I live in purple Colorado (but very blue Denver) and have also heard the “no red states” line from college-bound high schoolers looking at out of state colleges. It’s very much a concern among the more politically oriented students. Ironically enough, among the most vocal critics were people who grew up/spent a lot of time in the South. They’re among the most vehement that if you’re a liberal, you will hate such-and-such place.