Top 3 Most Liberal Cities in the US (UPDATED 2023)

Many people dislike living in conservative cities. Their views can be too old-fashioned, too strict, and not inclusive enough for certain groups. We live in a time in which alternative lifestyles are becoming increasingly common, and more and more people are fighting for the right to be treated fairly. 

If you’re a person who wants to live in an area where alternative lifestyles are more accepted, where political views are much more liberal, that’s your right. Liberalism is more than just politics, and many people agree that it’s a person’s moral belief system that shapes a person. Here is a list of three cities that are the most liberal. 

Whether you want to join a movement to fight for fair treatment of a certain group of people, or you simply want to live in a city with fewer conservative laws, any of these cities should work for you. 

Each city includes a comprehensive overview of how liberal the city is, the cost of living, and an abundance of other information that can be helpful when deciding whether a city is appealing enough to move to.

3. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston, MA makes this list for several reasons. Not only is Boston considered to be the most “left-leaning,” city, but there are many other aspects that make Boston one of the most progressive cities in the US. Here is a complete overview of living in Boston, MA.

What is the Political Climate in the City?

The political climate in Boston is “very liberal”. Suffolk County has consistently voted Democratic in presidential elections since 2000.  

Are the Residents More Liberal or Conservative?

Boston is one of the most liberal cities in America, and the residents in this popular city are more liberal than conservative. 

Voting Percentage

The voting percentage in Boston Massachusetts is as follows: 

80.6% of the people in Suffolk County, MA voted Democrat in the most recent presidential election, 17.5% voted Republican, with the remaining votes of 1.9% voting Independent. 

Social and Political Movements Within the City

There are always many important social and political movements within the city of Boston. One ongoing movement involves the fight for fair, inclusive, and affordable healthcare for minorities. Boston has also had various movements involving the fight for women’s rights. 

Movements from the past that occurred within the city include:

• Boston’s 1960s Civil Rights Movement against the segregation of public schools
• The Boston Tea Party, a political movement which involved taxes on tea in 1776

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Boston, Massachusetts is 153.4, and this is based on an average cost of living index of 100. This means that the cost of living in Boston is 53.4% higher than the national average, which is expensive. However, Boston has created plenty of affordable housing for individuals from lower-income households. 

The average monthly rent for a 703-square-foot apartment is $3374. According to Apartments.com, this is a $75 increase from 2022.

Real Estate Market

The real estate market in Boston has been and continues to be very competitive and resilient, despite current declining sales. The median price of a 3-bedroom home in Boston rose from $840,000 in July 2022 to $910,000 in July 2023. 

Due to the decline in sales, Boston is considered to be a seller’s market, so, those looking to relocate to this city may want to rent for a while until the real estate market becomes more of a buyer’s market. Once it becomes a buyer’s market, median home prices will come down, and buyers will have more choices. 

Population

The population in Boston has nearly doubled since the 1950s, when it was 2,550,818. The population is currently 4,344,081, and the growth rate is 0.4%. 

Job Market

The unemployment rate in Boston is currently 3.0%, which is lower than the 3.8% average. This means that there are more working adults in Boston, in general. The job market in Boston is fruitful, and there are plenty of jobs available for everyone, including those without college degrees.

The healthcare and social assistance job industry is the most popular in Boston, although there are numerous other jobs in different industries. The average weekly paycheck is $1947, compared to $1347 for the rest of the United States. 

Diversity

Boston is a very diverse city, and this city has an 84 out of 100 for being diverse. This is very high, and this is one reason why many people choose to live in Boston, because of the mixture of races.

Quality of Life

The quality of life in Boston, Massachusetts is high, and this city has been named one of the best cities to live in for a number of reasons. Not only is there convenient access to high-quality healthcare and education, but Boston also has an impressive job market and nightlife. In fact, Boston was named one of the top 100 cities to live in the world. 

Climate

There are 4 distinct seasons in Boston, and summers are typically warm and humid, with temperatures reaching the upper 80s regularly. Spring and fall can both be a combination of warm and cool, depending on the specific year.

The national average for snowfall is 28 inches, so Boston has an above-average amount of snowfall. Winter brings cold weather that is quite snowy, with an average annual snowfall of 48 inches. The average low during winter months in Boston is 19 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Boston is sunny for about 200 days out of the year, and it gets about 47 inches of rain annually, with the national average being 38 inches per year.

Education

Many people wishing to further their education opt for Boston because of its great choices of respectable colleges and universities. Their K-12 education system is highly rated, and nearly double the amount of money is spent per student to ensure optimal learning. 

Healthcare 

Healthcare is plentiful in Boston, and there are several major hospitals in the area, with doctors specializing in gastroenterology, cardiology, general surgery, family medicine, pediatrics, and more. Boston is a great place for couples struggling with fertility issues, as there are several successful reproductive endocrinologists in the area. 

Boston also has various community health centers that provide healthcare to those with lower incomes, to make treatment more affordable.

Safety

Unfortunately, the crime rate is considerably higher in Boston than the national average. Crime is ranked from (1) for low crime rates to (100) for high crime. Boston ranks at 37.3, with the national average standing at 22.7. This means that there are increased chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Boston.

2. Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore, Maryland is another wonderful liberal city to live in, and one definite plus is the fact that its cost of living is much lower than Boston’s. So, if you’re on a budget, or you don’t work in a high-paying industry, Baltimore might be a much better choice. Here are all the details about this great city.

What is the Political Climate in the City?

The political climate in Baltimore is very liberal, and Baltimore has voted Democrat in all presidential elections since 2000.

Are the Residents More Liberal or Conservative?

The residents are more liberal in Baltimore. Residents frequently attend city council meetings to promote changes that they feel are fair and that can promote liberalism. 

Voting Percentage

In the most recent presidential election, 87.3% of Baltimore voters voted Democrat, 10.7% voted Republican, and the remaining 2% voted Independent. Therefore, an overwhelming number of Baltimore voters lean toward more liberal, democratic beliefs. 

Social and Political Movements Within the City

There are several ongoing social and political movements in Baltimore. Activists have been fighting for food health and food justice, in addition to many other causes. While the movements in Baltimore may not be as publicized as they are in other cities like Detroit, LA, and New York, they exist. 

Cost of living

The cost of living in Baltimore is much lower than it is in Boston. With 100 as the average cost of living score, Baltimore, MD has a score of 91.5. This means that Baltimore’s cost of living is less than average. 

The average cost of rent for an 824 sq foot apartment is $1500/month. The median income in Baltimore is $54,124.

Real Estate Market

Boston has noticed that there are fewer real estate listings and quicker sales. This is due to the price of real estate being high, making it a seller’s market. The median price of a home in Baltimore is currently $182,604. If you’re considering moving to Baltimore, you might want to rent until the market changes and becomes a “buyer’s market.” If you wait, you’ll find lower prices and more homes to choose from. 

Population

The population in Baltimore is 563,455 and has been declining over the years. 

Job Market

The job market is booming in Baltimore, especially for those looking for employment in health and human services. With the abundance of medical facilities in the area, jobs in healthcare are always needed, and they account for a large percentage of the jobs in the area. 

The average weekly paycheck in Baltimore is $923/week. Although this is below the national average of $1347, $923/week is a good salary in Baltimore. 

Diversity

Baltimore is a very diverse city, and according to the diversity scale, 0 means that a city is not diverse at all and 100 means it’s completely diverse, Baltimore’s score is 91.

Quality of life

Quality of life is pretty high in Baltimore. With easy access to affordable healthcare, affordable housing, great education, a rich history, and an exciting nightlife, most people love living in this liberal city. 

Climate

Baltimore has a pleasant climate with 4 distinctive seasons. Summers in Baltimore can get pretty humid, and highs average around 86 degrees. During the winter, temperatures can drop as low as 34 degrees, which is just above freezing. 

The area gets about 45 inches of rainfall each year, which is moderate. It can snow as much as 16 inches each year and usually isn’t heavy. The national average for snowfall is 28 inches a year, so Baltimore is below average in this aspect. You will enjoy about 213 sunny days in Baltimore, which is a bit higher than the national average of 205.

Education

If you have children, you can rest assured that Baltimore has top-notch schools. Baltimore prides itself on spending much more than average on each student each year, to ensure they receive a high-quality education. Their high academic standards have paid off too, as students are scoring high on examinations and receiving top grades. 

As for secondary education, there are 63 colleges within a 50-mile radius of the city of Baltimore. Many of these schools offer high-quality education and can prepare students for the challenging careers that they seek.

Healthcare 

Healthcare in Baltimore is very affordable. In addition to its affordability, the area boasts some of the best doctors in the country. Johns Hopkins Medical Facility is always on the cutting edge of new and advanced treatments. 

In addition to this renowned facility where people come from all over the world to seek treatment, there are many other respectable healthcare facilities, as well. Additionally, there are specialized programs for the homeless to provide them with access to low or no-cost medical care. 

Safety

The crime rate in Baltimore, like many larger cities, is relatively high. By using 100 as a score meaning the safest, Baltimore’s score is a 3, meaning that it experiences frequent crime. This means that you must stay away from high-crime neighborhoods and practice safety at all times because your chances of becoming the victim of a crime are 1 in 64. However, crime rates are high in many larger, metropolitan cities, but as long as you stay away from risky areas, your chances of becoming the victim of a violent crime decrease exponentially.

1. San Francisco, California

San Francisco is another one of the most progressive cities in the US, and it is very well-known for its liberalism. Here is a comprehensive overview of San Francisco, which can help you make an informed decision about whether to start a new life there.

What is the Political Climate in the City?

The political climate is strongly liberal. 

Are the Residents More Liberal or Conservative?

The residents in San Francisco are more liberal than conservative because they have consistently voted Democrat in presidential elections since 2000.

Voting Percentage

In the most recent presidential election, 85.3% of San Francisco voters voted Democratic, 12.7% voted Republican, and the remaining voters voted Independent. 

Social and Political Movements Within the City

San Francisco has actively participated in various social and political movements over the years, and these movements continue to exist. Many of these movements center around equality for minorities, affordable rent, food, and healthcare among others. Some of the most historical movements include:

• Bay Area Gay Liberation (1975-1979)
• AIDS/ARC Vigil (1985-1995)
• Great Expectations: The Women’s Action Coalition (1909)

Cost of Living

The cost of living is pretty high in San Francisco. The average cost of living is 100 on a scale of averages, but the overall cost of living in San Francisco is 244. This means that the cost of living is 144% above average. Housing alone is more than five times greater than the national average, with the average rent being about $2720 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Real Estate Market

Real estate prices have declined by nearly 10% in the past year. The average price that a home sells for in this area is $1,322,500. The market is currently a seller’s market, but it is predicted that buyers might enjoy a reprieve by the end of 2023 or early 2024.

Population

The population in San Francisco is 808,437, which is a decrease from 2020 when the population was 873,965. This decline is attributed to COVID-19 and the increase in remote workers. 

Job Market

The job market is currently booming in San Francisco, and workers typically earn substantially higher salaries than if they performed the same work in different cities and states.  

Diversity

San Francisco is an extremely diverse city, with a diversity score of 98/100.

Quality of Life

Quality of life is moderate in San Francisco. Many people report that the astronomical cost of living in their area is what decreases their quality of life. Other reasons for the reduction in quality of life are the high percentage of homelessness as well as higher crime rates.  

Climate

San Francisco is known for its pleasant year-round climate. Temperatures rarely dip below 50 degrees or climb higher than 70 degrees. Rain is below average in the area, as the average is 38 inches a year and San Francisco only gets about 22 inches. Since temperatures rarely dip below 50 degrees, the average snowfall each year is 0. 

San Francisco experiences immense fog, especially during the summer months, and as a result, the number of sunny days is reduced from about 300 to about 259. This is still well above the average of 205 sunny days a year. 

Education

San Francisco takes pride in the fact that they have some of the most prestigious schools in the nation. They take learning seriously, which is why they have above-average educational goals. One reason why their schools are so phenomenal is because their teachers have adopted some of the most unique and cutting-edge tools for teaching, which enhances learning and retention. 

For those looking to earn a degree or certificate after high school graduation, San Francisco offers a huge number of great choices. From community colleges to esteemed universities, students can prepare for their careers at some of the best schools. 

Healthcare 

San Francisco is home to some of the most cutting-edge medical facilities, including UCSF, which was voted the “best hospital” by U.S. News. Despite San Francisco’s high cost of living, costs are average in healthcare, and for the level of healthcare that’s received, that’s impressive. San Francisco also offers many options to assist the homeless and uninsured with receiving healthcare.

Safety

Crime levels in San Francisco are extremely high, but this is highly dependent on the area you’re in. If you’re in the most violent and poverty-stricken neighborhoods in the city, then your chances of becoming the victim of a violent crime are very high. Using the total crime index, with 100 as the safest, San Francisco’s score is a 2. That might seem alarming, but as long as you remain in the safer parts of the city or even the outskirts, your risk of becoming the victim of a violent crime will decrease significantly. Many people love living in San Francisco, and their safety is maintained at all times. 

This overview only focuses on three cities, but these aren’t the only liberal cities in the United States. If none of these cities seem appealing to you, then there are others to choose from like:

• Detroit, MI
• New York, NY
• Oakland, CA
• Minneapolis, MN
• Seattle, WA

Regardless of where you end up living, hopefully, you can do your part to promote liberalism, equal rights, and fair treatment, as well as fight for the causes and/or groups that you’re passionate about.

FAQs on the Most Liberal Cities in the US

The answers to these FAQs regarding the most liberal cities in the US will hopefully provide you with more information that will help you plan your move to one of them if that’s your ultimate goal.