What makes a city conservative?
Table Of Contents
A city is considered conservative if its political and social values prioritize traditional institutions and practices that guarantee stability, such as the nuclear family, organized religion, the military, property rights, and the monarchy. Transparency and accountability in political decision making are also important conservative values. In addition, conservatism often advocates limited government interference in personal and economic affairs while emphasizing individual responsibility and self-reliance.
Criteria for Selection
- Political climate
- Economic stability
- Educational opportunities
- Family-friendly neighborhoods
- Quality of healthcare
- Availability of recreational activities
Top Conservative Cities to Raise a Family
Salt Lake City, Utah
Living in Salt Lake City is ideal for raising a family due to its vast outdoor recreation, beautiful mountain climate, and world-class hiking, biking, and skiing trails. It offers residents an urban-suburban mix feel, and most residents rent their homes. Its strong economy and moderate cost of living have attracted more citizens.
There are endless opportunities for kid activities. The cost of living is affordable, and the quality of life is high. It has a strong economic system for businesses and entrepreneurs. Its festivals, arts scene, and increasingly diverse population have made the city lively. There are more opportunities for students through training and certifications in workforce development skills.
Salt Lake City’s family-friendly neighborhoods are East Bench, Greater Avenues, Liberty Wells, Sugar House, and Yalecrest. The city offers access to the lake, championship golf, miles of hiking and biking trails, world-class sailing opportunities, stunning beaches, the best fishing, and endless water sports activities. It is known for its politically liberal culture.
Provo, Utah
Provo is a great place to raise a family due to the low crime rates, young demographic, overall healthy place, and outdoor activities. The cost of living index for Provo is 97.8%. That means Provo is 2.2% less expensive than the national average. Kids have educational and recreational opportunities through cooking and cultural classes, language courses, art programs, and financial planning. Its family-friendly neighborhoods are Edgemont, Fort Utah, and Grand View North. Recreational activities in Provo are hiking, walking on the trail, biking, rock climbing, rafting, and snow sports. Provo is ideologically balanced in politics.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs is a great place to raise a family due to its beautiful views, outdoor recreation options, great local schools, and many kid-friendly activities. Colorado Springs ranks the 19th best place to raise a family in 2023 among other achievements considering the public school rankings, family income, cost of living, environmental factors, community amenities, and recreation opportunities (Fox21news.com).
There are ample career paths. There are lower rates regarding the cost of living in Colorado Springs. The city is loaded with higher education, from liberal arts universities to technical colleges to national military institutions. Family-friendly neighborhoods in Springs are Briargate, Downtown, Northgate, Northwest Colorado Springs, and Old Colorado City.
Its recreational activities are skiing, snowshoeing, biking, fishing, golf, horseback riding, rock climbing, and many more. It is a Republican city with the socio-political demographic of Colorado Springs not changing.
Plano, Texas
Plano is a great place to raise a family due to great public schools, low crime rates, affordable cost of living, and family-friendly amenities. The cost of living in Plano is affordable to most people. There is free land and loan support for new residents.
More newly built housing is available in the market compared to neighboring cities. Plano will assist with local educational initiatives and opportunities for high-quality learning within the city. Family-friendly neighborhoods in Plano are Lakeside on Preston, Willow Bend, Whiffletree, Kings Gate, Normandy Estates, and Avignon Windhaven. Enjoy breathtaking seascapes, dining, hiking, park, trails, and more entertainment. Plano is a Republican city.
Overland Park, Kansas
High-rated schools, pristine parks, affordable neighborhoods, and great support networks make Overland Park a great place to raise a family. Overland Park provides children with an environment to thrive. It offers residents a dense suburban feel. Most residents own their homes.
There are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Overland Park residents enjoy an affordable cost of living, with a wide variety of apartments available for rent. Family-friendly neighborhoods in Overland Park are Beverly Estates, Brookridge Estates, Mills Farm, Lions Gate, and Deer Valley. Republican voters are more dominant in Overland Park.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Cedar Rapids is a great place to raise a family because of the diversity in local schools, access to parks, and safety. It is an art and cultural hub with great theater, live music, and museums. The area is home to family-friendly sports teams, including baseball and hockey. Cedar Rapids’s housing expenses are 29% lower than the national average.
The District, Cedar Hills, Lincolnway Village/Worthington Acres, Covington, Louisa, Otis, and Linn Junction are family-friendly neighborhoods. The city ensures political rights and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights.
Gilbert, Arizona
Gilbert is a great place to raise a family due to the low crime rate. It accommodates a comfortable family vibe, great job opportunities, and affordable housing, accommodating newcomers. Vast educational programs are offered at the undergraduate, graduate level, and adult-learning options.
Some family-friendly neighborhoods are Ashland Ranch, The Islands, Coronado Ranch, and many more. Its recreational activities include Golf courses, gear rentals, water sports, bike tours, fishing charters & tours, nature & wildlife tours, and other outdoor activities. The political leanings of people in and around Gilbert ate more Revolutionary than Democratic.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Sioux Falls is a great place to raise a family due to the cost of housing, the quality of local schools and healthcare systems, and the opportunities for fun and recreation. Sioux Falls’s housing expenses are 7% lower than the national average, and utility prices are 16% lower than the national average (Siouxfalls.com).
Residents of all ages can take life-enhancing courses from various organizations. This also accommodates retirees. Family-friendly neighborhoods are Downtown Lofts & Condos, Southern Suburbs, and McKennan Historic District.
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Affordability, an abundance of parks, and the friendliness of residents make Fayetteville a great place to raise a family. Families are attracted to economic stability, access to quality public schools, well-maintained public spaces, and a relatively low cost of living.
The educational system seeks to empower all families to choose the best education for their kids. Family-friendly neighborhoods around Fayetteville are Grays Creek, Spring Lake, Arran Hills, Hope Mills, Clairway, Rockfish Township, Yadkin Acres, and Arran Lakes West. The political climate in Fayetteville is liberal.
Draper, Utah
Draper is a great place to raise a family because of the lower cost of living in multiple aspects of life compared to the national average. Draper offers residents a sparse suburban feel, and most own their own houses. Students participate in their learning and are given opportunities to work with others.
Family-friendly neighborhoods in Draper are South Jordan, Wasatch Hollow, Greater Avenues, and more. Its recreational activities are Draper City Park, Alcatraz Escape Games, Escapology Draper, Cinemark Theatre, Airborne Trampoline Arena, and Boondocks Food & Fun Draper.
Honorable Mentions
What cities just missed the cut?
- Hickory
- New Braunfels
- Huntsville
- Woodstock
- Waco
Why were they not included in the top conservative cities to raise a family?
- Cities like Rochester are relatively centrist and are not higher on this list.
- Some cities do not closely align with the Republican Party.
- Some cities have higher rates of violent crime and property crime.
Conclusion
In summary, the above conservative cities in which to raise a family have competitive educational systems for all ages, lower costs of living, and stability in politics, economics, and finance. Considering the political climate when starting a family ensures the security and preservation of traditional and cultural values. Conservative cities will inevitably face change in the future, although not in full.
FAQs
What makes a city conservative?
A city is generally considered conservative if it promotes and supports traditional social institutions and values such as the nuclear family, organized religion, the military, property rights, and a strong work ethic. Conservatives often emphasize maintaining stability and order and reject rapid social change or progressive measures. The extent of conservatism can vary based on geography, demographics, and historical trends. In addition, conservative cities emphasize transparency and accountability in policymaking.
What are the benefits of raising a family in a conservative city?
Raising a family in a conservative town has several advantages. One of the main advantages is the sense of community and strong family values often emphasized in conservative areas. In conservative cities, crime rates tend to be lower, and there is a strong emphasis on maintaining traditional institutions such as schools, churches, and community organizations. In addition, conservative cities often highly value education and family-friendly recreational activities. Another advantage is access to quality health care, as conservative areas often have well-funded medical facilities and focus on promoting healthy lifestyles. Raising a family in a conservative city can provide a safe, stable, and supportive environment.
Are there any disadvantages to raising a family in a conservative city?
While conservative cities may offer advantages such as better healthcare and educational opportunities, raising a family in these cities can have some potential disadvantages. For example, the cost of living can be higher in some conservative cities [1], and some may argue that change can be slower to occur in more conservative communities. However, it’s important to note that these potential disadvantages can vary depending on the specific city and individual circumstances. Ultimately, it’s up to each family to carefully consider their priorities and needs when deciding where to raise their family.
What factors were considered when selecting the best conservative cities to raise a family?
In selecting the best conservative cities to raise a family, factors such as promoting social institutions like the nuclear family, organized religion, the military, property rights, and the monarchy are considered. Conservatives tend to favor institutions and practices that guarantee stability. Transparency and accountability in policymaking are also important factors. The political climate, crime rate, and cultural values can also be considered when choosing the best conservative cities to raise a family.
Is it difficult to find employment in conservative cities?
No, it is not difficult to find employment in conservative cities. In Salt Lake City, the unemployment rate as of February 2023 was 2.7%, lower than the national average of 4.1% [1]. The city has many major employers, including Intermountain Healthcare, the University of Utah, and Delta Air Lines. Salt Lake City has a thriving tech industry, with companies like Adobe, eBay, and Overstock.com operating in the area.
Provo has an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is lower than the national average [2]. The city has a diverse economy, with major employers including Brigham Young University, Nu Skin Enterprises, and Vivint. Additionally, Provo has a growing tech industry, with companies like Qualtrics and Ancestry.com based in the area.
In Colorado Springs, the unemployment rate as of February 2023 was 3.3%, slightly higher than the national average [3]. The city has a diverse economy, with major employers including the US Air Force Academy, Fort Carson, and Memorial Health System. Additionally, Colorado Springs has a growing tech industry, with companies like Quantum Metric and Cherwell Software based in the area.
The data suggest that finding employment in conservative cities like Salt Lake City, Provo, and Colorado Springs is not necessarily difficult. These cities have relatively low unemployment rates and diverse economies with major employers across various industries.
Are there any cities on the list that are affordable?
Cities like Provo, Salt Lake City, and Colorado Springs are affordable. The median home cost in Provo, Utah, is $454,100, with a 156.4% home appreciation rate over the last 10 years [1]. The median household income in Provo is $46,532 per year, and the cost of living is -4.4% lower than the national average [6][7]. The average home price in Provo is $315,000 in 2020 [3].
In Salt Lake City, Utah, the median home price was $515K in February 2023, a decrease of 0.53% compared to last year [5]. The cost of living in Salt Lake City is -3.4% lower than the national average [6].
In Colorado Springs, Colorado, the median home value is $396,068 as of March 2023, according to Zillow [11]. The cost of living in Colorado Springs is 1.2% lower than the national average [12].
What types of recreational activities are available in these cities?
These cities offer a wide variety of recreational activities. Nature lovers can hike, bike, and fish in local parks and preserves. Many cities have swimming pools, sports fields, and golf courses for those who prefer team sports or individual activities. For those who prefer cultural activities, many cities have museums, art galleries and theaters. Families can enjoy recreational activities such as amusement parks, zoos and aquariums. In addition, there are numerous gastronomic options, ranging from simple to upscale cuisine, with something for every taste.
What is the political climate like in these cities?
The political climate in these cities varies, but most lean toward the conservative side. Some of these cities have historically received more Republican votes in elections, while in others, the political landscape is more mixed. When choosing a city to raise a family, it’s important to consider the local political climate and how it aligns with your values and beliefs. Find out about the city’s electoral history, current political leadership, and any major political issues or initiatives being discussed or implemented in the area. It’s also important to engage in conversation with city residents to better understand the city’s political culture and climate.
Are there any cities on the list that have good healthcare options?
Yes, several cities on the list have good health care. For example, cities like Austin, Texas, Madison, Wisconsin, and Colorado Springs, Colorado, are known for their excellent healthcare facilities and providers. In contrast, cities like Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Jackson, Mississippi, have relatively few health care options. It’s important to thoroughly research the healthcare options in a city before deciding to move there.
What should I consider when choosing a city to raise my family in?
While the cost of living, political climate, and health care are important factors when choosing a city to raise a family, other factors should be considered. Safety, quality of education, job opportunities, and proximity to family and friends are all important factors to consider. You should also consider factors such as access to cultural and recreational opportunities, transportation options, and environmental factors such as air quality and green space. Take the time to research and visit potential cities to get a feel for what they offer and whether they are a good fit for your family’s needs and lifestyle.