The state of New York is renowned for its progressive ideals, diversity, and culture. But which New York City is the liberal capital of the world? Ithaca is the solution, per a recent WalletHub analysis.
How the Research Was Performed
A personal finance website called WalletHub ranked 182 American communities according to 35 measures of political and social liberalism. Several variables were included in these metrics, including racial equality, LGBTQ+ rights, healthcare access, environmentalism, and campaign contributions. Data from the Federal Election Commission, the Human Rights Campaign, the Trust for Public Land, and the U.S. Census Bureau were used in the study.
Why Ithaca Is New York’s Most Liberal City
With a score of 76.04 out of 100 on WalletHub’s liberal index, Ithaca, a small city in the Finger Lakes region, is the most liberal city in New York and the eleventh most liberal city nationally. Ithaca did better than other New York cities, including Albany (ranked 28th), Rochester (ranked 31st), and New York City (ranked 15th).
Among the causes of Ithaca’s extreme liberalism are:
- It is home to Ithaca College and Cornell University, two esteemed and forward-thinking establishments that draw academics and students from all over the world.
- It boasts a thriving arts and culture sector that celebrates variety and creativity through theaters, galleries, museums, and festivals.
- Its great dedication to environmental sustainability is demonstrated by programs like the Ithaca Community Gardens, which educate and supply organic food to locals, and the Ithaca Green New Deal, which aspires to become carbon neutral by 2030.
- It has a history of social action, as seen by groups like the Ithaca Sanctuary Alliance, which assists immigrants and refugees, and the Ithaca Tenants Union, which defends the rights of renters.
Conclusion
Ithaca is a liberal city in terms of politics, society, and the arts. It is a location where individuals with various origins, ideologies, and identities can flourish together. It is among the most liberal cities in the nation and the most liberal city in New York.