Help me aim my dart... Where to move? (farmers, outsiders, prices)

[Arkay66]

Originally Posted by Happy in Wyoming

I you need cheap, consider the Oklahoma panhandle. It's dry with mild winters and far from tornado alley.

The OK Panhandle, just like the Texas Panhandle below it and Kansas and southeastern Colorado above it, are very much in Tornado Alley.

That said, the overwhelming majority of tornados in the area cause little damage, because they are in sparsely populated areas.

The largest downside to the OK Panhandle is the roads are bloody awful.

[Crazy4Chickens]

Definitely look into Wyoming. It has the wide open spaces, gun freedom, and the lack of people you're looking for. You can be as isolated as you want to be, but there are lots of outdoor activities to do when/if you want to be around others.

I live in Star Valley, Wy and it is a beautiful area. I checked Zillow and there some houses in your price range in Afton and surrounding areas. I'm sure you can negotiate to get what you want, for the price you want. Definitely visit the area first and see what you think.

[Coldjensens]

Michigan's upper peninsula seems like it would work for you. Do you like snow?

I have seen largish properties as low as $500/acre but way out in the middle of nowhere. If you want to be near a town, I would suggest near Munising. big enough town to have most needed amnesties small enough to know you. There is a bigger city within an hour with no snow. There are also many smaller towns as you move inland form the lake, but it gets really empty pretty quickly. You can kill your dinner, chop wood for heat, water is no concern. The people, where there are people, fit your description of what you seek. You will want a snowmobile.

[Happy in Wyoming]

Originally Posted by Coldjensens

Michigan's upper peninsula seems like it would work for you. Do you like snow?

I have seen largish properties as low as $500/acre but way out in the middle of nowhere. If you want to be near a town, I would suggest near Munising. big enough town to have most needed amnesties small enough to know you. There is a bigger city within an hour with no snow. There are also many smaller towns as you move inland form the lake, but it gets really empty pretty quickly. You can kill your dinner, chop wood for heat, water is no concern. The people, where there are people, fit your description of what you seek. You will want a snowmobile.

Purchase permits are required for handguns. That's been the case in Michigan for sixty years.

[Jay_F]

Thank you very much everyone. It's amazing how many places you folks mention, I have already lived in, and many others mentioned I have considered. As has been mentioned, I think renting in any new area is the way to go, as much as I hate doing so. I'm at my wits end living in apartments, with all of the rude, noisy, inconsiderate people. Even "nice" duplexes, are the same... I gotta find a quiet, stand alone rental, and they can be rough to find.

It is a weird paradox I face; Retired at 50, could potentially move anywhere in the world I'd like, without regard to needing work, yet I think I'm facing analysis paralysis, and feeling stuck. I have all the time in the world, yet I don't know why I can't see the answer clearly? I'm guessing because I was married for 23 years, had a family, and all of the moves made, military and civilian, revolved around them and work. Now it's just me, and I'm not used to I guess, looking out just for me and what I want, not wanting to settle anymore, or not having any safety net/a partner to help.

Thanks again folks, and I'm hopeful something will click, and I can start my new life. Happy Easter, to those who celebrate, and have a great day.

[historyfan]

My suggestion is put your "absolutely must keeps" in bonded storage & go travel the road less traveled. Do not have a plan or any responsibilities to hinder your choices, just go.

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by Jay_F

Thank you very much everyone. ... I think renting in any new area is the way to go, as much as I hate doing so. I'm at my wits end living in apartments, with all of the rude, noisy, inconsiderate people. Even "nice" duplexes, are the same... I gotta find a quiet, stand alone rental, and they can be rough to find.

It is a weird paradox I face; Retired at 50, could potentially move anywhere in the world I'd like, without regard to needing work, yet I think I'm facing analysis paralysis, and feeling stuck. I have all the time in the world, ....

Don't take it so seriously, enjoy your freedom and try many places on to see what fits.

Consider house / pet / farm / plant sitting or caretaking in some of the regions you might enjoy. (many websites to help with that)

One of my ex-bosses (engineering manager) became a caretaker on a PNW island retreat for a wealthy family he saw once / yr. Worked well for 10+ yrs

When you choose some areas, get to know the locals and ask for people that may have a spare guest house. Over 50% of my rural neighbors have separate living spaces and sometimes rent them out short term (month - 24 months)

Travel using local stays (private residences)
Very interesting and informational. Several groups offer house sitters "wanted" forums.
Hospitality exchange - Wikitravel

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by Jay_F

It is a weird paradox I face; Retired at 50, could potentially move anywhere in the world I'd like,
without regard to needing work, yet I think I'm facing analysis paralysis, and feeling stuck.

You're trying to manage too many variables with one at-bat. Can't be done.

Pick one of the places.
Rent just about anything that is OK enough.
Make some friends there.

Then think about the next few things to do.

[Jay_F]

Thanks again everyone. Can't say I haven't had thoughts of selling/storing just about everything, and living a nomadic/semi-nomadic life... For lack of a better word "a Hobo"; I simply don't know how, and it is a very foreign concept for me to structure, but the idea seems amazing.

I have had people IRL suggest living in a Buddest monastery, try to get a gig at a National Park with room and board, even travel Europe. I consider all suggestions, then what seems the realities, and doubt get in the way. What about medical insurance for a person with no fixed address? I have read you can perhaps enroll in certain religious based insurance to meet this goal??? If one house sits, how do you plan, if you can, for the next gig? Say you don't find another, do you live in a hotel waiting for another/something else? As for the short term rural rentals, I can't say I have ever seen any; guess I'm looking in the wrong places, and locations.

I have to admit, the idea of such incredible freedom is intoxicating, yet uncomfortable as well. I know on a physical reality, it would not be too difficult, as everything I own would fit in a small U-Haul van if I decided to store. The mechanics of this new life feels daunting, and I know I must simply take the plunge, some plunge, I just don't know where or how to aim my dive.

[elgin54]

Originally Posted by Jay_F

I have to admit, the idea of such incredible freedom is intoxicating, yet uncomfortable as well. I know on a physical reality, it would not be too difficult, as everything I own would fit in a small U-Haul van if I decided to store. The mechanics of this new life feels daunting, and I know I must simply take the plunge, some plunge, I just don't know where or how to aim my dive.

Good luck OP, and I hope you keep us posted on what you end up doing.. as I am in a similar situation