Gettin' out of Dodge

[955er]

My wife and I both grew up in Chicago. 20 years ago, we sold our condo near Wrigley and bought 25 acres in rural Michigan. We never looked back.

Now we hunt, garden and ski. We have horses. We heat with wood. Our children have been raised in a great environment.

Neither of us are farmers. Being from inside the beltway, it can be easy to think that all rural dwellers farm. Most of us do not. If you want out of SoCal, pick a spot and go. You will both find work.

You may not make as much money, but you won't need as much.

You only live once. You can always go back. Keep us posted.

 

[creekbend]

Texas sounds like a very special place for only a select type of people, funny I didn't know this even with relatives living there.

:thumbsup:I have been associated with many people that are from Texas; even some who were born and raised there. Rest assured that all of them don't exhibit open arrogance toward others and formulate opinions in regards to fundamental characteristics. Luckily, this display of derogative and hostile behavior has not been adopted by all Citizens of that great State There are many fine people in Texas. The behavior of some, most certainly, should not distract a person from moving to Texas. The actions of a minority should, in no way, deter or change one's mind in regards to possibly moving to Texas.

 

[TripleR]

:thumbsup:I have been associated with many people that are from Texas; even some who were born and raised there. Rest assured that all of them don't exhibit open arrogance toward others and formulate opinions in regards to fundamental characteristics. Luckily, this display of derogative and hostile behavior has not been adopted by all Citizens of that great State There are many fine people in Texas. The behavior of some, most certainly, should not distract a person from moving to Texas. The actions of a minority should, in no way, deter or change one's mind in regards to possibly moving to Texas.

I'm sure you're right.

 

[IndyIan]

Good points about the high cost of living.....its everywhere. Around here, good productive farm land sells for $8000 to $10,000 + an acre. The land may return $200 net profit per acre IF you do everything right. Land costs and production costs are sky high. Result: Lotsa risk for little return IMO.

A farmer here needs to run 1000 acres or so to make a living these days. Gone are the days of a 160 acre farm that will support a family.

If you want to farm for your benefit and not for the Bank, John Deere, and Monsanto, check out Polyface, Inc. | The Farm of Many Faces and do some reading or even work there.
Around me the only conventional farmers doing well are the big ones, but there's quite a few niche farmers that do well producing food that isn't a commodity. Pastured pork, Bison, goat cheese, direct to customer weekly garden produce, etc.
You do need to be near a market for this stuff as the Walmart crowd doesn't get it, but with the grocery store prices steadily being jacked up, more people may decide they might as well get some quality for their food dollars.

 

[Artisan]

PS;

My Mom was born and raised in the panhandle, Borger, Texas. I have Aunt and Uncle in Fritch, Cousin in Amarillo and I ferget the other city. My Dad met my Mom in Texas. I can't count how many times I have been there. Another Uncle in Oklahoma, It's a small world.

I don't take the California types comments to heart, I realize folks hate California types. I'll change the plates BEFORE I move into town and you will know none the better. :laughing: And when asked where were from, we will tell folks where were from, and that ain't KALIFONIA!

Having said that Borger is the last place on earth I would move to, the water there is killing people...It is beyond bad...Nope, were actually leaning towards the Pacific NW but ceetainly not fixated on it.

PS I really appreciate these links!

 

[MossflowerWoods]

The wife and I are thinking real hard about selling our home in California and heading to parts yet unknown. :thumbsup:

Artisan,

There is a nice home on 13.5 acres on my street where the pavement begins.

You would be welcome here in my 'hood IMMEDIATELY!

PM me if you are interested.

There are other places nearby. The economy is ok here, the Governor is solid as well.

I'd LOVE to have a Plumber and Fabricator I could trust as a neighbor!

Best of luck sir!
David

PS - It is cool to consider where to go, but GO. Cali is doomed and sick. When it goes bust (and it will) it will be VERY painful.

I left Cali in mid 2004 and I have never missed it.

 

[MossflowerWoods]

If you want to farm for your benefit and not for the Bank, John Deere, and Monsanto, check out Polyface, Inc. | The Farm of Many Faces and do some reading or even work there.

Joel Salatin is an awesome guy. I've taken classes from him a couple times, and I own his book.

We plan to follow a similar model at our place.

Good to know he is popular up North also!

David

 

[JRobyn]

To reiterate what EddieWalker posted, it has been a revelation to me as we have been building in central TN over the last 3 years, that both generals and subs/trades THAT HAVE A GOOD REPUTATION are swimming in work. We got recommendations for subs we have used from the general that completed the shell for us. Our general is acknowledged as one of the best builders around, and the subs he works with and will recommend are the same. We usually have to wait for several weeks to a few months to get them engaged for us. And this is in an environment where building has slowed considerably. Be one of the good ones, and there is work!

BTW, Cookeville, TN once again ranked as one of the least expensive areas to live in recent polls. And NO state income tax (but 10% sales tax).

You will find something that suits you, I am sure.

- Jay

 

[foreman Etexas]

I'm sure you're right.

Not everyone is born with the southen hospitallity down here. Always some bad apples,everywhere!!

 

[TripleR]

Not everyone is born with the southern hospitality down here. Always some bad apples,everywhere!!

Yeah, we have them here too. Overall my experience has been positive and there are a lot of good people from TX on TBN who have helped me out.