Datlas, I think you would be surprised as to the diversity in the south. Large academic centers (like Ktown) have incredible diversity and are pretty tolerant in general. You might have trouble finding a house of worship (if you are so inclined) but possibly less racism than in the north. At least that is what I have found. Two of my good friends are African American docs. One from Ohio, and the other grew up 10miles from me in NJ. THey both have told me that Oklahoma is LESS racist than where they grew up. Of course there are still occ. neo nazis/KKK etc. but I saw that in Northern NJ as well.