The Most Liberal Cities in America: Where Progressive Policies Rule

More than 180,000 people are homeless in California, making up nearly a third of the US homeless population, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Most of them reside in strongly liberal cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, where progressive policies have defined the political and economic outlook. The California homelessness situation is so out of hands that, a few years ago, Ron DeSantis showed Governor Newsom a map of San Francisco plotted with the locations of… well, check it yourself.

These are some side effects of voting liberal in the 2020s. Because liberal cities in America are known for their progressive policies, big government programs, and activist culture. These urban clusters push high taxes, expansive social programs, and strict regulations. They have historically promoted diversity and social change. And there might be some commendable items out of that checklist. But they are now struggling with rising crime, growing homelessness, and businesses packing up due to excessive red tape. People all around the world can’t wrap their heads around the question: “What the hell is going on in American cities?”

These are the most liberal cities in the United States, sometimes with disastrous consequences.

What is the most liberal city in the United States?

The most liberal city in the US is San Francisco, California. No city has embraced progressive policies more aggressively. From its lenient approach to crime to its extreme environmental regulations, San Francisco has become a hallmark of modern leftist governance.

The result is a city that has lost thousands of businesses, where homelessness is rampant, and where basic public safety has deteriorated. Companies like Walgreens and Nordstrom have even closed stores due to theft being virtually decriminalized. Elon Musk relocated his business to Texas, and Stripe had to move from San Francisco to the adjacent South San Francisco because taxes were making business financially untenable.

List of the most liberal cities in the United States

These cities rank among the most left-leaning in the country. They vote overwhelmingly Democrat and push policies that favor government expansion, high taxation, and social activism. And it all comes with a cost.

San Francisco, CA

San Francisco’s progressive policies have made it a cautionary tale. The city decriminalized public drug use, allowed encampments to take over entire neighborhoods, and continues to lose businesses fleeing excessive regulations. Crime has surged, and basic city services can barely function. Residents pay some of the highest taxes in the country, yet the infrastructure falls apart, and law enforcement is stretched thin.

Washington, DC

The nation’s capital is a centerpiece of liberal politics, where government expansion is celebrated and progressive policies dominate. While it’s a center of power, it also has one of the worst crime rates in the country. Carjackings and violent assaults have become daily occurrences, yet city leadership remains focused on social justice policies instead of restoring law and order.

Seattle, WA

Seattle has long embraced progressive policies, from a $20 minimum wage to its soft stance on crime and drug use. In 2020, the city made headlines when activists took over part of the downtown area and declared it the “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone” (CHAZ), where police were unwelcome. Sounds like a subplot from a post-apocalyptic TV show. Even though the city remains a tech hub, its radical policies have led to businesses leaving and public safety becoming a growing concern. Even people who live near Seattle say they don’t like going downtown because of the numerous drug addicts loitering there.

Oakland, CA

Oakland is one of the most crime-ridden cities in California because of its extreme leftist policies. Carjackings, theft, and violent crime are common, and city officials struggle to balance their activist priorities with basic governance. Like its neighbor across the Bay, Oakland has watched businesses leave due to high crime and anti-business regulations. Even the Golden State Warriors left (we can’t blame that on liberal policies, though). Oakland is so infamous that many tourists who visit San Francisco constantly recycle a statement: “Oakland, right across the bridge, is the most dangerous city in America.” This, of course, isn’t true, but the stigma lingers.

Boston, MA

Boston is known for its elite universities and young, progressive population. The city supports extensive government spending, environmental regulations, and aggressive social policies. While its economy is strong, the cost of living is astronomical, which makes it unaffordable for most middle-class families. Massachusetts, in case you were wondering, is also the most liberal state in the country, according to our research.

Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis became the birthplace of progressive policing policies after the 2020 riots. The city attempted to “reimagine” public safety by defunding its police force, only to see crime rates soar. Now, leaders are quietly trying to rebuild the police department after realizing their mistake, but the damage is done—violent crime remains a major issue.

New York City, NY

New York City has been a Democratic stronghold for decades, but in recent years, progressive leadership has taken its toll. Bail reform policies have led to repeat offenders being released within hours of committing crimes. Meanwhile, taxes are among the highest in the nation, which forces residents and businesses to flee to states like Florida and Texas.

Portland, OR

Portland is the epicenter of extreme liberal activism. In recent years, the city became infamous for months-long protests that turned violent, widespread homelessness, and policies that make life difficult for law-abiding citizens.

Chicago, IL

Chicago has been run by liberal politicians for decades, and the consequences are clear. Crime is a daily issue, with businesses shutting down due to rampant looting and lawlessness. The city continues prioritizing social programs over fixing its police shortage, and taxpayers are footing the bill for reckless spending. The neighboring districts are also currently in trouble. Lori Lightfoot, the former Mayor of Chicago, was hired to investigate another Illinois Mayor for misconduct.

Baltimore, MD

Baltimore has struggled for years with crime and economic decline. The city is very, very liberal. If you remember the show The Wire, you’ll recall how the real election for Mayor was the Democratic Party’s primary, and that any subsequent elections—like against Republicans—were just an afterthought. Despite receiving massive amounts of federal aid, the city remains plagued by failing schools, abandoned buildings, and one of the highest murder rates in the country. Progressive policies have done little to improve the city’s situation, as residents continue to leave for safer, more stable communities.