Best places to homestead

Cdjack

I’m originally from Texas and have briefly done great gardening in the Pacific NW but now want to move back closer to Texas ( to be able to visit family now that flying is impossible) but am looking for a place easier to grow food that is not so challenging. Any suggestions? Colorado looks promising. I’d like a state that’s legalized weed and a locale in the middle politically. PNW is way too liberal.

judsoncarroll4

Welcome to the TGN! I don't know about where weed is legal or not... but being fairly libertarian and scots-irish rebel in nature, I think TN may be heading in that direction. New Mexico and Arizona are probably more in that direction... but gosh they are hot and dry! The Appalachians... really from Alabama to West Virginia... just have an independent, outlaw mentality. The folks may all be Southern Baptists and there are still dry counties, but they don't rat out a neighbor! Property rights and privacy.... open carry.

LaurieLovesLearning

@judsoncarroll4 You just beat me in welcoming @Cdjack by seconds! Welcome here, by the way, Cd!

There have been a few discussions on this forum about moving to elsewhere. There are a lot of members here even just within the US that I'm sure are very knowledgable when it comes to your criteria.

I hope that you find what you are looking for.

judsoncarroll4

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/875115#Comment_875115

well, my "cheating" announcement hasn't been successful... still have to hunt them and smoke out the ones hiding just to say hi!

Torey

Welcome to TGN's forum @Cdjack. This is a big subject that has been asked in a couple of other discussions. https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/845005/where-in-the-world-would-you-go#latest https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/844727/if-i-had-all-the-money-i-needed-i-still-need-help-with-the-where-part/p1

I'm Canadian, so not in a position to recommend any particular state but it all depends on your priorities. There are gardening challenges no matter where you live. You will see that as you go through some of the posts here on TGN.

Are you looking to be rural or urban? What about employment opportunities? Do you have children that may need to be considered as to schools or other learning opportunities? Churches? What do you consider as important recreational activities and will they be available in your new location?

Good luck with your search.

LaurieLovesLearning

@judsoncarroll4 🤣 I noticed that...

@Cdjack Yes, I'm with @torey, Canadian too. I have lived in a couple states for a few years, but long enough ago and also not long enough to give great recommendations. Visited a few when I was down there too, but again, I wouldn't be much help.

Gil Montano

If you have money to choose the best place to put your farm, it would be excellent. But the reality is that not all of us can afford that luxury, so if you are interested in setting up a farm, the best place to do it is where you have access.

MelissaLynne

you could always move to the east side of the state, the country areas are conservative. I moved from Seattle to Stevens county; they are on opposite sides of the spectrum.

ltwickey

I agree with Judson. I am getting ready to retire and the Appalachians is where we are heading!!

JennyT Upstate South Carolina

@Cdjack I'm not familiar with any of the PNW but my husband and I are here in upstate SC. I know of many who have moved this way or even NC depending on specifics that you're looking for.

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/875118#Comment_875118

I agree with @torey if there are certain key factors that you need to consider/plan for, it might help in figuring out those first then you'll know where the best place to be is. That's what my husband and I did, listed some key things we needed to look out for, then figured out where it would be best. Now where moving in the direction by finishing remodeling our current house to sell. I follow a couple of blogs and I know several have just moved states looking for their specific requirements as well. Good luck.

Michelle D

If being in a state where Marijuana is legal is a priority then Colorado is going to be your best option and still be near Texas. There are only 11 states where it is legal currently and most of them are not in that area.

Cdjack

Thank you all for welcoming me into the group and for the suggestions. Torey, thanks for the links to the other discussions about the topic. I guess I’ve learned it’s possible to grow enough food anywhere by adapting and that family is important ( and low taxes).

annflancan

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/875118#Comment_875118

All great questions to mull over when considering a move.