NH vs the South (universities, taxes, live)

[tk421991]

Hello everyone! I've been reading a lot of threads on this forum over the last few months, so I figured I might as well make my own

First, I need to explain some stuff about myself. I'm a 23 year old life-long Rhode Islander who's looking to get my first place of my own in either New Hampshire, TN, or AL. I'm getting more and more conservative as time goes by so Rhode Island is looking less and less promising, especially after our elections in November on the RI level. I'm a gun owner, a motorcyclist, and I don't have a car. Also want to get a 4 year degree eventually since I just have an Associate's now.

Back in October, I traveled all across NH and I really enjoyed it. Probably the best scenery I've seen from Pittsburg to Atkinson. Back in 2009, I was a student at the University of Alabama and I've been through eastern TN half a dozen times. I like the mountainous areas of the south, but not the flat lands like Georgia is.

In NH, I liked the towns of Weare, New Boston, Stark, and the eastern side of Lake Winnipesaukee (Sandwich, Moultonborough, Wolfesboro). In TN, I like the border area with NC and VA. I unfortunately didn't have the time or money to see more of AL besides Tuscaloosa when I was there.

So I'd like to hear some input from people who've lived in these areas or visit often.

My main priorities are nearby universities with online programs (like Plymouth State in NH), an quick and easy concealed carry permit process, cheap land, and low taxes. The biggest reason holding me back from NH is that I won't be able to ride all year because of ice. I'll also need to be in an area where I'll be within 1hr, 1.5hrs of a place to work.

Thanks ahead of time, sorry if I was too long-winded!

[kyle19125]

There's a big difference between NH and either AL or TN in terms of conservatism. NH Conservatives tend to be fiscally conservative, socially progressive and in favor of individual liberties. The socially progressive part is missing almost completely in much of AL and TN. Given your criteria for more year-round motorcycle riding, university access and a guessed desire for a more open-minded area you might check out Chattanooga or Knoxville.

[tk421991]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

There's a big difference between NH and either AL or TN in terms of conservatism. NH Conservatives tend to be fiscally conservative, socially progressive and in favor of individual liberties. The socially progressive part is missing almost completely in much of AL and TN. Given your criteria for more year-round motorcycle riding, university access and a guessed desire for a more open-minded area you might check out Chattanooga or Knoxville.

Thanks for the info, I'll do more reading on those areas.

To be fair though, social values depend on the person. I've met closed-minded New Englanders who vote Republican and don't really believe in the 1A or 2A and I've met southerners who believe in individual rights and liberties to their fullest extent. Left and right is just a fraction of what makes a person tick.