I have to agree with Pattycake. I live in Upstate NY ( just outside Rochester ) Housing is cheap here. I would really reccomend anywhere in the Northeast. You're not too far from the coast, and most of it is not rocky. Connecticut is expensive, and so is Mass. but beautiful. You may want to consider Vermont ( my favorite rural place) NY has LOTS of rural areas too. Most people think of NY and think of the big Apple. Not so. It's a huge state. Taxes can be high, but I really love it here. No tornados, hurricanes, mudslides, lethal snakes or spiders. Your biggest issue is being snow bound sometimes, so just make a fire, brew some coffee and enjoy! We have lots of people leaving NY for N. Carolina and other southern states due to the job market. But if that is not a concern too much for you, I'd look out this way.
Good luck in your adventures!
Stephanie