When people think of liberal cities, California and the coasts come to mind. But right in the heart of Texas—surrounded by conservative values and common sense—is Austin: The most liberal city in Texas, and arguably one of the most progressive towns in the entire country.

Texas is rightly seen as a deeply conservative state (you know the chain of command: God, Guns, and Texas), but certain cities within its borders have long embraced liberal values, especially in culture, politics, and social progress. Among these cities, Austin stands out as the crown jewel of liberalism in Texas. It earned the title of “blueberry in a tomato soup,” a phrase famously coined by former Governor Rick Perry to poke fun at its condition as a political outlier in an otherwise conservative state.

Austin has leaned further left with every passing year, with policies and leadership that often put it at odds with the rest of Texas. From budget cuts for the police to sky-high property taxes and controversial homelessness ordinances, Austin’s city government has embraced a progressive agenda that leaves many long-time Texans scratching their heads—and packing their bags.

Austin: The most liberal city in Texas

Austin is the most liberal city in Texas. Tech transplants from California and New York have poured into Austin over the last decade, and they have brought their software skills—and their politics, too. The result? A booming, expensive city with worsening traffic, rising crime, and a cost of living that pushes working families out to the suburbs. 

Despite its growing skyline and tech money, Austin’s progressive experiment has created serious questions about livability and governance. The increasing influence of big tech companies, such as Apple and Oracle, has raised concerns about gentrification and the loss of the city’s once affordable housing options.

Even Governor Greg Abbott has joked about building a wall around the city—an exaggeration, sure, but one that resonated with plenty of Texans fed up with what Austin has become. 

Houston area: Bellaire and Montrose

Next in line are liberal enclaves around Houston. While the city itself is a political mix, suburbs like Montrose and Bellaire have embraced progressive politics more openly in recent years. Montrose, in particular, has been known as a hub for left-leaning causes and cultural activism. These areas support policies that reflect coastal liberalism—from expanded government programs to activist school boards and “equity” initiatives in local budgets.

What’s concerning is that while the greater Houston area remains relatively grounded, these pockets are growing in influence—and often serve as test labs for policies that eventually get pushed at the state level.

Dallas-Fort Worth area: Denton and Richardson

Moving north, Denton and Richardson—both part of the DFW metroplex—have also seen steady liberalization. While still Republican, Denton, a college town, is home to a growing activist class. The city has hosted pride festivals, passed climate resolutions, and leaned into identity politics that mirror trends from places like Portland or Seattle.

Richardson, a suburb with a booming tech sector, has shifted left in recent years too. Diversity and inclusion are popular buzzwords in local government meetings, and city leadership has increasingly aligned with policies that prioritize climate goals over energy independence and parental rights.

These changes may seem minor, but they matter. As we’ve seen in other states, it only takes a few key cities and suburbs flipping left before statewide policies start reflecting the same direction. That’s why it’s important to pay attention—not just to Austin—but to every liberalizing outpost across Texas.

Bottom line: Austin leads, but others are growing

Austin may be the most liberal city in Texas, but it’s not the only blue dot. As progressives push their agenda into Houston’s suburbs and the DFW area, Texas conservatives will need to hold the line—and stay engaged. Because, if Austin is any indication, unchecked liberalism doesn’t just change a city: It changes a state. (Actually… that’s what J.D. Vance thinks happened to California. The state changed forever.)