To answer the original question:
I bought my current house, and live in the state where I live because of these exact reasons. I used to live in the Midwest where jobs in general, and especially in my field, were few and far between. Where there was bugger-all for public transit. Where all the farms, every last one, was monocropping something and not growing anything for humans to eat. Where almost every lake and river was so polluted you couldn't fish in it, except catch-and-release. Where nearly every house was stud-wall construction, rarely had fireplaces, never mind woodstoves, so if the power went out you froze to death.
Current house is a very old Colonial era farmhouse located in the heart of biotech country, so I can easily find another job if this one doesn't pan out--we've got several local companies looking to poach our employees right now. I work in pharmaceuticals, in a company with an extremely diverse portfolio and worldwide distribution, so if the FDA doesn't want to approve something or Americans can't afford our drugs (we have several over-the-counter drugs, it's unlikely that people can't afford aspirin or heartburn medication for $5/bottle), we can always sell overseas to Europe and Asia. The company is making a concerted effort to cut utilities costs, as they have already installed motion detectors on every lightbulb--when rooms aren't in use, or if you're just being rather still, the rooms are dark. Heating and A/C is put on Conservation Mode evenings and weekends, and they have a sort of flex-time arrangement to send people home early in the summer; this way, they don't have to run the A/C as much and people get to spend more time at home.
They also subsidize our public transit passes by about 50%, so I'm only filling up my 32mpg Subaru hatchback once a month, just enough to get to the nearest commuter train and run to the feed store. DH just bought a used motorcycle--we're picking it up tomorrow. His commute is about to get a lot cheaper.
Heat: We have a woodstove. DH turned the heat off as of May 1st. We are currently heating the house by the "if you're cold put a sweater on" method. Yes, this makes for some chilly 40-degree New England nights, as we've had a cold wet May. We kept the down comforter and an extra blanket on the bed, we both wear pajamas to bed. We have a little bitty space heater thingy in the bathroom, so it's not like you're stepping out of a hot shower into an icy cold room. Speaking of which, the hot water heater is set on its lowest setting. Truly you get used to it: On a recent business trip, the normal "lukewarm" setting of the hotel shower felt like my skin was boiling off. Energy use is also under control, lightbulbs are compact fluorescents. I am trying to get DH to switch to more LEDs, without much success so far because you can't buy regular-socket LEDs at Lowe's.
Food: Is somewhat restricted. We were throwing a lot of food away, we realized. Now we mostly buy frozen or canned things, stuff that keeps, and we're waiting for the garden to come in for fresh things. I make a lot of homemade quiche: 1/2 bag any kind defrosted veggies, 4 big eggs or 5 smaller ones beaten with a bit of milk, three slices cheese, in a pie crust, baked at 375 for 35 minutes. Add herbs and salt to taste. Dinner or lunch consists of one generous slice of quiche, a piece of fruit, a cup of yogurt and maybe a salad if I can scrounge some greens out of the garden. We also drink juice sort of medicinally, one small glass daily, rather than as a regular drink. Mostly we drink iced tea, or beer.
We've been eating lots of pancakes too. Rice cooker, that was the best thing ever. Rice or quinoa in bulk from the store, one bouillon cube, half a bag of veggies and soy sauce, put in the rice cooker with water filled to the line, and push the button. Cheap dinner in 43 minutes.
I go fishing. Occasionally catch sunfish, bass. A friend who hunts recreationally trades us eggs for venison.
We did just order Chinese. Portion control there, one Chinese takeout == two meals. Lots of portion control in this household, if you want icecream you get a small 1/2 cup serving with a couple pieces of fresh fruit for garnish, a shot of Schnapps poured over. That makes a really big difference. Yes, we are both thin and have fabulous cholesterol, thanks.
Not buying much for clothes. Am actually thinking about sewing some clothes, perhaps a whole quilt as well, out of our monster stack of Old Clothes. Entertainment, well, I did mention that I fish. And the chickens are always entertaining. This weekend, we're having a cookout and going to see a movie--a huge extravagance for us.
