Would it make sense for a person in a "privileged class" to move from a red state?

Trying to gauge if I’m going crazy or a little too much “online.”

I currently live in Texas, and moving has been on my mind a lot lately as the Republican party and Texas itself seems to be slowly moving toward fascism. I don’t know when the slide toward fascism will stop, and how much more authoritarian the state will get. I do not feel very good about my tax dollars going to support this state.

I am a middle-aged cishet white man; middle to upper middle class software engineer. I have leftist opinions (libsoc/ansoc), but I’m not an activist (I am very introverted, probably a little bit on the autism spectrum, and pretty much a hermit right now). I do seldom indulge in marijuana consumption, which is illegal here.

I really don’t have much tying me down here. I have no close friends, no family in the state, and no current romantic partners. Last year, I moved within the state for a job, but the company was bought out, and everyone was layed off. I have very high autonomy at my current job, and could probably work fully remote if I wanted. Moving would be expensive (I am in an upside-down mortgage), but I have enough savings to take the hit.

I am personally feeling very isolated here (Texas suburb), at this point in my life, and am thinking about moving into some sort of intentional community (eco-village, cohousing, or land trust; not a commune) in a blue state (or even in Canada if I could pull that off).

Also, the weather in the last 2 years has been absolutely oppressive, and I have a hard time keeping anything alive in my veggie garden :)

Am I being over dramatic? Should I just stick it out here, and try to rebuild my life in a state that doesn’t align with my beliefs?

Also, I’ve heard arguments that libs should stay or even move to red states, but I’m not convinced. The state rules with an iron fist, and pre-empts anything progressive Texas cities try to do. And the district I live in is already pretty solidly blue. Not to mention, red states put families that contain females or lbgt people in danger.

Holyhandgrenade,

If you think living somewhere else will make you happier, you should do it as long as it doesn’t screw you over financially. Even if you’re probably not at risk of persecution as a white male, I can fully understand not wanting to live in a christofascist hellscape. If you have friends in a more desirable area I’d consider moving there.

768,

Isolation sucks and (political) alienation does too. I wouldn’t give too much about party politics, but supporting women and queers is a nice cause.

I guess you’re not the only one contemplating similar steps - given your class background I’d argue that it’s part of a brain drain of so called ‘red states’ (‘The South’ isn’t enough anymore). Political stability is part of QOL, but once intentionally disturbed there might be a feedback loop of brain drain, QOL decrease and political instability (because it sure isn’t safe for many).

I think you also have at least some moving experience…

AlecSadler,

You sound like me. I’m diagnosed autistic (mildly), I’m a software engineer, I’m introverted, I’m definitely liberal leaning, and…I live in Oregon.

For now, I love it here (except Portland proper). So many great restaurants, bars, breweries, wineries, and a crap ton of trails and other parks and sights and sounds.

I live semi-rural and half the businesses here have pride flags and BLM signage. I’m non-white, but don’t feel unsafe walking around where I am at night. My tech contract jobs are remote and I make more than enough to live comfortably.

It rains a lot here… though less so these days it seems. It’s weird how many 100+ degree days we get now, but it’s still a lot less than other people I know.

I’m rambling. If you want to know more, just ask.

zlatiah,
@zlatiah@kbin.social avatar

Hey OP, I am similar to you in most aspects but I'm a lot younger, so please take it with a grain of salt...

I also live in Texas, and honestly I thought a lot of less privileged folks or ppl with family ties would love to be in your situation and just leave? It's not just about politics. Even if tomorrow Texas becomes a liberal stronghold, it will still take possibly at least a decade to fix ERCOT, the climate issue, and flooding issues (if you live in Houston)... This clusterfrick alone was enough to prompt me to never live in Texas again once I'm done with grad school

Besides, my understanding is that there are a few left-leaning metro areas which have suburbs (or live in the city!) that don't cost that much more to live in compared to mid-/upper-mid-class TX suburbs, so there's probably no financial disincentive to move either

MiddleWeigh,
@MiddleWeigh@lemmy.world avatar

Hey you sound just like me. If your going to move, perhaps somewhere like PA? It’s got the benefit of being a battleground state, and there’s more than enough rural areas, even relatively close to the cities, where you can continue your hermitage. I’m doing something similar (:

Godric,

If you don’t like it, leave! That said, if you’re worried you’re too “online” as you said, you probably should also look for opinions from people not online.

PostMalort,

I’m in a similar situation in Florida. Florida is where I’ve spent my whole life and the natural beauty of the state is incredible. However the government here is insane. They attack liberals at every chance, and are rewriting education to fit a disneyfied history. My wife and I are currently looking to get out. Change here seems hopeless between gerrymandering, and the massive influx of red voting retirees. Michigan sounds amazing to me except for the winters. We’ve discussed Colorado , but it’s pretty expensive, and the water management in the west is worrisome. We’re just on the lookout for what fits us. The only thing that’s certain is that we aren’t long for Florida. I am forced from my home by retirees and insane politicians.

solstice,

I just spent some time in savannah which was great. Reasonably priced and Georgia is a blueish purple state. Charleston SC is quite nice as well but more expensive. Something to consider.

AnaNg,

Yep. I’m middle aged and have lived in FL most of my life. While the nature is beautiful, they’re paving over more and more of it everyday. It’s hot and humid and buggy. But, the actual reason we’re leaving is my trans child. I don’t want to be in a state that actively hates my family. We’re looking at Illinois.

PostMalort,

It’s horrendous how the Florida government is treating trans people. I hope you and your family find happiness and can live comfortably away from these bigots. Maybe one day Florida will change, but currently it’s the absolute worst.

Also on a lighter note is your username a They Might Be Giants reference?

AnaNg,

Yes it is! First song I ever heard from them.

PostMalort,

Great band! We’re about to have our first child and I can’t wait to introduce her to they might be Giants.

AnaNg,

That’s great! I love their kid’s songs. When mine were babies I didn’t really know any lullabies so I sang She’s An Angel. Good luck with the baby!

PostMalort,

Thanks. She’s really the catalyst for us to leave Florida. I want her to get a good education and not be surrounded by a hateful shitty government.

dunning_cougar,

Don’t let politics rule your life’, friend. I have far right wing opinions and live in what I consider to be a redistributionist socialist utopia, totally hostile to personal economic development. But more likely, like you alluded to, we both probably just spend too much time online getting politically polarized. Nowhere is perfect, and geographical political isolation is bad for the country. I advocate for localization, building the world you want where you are, and socializing even more online. My online friendships are more persistent and convenient, and sometimes deeper and more human than real life.

pjhenry1216,

I'm afraid to ask and be totally disappointed, but where do you live that is a supposed socialist utopia? Cause I don't know if any that exist in this world so I'm afraid I'm just going to be disappointed by exaggerated rhetoric. Especially since I've never known any socialist concept to be hostile to personal economic development. Especially since it kind of requires success on a personal level to even be possible. But I'm hopeful you might know of some utopia I'm unaware of.

weew,

Norway?

dunning_cougar,

It’s a great place to live, even though I’m unemployed. My perspective is limited due to personal circumstance though. I’m just saying you can be happy and fulfilled even if you live in a society that doesnt perfectly match your values.

Magister,
@Magister@lemmy.world avatar

Unemployed, so how do you pay your rent, eat, etc?. Oh you’re in a socialist country, so others people are paying for you? But you’re far-right? It does not make sense…

dunning_cougar,

If there wasn’t so much environmental religious lunacy, I could get a job in a factory more easily.

pjhenry1216,

You're still ignoring the question which I'm assuming implies you don't think your stance would hold up to scrutiny. I'm not asking for your street address. I'm fine with just the country. Either you don't think your beliefs hold up to scrutiny or you're simply trolling.

Edit: and are you suggesting you believe you should be on the street instead of supported by the socialist programs? Seriously, I feel like you have to be trolling because nothing makes sense. Name the country and put your beliefs where your mouth is or admit to trolling.

dunning_cougar,

OP doesn’t like the state government and has trouble relating to the local community. I have a similar experience and cope by adjusting my lifestyle and not insisting society bend to suit my Mercurial political mood, that’s all.

pjhenry1216,

You're trying too hard. Why don't you say more empty statements and avoid saying anything with meaning again.

the_q,

I can’t wrap my head around someone being purposely “far right wing”. Like, you’re proud of fucking things up for everyone?

dunning_cougar,

I am a very low impact person. I doubt I’ve ever fucked anything important up because of right wing beliefs.

the_q,

Oh so you don’t vote?

dunning_cougar,

Of course not

Very_Bad_Janet,

OP, you mentioned that you are unattached but are you looking for a romantic relationship in your future? You also don't mention your sexual orientation. Are there enough potential partners for you (similar POV, politics, culture, hobbies, curiosity about the world, etc.) that a relationship would be harmonious? If you do establish a relationship where you are and maybe decide to raise kids there, how do you feel about the education they would receive, the ideas and beliefs they will be exposed to? What is your partner needs an abortion or your kids are LGBTQ+? Just trying to see if you are planning to be solo indefinitely/permanently - potentially creating a family will add more variables to your calculations.

MxM111,
@MxM111@kbin.social avatar

There is no “should” here. You feel unhappy with current arrangements and would not mind paying expenses to have better life elsewhere, sure, go ahead. It is your life, you do not owe to anyone, live your life. Stay, or leave, It is still (mostly) free country.

MyEdgyAlt,

I did, and multiple friends are either actively working on doing the same or have expressed interest but have constraints (e.g. an autistic child who found a school / therapist they like, or non-ASD kids in hard age ranges to move).

Contributing to a pro-birth, anti-democracy, anti-reasonable-gun-control, transphobic economy in a hot humid climate that’s getting worse made no sense.

Texas literally banned ensuring workers get 10 minute water breaks every four hours. They banned cities voting to protect their own trees. Local democracies try to make things better and Texas says no. All the while, Texas refuses to employ a fair taxation strategy for less-urban areas, so blue cities have to fund the red counties’ school districts. Anybody not actively fighting to improve the political situation there should leave.

I haven’t missed the weather at all.

You’re underwater on a mortgage - this may not be catastrophic if you have a COVID interest rate and the place is rentable. Is that an option?

UnicornKitty,
@UnicornKitty@lemmy.world avatar

We are moving out of our red state by the end of the year. I do have a dog in this race. I’m a mother to a daughter. We only waited because of opportunity, but we’ve been planning it since RvW.

I will always encourage people to move out of red states if they can, especially Texas. Find a place that makes you happy.

casualhippo,

Hey you’ve clearly been thinking a lot about this and where you want to take your life. It will take effort either way, whether you choose to build your life there or elsewhere, so feel the freedom to try something else. If you’re undecided, maybe think about what you would regret the least. I’ve also thought making a quick pros and cons list for myself helps. Best of luck to you

pjhenry1216,

You can't be a useful protestor/advocator/supporter of any movement if you don't address your mental health and well being first. It's a bit more nuanced than do what makes you happiest, but more like do what makes you happiest and can still sleep well at night I guess.

rayyyy,

Things are going to change fairly soon. That's why the GOP is so frantic about getting voter suppression and their agenda in place before the demographics change. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4FqqVzH8-0&t=22s

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