8 years in that area myself - left after being fired for saying I wouldn't be getting the shot.

Same feelings as you - loved the artsy culture/weather/nature there - absolutely abhor the politics.

That said - we also found the most fired up bible-teaching churches we've ever attended. I came to understand that because it's the frontlines, in a lot of ways - the soldiers that are there are much more bold than the comfy citizens sitting in the middle of "red" country.

There are a lot of things I miss from there - but there's not a chance in hell I'll even consider going back unless I hear the audible voice of God tell me to or the place dramatically turns around/becomes affordable to own a house, etc.

That ain't going to happen until after a total collapse --> reset of that area. And it's going to have to scrape down FAAAAR to get to a clean surface again.