A couple in front of a red barn.
Nashville is one of the blue island cities going through a population boom.
  • Blue cities in red states, dubbed "blue islands," are attractive to workers due to the jobs.
  • Companies are expanding in these cities, drawn by factors like talent and local business policies.
  • These cities do face challenges from the rapid population growth.

It may seem like it would feel isolating to live in a Democratic city in a Republican state, but these "blue islands" are now some of the most attractive places to live, especially for younger Americans.