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First, a disclaimer: I don't mean the title of my post to seem judgmental (although I'm sure my disclaimer probably makes me seem even MORE so)...The Girlfriend and I are big ol' lefties (she's 44, I'm 53), and we are enduring our (hopefully) last Minnesota winter. I've travelled a lot in my more Bohemian days (did standup comedy during the 'boom'), and she's spent time in Dallas, Minneapolis, and Tucson.
I'm a comedy writer, so I can work from anywhere...the GF has worked in radio as a commercial traffic director, but would be initially looking for generic office/admin gigs. I'm Jewish, and though I don't need to feel like I'm in little Tel Aviv, I'd like there to be a Jewish community. We both have some mobility issues, and though she drives, we need some public transit.
We realize that there will be kindred spirits in every major city, and that there are 'liberal' cities with LESS winter than Minneapolis. eliminated Texas (unrelenting heat) and the West Coast (though I'm from L.A., I'd like to minimize my chances of being in an apocalyptic earthquake).
On the other hand, it seems that, if we want a mild four-season climate (without a punishing winter), an urban feel and a strong creative presence, we're looking at traditionally 'red' states. We think either Atlanta or Charlotte could be a good fit, but where would we feel least out of place--Georgia or North Carolina?
I realize that most of my terms are vague ('red,' 'liberal,' 'urban,' 'creative,'out of place,' 'Georgia'--wait, I guess that one's not vague). Anyway, if anybody feels like jumping in, we would appreciate any insights. Thanks!
First, a disclaimer: I don't mean the title of my post to seem judgmental (although I'm sure my disclaimer probably makes me seem even MORE so)...The Girlfriend and I are big ol' lefties (she's 44, I'm 53), and we are enduring our (hopefully) last Minnesota winter. I've travelled a lot in my more Bohemian days (did standup comedy during the 'boom'), and she's spent time in Dallas, Minneapolis, and Tucson.
I'm a comedy writer, so I can work from anywhere...the GF has worked in radio as a commercial traffic director, but would be initially looking for generic office/admin gigs. I'm Jewish, and though I don't need to feel like I'm in little Tel Aviv, I'd like there to be a Jewish community. We both have some mobility issues, and though she drives, we need some public transit.
We realize that there will be kindred spirits in every major city, and that there are 'liberal' cities with LESS winter than Minneapolis. eliminated Texas (unrelenting heat) and the West Coast (though I'm from L.A., I'd like to minimize my chances of being in an apocalyptic earthquake).
On the other hand, it seems that, if we want a mild four-season climate (without a punishing winter), an urban feel and a strong creative presence, we're looking at traditionally 'red' states. We think either Atlanta or Charlotte could be a good fit, but where would we feel least out of place--Georgia or North Carolina?
I realize that most of my terms are vague ('red,' 'liberal,' 'urban,' 'creative,'out of place,' 'Georgia'--wait, I guess that one's not vague). Anyway, if anybody feels like jumping in, we would appreciate any insights. Thanks!
Check out Raleigh-Durham, lot of liberal transplants.
every city in the south has plenty of liberals though.
You would probably enjoy the Noda or Plaza Midwood neighborhoods in Charlotte. But Atlanta and Raleigh-Durham were the first cities that came to mind. Actually, Asheville was the very first cities, but that would defeat the purpose of escaping winters.
OP - Pretty much every large city in the south will be at least somewhat liberal. The thing I will warn you about is not to discount the the impact of state politics on your life. We lived for many years in Houston - a liberalish city, and had no problem finding like-minded folks to run around with. But state policies and practices around social issues (e.g., lgbt rights, women's health) and quality of life issues (e.g., lack of support for funding public transportation) were able to reach us, deep within the cocoon of Houston's inner loop. On top of it, it became just a bit depressing to realize that none of our candidates for state office were ever going to win.
If you follow politics, I don't have to tell you that Georgia and NC have some pretty conservative leadership at the state level and it doesn't appear likely to change in the next few cycles. I am not trying to rain on your parade - just offer some personal experience you can take into consideration as you make your own decisions about whether and where to relocate.
This resource (city-data.com) amazes me...I'm grateful for so many quick responses.
Francis--thanks for the recommendation-the Triangle area intrigues us, but Charlotte, being larger, will give us more of a city feel we want...
R. Talbott--both of those neighborhoods seem appealing--thanks!
Peter--I think of the two, we would 'fit' better in Atlanta.
jm02--You point to the exact concern we have about being out of sync with the state, even if we dig the city. We saw an interesting Bill Moyers special about N.C. politics--at least it seems that there are other voices in the debate there, like the Moral Mondays movement. That intrigued us.
Last edited by mistercomedy; 01-05-2014 at 05:59 PM..
Reason: wanted to expand upon a comment
atlanta is probably the most liberal place out of all of these, but weather wise... i mean yeah, it's not minnesota, but it's not going to be warm in the winter.
Why would you care so much about politics when it comes to visiting a place? I'm a conservative and I lived in California for a while, even though I thought their politics sucked it didn't effect my enjoyment of the state. Politics is just one aspect, and shouldn't be the most important one either IMO.
I recommend Miami. It has some conservatives but some liberals too, also a lot of transplants from other places. It also has a huge Jewish Community. It has beautiful tropical scenery, colorful skies, great weather, blue and clear water, white as snow beaches that are super soft, and plenty of entertainment to enjoy. I think you would love it.
California would be your best bet. Specifically San Francisco.
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