#3. Somerville
Considered a hipster haven by many Bostonians, Somerville, Mass., is a magnet for young progressives. Residents largely support Democrats running for office and learn to the left on most social issues.
Born and raised in Somerville, U.S. Rep. Michael E. Capuano was the city’s mayor before he was elected to Congress. Capuano is currently serving his eighth term as a representative and is a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure, Financial Services, and House Ethics committees. He’s supported pro-choice legislation, civil liberties, health-care reform and marriage equality. Capuano has strongly opposed the war in Iraq and voted against the Patriot Act.
Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone, who critics have called a “neoliberal,” leads a push for innovation-friendly policies, creative capital and more quality of life amenities that taxpayers have been willing to kick in for. Residents place a great value on unique restaurants, greenways, bike trails, historic preservation and equality. The closest Somerville residents have come to favoring a Republican presidential candidate over a Democrat came in 1984, when 49 percent of voters here picked Ronald Reagan.
Residents here are likely to …
- drive a Subaru.
- eat at Qdoba.
- shop at REI.
- watch The Newsroom.
- read Time magazine.