Backwards is relative. Being religious, anti-globalization, or conservative doesn't make you a horrible person. The bay area is probably the most intolerant place I've ever been. I've personally seen people unfriend friends because of politics without even being able to have a thoughtful and educated discussion about the issues. The bay area is group thinking "madness of crowds" at its worse.
I encourage watching Peter Thiel explain why he left San Francisco (albeit for LA): https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=5V8YXmkBHok...