Many of you may have noticed that I am always referring to my state (SC) in discussions. I have realized that I don't see many positive things living where I do and everything I have to say is some-what negative. It isn't intentional, it's just how things are. I feel as if we are decades behind everyone else. Honestly, I am jealous of you all that are able to find other atheists near you. Some people have told me that no one around them even cares if they are atheist or not. In SC, it is a HUGE deal. *Sigh* It must be nice to be accepted :)

I am wondering where you all are from and how your area reacts to freethinkers, etc., and where you think are the best places to live.

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I live in Arkansas.

Don't come here if you don't have to.
I've been here my whole life and I cannot wait to leave.
It is a beautiful state aesthetically and a nice low cost of living but eh....that doesn't outweigh all the prejudice people have against non-Christians, atheists, the GLBT community, blacks, Hispanics, etc.

I think a lot of the major cities are good places.
I hear Seattle and Portland are VERY atheist friendly.

 

Great topic Becky!

I've also heard that Seattle is atheist friendly. I'm not into cold weather, though. I was hoping to hear of some place warm. Thanks for the response :)
I hear good things about Austin.
I'm not all that into cold weather but I'd put up with it if it meant living my life with less judgmental people and not fearing I'll lose my job for being an atheist and/or a lesbian.
I agree great topic! I live in San Fran and South FL. Life is much better in San Fran. As a atheist that is.
I live in Mississippi. It is the most religious, obese, least educated, homophobic, poorest state in the union. That is not opinion as we top every bad list and come in last for everything good! I think these bad things are because we are the most religious. It's not a good place for atheists. It is still in our constitution that you have to believe in a supreme being to work for the state.
We are high on the lists as well. I would imagine that Mississippi is rough. It sucks :/ O and I feel your pain on the state constitution. We are also one of the states that require a belief in god to hold a state position.
Yeah, I realize such requirements aren't legal because of the first amendment and probably not enforced, but these aren't just old outdated laws buried deep in some law library. This stuff is in our state constitutions! How maddening!

I hear Austin is a pretty enlightened city but don't know from experience. I live close to New Orleans and it is good. Even though it is heavily Catholic it is very open minded. The problem with both of those warm cities is the states in which they reside! I don't think it gets too cold in Seattle due to the ocean currents. In the same way England isn't frozen due to the gulf stream.
Well said Courtney, Becky Alabama isn't much better except for the bigger cities, & they aren't real accepting of folks not like them. They pretty much leave me alone, not quite sure what to think of me.

It is funny that the southeastern states are being listed on here as not so atheist-friendly.

South Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, and I think Arkansas may be considered a southeastern state too (idk). Andyinsdca, you are lucky :P

I recently moved to Florida and I don't know anyone here (aside from my SOs family). So, I haven't technically met an atheist yet. But, I did join a meetup group for atheists/agnostics in the area. Christianity seems to be the norm out here...

 

However, I did live in New York and it's a very diverse city. I had friends that were Christians, Greek Orthodox, Catholics, Jews, Wiccans and even Buddhists. So, if you're ever looking to relocate, NYC may be the perfect place for you. 

 

If relocating isn't part of the plan, try Meetup.com and search for atheist/agnostic groups. If there aren't any, consider starting one. 

 

:)

I live just on the other side of the Ocala National Forest from Ocala and most of the people around here don't understand. I have just now decided that I need, for myself, to let everyone know that I don't believe in the same thing they do. Talk about a stink! You would have thought I'd just proclaimed myself an Atheist to a bunch of bible thumping christians, haha. Florida isn't as bad as some other states, but just the same, due to fear of loosing my friends, and job, I just never told anyone. But I lost the battle with my inner self and decided to come clean after about thirty-five years of lying to everyone.

Maryland, is pretty good. It is sort of polarized geographically though. Some areas are quite religious and conservative, and others are open and secular. On average, I'd say that MD is somewhat ahead of the curve, but you do have to be careful who and where you come out Atheist. Some places 'in the boonies', it would behoove you to keep quiet. But in the more populated areas I've never had anyone freak out (I don't exactly shout it from the rooftops though). My city does have a local Atheist group... So that is nice! :)

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