Wanting to move west

Look at eastern Idaho. Idaho Falls, Blackfoot, Pocatello, Twin Falls.

Diverse enough economy you aren't tied to boom-bust oil/gas.

Great farming

State/Fed wildlife agency offices.
 
Be Careful here with your dream.....

I may have a couple things in common with you. I too was careered in law enforcement, and while I was working, lived in the Midwest, rather than in the Rocky Mts.. For those that have commented that the rural areas of many of the mountain states have difficulties in maintaining a robust economy and great job/career opportunities, I concur. There is nothing new about this. You can go from being the Bank President in a City in the Midwest to the Asst. Mgr. in a drycleaning store in the mountain state interior cities.
If you are working in a law enforcement capacity, and have a decent retirement from that, I'd recommend evaluating your retirement income from that, figuring out when it might be the best time to leave that. For me, I figured out what my budget was and if I could afford to retire at 60. I did, and am living debt free on a 49 acre ranch we built from scratch, however there are always places we wish we had "extra" money to spend.
If you reach the point that you might be able to retire, and you possess the skills to work parttime, that's an option, however it's been my experience where I live in Colorado that you won't get rich working where the wages don't keep up with the costs of living.
I'd recommend taking a reality check and considering if you can afford to move to where your dreams are, or wait, hope your health stays intact, and then move when you are assured you can afford to. That's my take on things.
 
If I might add my 2 cents, you can get land fairly cheap east of the Springs if you are good with the plains and only a view of the mountains. If you look you can find for 3-400 an acre. The rub is making sure you have water rights. Just a thought.



Constant rain is no go and constant 30 mph wind is no go, we were just throwing names out of some western mountain states with snow if we could find affordable rural land in Colorado we would live there or anywhere cold with driving an hour or so one way is fine for work were not picky other than no rain forest or tropical heat lol that's why were asking to pick yalls brain about the areas because driving around wont tell us all this insider info. Low crime rate, affordable land/home prices an were not looking for 100's of acres maybe upwards of 15 to 20 unless just real cheap (pipe dream I'm sure) thanks for all the great info so far keep it coming please.
 
I got my belly full of political bs and put my retirement pension on lock down. I was a diesel mechanic before L.E. and returned to it after. I'm good with a stick and mig just learning tig welding. I would return to L.E. only somewhere that is not run by back room deals, good ol boy politics, and whos daddy donated the most for next supervisor position. (lol yeah right....talk about pipe dream) I constantly try to take classes to expand my knowledge in the diesel field. I was EOD tech for 13 years very good with explosives and was k9 handler for 12 years good with training dogs, just doesn't transition good to civilian market. And yes I am afraid of mines, lost to many relatives in VA to the mines. We are open minded about careers and where to live so far excellent info from everyone, and no luck needed for the young wife I lucked out and got one wise beyond her years. She's not into clubbing, city life parties she is career minded, loves hunting fishing trapping camping. She will run a chainsaw or a dishwasher change a tire or balance a checkbook. God TRULY blessed me with her, and I'm thankful everyday! And the ol man keeps her on her toes she cant out run me her stamina isn't better (yet) and we've been training in BJJ and Kali for 3 years together its like a true soul mate! Anyways keep the help coming we really appreciate it
 
As others have said, mountain property is expensive. If you find some that looks like a bargain, before you get too excited, check into some of the following:

1. Legal access. Some parcels are locked up by neighbors who won't grant an easement for access. It's cheap because you can't do anything with it.
2. Water. I think this is applicable across the west. Groundwater can be really bad in some places, and having to haul water into a remote area is going to be a royal pain at best. Surface water is nice, but you generally need to check water rights.
3. All weather access. Again, some gorgeous pieces of property out there that are inaccessible for 9 months of the year due to mud and snow.
4. Distance to power. Unless you want to do the off-the-grid thing, in which case this doesn't apply. Last time I got a quote, it was $30K to bring power 1/4 mile to a parcel we were looking at.
5. Covenants. Most of the 15-20 acre parcels are, of course, subdivisions and you are subject to the covenants. Some allow livestock, some don't. Some also have ridiculous requirements for home construction, some are very reasonable. Read the covenants to see whether you can live with them or not first.
 
If I might add my 2 cents, you can get land fairly cheap east of the Springs if you are good with the plains and only a view of the mountains. If you look you can find for 3-400 an acre. The rub is making sure you have water rights. Just a thought.
I'm guessing that you are going to pay roughly the same amount for a given amount of productivity (all other things like access being equal). In other words, you might be able to get 0.005 cows per acre at $300/acre, or 1 cow per acre at $60,000/acre. ;).

I'm not sure what you can raise on 20 acres of cheap land out west. The productivity is nothing like back east and water is tightly controlled.
 
IMO the best bang for the buck for a lot of people would be East Idaho, for the factors previously listed.
 
Southern/Eastern Idaho can be a little (or a lot) insular.
True, hard to find a good cup of coffee. This is also true of N. Idaho, SW Wyoming, NW Colorado, among others.

I think there are enough people by shear numbers in SE and S Idaho that the bigger towns have a niche for most cultural persuasions.
 
I think there are enough people by shear numbers in SE and S Idaho that the bigger towns have a niche for most cultural persuasions.
Not really a big niche in S. Idaho except possibly Boise.

OK I'll say it... the LDS crowd dominate SE Idaho. They are the nicest people people you'll ever meet but if not of the faith you can feel excluded simply because they are devoted to their faith and spend much time rejoicing it with like-minded people.

I'll add the politics are very conservative and if by "wildlife" you mean cows, sugar beets, or potatoes wildlife biologist will be received with open arms in southern Idaho. On the other hand, sage grouse specialists may be greeted with loaded arms. Water is for agriculture, not fish. The Snake River runs dry at Twin regularly.

Rural places out west in general are conservative and insular. Nothing wrong with that, but it chases out as many people as the weather.
 
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I've been an outsider for over 30 years. You either accept it, or die where you were born, or went to school, etc. etc.
 
Zeke,

I too am from the hills of East TN. Anderson Co. more specifically. I am currently riding out my enlistment over seas but am facing the same dilemma in deciding where my little family wants to settle down when this chapter of my life is over.

Personally, after everything I have looked at, MT if hunting and fishing is the deciding factor. CO if work is the determining factor. I am not sure how much travel you have done out west but I have spent a few weeks doing some travel and as long as you are in the mountain chain, it is amazing. Coming from the hills (I say hills because the west will make you redefine mountains) the plains areas just did not do it for me. Just my $.02.

With that being said, best of luck in your endeavor. I am following this thread closely.
 
Hunting GI 1st off thanks for your service to this great country, that is why we are able to have such a awesome forum like HT. I live on raccoon valley close to 75 and was raised on a farm in Anderson county up off hines creek.This is becoming a extremely informative thread and we are learning lots. We are southern Baptist and don't mind folks as long as they don't try to harm us lol. We are spit balling right now as far as cattle or any animals once we learn, research and narrow down some locations then we will start taking scouting trips. We are wanting to base it on hunting fishing trapping, but not being from there this may be foolish. Great tips about being lock out with no right of ways and water. Here in the south we are blessed no restrictions on water and it being plentiful. Keep up the great advise guys we appreciate it so much!
 
Don't forget to look into the mineral rights on property you are looking to buy. The minerals may be owned by someone else and there there right to develop will take presidents over the surface owner.
 
Hunting GI 1st off thanks for your service to this great country, that is why we are able to have such a awesome forum like HT. I live on raccoon valley close to 75 and was raised on a farm in Anderson county up off hines creek.This is becoming a extremely informative thread and we are learning lots. We are southern Baptist and don't mind folks as long as they don't try to harm us lol. We are spit balling right now as far as cattle or any animals once we learn, research and narrow down some locations then we will start taking scouting trips. We are wanting to base it on hunting fishing trapping, but not being from there this may be foolish. Great tips about being lock out with no right of ways and water. Here in the south we are blessed no restrictions on water and it being plentiful. Keep up the great advise guys we appreciate it so much!


Small world. I am born and raised in Lake City. Always cutting through raccoon valley to drop my deer off at Adams. Mind you this was 8 years ago. Had an uncle volunteer at the fire department right there in, Steve Duncan. Anyways, best of luck!
 
Have you considered Alaska? Lots of hunting, fishing and trapping. As remote or populated as you would like. Don't know about work, I'm looking at a retirement place for the wife and I. No income tax, and they send you a check every year. Some areas don't even have property taxes!
 
I just got back from a trip outside of casper.I met a guy whos a mechanic there for a coal company making 6 figures.I think your background will be more valuable income wise and for finding work.Best outdoor states I've found are Montana and Wyoming.I would personally pick Wyoming due to more opportunity at some of the best hunting/fishing/trapping.You CAN find cheap 20 acre parcels there outside of towns for cheap to raise cattle on.Montana would be real tough to find land cheap.I would seriously look into casper,buffalo or Sheridan Wy.Your experience in the trades you have should find you work quite easily.
And Ben,I did notice the 22 yr old wife.Good luck with that
The guy making 6 figures is an exception. Coal companies are going bankrupt as well as Oil & NG. Lots of lay-offs and more coming. If you decide on Wyoming, live in a mobile home...you may need it.
 
Having raised a few creatures for eating over the last couple years, if your goal is farm stock for a break even hobby or supplement wild game there are options. Very few places to get into the ranching for profit game. Heck, even many large, well-established ranches don't make a profit.
 

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