Looking for a progressive community near Knoxville or Nashville (Memphis: home, colleges)

[creeksitter]

Goodness, where did you wind up, chins?

I'm going to guess Crossville???

It's fair to warn the Ops about your particular community but don't paint the whole state with the broad brush. Besides, your neighbors are just exercising free speech.

My mother retired to a community west of Crossville that's as liberal as they come.

[shinestx]

Let's not act like NC is a "progressive haven" either. Driving through there two years ago and Virginia I saw more Trump signs (the huge banner ones held up by tall metal posts) than anywhere else. I also used to live in NC, and while I enjoyed it, it was as annoying on the left around RTP as I'm sure any conservative place in TN, NC, VA etc. is to a leftist. Extremists are in both camps, and they live everywhere. People need to relearn how to get along with people who don't share their political views. Believe it or not, it seems that more people pick up their intolerance at colleges/universities these days. Just look at the places where free speech is the least welcome now.

[jabogitlu]

Check out Chattanooga. Much less sprawled and soulless than Knoxville, somewhat more affordable than Nashville. It's got a very small but very focused tech and arts scene and downtown Chattanooga is fun. As a plus, you're much closer to Atlanta than anywhere else in TN! (The downside is you're pretty far from Asheville, NC if that is important...)

[tgtguy111]

I second Chattanooga. I would say it's in the progressive category. I'm building a place in the Blue Ridge Ga area. Over all not progressive like what you might be looking for but we made friends with a bunch of people who are. So you can find people anywhere. But honestly, most people are very friendly and that's very important to me. Good luck.

[Serious Conversation]

At least north and east of Knoxville, TN is basically 3:1 Republican, at least. Yes, you can find like-minded people, but they are are small in number, and TN Democrats generally won't be as left-leaning as someone in Philadelphia.

[Jumeby]

I find it odd that people would seek a location to live based on local and national politics. Its the quality of life that's important along with affordability. Life is stressful enough without worrying about how my neighbors and friends vote.

[Jardine8]

Originally Posted by Jumeby

I find it odd that people would seek a location to live based on local and national politics. Its the quality of life that's important along with affordability. Life is stressful enough without worrying about how my neighbors and friends vote.

Yeah, it's bizarre and sad.

[jabogitlu]

Makes sense to me. I relocated from Tennessee to Seattle because I support higher taxes and more stringent social safety nets, and my politics on social issues are much more aligned with a blue west coast state than a moderately conservative southern state.

Maybe you have never found yourself feeling alienated in a place? It can be a sad and lonely feeling. I think it's much better to identify a location that works for you based on what you want, and go for it! Life is too short to live feeling sad about the opinions of the people around you all the time.

[creeksitter]

I can understand having some kindred spirits around but to avoid a wonderful place because of some neighbors' politics seems so restrictive. But there are more and more state laws that impinge on one's liberties, especially for women and children so I can see that being a concern.

As for safety nets, I can and do support charities and people who provide help.

[Jumeby]

Originally Posted by jabogitlu

Makes sense to me. I relocated from Tennessee to Seattle because I support higher taxes and more stringent social safety nets, and my politics on social issues are much more aligned with a blue west coast state than a moderately conservative southern state.

Maybe you have never found yourself feeling alienated in a place? It can be a sad and lonely feeling. I think it's much better to identify a location that works for you based on what you want, and go for it! Life is too short to live feeling sad about the opinions of the people around you all the time.

Correct, I have never found myself feeling alienated in a place and I have lived in both liberal and conservative majority strongholds.