UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.
#5. Odessa
One of the fastest-growing small cities in the country, Odessa, Texas, residents are largely pro big business and against big government. Republicans control every level of government in Texas’ 11th Congressional District, which includes Odessa. It was President George W. Bush’s strongest district during the 2004 election.
A shift towards more conservative values began in Odessa during the 1980s. Until then, many Democratic candidates received strong support and held local offices. U.S. Rep. Michael Conaway became the first Republican in the 11th Congressional District in 2005.
Conaway proudly calls himself a conservative, and GovTrack assesses him as a far-right Republican. Conaway has supported pro-life legislation and opposes same-sex marriage. He has voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act and supported efforts to reduce government spending.
Residents here are likely to …
- drive a Buick.
- eat at Chic-fil-A.
- shop at Sam’s Club.
- watch The Newsroom.
- read Good Housekeeping.