UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.

#6. College Park

Students at the University of Maryland routinely get involved with the College Park political scene. In 2009, UM student Marcus Afzali even won a seat on the city council. Many of the university’s 37,000 students identify as liberals and greatly influence the values of the town. The last time a Republican presidential candidate won the vote in College Park was in 1972, when Richard Nixon beat George McGovern.

College Park Mayor Andrew Fellows is a member of the Democratic Municipal Officials, a national organization that promotes the party. Many city leaders and residents have close ties to Washington D.C., which is just a few miles from College Park. Fifth Congressional District Rep. Steny Hoyer holds the position of minority whip. Steny, a rank-and-file Democrat according to GovTrack, has supported federal facilities and associated businesses including the NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction in College Park.

Residents here are more likely to …

  • drive a Cadillac.
  • eat at Chic-fil-A.
  • shop at REI.
  • watch The Newsroom.
  • read Time magazine.

Newsletter Sign Up

Keep up to date with our latest rankings and articles!
Enter your email to be added to our mailing list.