Very much more complex, I think, stemming from diverse historical and cultural differences. I would put it that Boston is actually more truly liberal than even

Very much more complex, I think, stemming from diverse historical and cultural differences. I would put it that Boston is actually more truly liberal than even SF: Massachusetts, after all, put many policies into action that California even could not actually do (sure sure, it was the central valley, but still). Boston, being authentically liberal, and more generally authentic itself, is rather conservative about its liberalism. We still have some puritanical roots, and discussion still needs to be proper and polite, and politics is not brought to the table often for this reason. The general social protocol here is to be nice, pay attention to what you say, think carefully before you say it, don't offend, be agreeable. SF is quite the opposite: discussion of anything is on the table, you say things first and think later or think by talking, everyone is expected to offend and to not be offended by anything, and if you cross any lines you're told so bluntly and argue back. It's a culture of debate, it's anti-puritan, anti-polite, and more free-as-in-speech free. But what you say becomes more important than what you believe, and your beliefs are allowed to be much more malleable and impermanent. Because of this, I say that it's less authentic, in that people are less solid in their ways and more apt to say what's popular or interesting at the time rather than what they solidly believe, and thus, they form fewer things solidly. Disclaimer: I grew up in California, went to school in the Bay, and have lived in Boston for five years. I feel I survive well here because I actually fit in better with the slightly more intellectually conservative culture; or at least I feel like I understand it well enough. I think these cultural differences are fascinating because the cities share so many similarities otherwise. I think the HubSpot article actually makes sense in this context—Boston folks do tend to be more loyal, have more of a sense of permanence both intellectually and socially, and know how to live through a good cold winter—a quality and gumption not to be overlooked! Anyway, interesting and fascinating, and dripping with stereotypes and generalization, but in a good way. :)