I wonder if it would be useful to start including political culture in these comparisons. They tend to focus on cost of housing and “quality of life” metrics like the existence of third wave coffee and cocktail bars. And yet, clearly, there’s more to decisions than that. So many people who are queer, minority, or allies, disgusted by Trump and those who vote for him, may deeply resent living in hostile environments. I’m not saying this as a political statement but genuinely trying to highlight a major factor in deciding where to relocate.
I can cite many anecdotes of folks who have tried living in different environments and fled due to (lack of) diversity and the political culture. These pitches and comparative analyses should give it due consideration.
That's a fair point. The average voter in Oklahoma goes to the polls the night after watching Rosanne, drinking their 40, and reveling in the latest anti-abortion ad.
I can cite many anecdotes of folks who have tried living in different environments and fled due to (lack of) diversity and the political culture. These pitches and comparative analyses should give it due consideration.