File: 1450314141384.jpg (659 KB, 1800x1800) Image search: [Google]

659 KB, 1800x1800

I live in the USA (Chicago) and I am thinking about relocating somewhere else because as soon as Illinois, which is BROKE, can't afford to hand out food stamps anymore, all hell will break loose.

I'd like to move out to a more rural location, yet still within a few hour drive of a larger city if need be. Living near a quaint, artsy small town is good too.

I love to garden, and food production/self-sustainability is a high priority for me. I'd like to live where land and housing is cheap and own a few acres. I'm politically more on the conservative side. I like small towns with artsy/historic flair, tighter communities, places that have farmers markets, art fairs, mom and pop stores, with independent people concerned with keeping their city nice and their bodies healthy. A huge plus if the community is into self-sufficiency too. I kind of got that vibe when I visited WA state but there's a lot of "progressive left" people that that spoils it for me.

I enjoy having 4 seasons, although I'd like to move where winters are a little more mild than Chicago winters. Internet connection is a must since I do a lot of business online. Looking for natural beauty, relaxed life, and maybe some hills/mountains since IL is flat. I feel better with northern/yank blue-collar US culture or PNW culture better than southern US culture. Never been to the southwest so I can't comment on that.

Any good suggestions as to where to relocate? Obviously I'd visit places first and get a good feel of the vibe there.