I thought this little lament at The Week from Paul Waldman was interesting:
While we often lament this geographic sorting that divides us, the farther Red America and Blue America move apart, the more logical it is for any given individual to make that a factor in where they choose to live. Yes, every state has liberal and conservative pockets, whatever its overall character. But if you’re a conservative, do you really want to live in a place where abortion and pot are accessible, labor unions are strong, and you can’t get a plastic bag at the supermarket? Conversely, what liberal wants to live where the state is allowing corporations to pollute, giving business license to discriminate, and telling people which bathrooms to use?
Our contemporary media also exacerbate this trend by enabling any issue, no matter how small or local, to get national attention. That allows us to feel connected to people who share our beliefs anywhere and everywhere. If we find ourselves in a place that doesn’t jibe politically, we can ignore the people around us and seek community from those we connect to electronically. Or maybe just pick up and move. And each step the two Americas take away from each other makes moving even farther make more and more sense.
A basic problem is the strong messianic streak in both Red and Blue states. Neither side is willing to live and let live. I also see little evidence that time is on the side of accommodation which seems to be the operating principle many activists hold.
8 years ago I moved from Seattle to Houston, and I can give a hearty AMEN to your thoughts. Being from a very liberal state (it actually sounded like you were describing it above) to a very conservative state, I chose one of the more liberal places to live (right up there with Austin). I still find very disheartening to be represented by someone like Ted Cruz, who does not listen to his constituents and continues to do what ever he pleases. When my wife and I talk about retiring, we are both agreed that we will not stay in Texas. (We do throw around the idea of Chicago from time to time, however!)
The people that actually have the ability to factor in political ideology for their living location are people who don’t have to worry about finding a decent job. Most normal people move for two reasons: work and/or schools. Most other considerations are tertiary to anyone who isn’t at least upper-middle class.