Bisley Joe Posted January 13 Posted January 13 Hello. I currently live in Show Low, AZ. I may move, but not sure where to. Any advice and input is welcome. I like mountains and four seasons with snow. Creeks and little rivers. I want to avoid anti-gun or lukewarm states. I would like to find some land, affordable, and build a little house on it. I like hiking, canoeing, and adventure driving: 4x4 and motorcycle. I want to get to my writing and my art... to live with not much expense. I would rather have a small house and the freedom of working from home, than a big house and be tied to a job. I really love the wide expanses of the west; those long roads and big skies. But I also love the dense green of the North Carolina area, with the little creeks and waterfalls. I also love the Pacific Northwest; sort of like North Carolina but bigger. In Arizona, I like the high country: Flagstaff, Prescott... I don't like the lack of water or the damned forest fires. I sent a month living in a tent in the Boone/Banner Elk, NC area. One thing I liked there is that there is also a Historical Trekking community, more or less. I rally like the French and Indian War stuff. I also like that driving through there a few months ago (through Asheville) I saw some nice little areas that had hobbies etc. Like there was this shop that sold models and a lot of model train stuff. I love model trains and want to build an On30 steam layout. I really liked the wooded areas in Oregon and Washington state, but they seem overrun by lefties. Same with Colorado, sadly. Just trying to think of places that are away from the city and wooded, and where the anti-gun BS is not being pushed. It's a big country, so there are a lot more paces. I loved the area of Deadwood SD, Yellowstone... but the big thing is inexpensive land. Quote
Yul Lose Posted January 13 Posted January 13 My wife and I are strongly attracted to the southern Missouri area, daughter just relocated there from Sedona and really likes it. Green, lots or water, hiking, four seasons, affordable land, etc.. 2 Quote
Doc Shapiro Posted January 13 Posted January 13 Can't advise with no information. Here are some questions to ask yourself. Maybe it will help you narrow it down (we just went through exactly this): Why do you want to move? What is it about where are you that you aren't happy with? What do you want out of your new location? Proximity to hobbies, work, doctors, various specialists, churches, other things, and prioritize a list. What is your budget? What do you want in a new home? homes.com was a big help for us in finding properties. Good luck. 1 Quote
Pat Riot Posted January 13 Posted January 13 Check out West Virginia and areas near the Monongahela Nat’l Forest. 1 Quote
watab kid Posted January 13 Posted January 13 im looking to do the same but i want to escape the cold and snow but mostly taxes so dont come to minnesota - our gun laws are OK but the state is run by the left - we would be a red state if we rid ourselves of the urban cities here 2 Quote
Texas Joker Posted January 13 Posted January 13 Look into the Ozarks on the Misouri side. Southwest corner of the state 2 Quote
Bisley Joe Posted January 13 Author Posted January 13 Good points-thank you all! I am really torn between the West and the Blue Ridge/Appalachian Mountains area. I love both. The Pacific Northwest seems like it would be the best middle ground, with the best of both worlds, but that area seems overrun by leftist madness. I picture myself living in a little house or cabin, in a small town, working from home, writing etc. Hopefully surrounded by woods. I would love to have deer and elk and bear visible from my house. Just be at peace as far as possible. Lots of thinking to do. Quote
PowderRiverCowboy Posted January 13 Posted January 13 (edited) Deadwood huh well you do realize its burnt to ground twice almost 3 more times been wiped out by flood once . Housing old , and gambling has increased the price , they only now have 1 grocery store and zero other shopping. Tourists well the flatlanders and gawkers are a joy when the do 15 in a 55 and you cant pass. and its year round. But History yep, you have a questionable set a pistols in museum for Hickok, embracing the fable of Deadman's hand , a death chair that was a second hand store purchase and shot with a 38 at the city dump in a bar that wasnt there when he was shot , the grave moved once . But it could be fun . They are sitting on 30 inches of snow with 5-6 more this week low Sat -10 without windchill which is usual at 10-25 with gusts up to 50 and well 385 is ice and they rolled a plow truck yesterday. Winter can go from Sept to May, summer is nice but you have a extra 450-800k here for a month that take over everything with the Rally . and well then its hail season where Deadwood can get up to grapefruit sized hail Edited January 13 by PowderRiverCowboy 2 Quote
irish ike, SASS #43615 Posted January 13 Posted January 13 No one mentioned "gun" friendly laws. That will eliminate Washington, Oregon, maybe Colorado. 2 Quote
Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L Posted January 13 Posted January 13 I believe you will find the Pacific Northwest to be on the damp side. 1 Quote
Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770 Posted January 13 Posted January 13 14 hours ago, Bisley Joe said: Hello. I currently live in Show Low, AZ. I may move, but not sure where to. Any advice and input is welcome. I like mountains and four seasons with snow. Creeks and little rivers. I want to avoid anti-gun or lukewarm states. I would like to find some land, affordable, and build a little house on it. I like hiking, canoeing, and adventure driving: 4x4 and motorcycle. In Arizona, I like the high country: Flagstaff, Prescott... I don't like the lack of water or the damned forest fires. 5 minutes ago, irish ike, SASS #43615 said: No one mentioned "gun" friendly laws. That will eliminate Washington, Oregon, maybe Colorado. You already mention that you like the Arizona high country Flagstaff and Prescott. Since you're already IN Arizona it would be a lot less work than to move anywhere else. If you choose Prescott, you've got Uncle Forty Rod to show you around, AND you already know that Arizona is just about the most gun friendly state there is. 1 Quote
Pat Riot Posted January 13 Posted January 13 11 minutes ago, Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L said: I believe you will find the Pacific Northwest to be on the damp side. Every year I spent in Oregon with each winter I got progressively more depressed. Too wet. Too gray. Too leftist. 2 Quote
PowderRiverCowboy Posted January 13 Posted January 13 I always kinda looked at the Fredericksburg area of Texas , But wife buried here and wont leave her 2 Quote
Bisley Joe Posted January 13 Author Posted January 13 1 hour ago, PowderRiverCowboy said: Deadwood huh well you do realize its burnt to ground twice almost 3 more times been wiped out by flood once . Housing old , and gambling has increased the price , they only now have 1 grocery store and zero other shopping. Tourists well the flatlanders and gawkers are a joy when the do 15 in a 55 and you cant pass. and its year round. But History yep, you have a questionable set a pistols in museum for Hickok, embracing the fable of Deadman's hand , a death chair that was a second hand store purchase and shot with a 38 at the city dump in a bar that wasnt there when he was shot , the grave moved once . But it could be fun . They are sitting on 30 inches of snow with 5-6 more this week low Sat -10 without windchill which is usual at 10-25 with gusts up to 50 and well 385 is ice and they rolled a plow truck yesterday. Winter can go from Sept to May, summer is nice but you have a extra 450-800k here for a month that take over everything with the Rally . and well then its hail season where Deadwood can get up to grapefruit sized hail I was there, in Deadwood, a couple of months ago. What I liked was the nature part. I found it a bit too touristy. Disappointment in how many stores selling cheap stuff. I visited the recreated #10 that's underneath the bar, and the bartender seemed honest, saying it was the closest approximation but citing the town being burned out and washed out several times, and this being close to where it happened, but no one knows really exactly where. The weather you mention is a valid point, as is the lack of amenities. 1 Quote
Bisley Joe Posted January 13 Author Posted January 13 54 minutes ago, Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770 said: You already mention that you like the Arizona high country Flagstaff and Prescott. Since you're already IN Arizona it would be a lot less work than to move anywhere else. If you choose Prescott, you've got Uncle Forty Rod to show you around, AND you already know that Arizona is just about the most gun friendly state there is. That is a very valid point indeed! I am more and more pulled between Arizona and the Appalachians. I am, however, increasingly concerned with the lack of snowfall and moisture and the horror of those wildfires that happen on summers following dry winters. I went through a fire a few years ago in Show Low. I was in the Arizona Rangers and mobilized ready to start evacuating people from homes. Ash was falling like snow and the smoke in the air made me really sick for days. That kind of stuff I find really unpleasant. And that's one factor. Quote
Rip Snorter Posted January 13 Posted January 13 Wherever you move, it is something. I've lived in Hurricane, Blizzard, Tornado, Flood and currently Wildfire areas. Temp range from -40° to 112°. Don't know of anywhere that isn't prone to Nature. Has to be a place with surroundings you like, preferably low taxes and cost of living. Political slant of the area should match your own. Reasonable services and access to medical care. It is preferable to have friends or family living within a days drive. When you jump in to a new area everything you had before, ex what you brought is gone. I thought I was going to do SASS shooting out here, but that didn't pan out. I did get into another shooting club and was active for a number of years. These days I mostly shoot on the property. You need to be prepared to engage in the new area, get involved in local activities. Tough decision, but wide choices. Best of luck for a happy landing! 1 Quote
Bisley Joe Posted January 13 Author Posted January 13 3 minutes ago, Rip Snorter said: Wherever you move, it is something. I've lived in Hurricane, Blizzard, Tornado, Flood and currently Wildfire areas. Temp range from -40° to 112°. Don't know of anywhere that isn't prone to Nature. Has to be a place with surroundings you like, preferably low taxes and cost of living. Political slant of the area should match your own. Reasonable services and access to medical care. It is preferable to have friends or family living within a days drive. When you jump in to a new area everything you had before, ex what you brought is gone. I thought I was going to do SASS shooting out here, but that didn't pan out. I did get into another shooting club and was active for a number of years. These days I mostly shoot on the property. You need to be prepared to engage in the new area, get involved in local activities. Tough decision, but wide choices. Best of luck for a happy landing! You are pretty spot on with all that. I lived in Florida with the hurricanes crap, out here with the fires, and even North Carolina area got slammed with the floods!!! I have to say though, that the place I found easiest to make friends was when I lived in North Carolina. And it had a lot of little places to go to also. I visited a few months ago (Asheville) and driving out I randomly found this hobby store with so many cool thing; especially model trains. It was great! My friends mainly live in Florida. One is moving to NH. I don't have family left outside of a brother in Florida. And yeah, tough decisions. This is great in that I get to hear different opinions and views! Thank you! 1 Quote
PowderRiverCowboy Posted January 13 Posted January 13 46 minutes ago, T.K. said: SOUTH DAKOTA Near Deadwood. LOL read above 1 1 Quote
Whitey James Posted January 13 Posted January 13 What you have described is the southeast. East TN/NC/SC/WV. 2 Quote
Bisley Joe Posted January 13 Author Posted January 13 3 minutes ago, Whitey James said: What you have described is the southeast. East TN/NC/SC/WV. Yes. True. Love the West for the expanses and love those states in the SE because of the green and the water. Quote
Tyrel Cody Posted January 13 Posted January 13 Check out the area around Murphy, NC. I have some friends that live just over the border in Georgia and if I were going anywhere besides Tennessee that’s where it’d be. Actually we bought property not too far from there (Madisonville, TN/Tellico Lake) with the intent to move after my daughter gets out of high school next year. 3 Quote
Bisley Joe Posted January 13 Author Posted January 13 35 minutes ago, Tyrel Cody said: Check out the area around Murphy, NC. I have some friends that live just over the border in Georgia and if I were going anywhere besides Tennessee that’s where it’d be. Actually we bought property not too far from there (Madisonville, TN/Tellico Lake) with the intent to move after my daughter gets out of high school next year. Howdy and thanks. What makes you like that area so much? Quote
Tyrel Cody Posted January 13 Posted January 13 I’ve always like the North Carolina side of the Smokies and especially from Cherokee down to Murphy. Quiet, secluded, just like the whole area for any number of reasons. Like I said though we’ll stay in Tennessee mainly because of no income taxes. The main reasons we’re going to Southeast Tennessee: 3-4 hours away from family. Close to friends. Close to the mountains. Plenty of lakes. Plenty of cowboy clubs. No income taxes. I drove through there(Sweetwater down to Murphy) a couple years ago and just really fell in love with that area. I took my wife down through there and she did too. So we found a place on the Little Tennessee river(part of Tellico Lake) and bought it. I personally like the whole triangle from Knoxville over to Asheville and back around south to Chattanooga. Been camping on the Ocoee a lot which starts over towards Murphy. Beautiful Country. I guess the Southern Appalachians have some kind of drawing power on me, lol. 2 Quote
Forty Rod SASS 3935 Posted January 14 Posted January 14 (edited) How about you drive over here to Prescott Valley and stay awhile. From my point of view it's about as close to a perfect home as you find anywhere. I can introduce you to some mighty fine folks, show you all over the place, and answer a lot of your questions.....or put you in touch with someone who can. I'll buy lunch, then you'll buy lunch, then me, and you again, etc. Let me know.. Edited January 14 by Forty Rod SASS 3935 3 Quote
DeaconKC Posted January 14 Posted January 14 Northern half of Arkansas is beautiful country, the Ozarks, gun friendly, conservative values, but not a lot of snow. 1 Quote
Texas Maverick Posted January 14 Posted January 14 You keep saying you want a lot of woods/trees but no wildfires. I don't think that is possible. Anywhere there is a forest there are park rangers always on the lookout for fires. They are in separatable. It isn't if they will catch on fire but when. Mishandled campfires, lightening, cigarette butts, etc. You will just need to try to keep your place clear of all underbrush and have a nice clear area around the house and then pray a lot. I worked with the Search and Rescue teams in Colorado and closely with the national forest department. They were always on the lookout for fires and we did have our share of them. We are just north of Austin but are now both retired and have thought about relocating to a smaller town but haven't pinpointed an area yet. We are also looking for a green area with an inexpensive cost of living. We are looking at Arkansas, Missouri and southeast Oklahoma. TM 2 Quote
Pat Riot Posted January 14 Posted January 14 One thing I like to do is pick an area where I think I might like to live and go there for a few days. I skip the tourist crap. I stay in a motel. I eat at local restaurants, not franchise chains. I go to stores and shops and pretend to shop while observing the staff and customers in the store. If there’s a local paper I buy it and read it. All of it and I focus on local news, op-eds and classifieds. I interact with locals but don’t really say why I am there. This gives me an idea of the people in an area. If the majority are pizzed off grumpy people I move on. This is how I picked where I wanted to live when moving to various cities and regions for my work. This is how I picked WV for retirement. I mostly grew up in PA but always loved WV, but I didn’t allow my childhood attraction to dictate my decisions. My wife and I came to northern WV twice snd spent a week each time. We did visit family in PA (a place I will never willingly live again - hate that £#€%ing state with a passion. In WV I found people to be genuinely decent friendly people. This is what I look for in the locals. A friendly environment goes a long way towards your own happiness. 4 Quote
Forty Rod SASS 3935 Posted January 14 Posted January 14 (edited) BTW, we have mule deer, whitetail and black tail deer, cuiy (SP?) deer, some elk, pronghorns nearby, javalina and coyote in your yard in some places, foxes, every kind of western raptors from bald eagles to peregrine falcons, to a dozen types of owls, some poisonous snakes (I've been here over ten years and have yet to see one), black bears, tortoises, tarantulas (I hate spiders but these are harmless and eat other yard critters), crows, ravens, grackles, and many other birds, some game fish not too far away, a few skunks, lizards galore, horned toads, butterflies, etcdangcetera. We are overrun by "furriners" from less desirable state, seasonal tourists, and some others. Got several strong shooting groups, lots of places to buy, sell, or trade guns and related things, a few pro writers in the area, almost any kind of store you could wand....we really need some competition in the grocery profession, farmers' markets all over, lots of libraries, and a catalog of entertainment things around. Think about it. You're only around a hundred fifty miles away. Edited January 14 by Forty Rod SASS 3935 1 Quote
Bisley Joe Posted January 14 Author Posted January 14 17 hours ago, Tyrel Cody said: I’ve always like the North Carolina side of the Smokies and especially from Cherokee down to Murphy. Quiet, secluded, just like the whole area for any number of reasons. Like I said though we’ll stay in Tennessee mainly because of no income taxes. The main reasons we’re going to Southeast Tennessee: 3-4 hours away from family. Close to friends. Close to the mountains. Plenty of lakes. Plenty of cowboy clubs. No income taxes. I drove through there(Sweetwater down to Murphy) a couple years ago and just really fell in love with that area. I took my wife down through there and she did too. So we found a place on the Little Tennessee river(part of Tellico Lake) and bought it. I personally like the whole triangle from Knoxville over to Asheville and back around south to Chattanooga. Been camping on the Ocoee a lot which starts over towards Murphy. Beautiful Country. I guess the Southern Appalachians have some kind of drawing power on me, lol. Those are some very valid points! I agree about the area having a draw, as it I keep getting drawn back that area myslef. Thanks! Quote
Bisley Joe Posted January 14 Author Posted January 14 16 hours ago, Forty Rod SASS 3935 said: How about you drive over here to Prescott Valley and stay awhile. From my point of view it's about as close to a perfect home as you find anywhere. I can introduce you to some mighty fine folks, show you all over the place, and answer a lot of your questions.....or put you in touch with someone who can. I'll buy lunch, then you'll buy lunch, then me, and you again, etc. Let me know.. Thank you for the offer and hospitality! I will try and do that. Here's the thing: I am at the (hopefully) end of a divorce. Had enough of the feminist nonsense and dealing with gaslighting and tantrums! I will never marry again. One round with a vampire is enough for several lifetimes!!! I am very happy with my dogs and the peace of mind that comes with solitude. At the moment I am stuck in a 1 hour/50 mile daily commute each way. I leave the house before the sun is up and get back as it is setting. Hate my job teaching in public schools. Done with it. I am trying to start my businesses up: murals for kids rooms/businesses, off road training, illustration... but these have been sabotaged by being in a toxic, abusive hell. So that makes it difficult to visit anywhere for now. Will likely have to wait until summer, and by then I may have to go where there is work. A lot depends on finding a job at hopefully a college or university. I hope to work from home writing, teaching online, etc., but want to find at least a part time college job to help. There's also the issue of finding some affordable land to build a little home one. 12 hours ago, DeaconKC said: Northern half of Arkansas is beautiful country, the Ozarks, gun friendly, conservative values, but not a lot of snow. I've driven through there and always found it beautiful. It certainly is a candidate. Quote
Bisley Joe Posted January 14 Author Posted January 14 1 hour ago, Texas Maverick said: You keep saying you want a lot of woods/trees but no wildfires. I don't think that is possible. Anywhere there is a forest there are park rangers always on the lookout for fires. They are in separatable. It isn't if they will catch on fire but when. Mishandled campfires, lightening, cigarette butts, etc. You will just need to try to keep your place clear of all underbrush and have a nice clear area around the house and then pray a lot. I worked with the Search and Rescue teams in Colorado and closely with the national forest department. They were always on the lookout for fires and we did have our share of them. We are just north of Austin but are now both retired and have thought about relocating to a smaller town but haven't pinpointed an area yet. We are also looking for a green area with an inexpensive cost of living. We are looking at Arkansas, Missouri and southeast Oklahoma. TM Yeah true, it's just that around here, with the severe dryness, those fires are much worse. Before the divorce started, my home insurance tippled. I tried to find options but the issue was that I live in a high risk fire area. Frankly, I say it's the leeches that call themselves insurance companies using the excuse to fleece people, but it is what it is. I haven't seen many wildfires in the Appalachian area. But then there are other issues. Nowhere is safe, really. Love that photo of James Garner as Maverick! He was a pleasure to watch. I used to rush home after middle school to catch The Rockford Files, hoping not to miss the intro as it was always a funny little extra. 1 Quote
Bisley Joe Posted January 14 Author Posted January 14 1 hour ago, Pat Riot said: One thing I like to do is pick an area where I think I might like to live and go there for a few days. I skip the tourist crap. I stay in a motel. I eat at local restaurants, not franchise chains. I go to stores and shops and pretend to shop while observing the staff and customers in the store. If there’s a local paper I buy it and read it. All of it and I focus on local news, op-eds and classifieds. I interact with locals but don’t really say why I am there. This gives me an idea of the people in an area. If the majority are pizzed off grumpy people I move on. This is how I picked where I wanted to live when moving to various cities and regions for my work. This is how I picked WV for retirement. I mostly grew up in PA but always loved WV, but I didn’t allow my childhood attraction to dictate my decisions. My wife and I came to northern WV twice snd spent a week each time. We did visit family in PA (a place I will never willingly live again - hate that £#€%ing state with a passion. In WV I found people to be genuinely decent friendly people. This is what I look for in the locals. A friendly environment goes a long way towards your own happiness. I agree with that tactic, which is why I may trade my little Casita trailer for a Class C and check out a few areas for a bit. (The Casita is a great little trailer, but I bought it in a panic and my goodness, trying to live in there with two dogs and also do work is an excercise in madness, at least for me!) 2 Quote
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