UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.
#9. Spokane Valley
Not to be confused with its more famous neighbor Spokane, Spokane Valley topped our 2014 list as the most moderate city in America, and not much has really changed since then. The citizens don’t tend to wholly favor any political party across the board, creating a nice balance throughout the city. This can be seen from the results of the last political election, in which Romney won with only 51.9 percent of the vote—a fairly slim margin. Races for other elected officials (like for governor and Senate seats) follow a similar pattern, generally with close margins and Republican victories.
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The Representative for Spokane Valley, Cathy McMorris Rodgers of the 5th Congressional District, is a dyed-in-the-wool Republican, according to GovTrack. And while her interests certainly tend to fall to the right—supporting traditional family values and the Second Amendment, for instance—she is ranked as quite progressive in terms of what she co-sponsors, falling in the top 20 percent of House Republicans in this field. In fact, she’s well-versed in writing bipartisan bills, with 47 percent of her bills and resolutions featuring both Democratic and Republican co-sponsors in 2015.
Spokane Valley features a Mediterranean Climate—so if you like year-round warmth, it’s a great choice for you. Plus, the city is a mere 15-minute drive from Spokane, meaning you have access to a big city lifestyle while still avoiding issues often associated with big city living. Further, it’s a great place for anyone who loves to explore the great outdoors.
Residents here are likely to…
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Eat at Little Caesars Pizza.
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Shop at Hobby Lobby.
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Drive a Subaru.
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Read National Geographic.
- Watch ABC Family.