My wife and I are planning a rural relocation sometime in the next decade. We have a need to get away from it all. We are looking for a place that is sparsely developed and likely always will be. Empty spaces are preferred. We have come to the conclusion that the current suburban/exurban chaotic lifestyle with tow hour commutes is not conducive to civilized life. Antartica is out of the question, however.

What kind of climate are you looking for? There are many, many desolate places in the north woods of Maine, but many people not used to winters wouldn't be too pleased living there. If you could narrow down what kind of climate appeals to you, I will gladly give you some recommendations.

I completely agree that two-hour commutes are inhuman. But it might not be any improvement to find yourself two hours from the nearest supermarket/drugstore/hospital/post office, either. Don't overlook the conveniences that suburban living offers; no need to throw out the baby with the bathwater as they say. Perhaps a large lot near a small town would suit you.

Mazey, I would entertain any weather.

There are obviously some pretty sparsely developed/populated areas in: Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, west Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Maine, etc. There's a variety of climates to choose from too.

Western North Dakota or eastern Montana.

Alaska

Kansas, or any of the plains states. You can buy whole towns, or missle silos.
http://www.plainsfolk.com/
http://www.flyoverpeople.net/small_towns.htm
http://flyoverpeople.net/v-web/bulletin/bb/index.php

I would recommend looking into the rural areas of Conneticutt .... some really nice areas. I just came back from a visit and was in fact considering a move related to a job offer, but decided that small town living/rural living was not for me. But if I was looking for that, the area has much to offer. You can have a rural lifestyle, but also be able to get back into a city/suburban area easily if needed for medical or shopping needs.

Have you thought about moving closer to the job? You'll probably end up in a smaller house/yard, but you won't have that commute and can spend more time with the family. Then you can post questions about vacationing away from it all.

I wouldn't want to live in the middle of nowhere, but that's just me. Within 20 minutes of civilization is as far away as I could move. And like others said, need for medical, shopping, etc. is a strong hold for me.

One thing is to look for farm land. Farmers wanting to get out/retire and no one in the family to take over the business. But once again, you might have the killer commute because the large tract farms aren't near many workplaces.

Far West Texas would be my suggestion. Somewhere around the towns of Van Horn, Sierra Blanca, or Fort Stockton is most likely to always be undeveloped.

parts of Vermont

Also remember if

<<a place ... is sparsely developed and likely always will be>>

there's probably a good reason for that!

Absolutely Vermont! One of the best health care programs in the country.

Brutal winters, but made very bearable by the friendly locals.

Vermont, one of the few states which makes me proud to call meself an American.

I would be interested to know where you live now and how "rural" you want to be. I lived in Indianapolis for 8 years
and now live in an area that I consider rural, but others may not. I live on a lake in a very small community in Michigan. The closest airport is an hour away - the closest "real" mall is an hour away. There is a small town 10 mins away that has a grocery, and the essentials. But, no "nice" restaurants, shopping, just the basics. The summer time is fun - the lake is busy but you still have your privacy. Everyone knows EVERYTHING about you (or so they think, if they don't know they make it up). The winters are extremely quiet. Alot of people go south for the winters. I like living here, but luckily I travel alot (not a coincidence) so I can get my "fix" of the big cities.

I used to commute 1.5 hrs each way (3 hrs a day) so that I could work in the "big city" so I can try to understand what you mean about the chaos involved in the city - but you might be surprised how many things you might miss!

George: You would love it here in Gualala (110 miles north of San Francisco)!

Because of the road (Highway 1) and restraints on coastal building in California, we will always remain sparsely populated.

I have had two jobs since I moved here 25 years ago - one was a 30-second commute and one was "lengthy" - eight minutes. I am often on the highway for miles without seeing another vehicle.

However, not everyone is comfortable living here - you have to give up a lot of amenities you are used to in the city or 'burbs such as Chinese food, pizza delivery, gourmet markets, a dry cleaners, movie theater, etc. No malls or chain stores. No fast-food restuarants.

But if you want endless ocean views, towering redwood forests and a small-town feelng of safety and security, this is your place.

George, where do you live now, and what do you like - mountains, desert, lakes, grassland? North, South, East or West? Warm & humid, warm & dry, or colder climates? What do you & your wife like to do in your spare time? There are rural locations all over the place! A little more info would surely help narrow down the responses... Thanks!

Hi George, I sure understand your feelings. Just wanted to share one thought I have, especially when people get to retirement age but perhaps you will relocate way before retirement. But anyway, it is important to check out medical care (physicians, hospitals etc) before relocating. I have some older family members that did what you are thinking of doing. Now one of them has serious medical problems and it is sort of a nightmare getting her to specialist etc. Just food for thought. Best wishes to you, hope you can find the ideal location.
BTW, Gualala, how I always wanted to live in that area.

GeorgeW-

If you have not lived in a "sparsely developed" place before, I suggest you try it on a short-term basis before deciding on permanent relocation.

Having lived at both ends of the spectrum... an isolated living situation doesn't suit everyone. As with most things, fantasy is different than reality.

George, try www.findyourspot.com then go to www.city-data.com for detailed statistical info.

Good luck, I'm with you on the rural relo. I used to live in a small town and I miss that way of life more and more.