If people living in “deep red” or “deep blue” America feel like they inhabit distinctly different worlds, it is in part because they seek out different types of communities, both geographic and social.
Fully half of consistent conservatives (50%) and 35% of consistent liberals say it is important to them to live in a place where most people share their political views – the highest shares of any of the ideological groups. Yet conservatives and liberals also are most likely to confine political conversations to those who share their views. This is part of a pattern of more intense political engagement among those at either end of the ideological spectrum. As Republicans and Democrats are growing further apart, increasingly polarized along ideological lines and with greater antipathy toward the opposing party, divides in the political sphere also permeate the everyday lives of Americans.Ĭonsistent conservatives and liberals do share one habit that distinguishes them from other Americans: They spend a lot of time talking about politics and government. This section explores these and other key ways in which political polarization is linked to people’s personal lives and day-to-day interactions.
And while 73% of consistent liberals say it’s important to them to live near art museums and theaters, just 23% of consistent conservatives agree – one of their lowest priorities of eight community characteristics tested. Yet their differences are striking: liberals would rather live in cities, while conservatives prefer rural areas and small towns liberals are more likely to say racial and ethnic diversity is important in a community conservatives emphasize shared religious faith. For example, large majorities of both groups attach great importance to living near family and high-quality public schools. Liberals and conservatives don’t disagree on all community preferences. Given the choice, three-quarters (75%) of consistent conservatives say they would opt to live in a community where “the houses are larger and farther apart, but schools, stores and restaurants are several miles away,” and just 22% say they’d choose to live where “the houses are smaller and closer to each other, but schools, stores and restaurants are within walking distance.” The preferences of consistent liberals are almost the exact inverse, with 77% preferring the smaller house closer to amenities, and just 21% opting for more square footage farther away.Īmericans overall are divided almost evenly in this preference, with 49% preferring the larger houses and 48% preferring the more convenient locations. It is an enduring stereotype – conservatives prefer suburban McMansions while liberals like urban enclaves – but one that is grounded in reality. Those on the opposite ends of the ideological spectrum disagree about everything from the type of community in which they prefer to live to the type of people they would welcome into their families. Liberals and conservatives are divided over more than just politics.
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