For us and D26 it comes down to the ‘law of the land’.
There are just certain states that pose health concerns (due to lack of health care) and lack of specialist (the OB-GYN brain drain is real in many of these states) that are needed for her to live a healthy and safe life.
Even if you find an awesome bubble (many college towns and larger business districts/hubs are great welcoming bubbles) - that doesn’t change the laws. Sure, your day-to-day life is probably great because many of these issues are not being dealt with on a daily basis for most.
But that bubble can pop pretty quickly for many- and things can go downhill pretty fast if you do not have laws and legal protections in place.
I was born and raised in the south. Hubby and I are both veterans and spent over 2 decades moving from place to place- so I have a lot of comparisons to choose from.
So, when I say there are reasons that my children will not go to school in the south- I assure you it is not from ignorance or from believing in stereotypes that I have only seen on the news or social media.
The great thing- we all have options- and have to do what is best for ourselves and our families.
It was sad to take a few great schools off the college list due solely on location- but there are also many awesome schools that are a great fit.