Most Liberal Cities in the US (2025)

August 10, 2025 by Georges Benoliel

The most liberal cities in the US are places where many people tend to support the Democratic Party and hold progressive ideas about how things should be done. This article lists the top 15 cities in America known for their liberal views.

This article discusses the population of various cities, their historical political choices, and the reasons they are considered liberal. Many of these cities have a significant number of residents who voted for the Democratic Party in recent elections and have local governments led by Democrats. We examine cities of all sizes, from large metropolitan areas like New York City, which has millions of residents, to smaller cities like Berkeley and Boulder.

We also explain how we selected these cities. To create our list, we analyzed voting patterns from the 2020 presidential and 2022 midterm elections, checked the number of residents registered with the Democratic Party, and noted whether the current mayor is a Democrat or a Republican as of January 1, 2024. Only cities with a population of at least 100,000 residents were considered.

The United States is a diverse nation, with cities that encompass a wide range of political beliefs. However, specific urban centers are exceptionally liberal, drawing in individuals and families who value progressive ideals and policies. These cities emphasize social justice, environmental protection, and equality, making them attractive to like-minded residents.

By examining voting patterns, political donations, and demographic data, we will uncover the factors that contribute to the progressive nature of these cities.

This article offers an insightful examination of places in the United States that are most welcoming to liberal ideas and those who identify as Democrats.

1. Berkeley

The most liberal city in the United States is Berkeley. Located just north of Oakland in the San Francisco Bay Area, Berkeley has a population of nearly 125,000 residents. The city has a rich history of political activism and progressive values.

It was a central hub for the hippie movement in the 1960s. This town is also home to the University of California, Berkeley. It is one of the most liberal college campuses in the country.

Consequently, Berkeley is in one of the most liberal counties in the United States, with 93% of its residents voting for the Democratic Party in the last presidential election.

Berkeley, California, is a champion of activism and social justice. The city is home to the prestigious University of California, Berkeley, renowned as one of the most progressive educational institutions in the nation. The university fosters an environment that encourages forward thinking and activism, attracting students and faculty who prioritize liberal values.

In addition to this academic hub, various nonprofit organizations operate in Berkeley, dedicated to empowering marginalized communities and working towards their upliftment.

Together, Berkeley’s commitment to social justice and its progressive academic environment reinforce its reputation as a liberal city.

2. Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, is the second most liberal city in the country and the first on the East Coast. Located in the District of Columbia, this area is home to approximately 670,000 residents and is a state rather than a traditional city.

In the 2020 Presidential Election, Washington, D.C. recorded an impressive 92.1% of its voters supporting the Democratic candidate, making it the city with the second-highest percentage of Democratic voters nationwide. Furthermore, both the local mayor and attorney general are Democrats, solidifying its status as the most liberal city in the United States.

3. Cambridge

Cambridge is one of the most liberal cities in the United States. Located in Middlesex County within the greater Boston area, it has a population of 118,403 residents. The surrounding areas are also quite liberal, and Massachusetts is one of the most liberal states in America.

Cambridge is famous for being home to several prestigious universities, including Harvard and MIT. As a result, it has a relatively young and affluent community, with a median age of 29.6 years and a median household income of $109,358.

Residents of Cambridge have consistently voted Democratic in the last 23 presidential elections, starting with Al Smith in 1928. In the 2020 presidential election, an impressive 92% of Cambridge residents voted for the Democratic candidate.

Cambridge, Massachusetts, is famous for its liberal atmosphere, which stems from a unique combination of academic excellence, innovative thinking, and cultural diversity. At the heart of the city are prestigious institutions like Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). These universities foster a commitment to intellectual exploration and cutting-edge research, promoting a progressive mindset among residents and students.

The city is often referred to as “The People’s Republic of Cambridge,” a name that reflects its liberal values. The presence of these top-tier educational institutions attracts a diverse community of students and scholars from around the world, embodying the multiculturalism celebrated at the United Nations. Additionally, Cambridge’s connection to technology giants like Google and Facebook enhances its reputation as a forward-thinking city, solidifying its status as a hub for liberal ideas and innovation.

4. San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the most liberal cities in the United States. Located on the West Coast, it is a haven for Democrats and liberal thinkers. The term “San Francisco values” was even coined by members of the Republican Party as a criticism of the city’s openly liberal lifestyle.

However, this has not deterred its residents, as approximately 85.3% of the surrounding population voted for the Democratic candidate in the 2020 Presidential Election.

The thriving tech industry and prestigious educational institutions in San Francisco foster a climate of liberal thought. The city is home to several major tech companies, including Google, Facebook, and Twitter, which often promote progressive values. Additionally, esteemed universities such as Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley, contribute to the city’s progressive atmosphere.

San Francisco’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community actively advocates for equal rights and has played a significant role in shaping the city’s liberal identity. This consistent support for Democratic candidates is reflected in the voting patterns, with the majority of residents leaning towards liberal policies.

5. Boston

Boston is widely regarded as one of the most progressive cities in the United States. Situated on the East Coast in Massachusetts, the city operates under a strong mayor and city council system, both of which primarily align with the Democratic Party.

Boston has a dedicated voting population of approximately 654,000 residents, with 82% identifying as members of the Democratic Party. This political climate solidifies Boston’s status as a key player among the nation’s most liberal cities.

6. Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one of the most liberal cities in the United States. Located in southern California, it has a population of approximately 3.85 million people, with nearly 82% identifying as Democratic voters.

This high percentage of Democratic voters makes Los Angeles one of the most populous liberal cities in the country, making it an ideal place for individuals who prefer to live among like-minded people.

7. Oakland

Oakland, California, is one of the most liberal cities in the United States. Situated just south of Berkeley in Alameda County, Oakland has a population of approximately 440,000 residents. While it may not be as progressive as San Francisco and Berkeley, it is still part of one of the most liberal regions in the country, where Democrats hold a strong majority in local government.

Since the presidency of Bill Clinton, Oakland residents have consistently supported the liberal candidate in each presidential election, with nearly 80% voting for the Democratic Party in the most recent election.

8. Denver

Denver is one of the most liberal cities in the United States. While the mayor and city council members are officially classified as non-partisan, many council members do have affiliations with political parties, and most of them align with the Democratic Party. Additionally, a significant portion of the local voting population, approximately 79.6%, identifies with the Democratic Party.

9. Boulder

Boulder is one of the most liberal cities in the United States. Located in northern Colorado, it has a population of over 104,000 residents. While the rural areas of Colorado are generally more conservative, larger cities like Boulder and Denver tend to be more liberal.

Boulder is also home to the University of Colorado and boasts a vibrant music and arts scene that attracts many liberal residents. As a result, 77.2% of Boulder County residents voted for the Democratic Party in the last presidential election.

Boulder, Colorado’s liberal ideology, can be attributed to several factors. One significant factor is its status as the home of the University of Colorado’s main campus, which has hosted numerous politically charged events in recent years. The university attracts a diverse and progressive student body, contributing to the city’s overall liberal atmosphere.

Boulder’s progressive leanings were particularly evident in the last presidential election, in which a significant majority of 77.2% voted for the Democratic Party, while only 20.6% supported the Republican Party. This overwhelming support highlights Boulder’s strong alignment with liberal ideals and policies.

10. Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a liberal city with significant influence. Situated near the Pennsylvania-New Jersey border, it has a voting population of approximately 1.6 million residents, with around 75% identifying as Democrats. A Democratic mayor leads the city, and most of its city council members are also Democrats. Overall, Philadelphia stands out as an excellent choice for liberals across the nation.

11. Seattle

Seattle is a vibrant area famous for its liberal and progressive values in the United States. Located along the western coast of Washington state, the city has a voting population of approximately 734,000 people, with around 74.9% identifying as liberals.

The city has a mayor and a city council, all of whom are non-partisan officials. Despite this non-partisan structure, Seattle has a liberal ideology, creating a welcoming environment for like-minded Democrats.

12. Chicago

Chicago is one of the most liberal cities in the Midwest. Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, it has a voting population of approximately 2.7 million, making it the third-largest city in this region.

About 74.3% of the area’s voters identify as liberals, and the city’s elected officials are predominantly affiliated with the Democratic Party. This alignment is not surprising, as Illinois, Chicago’s home state, is generally regarded as one of the most progressive states in the nation.

13. Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor is one of the most liberal cities in the United States. Located in Southeastern Michigan, it is the fifth-largest city in the state, with a population of 123,851. While Michigan is a swing state, Ann Arbor stands out as a liberal stronghold in contrast to the more conservative rural areas of Western and Northern Michigan.

The city is home to the University of Michigan, which is one of its largest employers. Additionally, the technology sector plays a significant role in the local economy, attracting many liberal residents. In the most recent presidential election, 72.4% of Ann Arbor residents voted for the Democratic candidate, while only 25.9% voted for the Republican candidate.

Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a liberal city in the United States. This reputation stems largely from its strong association with the University of Michigan, which has fostered an environment of progressive thinking in the Midwest. The university’s commitment to progressive values and its support for activism have significantly influenced the contemporary character of Ann Arbor.

The residents of Ann Arbor actively engage in social and political issues, shaping policies that reflect the progressive values embraced by this forward-thinking community. Additionally, the city features cultural landmarks such as the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and the esteemed Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, in addition to the prestigious University of Michigan, renowned for its selectivity. Together, these elements contribute to Ann Arbor’s distinctive identity as a city dedicated to intellectual pursuits, diversity, and liberalism.

14. Austin

Although the South is typically known for its conservatism, Austin defies this stereotype. This city is in Texas’s south-central region and provides a liberal oasis in a predominantly conservative environment. There are about 964,000 voters in this area – about 71.6% of whom identify as Democrats.

Though local city council members are officially non-partisan, they are generally affiliated with the Democratic Party, as is the local mayor. With a slogan like “Keep Austin Weird,” it’s no wonder this city attracts voters with a more open-minded outlook. 

15. New York City

New York City is another one of the most liberal cities in America. It’s also the largest city in the U.S. Though NYC’s percentage of Democratic voters is only 62%, its total population is roughly 8.5 million.

This means that it is home to roughly 5.27 million Democratic voters – the most of any other city in the nation. Coupled with its Democratic mayor, this makes New York City one of the most liberal places to live in the United States. 

Most Liberal Cities Takeaways

In conclusion, the cities discussed in this article are significant hubs for liberal ideas and actions in the United States. Each town has a unique culture and history that fosters the growth of progressive thoughts. From the historic activism in Berkeley to the vibrant political life in Washington, D.C., and the dynamic scenes in Austin, these cities exemplify the widespread importance of liberal values across the nation.

If you’re seeking a place where these ideas are embraced, these 15 cities are among the best options for living, working, and engaging in the community.

Most Liberal Cities in America Methodology

To identify the most liberal cities in the U.S., we analyzed election results from the 2020 presidential election and the 2022 midterm elections. We also examined voter registration records for each city and the political affiliation of the local mayor as of January 1, 2024.

Additionally, we only considered cities with populations of at least 100,000 people for this ranking.

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