UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.
#2. Hoboken
Hoboken, N.J., has all the classic signs of a liberal city. It’s got one of the highest proportions of residents between the ages of 24 and 35, a mayor who supports same-sex marriage and a U.S. representative who stays true to traditional Democratic values.
Dawn Zimmer became the first female mayor of Hoboken in 2009 and has become the face of city’s political scene. Zimmer strongly supports same-sex marriage, and during the fall of 2013, officiated the first same-sex marriage in the city. Zimmer frequently and publicly disagrees on policy issues with her governor, possible Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie.
On a national level, Hoboken is covered by Rep. Albio Sires, a rank-and-file Democrat, according to GovTrack. Sires, who is originally from Cuba, has supported bills promoting more bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and sits on the Democratic Caucus’ Livable Communities Task Force and the Congressional Urban Caucus. Much of Sires’ legislative efforts have focused on creating safe and more livable communities, and providing equal access to education, economic, housing and transportation opportunities. The last time a Republican presidential candidate picked up the majority of the vote in Hudson County, where Hoboken is located, was in 1988, when Ronald Reagan was elected to a second term.
Residents here are likely to …
- drive a Subaru.
- eat at Qdoba.
- shop at REI.
- watch The Newsroom.
- read Time magazine.