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I've spent the past several days looking at many forum threads in the Charleston and Myrtle Beach formats, and am trying to determine which of these areas is, in general, more or less conservative than the other. It seems a common opinion that Columbia is probably the most liberal area in the state. I've visited all of these areas several times in the past 8-9 years, and enjoyed them all. I am considering a permanent move to SC, and there are some specific areas I'm interested in. On one hand, I like the Garden City-Surfside-Murrells Inlet strand. Close enough to MB, not too far from the beach. On the other hand, perhaps the Johns/James Islands-Summerville-Mt Pleasant areas around Charleston. I don't do well in very blue areas, very liberal communities. No disrespect to those who embrace Obamacare while driving their Prius to the antigun rally-I just know what doesn't work for me. Any thoughts on these areas as far as left or right leanings? Any areas in the greater Charleston area I haven't mentioned. FWIW, I'm probably looking to purchase a small home, 2 bed/1.5 to 2 baths, with no HOA, for under $175K. From what I've seen on MLS and Zillow listings, that seems reasonable. Thanks!
Don't know about Columbia being the most liberal. Well, in SC, its more accurate to use the phrase "least conservative", as the entire state is a red state, not anywhere that's really "liberal" as a whole.
I've lived all over the state. Greenville, Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Charleston, some time in Florence and Rock Hill.
I find the state to be more conservative the farther inland from the coast you go. With all the transplants, tourists, college kids, military families from all over, bars, arts, etc, in Charleston, it tends to be a little less conservative than the other parts of the state. Same with Myrtle Beach, just a different flavor of less conservative.
The Music Farm, long time live music venue in Charleston, is opening a new one in Columbia. They had an interview about it, and said how they'll host "a lot more country here than in Charleston" due to demographics.
Generally, the more rural/suburban you go, the redder it gets. The urban cores of all the major cities seem to be the few areas of the state with a bluer concentration.
However, the liberal caricature you are concerned about isn't extremely common in SC, so I think you're worried about nothing.
When people talk about liberal areas many are basing it on how the area voted. Well typically in a locale where there are many young people and many minorities, that area will tend to vote Democratic and appear to be Blue. Offsetting this is that few young people and minorities are part of the local "powers to be" thus those same areas remain Red when push comes to shove.
Many northerners that retire here (especially along the coast) are liberal in many views (religion, marriage, gays, Affordable Care, etc.) more then the born and raised South Carolinian might be but they are financially conservative. Their voting can throw the "colors" off. As an example they might vote liberal for looser liquor laws, gambling, abortion, etc. but then vote conservative on financial issues.
I believe the less educated, the more a bible thumper, the more rural, the less travelled, the lower the income, etc. the more right wing an area will be so look for towns that are older, more established, rural, have less transplants, hard line churches, etc. Also look for tucks with gun racks and for those that believe Waffle House is dining out. Drop your anchor there and watch the Prius's drive on by as they have no reason to stop.
I believe the less educated, the more a bible thumper, the more rural, the less travelled, the lower the income, etc. the more right wing an area will be so look for towns that are older, more established, rural, have less transplants, hard line churches, etc. Also look for tucks with gun racks and for those that believe Waffle House is dining out. Drop your anchor there and watch the Prius's drive on by as they have no reason to stop.
Is it possible to have a discussion about political views without labeling or attempting to demean people?
Would it be just as fair to say the less educated, morally void, the more inner city, less traveled, lower income etc the more left wing an area will be? No, because it inflamatory and pointless. I'm not saying you need to be PC in your language, but there's no need to intentionally choose known aggressive labels that just causes people to become polarized.
Quote:
Originally Posted by johngolf
Many northerners that retire here (especially along the coast) are liberal in many views (religion, marriage, gays, Affordable Care, etc.) more then the born and raised South Carolinian might be but they are financially conservative. Their voting can throw the "colors" off. As an example they might vote liberal for looser liquor laws, gambling, abortion, etc. but then vote conservative on financial issues.
Many northers that retire or move here do so because they are fed up with the liberal politics and high cost of living due to taxes. While they may throw the 'colors' off, many are more libertarian than liberal and want less government and more fiscal responsibility. Abortion tends to be a topic that cuts across political boundaries as there are many in both right and left wing parties that do not support their party's official position.
You'll see in Mt Pleasant that many are very fiscally conservative but socially libertarian. This area has a very high amount of out of state transplants.
Longer than usual...surprised he held out that long myself.
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