Which state would you...

[SourRoses]

Live in?
Well, My mom is on SSI Disabillity, and last year I had to move in to help her out a bit. We used to always get along well, but not so anymore

. She's a bit better now, and can get around, so I have finally made up my mind that it will be better for us both if we live seperately. So I'm looking to move again!
I have never, ever, liked this part of South FL and I've spent years here now, so I am sooo ready for a change!!

My problem is... Having moved around alot when I was a teen.. I have too long of a list of possible places! Think ya'll might be able to help me narrow it down?

My basic criteria:
- Trees... Trees! And more trees! No more barren places for me!

- Country... Or country-ish. Must be able to keep my dog, my chickens, and possible future peacocks...
- Of course, I'd also appreciate some friendly neighbors, and some cute guys wearing cowboy boots

- Relatively affordable area.

Places I have driven through, or lived in, and loved:

- North Florida (Ocala outskirts *sigh* not so affordable anymore).
- North Carolina
- Idaho
- Kentucky
- Ohio (not so many trees, but my church in Tipp city).

Any others suggestions?
I have a steady income, but terrible credit.. So I suppose I have to find a rental that will let me keep livestock

. I only need a 1 bedroom and a couple little acres

Sure wish I could buy a place though

.
Your ideas, suggestions, and advice would be welcome and soo appreciated! Since we've got such a smart bunch here

 

[Iowa Roo Mom]

Might I suggest Iowa? I'm kind of partial to it, and contrary to what you see and hear, it isn't all cornfields and hog lots, although we do lead the nation in pork, corn, and soybean production

It's nice here, and you can find places with "trees, trees, trees", I promise.

 

[dutchhollow]

I second Iowa! I am also a Floridian, you just have to adjust to the cold, after a lot of years here I still have a jacket on way before others. I do miss the ocean but do make a trip 'home' once or twice a year.

 

[KimberlyJ]

Well first off, not CT it's TOO expensive and there's really no affordable land. We are looking to retire in TN, nice hills, warmer weather, but we haven't decided just yet.....
I grew up in Ohio, we had lots of trees so I don't know what's up with Tipp City? If you're looking for single men, Alaska has the highest percentage, but if you want them wearing cowboy boots try Oklahoma, parts of it are very green. But are you sure Ocala isn't affordable nowadays, we keep hearing how Florida has tanked, my FIL house (in PSL) is valued at less than half of what it was 3 years ago. The house next door to him just sold for $24,000 and it had been appraised for over $100,000 four years ago.

What a blessing that you are able to choose so freely! Good luck with your decision and move. Let us know where you land and how you like it, it might help us decide

 

[turney31]

There is no place like east Texas. You would have to bomb me out of here. Lots of cowboys.

Pretty easy to find owner financed property.

There is that old saying: I wasn't born in Texas, but I got here as soon as I could.

 

[easttxchick]

Quote:
Absolutely agree. East Texas(just be warned, there is no such thing as a "good hair day" in the summer".

 

[Judy]

I'd look into Arkansas, Tennessee, maybe the Virginias, besides Texas. Suspect I'd wind up in Kentucky or Tennessee. I've lived in Florida, too, from the Keys to the north. I agree, never again.

 

[babyrnlc]

Oklahoma has lots of land and the cost of living is pretty low! We have seasons, but they are not harsh (well hot summers are)

 

[annie3001]

Quote:
yeah def not ct.... much too expensive here.

 

[KellyHM]

Quote:
Well, if you haven't moved in about a year let me know.

We'll have our 2BR/1BA house on 2 acres for rent by then when we move into a bigger place. Too bad the timing isn't right...