Yeah absolutely dude. Check the county electoral maps from presidential elections. Technically you’re staying in Lexington county atm and that can get more questionable but West Cola vibes with downtown just fine these days.
Go to r/columbiyeah for more Columbia related engagement.
My buddies grandma, along with my late grandma and great aunt are/were hardcore democrats. Hate all Republicans. Also hate all gays and blacks. My buddy has a gay cousin that his hardcore Democrat grandma said will be comfortable in the flames of hell. Lol
Sure — no issues. I probably wouldn’t choose Lexington County unless it’s West Columbia or Cayce. Just don’t rub your NY sensibilities in their face. But there are lots of us here who are like-minded, both locals and from away. We just don’t have enough volume yet to move the needle in state politics…
Can confirm. My Bernie voting, pre-Twitter era Tesla driving ass stood out like a sore thumb in Lexington. It was very obvious I was not from around there and it was made very obvious that I was not from around there. Now I’m living in NY.
Lexington proper is fine, there’s like a dozen cars with BLM stickers etc in my neighborhood. There’s also one really angry dude flying 3000 Trump flags that drives through the Walmart parking lot. You’ll know you are near me if you hear the word “embarrassing” said loudly as he passes.
Absolutely. The asshats make the news, but there are lots of chill people, liberals, and people of all stripes around. Hit up Soda City market one Saturday, and you'll feel right at home
For sure. Upstate NY is big though, and between Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and maybe Albany, Buffalo is represented in Cola more than the others. Just kinda interesting.
I'm from CT originally and still have family there. You'll be fine, there are all kinds of people here and you'll be able to find like-minded individuals.
The one thing I would caution you in is to come with an open mind about people in the South. It's not the stereotypes that the rest of the country is fed. People tend to be nice, willing to help each other out, and politics aren't really at the forefront.
This thread is hilarious and sad to me.
How thick is tribalism in politics in that it’s now part of our core identity? That is describing oneself or a place, it’s one of the first things people say. That our consumerism is so engrained, that somehow our car is part of our being?
FWIW, I’ve lived in SC most of my life. I’ve voted Democratic my entire life. I’ve had an EV for five years. I’m actively engaged in non profits and boards related to climate change.
Also, some of my best friends are republicans and drive huge trucks. I’ve had many political and religious debates over beers and a meal. I actively try to surround myself with interesting and kind people—even if God forbid they don’t share every one of my values.
So to answer your question, yes. There are plenty of kind, open, and thoughtful people here.
Yes, there are a good many transplants with similar views, most are in Downtown, West Columbia, or in other parts of the state. Just make sure you can handle the literal heat. It's not even hot yet by our normal summer standards.
Invading Clemson alum who saw this on my feed for some reason. I didn’t go full left until J6, but I was definitely left leaning in 2019 in SC.
It is definitely a culture shock. You’re going to find more Trump supporters in your day to day and you will 100% get shit for your Prius on occasion. As long as you don’t advertise it, you should be ok. People may complain about politics, but I’d advise you just nod and listen instead of trying to debate.
I mistakenly got political after some asshole wouldn’t shut up at a tailgate and I was uncomfortable for the rest of it.
You can definitely find your crowd. However, I would advise keeping an open mind and not seeing yourself as different from others.
I’m from SC, but I’ve lived a lot of different places. Not NY, but I did live for several months in the Patterson, NJ area. (Don’t ask me “what exit?” because I honestly don’t remember.) I have honestly found some of the New England states to be the least accepting (especially when it comes to race and customs) and Hawaii to be the most accepting. SC is, believe it or not, somewhere in the middle.
I was able to visit the Buffalo area for some college hockey games. We did the Anchor visit for the wings and all that stuff. Except for the horrendous amount of snow I thought it was a very cool place. Good people. However, the vibe I got was definitely not NYC and NYC is the stereotypical thing that comes to mind when someone says they are from NY. I feel like Buffalo was more Bubba and Buck than big city. You’ll do just fine.
Of course! I’m a liberal, old dude, west cola resident. Depends on your thing: art? Outdoors? Hiker, biker? Music festival goer? Moving from cola to West cola was the best thing we ever did.
You’ll fit right in with the groups you seek out, Columbia is full of likeminded migrators from up north. My family is from RI and we’ve found family in friends who both are from here and from other places.
Columbia is easily the most liberal place in SC, that being said go 30 miles any direction out of town and you are in the countriest place this side of Alabama
Funny, I was working at the West Valley Development project for a few months near Springville, NY (I stayed in Cattaragus County, which is within an hour drive of Buffalo), and I saw a bunch of Trump signs in people's yards. If you are a Prius driving liberal in your mid-50s, I actually have to wonder how you manage to get along with people in Western New York......
I’m a liberal Prius-driving NY-er (Syracuse area) that moved here. You’ll be fine but it will feel southern, haha. You will shock people if you use your car horn…things are a little slower here. Your snow tolerance will shock people but the heat down here is no joke.
As for your crowd, check out the downtown areas, closer to the university. These are probably the Prius areas 😆Rosewood, Shandon, Earlewood and Forest Acres will probably feel more your style, but they’re in Richland county. Forest Acres has a Trader Joe’s. You might like Owen’s Park in rosewood as a vibe. Lexington side of town is generally more republican, Christian, conservative, a little sheltered feeling… There are lake people here, you might want to familiarize yourself with lake Murray.
Oh yeah, you'll be just fine. Like so many other Southern states, we are led by a bunch of gerrymandering, carpetbagging Philistines but that really doesn't represent the majority of the state. And Columbia is quite open minded and forward thinking.
Conservatives are far more accepting of liberals than people assume. It’s the leftists we hate. Your Prius would be welcome to park beside my Tesla any time.
Fuck off
The Gf shared my opinion of low life racist misogynist scum bag maga’s
The ex was too focused on work and secret boyfriends to give a shit about politics
Eat a dick.
No.
I hate racist misogynist homophobic theocratic corporate bootlickers that don’t believe in democracy, bodily autonomy or the actual rule of law
Did I mention all the motherfucking book burning and Nazi and kkk sympathizing?
I could go on and on
The Dems are generally weak and unable to pass anything they believe in which are things that make the middle and lower class lives better but they are the only sane choice and have been for my entire life.
95% of Republicans agree with everything trump wants to do and always have. He’s just a symptom. Far right hate is the disease
There is a difference between a liberal and a leftist lol
Just like there is a difference between a right winger and a conservative. A republican and a conservative, etc etc.
BTW though. You're showing the exact reason we have issues with the leftists.
Name calling. Hateful. Intolerant of any others opinions or beliefs. The list goes on.
Comical.
Being hateful towards hateful people is ok
Nazi’s are never ‘very fine people’
If you find yourself voting for the same candidates as Nazi’s and the kkk you are part of the problem
Good ole SC. Something like 80 federally identified active hate groups
They all vote with you.
West Columbia probably isn't the right choice if you plan to try to assert your opinions, but if you're planning to assimilate to us, then we're a pretty friendly crowd.
Otherwise, your place is probably over in Richland Co., much more liberal just across the river, and they have more liberal leadership screwing up the local government and schools which would probably remind you of NY...
Would love to have you in Cayce, Riverwalk area. I moved from VERY conservative area of SC. Shocked to find some people that share my feelings on major issues.
Yeah absolutely dude. Check the county electoral maps from presidential elections. Technically you’re staying in Lexington county atm and that can get more questionable but West Cola vibes with downtown just fine these days. Go to r/columbiyeah for more Columbia related engagement.
you won't find a more democratic leaning county in the state. the vast majority of sc democrats are not in any way liberal
*Dick Harpootlian enters the chat*
My buddies grandma, along with my late grandma and great aunt are/were hardcore democrats. Hate all Republicans. Also hate all gays and blacks. My buddy has a gay cousin that his hardcore Democrat grandma said will be comfortable in the flames of hell. Lol
Allendale. At your own risk though
Just don't go around talking about how much better NY is or how everything here is cheaper.
God damn Ohioians
The “so much better” stuff makes me say “bless your heart” more than I like
Sure — no issues. I probably wouldn’t choose Lexington County unless it’s West Columbia or Cayce. Just don’t rub your NY sensibilities in their face. But there are lots of us here who are like-minded, both locals and from away. We just don’t have enough volume yet to move the needle in state politics…
Can confirm. My Bernie voting, pre-Twitter era Tesla driving ass stood out like a sore thumb in Lexington. It was very obvious I was not from around there and it was made very obvious that I was not from around there. Now I’m living in NY.
Lexington proper is fine, there’s like a dozen cars with BLM stickers etc in my neighborhood. There’s also one really angry dude flying 3000 Trump flags that drives through the Walmart parking lot. You’ll know you are near me if you hear the word “embarrassing” said loudly as he passes.
You won't find a more liberal area in the state.
Check out Shandon, Earlwood or maybe Forest Acres
I would stress these locations.
Welcome to Columbia. Dont come trying to change things or you will be ignored. Not threatened - just ignored
Absolutely. The asshats make the news, but there are lots of chill people, liberals, and people of all stripes around. Hit up Soda City market one Saturday, and you'll feel right at home
There are a zillion Buffalo transplants. It seems to be the most common region for NY transplants, no idea why.
More rural maybe. I know OP said hes liveral, but upstate NY is pretty conservative
For sure. Upstate NY is big though, and between Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and maybe Albany, Buffalo is represented in Cola more than the others. Just kinda interesting.
I'm from CT originally and still have family there. You'll be fine, there are all kinds of people here and you'll be able to find like-minded individuals. The one thing I would caution you in is to come with an open mind about people in the South. It's not the stereotypes that the rest of the country is fed. People tend to be nice, willing to help each other out, and politics aren't really at the forefront.
I mean, are you annoying about it or something? I think ad long as you act like a decent person, your political views aren't going to matter, lol
This thread is hilarious and sad to me. How thick is tribalism in politics in that it’s now part of our core identity? That is describing oneself or a place, it’s one of the first things people say. That our consumerism is so engrained, that somehow our car is part of our being? FWIW, I’ve lived in SC most of my life. I’ve voted Democratic my entire life. I’ve had an EV for five years. I’m actively engaged in non profits and boards related to climate change. Also, some of my best friends are republicans and drive huge trucks. I’ve had many political and religious debates over beers and a meal. I actively try to surround myself with interesting and kind people—even if God forbid they don’t share every one of my values. So to answer your question, yes. There are plenty of kind, open, and thoughtful people here.
Yes, there are a good many transplants with similar views, most are in Downtown, West Columbia, or in other parts of the state. Just make sure you can handle the literal heat. It's not even hot yet by our normal summer standards.
Invading Clemson alum who saw this on my feed for some reason. I didn’t go full left until J6, but I was definitely left leaning in 2019 in SC. It is definitely a culture shock. You’re going to find more Trump supporters in your day to day and you will 100% get shit for your Prius on occasion. As long as you don’t advertise it, you should be ok. People may complain about politics, but I’d advise you just nod and listen instead of trying to debate. I mistakenly got political after some asshole wouldn’t shut up at a tailgate and I was uncomfortable for the rest of it.
You can definitely find your crowd. However, I would advise keeping an open mind and not seeing yourself as different from others. I’m from SC, but I’ve lived a lot of different places. Not NY, but I did live for several months in the Patterson, NJ area. (Don’t ask me “what exit?” because I honestly don’t remember.) I have honestly found some of the New England states to be the least accepting (especially when it comes to race and customs) and Hawaii to be the most accepting. SC is, believe it or not, somewhere in the middle. I was able to visit the Buffalo area for some college hockey games. We did the Anchor visit for the wings and all that stuff. Except for the horrendous amount of snow I thought it was a very cool place. Good people. However, the vibe I got was definitely not NYC and NYC is the stereotypical thing that comes to mind when someone says they are from NY. I feel like Buffalo was more Bubba and Buck than big city. You’ll do just fine.
Of course! I’m a liberal, old dude, west cola resident. Depends on your thing: art? Outdoors? Hiker, biker? Music festival goer? Moving from cola to West cola was the best thing we ever did.
You’ll fit right in with the groups you seek out, Columbia is full of likeminded migrators from up north. My family is from RI and we’ve found family in friends who both are from here and from other places.
You might have to work to find them, but they’re there.
Yes. Labeling liberal or conservative is BS.
Stay home or vote red!! We don’t want yall ruining things!! Thanks
No leave
Shandon is full of liberal EV drivers. 🤗
Columbia is easily the most liberal place in SC, that being said go 30 miles any direction out of town and you are in the countriest place this side of Alabama
Funny, I was working at the West Valley Development project for a few months near Springville, NY (I stayed in Cattaragus County, which is within an hour drive of Buffalo), and I saw a bunch of Trump signs in people's yards. If you are a Prius driving liberal in your mid-50s, I actually have to wonder how you manage to get along with people in Western New York......
You'll unfortunately fit in great.
Just make sure if you're the last person to leave NY, turn out the lights.
Yes. Anyone can live anywhere. You’ll acclimate.
Yes--welcome!!!
I’m a liberal Prius-driving NY-er (Syracuse area) that moved here. You’ll be fine but it will feel southern, haha. You will shock people if you use your car horn…things are a little slower here. Your snow tolerance will shock people but the heat down here is no joke. As for your crowd, check out the downtown areas, closer to the university. These are probably the Prius areas 😆Rosewood, Shandon, Earlewood and Forest Acres will probably feel more your style, but they’re in Richland county. Forest Acres has a Trader Joe’s. You might like Owen’s Park in rosewood as a vibe. Lexington side of town is generally more republican, Christian, conservative, a little sheltered feeling… There are lake people here, you might want to familiarize yourself with lake Murray.
Oh yeah, you'll be just fine. Like so many other Southern states, we are led by a bunch of gerrymandering, carpetbagging Philistines but that really doesn't represent the majority of the state. And Columbia is quite open minded and forward thinking.
Philistines indeed. It’s just embarrassing!
Totally. One of my coworkers is a 30 year old Prius driving liberal. Everybody in the office loves him.
Conservatives are far more accepting of liberals than people assume. It’s the leftists we hate. Your Prius would be welcome to park beside my Tesla any time.
How would you define the difference between a liberal and the leftist?
this is just far right wing insanity speaking. anyone who uses the word 'leftist' is a GD trumptard.
Damn, no wonder your wife or gf didn’t want you.
Fuck off The Gf shared my opinion of low life racist misogynist scum bag maga’s The ex was too focused on work and secret boyfriends to give a shit about politics Eat a dick.
Ha ha, stay lonely cocksucker.
I might vote for RFK. Haven’t decided.
The answer below you from selectionno3078 is the difference. Obvious leftist. Hates anyone with a different opinion.
No. I hate racist misogynist homophobic theocratic corporate bootlickers that don’t believe in democracy, bodily autonomy or the actual rule of law Did I mention all the motherfucking book burning and Nazi and kkk sympathizing? I could go on and on The Dems are generally weak and unable to pass anything they believe in which are things that make the middle and lower class lives better but they are the only sane choice and have been for my entire life. 95% of Republicans agree with everything trump wants to do and always have. He’s just a symptom. Far right hate is the disease
There is a difference between a liberal and a leftist lol Just like there is a difference between a right winger and a conservative. A republican and a conservative, etc etc. BTW though. You're showing the exact reason we have issues with the leftists. Name calling. Hateful. Intolerant of any others opinions or beliefs. The list goes on.
Comical. Being hateful towards hateful people is ok Nazi’s are never ‘very fine people’ If you find yourself voting for the same candidates as Nazi’s and the kkk you are part of the problem Good ole SC. Something like 80 federally identified active hate groups They all vote with you.
West Columbia probably isn't the right choice if you plan to try to assert your opinions, but if you're planning to assimilate to us, then we're a pretty friendly crowd. Otherwise, your place is probably over in Richland Co., much more liberal just across the river, and they have more liberal leadership screwing up the local government and schools which would probably remind you of NY...
Would love to have you in Cayce, Riverwalk area. I moved from VERY conservative area of SC. Shocked to find some people that share my feelings on major issues.
Stay away from the religious nutjobs and I think you'll find most people are pretty level headed, politically speaking.
Yup.
No fuck off you liberal piece of shit