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Move somewhere new, New York, New Jersey, New England.
Or Asheville. It wouldn't be as far a move, land would still be relatively affordable, and it's an alternative community there. It could be right up the OP's alley.
I moved into one of the most Conservative counties in North Carolina.
I wanted rural and being a friendly guy, I thought I could handle it. (No, I am NOT a Conservative.)
Nope.
I'm not only viewed as an "outsider," but as an, "Intruder."
That's several steps further.
I just turned 61 and I'm retired.
I am a single man who lives on ten acres.
At my age I don't NEED sex for sex sake... and would rather do without if there's no emotional .. heart connection. I'm not, "dead" ... I just don't need empty sex like I used to.
I've traveled. I'm "wordly." So... the things I like to talk about don't seem to interest the locals.
They have a unique way of seeing things ... like when I enter wearing a smile and a clean shirt, some act as if I'm attacking them...
There seems to be an anger here that especially visible amongst women. Big turn off.
Some seem to be looking at you for what you can do for them. If nothing, then "I'm nothing."
There's also a, "misery loves company" kind of vibe. Folks seem happy if they've pissed you off.
And the driving style! Some people don't want to actually engage you in conversation, but they want you to see them? Especially while driving down the road at 60-70 mph. (I'm not going to have a moment with someone driving down the road at 60-70 mph. Just not going to happen.)
There's a few more items on the list, but on the average, I'm kind of giving up. I've met other transplants who say they've been here for years and have never adjusted. Others say they just don't mess with them.
I know I'm just in a stage ... or I hope so, but any suggestions when reading this?
i am betting that you moved from a big city to a small town, and that big city was someplace like new york, philly, pittsburg, etc. as such you ARE an outsider. being friendly isnt the problem, but what is a problem is most big city folks go into a small town, and almost immediately start making suggestions for changing the area.
how do i know this? i live in tucson, az. today a fairly large city, but when i was growing up it was a small city at best, but we held onto that small town attitude until fairly recently. when i started traveling to work in the national parks, i would go into the small towns, and not make any suggestions about changing the town. and it didnt matter if i went into jackson wy, tusyan, az, or luray virginia. i adapted to the surroundings, and did not try to adapt the surroundings to me.
i also assume by your screen name that you are a vegetarian. that is not really an issue in the south unless you make it one. and by the way, north carolina is rather famous for its pulled pork BBQ. you might try a bit of it once in a while if you want to get along there. just saying.
the southern lifestyle is one that is rather laid back in the smaller towns and rural areas, so dont rush anyone, dont try to change anything, and learn to get laid back yourself. i personally love the south which is why i can blend in nicely.
I can see moving South for employment opportunities, but to retire there?
No way! Big mistake!
Move.
There's a buzz among retirees--they go where the land is cheapest, so they can stash more away for living expenses. So they go to places like Arkansas, Tennessee, and....the Carolinas. But the liberal ones, especially vegan, gravitate to Asheville. See, the OP was able to get 10 acres. (Albeit in a place he hates. ) He wouldn't have been able to do that in California, Washington, or NY. I think maybe he outsmarted himself.
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) He wouldn't have been able to do that in California, Washington, or NY. I think maybe he outsmarted himself. 
