hmm, we're in a very different area, but where we are seems to be quite left wing & liberal (for america) very pro obama & the local uni has a 'hash bash' once a year to promote cannabis smoking.
dh's work is quite social, and i've also found a kind of real life mumsnet, a very varied group of ladies who meet each week for coffee, have a 'yahoo' group (where we're currently discussing jimmy carter's views on sexism in the church, and where to take the kids when it rains) & help out at dd's school.
even so, we are still at the 'feeling new' stage a little, but people really do rally round if you need help & there's definitely a culture of 'community' - that neighbours look out for each other. as soon as i told people that dd was a bit bored & lonely in the holidays, people found other girls her age & gave me phone numbers to set up play dates.
there does seem to be more emphasis on family time & kids are expected to come along to stuff, not sent to bed with a babysitter. it's fine to drop round in the evening with your kids, let them sleep on the sofa or join in. they do tend to have tidy houses & beautiful gardens, though! i think they just work hard & play hard - i've seen less watching tv by kids here, than in the uk. as soon as the sun shines, they're all off to the lakes, or doing other stuff.