OP
My assessment as well. Too bad, really.
Sell me on a new state
- Thread starter lihpster
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I live in coastal North Carolina and there are a lot of forum members living in Blue Ridge Mountains (highland ranges) in the western part of the state. I like Murphy in western part because it is in the SW corner and close to other states.
If I were from OR and planning to explore this part of the country, I'd fly into Chattanooga TN because I could conveniently explore some of the nice parts of TN, NC, SC, GA, and AL.
My wife and I have explored many states, lived in a few states, and also Costa Rica since we retired. We found the culture of the area is a real important factor if you plan to relocate permanently.
If you research best states to retire, you will find very few sites agree. Here is one with that rank some important considerations: https://moneywise.com/retirement/best-states-to-retire-in
If I were from OR and planning to explore this part of the country, I'd fly into Chattanooga TN because I could conveniently explore some of the nice parts of TN, NC, SC, GA, and AL.
My wife and I have explored many states, lived in a few states, and also Costa Rica since we retired. We found the culture of the area is a real important factor if you plan to relocate permanently.
If you research best states to retire, you will find very few sites agree. Here is one with that rank some important considerations: https://moneywise.com/retirement/best-states-to-retire-in
It would be difficult to find a state with fewer firearms restrictions than the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Housing costs are reasonable, and taxes are low. (Beware of states with *no* state income taxes; their sales and/or property taxes are often onerous.)
One downside is the part of the state with mountains tend to have closely-knit communities that might not be as welcoming to outsiders as you might like. The areas with rolling hills are a bit more welcoming.
Housing costs are reasonable, and taxes are low. (Beware of states with *no* state income taxes; their sales and/or property taxes are often onerous.)
One downside is the part of the state with mountains tend to have closely-knit communities that might not be as welcoming to outsiders as you might like. The areas with rolling hills are a bit more welcoming.
Lousy gun laws.
My wife and I bought 50ac in Greenbrier County last summer. Heading down there this weekend to meet with a builder. My cousin is already clearing brush with excavator where my shop will be built. As for snow. Lewisburg gets about 12” per yr. Here in the Buffalo NY area I get that on a Tuesday. Cost of living and gun culture are a huge bonus. Part of what brought us there is my parents were born and raised there. The Greenbrier Valley and WV Appalachians might be the prettiest place on earth.
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I moved from Maine to Arizona 1 year ago Saturday. From my front patio I have views of the Whetstone mountains, from the back is the Dragoons, both ranges run about 8000' at the peaks. My utilities, electricity and natural gas run about $130 monthly. In Maine just my light bill was more then that plus in the winter months oil ran about $500 monthly. Property taxes are half what they were in Maine. No black flies, mosquitos or ticks, you can actually enjoy the outdoors. In Maine just walking from my house to my car it was not unusual to find a tick on board. Beautiful weather, rode my motorcycles all winter. Very gun friendly.
Now for the negatives!
Wildfires.
Monsoon season can get kind of hairy, I didn't know what a thunderstorm was until I got out here. One storm last summer was right over head, wind peeled the screens from the front of my house, had a lightning strike in my front yard, and a neighbor lost part of their roof.
Summers are hot! I adjusted pretty quick but it is hot.
Sales taxes run about 9%.
I seems like groceries are higher here then they were in Maine.
Finally, I think they are the worst drivers in the country. The roads are hazardous. I always thought that Massachusetts drivers were bad, they have nothing on Arizona drivers. My car insurance doubled when I moved.
Moving here was one of the best things I ever did for myself, it's not perfect, but way better then Maine. I wouldn't trade my Maine upbringing for anything, but I'm really glad to be here.
Sunset from my front patio.
Cochise Stronghold Dragoon Mountains
Moonrise over the Dragoons (low resolution) from my back patio
Now for the negatives!
Wildfires.
Monsoon season can get kind of hairy, I didn't know what a thunderstorm was until I got out here. One storm last summer was right over head, wind peeled the screens from the front of my house, had a lightning strike in my front yard, and a neighbor lost part of their roof.
Summers are hot! I adjusted pretty quick but it is hot.
Sales taxes run about 9%.
I seems like groceries are higher here then they were in Maine.
Finally, I think they are the worst drivers in the country. The roads are hazardous. I always thought that Massachusetts drivers were bad, they have nothing on Arizona drivers. My car insurance doubled when I moved.
Moving here was one of the best things I ever did for myself, it's not perfect, but way better then Maine. I wouldn't trade my Maine upbringing for anything, but I'm really glad to be here.
Sunset from my front patio.
Cochise Stronghold Dragoon Mountains
Moonrise over the Dragoons (low resolution) from my back patio
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A few years back I would have recommended a smaller town in the Texas hill country. Not mountains, exactly, but very pretty. In recent years, though, they have become overpopulated and increasingly expensive places to live. Probably still less expensive than most of the northwest, though.
If desert mountains suit you there is Fort Davis / Alpine / Marfa and Terlingua with mountains to around 8000'.Pretty isolated country, though with few health care resources. El Paso is a nice desert city with mountains, too. Gambling's just over the border in NM if that's your thing. Downside is that it's much hotter than you're accustomed to in the spring / summer / fall. No income tax in Texas although property tax can be high depending on where you live. Sales tax varies by locality from 6.25 - 8.25, but it's usually around 8%. No sales tax on food, medication, or OTC drugs, but just about everything else is taxed. Over 65 gets a break on property tax as do disabled veterans
If desert mountains suit you there is Fort Davis / Alpine / Marfa and Terlingua with mountains to around 8000'.Pretty isolated country, though with few health care resources. El Paso is a nice desert city with mountains, too. Gambling's just over the border in NM if that's your thing. Downside is that it's much hotter than you're accustomed to in the spring / summer / fall. No income tax in Texas although property tax can be high depending on where you live. Sales tax varies by locality from 6.25 - 8.25, but it's usually around 8%. No sales tax on food, medication, or OTC drugs, but just about everything else is taxed. Over 65 gets a break on property tax as do disabled veterans
OP
Desert mountains will suit. It's more of an elevation and view thing than a snowy mountain thing. Although trees would be nice. Just someplace to get away from folks and enjoy nature. Never been a gambler, too good at math. Heat can be dealt with and swapping an income tax for a sales tax is kind of a wash, even at 8%. I'd have to get a hat, though. Gotta figure that into the equation. 
There are lots of good recommendations here.
There’s also a pattern if you look deeper.
Lesson #1: even the best “pro-2A, pro-freedom, low taxes” state is vulnerable if it has a burgeoning metropolis and/or a once-prosperous & now-declining city or two.
These can quickly become a problem.
Since you live in Oregon, I think you catch my drift.
Some nice states mentioned here that are “at risk” include: NC, TN, AK, GA, OH. (Sorry to make specific references. No disrespect intended, as they are all places I have visited and/or lived, yet am concerned about their futures.)
Each one has at least one bad urban center (some downright terrible!) that are draining state resources, becoming crime infested, experiencing a decay of basic infrastructure, and are simply unliveable for decent, law-abiding citizens looking to live their lives in peace.
I could’ve added SC as a recommendation, but the problems and dangers are quickly escalating. Even the small towns that nobody’s ever heard of are becoming run-down eyesores with huge crime problems.
Here’s a hint: do a search for “crime rates” and add a city/state name. You’ll quickly find a few websites that compile crime statistics, income levels, population, education levels, etc. It will give you a better idea what things are really like!
In any case, this country has a small window of opportunity over the next couple years to turn things around.
If we fail, all bets are off!!
God bless America!
There’s also a pattern if you look deeper.
Lesson #1: even the best “pro-2A, pro-freedom, low taxes” state is vulnerable if it has a burgeoning metropolis and/or a once-prosperous & now-declining city or two.
These can quickly become a problem.
Since you live in Oregon, I think you catch my drift.
Some nice states mentioned here that are “at risk” include: NC, TN, AK, GA, OH. (Sorry to make specific references. No disrespect intended, as they are all places I have visited and/or lived, yet am concerned about their futures.)
Each one has at least one bad urban center (some downright terrible!) that are draining state resources, becoming crime infested, experiencing a decay of basic infrastructure, and are simply unliveable for decent, law-abiding citizens looking to live their lives in peace.
I could’ve added SC as a recommendation, but the problems and dangers are quickly escalating. Even the small towns that nobody’s ever heard of are becoming run-down eyesores with huge crime problems.
Here’s a hint: do a search for “crime rates” and add a city/state name. You’ll quickly find a few websites that compile crime statistics, income levels, population, education levels, etc. It will give you a better idea what things are really like!
In any case, this country has a small window of opportunity over the next couple years to turn things around.
If we fail, all bets are off!!
God bless America!
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Come to the Commonwealth of PA. We have mountains, don't have hurricanes, gun laws are decent and they don't tax your retirement income. When I moved back to PA from Maryland the first two things I did was to buy 30 round magazines for my AR-15 and apply for a carry permit.
Look at Wyoming.
Mountains if you want them. Flat plains if you want that. Constitutional Carry. Low population. No sales tax on food.
Hunting. Fishing. No state income tax. Largest city has 65,000 population. Some smaller towns have 300 people.
I live 52 miles from the East entrance to Yellowstone National Park.
wyo-man
Mountains if you want them. Flat plains if you want that. Constitutional Carry. Low population. No sales tax on food.
Hunting. Fishing. No state income tax. Largest city has 65,000 population. Some smaller towns have 300 people.
I live 52 miles from the East entrance to Yellowstone National Park.
wyo-man
Don't move to Arizona.
120F most days.
Windy with daily dust storms that blot out the sun.
Groceries bake before you get them home.
The water tastes like crap.
Scorpions or rattlesnakes in your sock drawer.
Constant harassment from gangs of illegals roaming your neighborhood asking you to buy meth.
Gunfights in church every Sunday.
And to top it off, people moving in all the time trying to Californicate the state.
120F most days.
Windy with daily dust storms that blot out the sun.
Groceries bake before you get them home.
The water tastes like crap.
Scorpions or rattlesnakes in your sock drawer.
Constant harassment from gangs of illegals roaming your neighborhood asking you to buy meth.
Gunfights in church every Sunday.
And to top it off, people moving in all the time trying to Californicate the state.
That is just sad!
Arizona used to be near/at the top of my list.
I spent time there in the 90s, looking at relocation options and career/study opportunities. The upstate looked nice, as did a few areas outside of Phoenix.
Tucson was downright scary!
Years later, I saw the problems in Tucson were spreading elsewhere.
I think a LOT of folks there are sick and tired, and are trying to turn things around. But, the levers of power are under “new ownership”, shall we say.
Such a shame, as it is so beautiful !!
PS: madmikeb has some amazing photos of Arizona! Sure looks nice, all things considered. As a recent transplant, I hope it continues to work out for him!!
Too many dental floss tycoons?
About 300 miles, North of Key Largo, we have snow capped mountains. 
The only reason to live in Florida, is the Ocean and fresh fish.
The only reason to live in Florida, is the Ocean and fresh fish.
When I retired 5 years ago I embarked on a search for a location to settle in for the duration, with the main mission of getting the heck out of California. I'm a conservative, it's a damned shame what other fleeing Californian's have done to the landscape of once red states, and that made my search even more difficult. I did not want to move somewhere, only to have California catch up with me after a few years. Many years before I retired, Colorado was at the top of my list, followed by Oregon... but my God, look what they've become. And I credit that to the many ex-pat Californians that brought their politics/attitudes with them when they moved and Californicated the state they fled to.
I've driven to and looked at Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. I finally made the choice to move to the Northwest end of Arizona... Kingman, to be specific. Weather is definitely less hot than the Southern part of the state, and winter hasn't been bad at all when I was there, I can tolerate the amount of snow that Kingman gets. I'm happy to see what the Arizona guns laws are like. Political climate in Kingman definitely leans towards being conservative.
I'm going there next week to house shop, I hope this isn't going to be a mistake, as I want to be out of California by this Summer or Fall at the latest. The future here looks even bleaker than before...
I've driven to and looked at Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. I finally made the choice to move to the Northwest end of Arizona... Kingman, to be specific. Weather is definitely less hot than the Southern part of the state, and winter hasn't been bad at all when I was there, I can tolerate the amount of snow that Kingman gets. I'm happy to see what the Arizona guns laws are like. Political climate in Kingman definitely leans towards being conservative.
I'm going there next week to house shop, I hope this isn't going to be a mistake, as I want to be out of California by this Summer or Fall at the latest. The future here looks even bleaker than before...
.38SuperMan
Member
Another vote for East Tennessee. I’ve live here 73 years and wouldn’t even think about moving.
I’m in a little town just a few miles south of Knoxville and have within 20 miles of where I live currently since I was a child. Everything you need is within a 25 minute drive. We’re a town of 13,000 with a very good hospital no more than 10 minutes from anywhere in town. We have the typical Walmart and Home Depot but still have a thriving community of mom and pop stores. Our hardware store has been in the same location for almost 105 years. And the folks that work in the hardware are career employs that have worked much of their lives there and retire from the store. Several are shooters and know you by name when you walk in.
Next door to the hardware is a very nice mom and pop gun store that keeps a good variety of Smiths, Rugers, Colts and other high quality arms at generally discounted or negotiable prices.
We have a great police force and sheriffs department too. I was on vacation and had a concern about security in my home and all I had to do was contact the sheriffs department and the increased the patrols on my street.
You want mountains, I sit on my deck and look straight into Mt Leconte, a ~6,600 ft mountain in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. We live close enough that my wife and I drive up to the part and take our lunch quite often. We’re about 35-40 minutes from the park.
We’re in a valley and as mentioned to our east are the Smokies and to our west the Cumberland mountains and plateau. So if you’re looking for outdoor recreation it here. And if you like the water we’re 5 minutes from Ft Loudon Lake and 10 min from Melton Hill Lake. Both are large recreational lakes especially Ft Loudon.
We generally have mild weather with a few days in the 90’s in late summer and an occasional snow in the winter but neither last long. We do have humidity in the summer but it’s not hard to stay comfortable.
The locals are wonderful people. We have very low violent crime but do have the typical drug crimes. Fortunately they’re not connected to violence.
We have an excellent state government and a pretty good local government. Our governor and legislature are very pro 2A and have brought in several gun manufacturers into the state including Beretta and S&W. Beretta is near Nashville and Smith 20 min from my home in Blount County. Barrett is here as well as several other manufactures and Glock has it’s US distribution and retail store in Nashville.
Our city and county taxes are extremely low compared to the rest of the country. Also as a huge plus is, we have no state income tax. Tourism is huge here as well as high tech industry. In addition Tn has the lowest state debt per capita in the US. I read this week it’s just over $800/household. Also the state pension is fully funded. This just shows how well the state manages its money.
Housing like everywhere else is climbing quickly. My home has increased in value about 125% in less than 10 years. Prices are still good compared to some area but they are climbing and good homes are hard to find,
Take a look into Loudon Co, Roane county, Monroe, McMinn and Blount Counties. Anderson is a little high on taxes and Scott and Morgan a little backwoods but absolutely beautiful and right in the Cumberland Mountains.
It’s a great place to live with a lot of opportunity. From what you described this might be your place. Good luck!
Edit: I forgot to mention we have a first class range 20 minutes away with trap, skeet, clays, action pistol ranges, steel, archery, plinking, competition, bench rest, indoor range and 1000 yard highpower ranges. Great club house too.
I’m in a little town just a few miles south of Knoxville and have within 20 miles of where I live currently since I was a child. Everything you need is within a 25 minute drive. We’re a town of 13,000 with a very good hospital no more than 10 minutes from anywhere in town. We have the typical Walmart and Home Depot but still have a thriving community of mom and pop stores. Our hardware store has been in the same location for almost 105 years. And the folks that work in the hardware are career employs that have worked much of their lives there and retire from the store. Several are shooters and know you by name when you walk in.
Next door to the hardware is a very nice mom and pop gun store that keeps a good variety of Smiths, Rugers, Colts and other high quality arms at generally discounted or negotiable prices.
We have a great police force and sheriffs department too. I was on vacation and had a concern about security in my home and all I had to do was contact the sheriffs department and the increased the patrols on my street.
You want mountains, I sit on my deck and look straight into Mt Leconte, a ~6,600 ft mountain in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. We live close enough that my wife and I drive up to the part and take our lunch quite often. We’re about 35-40 minutes from the park.
We’re in a valley and as mentioned to our east are the Smokies and to our west the Cumberland mountains and plateau. So if you’re looking for outdoor recreation it here. And if you like the water we’re 5 minutes from Ft Loudon Lake and 10 min from Melton Hill Lake. Both are large recreational lakes especially Ft Loudon.
We generally have mild weather with a few days in the 90’s in late summer and an occasional snow in the winter but neither last long. We do have humidity in the summer but it’s not hard to stay comfortable.
The locals are wonderful people. We have very low violent crime but do have the typical drug crimes. Fortunately they’re not connected to violence.
We have an excellent state government and a pretty good local government. Our governor and legislature are very pro 2A and have brought in several gun manufacturers into the state including Beretta and S&W. Beretta is near Nashville and Smith 20 min from my home in Blount County. Barrett is here as well as several other manufactures and Glock has it’s US distribution and retail store in Nashville.
Our city and county taxes are extremely low compared to the rest of the country. Also as a huge plus is, we have no state income tax. Tourism is huge here as well as high tech industry. In addition Tn has the lowest state debt per capita in the US. I read this week it’s just over $800/household. Also the state pension is fully funded. This just shows how well the state manages its money.
Housing like everywhere else is climbing quickly. My home has increased in value about 125% in less than 10 years. Prices are still good compared to some area but they are climbing and good homes are hard to find,
Take a look into Loudon Co, Roane county, Monroe, McMinn and Blount Counties. Anderson is a little high on taxes and Scott and Morgan a little backwoods but absolutely beautiful and right in the Cumberland Mountains.
It’s a great place to live with a lot of opportunity. From what you described this might be your place. Good luck!
Edit: I forgot to mention we have a first class range 20 minutes away with trap, skeet, clays, action pistol ranges, steel, archery, plinking, competition, bench rest, indoor range and 1000 yard highpower ranges. Great club house too.
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"...Mt Leconte, an 8,000 ft mountain in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park."
You're off just a mite.
Mt LeConte is 6593' high.
en.wikipedia.org
You're off just a mite.
Mt LeConte is 6593' high.
Mount Le Conte (Tennessee) - Wikipedia
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