[daisybroad]

We are looking into a job transfer to GR and wondering exactly just how conservative is Grand Haven? I asked a realtor we were working with and they never really answered my question. DH and I really try to avoid the kind of folks who complain all the time,as well as conspiracy theorists as we prefer to spend our energy on other things. Any info is helpful.

[detwahDJ]

Originally Posted by daisybroad

We are looking into a job transfer to GR and wondering exactly just how conservative is Grand Haven? I asked a realtor we were working with and they never really answered my question. DH and I really try to avoid the kind of folks who complain all the time,as well as conspiracy theorists as we prefer to spend our energy on other things. Any info is helpful.

Grand Rapids?

[daisybroad]

Yes, job in GR and to reside in GH.

[tuebor]

It's conservative, but not dumb racist redneck conspiracy theorist or Tea Party wacko conservative. It's more business owners, retired military (and active USCG), rich Chicagoans with second homes, and corporate tools conservative. Pro "free" market, pro-life, and frequently Calvinist or evangelical, but they're not in your face about it, and they're too busy making money or enjoying the money they've already made to complain (just don't bring up taxes, unions, Obama, or the health care law). There are also a few artists and educators in GH who vote Democrat.

[magellan]

It's fine. If you need to chat with some Dems, just head up to the bars in Muskegon.

[daisybroad]

I can totally respect the "don't touch my money" republicans. It's the "anyone who is different than myself" republicans who make my head hurt. ;p

[detwahDJ]

I think lakefront communities like GH are political mixtures. I'm up there often for entertainment, but don't live there. Geography tells a little - the closer to the lake, the more upscale.

Google Maps

Lakefront properties and west of US-31 may contain some upper-crust protective conservatives you describe. The lower-class neigborhoods east seem to be just "ordinary folk" from my observations.
One clue for any community is to check the local newspaper(s) editorial pages and see if you can discern a political leaning on important issues - especially staff-written opinion, and check which syndicated columnists they choose to include or put up front.
Right-wing political attitudes will suggest generally lower tolerance levels.

A personal experience - touring the area around Onekama for photos, I was confronted by an upper-crust resident who indicated he didn't want me in his neighborhood. Expressed as "this is a residential area and there is nothing for you here".
Back roads of the same area, I was tailed then passed up, the driver turned around and snapped my picture on his way by. Paranoia? Wonder if that photo is tacked to his wall of "suspects".
Outstate Michigan...

[allbusiness]

Originally Posted by daisybroad

I can totally respect the "don't touch my money" republicans. It's the "anyone who is different than myself" republicans who make my head hurt. ;p

Funny. I find it's usually the social liberals who are the intolerant, pompous ones. If you're not like them, you're quickly labled a racist, or someone who despises the poor, etc. Oh well...

West Michigan is a real nice blend of all types of folks. 90% of us are "live and let live" types, until you force a lifestyle on us, or take away our peace and quiet. Grand Haven is nice, but pretty dead during gthe winter months. Downtown is "eh" and there isn't much of a night life. The beaches and summertime are what folks there live for...even if they never actually go to the beach!

I'm sure you fit right in and love it.

[detwahDJ]

Originally Posted by allbusiness

Funny. I find it's usually the social liberals who are the intolerant, pompous ones. If you're not like them, you're quickly labled a racist, or someone who despises the poor, etc. Oh well...

West Michigan is a real nice blend of all types of folks. 90% of us are "live and let live" types, until you force a lifestyle on us, or take away our peace and quiet. Grand Haven is nice, but pretty dead during gthe winter months. Downtown is "eh" and there isn't much of a night life. The beaches and summertime are what folks there live for...even if they never actually go to the beach!

I'm sure you fit right in and love it.

It is "social liberals" who value, or are more tolerant of, diversity and this has been a log-standing criticism against them - too tolerant and "permissive".
I think you are denying the fact that "conservative" communities and mentalities favor a highly structured, predictable, and safe, existence often built around a religious denomination, and such places will not be friendly to nonconformists. This is different from more tolerant "liberal" ones - by definition.
Seems that any potentially new resident would be concerned about this, and choose a place where they will find acceptance - gay friendliness as one example. Isn't that the crux of the OP's concern here and isn't it valid?

[michigan83]

Originally Posted by detwahDJ

It is "social liberals" who value, or are more tolerant of, diversity and this has been a log-standing criticism against them - too tolerant and "permissive".
I think you are denying the fact that "conservative" communities and mentalities favor a highly structured, predictable, and safe, existence often built around a religious denomination, and such places will not be friendly to nonconformists. This is different from more tolerant "liberal" ones - by definition.
Seems that any potentially new resident would be concerned about this, and choose a place where they will find acceptance - gay friendliness as one example. Isn't that the crux of the OP's concern here and isn't it valid?

"Definitions" aside, the only group of people that seems to be consistently "tolerant" is Libertarians.

When talking about the current definition of Liberal and Conservative (Democrat/Republican), both sides are intolerant and closed-minded in delightfully unique and annoying ways.