eyes on the plethora of advertising and articles on the arts scene around here.

I think in general if a person moves here and keeps an open mind, they will do well, and I think that's a truism no matter where you go. Do as the Romans do, but hold your personal beliefs unless you decide to change.

Great to hear. I really love hearing other viewpoints because I think it is part of being a well-informed, thinking person. Most opposing viewpoints still have good points as long as they are thought out and backed up.

Originally Posted by Seacove

Eskercurve, I think you hit the nail on the head with the word "humbleness". While I'm liberal, I keep my opinions to myself unless asked and in a work environment, say nothing. If someone of an opposing view became confrontational about their politics, I would be offended even if I said nothing. I think a defining characteristic of Seattleites is an innate desire to avoid confrontation. It can lead to being passive-aggressive sometimes and can be viewed as introverted too, but humbleness is always well-received.

I have found myself highly irritated with individuals with whom I agree - I really think much of it has to do with the approach. Thanks for the feedback, both of these posts are encouraging. Glad to know that the West Coasters would still be willing to be my friend

[CarawayDJ]

I'm just to the right of center and that was a concern of mine as well. I have not relocated there yet, and am not 100% sure I will. BUT, nothing has led me to believe Seattle is an extremist haven. I could care less if I'm amongst moderates of either party. If you look at election results you will see that Republicans still command well over a third of the vote. That's still a sound minority, but does indicate you will hardly be alone. Which neighborhood you settle into will determine a lot. But yeah, it's a concern of mine as well. It's part of my homework and on my mind when I visit. I'm narrowing down to Magnolia, Mercer Island, or elsewhere on the East Side though. Don't think I'll encounter any extremism there. In fact, Seattle doesn't strike me as extremist at all. Might be why it just seems to fit me.

[Three Wolves In Snow]

For the most part, what has been said is true. I lived in Seattle for 13 years and for the most part, people didn't want to talk politics until it was election time and then, boy did some people go overboard.

I'm also conservative and I was held personally responsible by some of my co-workers for Al Gore's loss. That doesn't sit well with me because I don't attack others view points like that.

Another time, I was at a house warming party and for some reason, I have no idea why, someone who barely knew me decided to tell everyone at the party that I voted Republican.

Next thing I knew, some snotty "little girl" started harassing me about it. I told her it was not the time nor place to discuss politics. We were at a party, and to respect the host. She refused to let up. I eventually shot down her misconceptions about a few things and walked away from her.

One of her friends also started talking to me about politics but she was WAY nicer about it and willing to have an open mind. Because of that, we sat a little away from people and shared our ideas and opinions.

That's the norm. The snotty little girl and heated co-workers who voted for Al Gore....that's not the norm.

In general, you'll find people are more liberal just in what they do. People care about the environment, (which so do conservatives), and they recycle a lot!!! which I agree with, (and I know some of my fellow conservatives do not), you may see some rallies from time to time, sign carriers and the like but as someone earlier said, most people in Seattle seem to try to avoid confrontation at all costs.

Sometimes that can be a bit annoying but for the most part, it makes for more pleasantness.

The area? GORGEOUS!!!!! You won't regret it.

[Gaard]

I think it comes down to the maturity level of the people you associate with. I'm a liberal with many liberal friends and associates, but I do count conservatives among my friends and associates (though admittedly they are socially liberal) as well, and have socialized in mixed groups often. My general rule is I don't discuss politics or religion except among close friends and family, but sometimes I will if asked as long as it's done respectfully and with maturity (though I never will in the work place). If I feel the conversation is heading toward becoming aggressive, I will attempt to end it or step away. It's not that I shy away from confrontation so much as I get turned off and lose respect for them (no matter their political persuasion).

Unfortunately, I think many people are succumbing to an increasingly hostile and devisive media and political machine, and perhaps our talk-show culture where we've been trained to wear all of our beliefs, emotions and personal problems on our sleeve. We live in a very complex world that's far from black and white and it's understandable that there is a large spectrum of beliefs from one end to the other. It is actually ok to agree to disagree.

I'm living out of the country at the moment, but if I return to the US it would likely be to Seattle, which is where I lived before I left. There is a great quality of life there, both in the city and outside of it (if you're active and like the outdoors). Politically, in my experience anyway, most people keep their politics to themselves. You could call it a left leaning city, but not far left and not exclusively left. Which is good. It keeps debate alive which is healthy - or can be.

[victorianpunk]

I has less to do with the people around and you and more to do with your own attitude. If you're a fiscal conservative/libertarian, no one will have issues.

As long as your okay with gay people, considering that Seattle has a huge GLBT community and people who aren't gay have at least one close friend who's gay, and as long as you're not a religious fanatic, as Seattle has a massive atheist population, you'll do fine.

[CarawayDJ]

Originally Posted by Gaard

.....I'm a liberal with many liberal friends and associates, but I do count conservatives among my friends and associates (though admittedly they are socially liberal) as well, and have socialized in mixed groups often....

I think most people have close friends and acquaintances across the political spectrum. That can get lost on people sometimes, especially in forums like these where the extremes tend to get exaggerated and receive more attention than they deserve. You sound like the definition of the typical and normal person; not just in Seattle, but anywhere. Anyone that would avoid socializing with someone of a different political orientation is the exception, not the norm.