Appalachia is a bit of a gamble, what with coal as an industry dying a painful death and lumber and steel not being what they used to be. The mid-west is almost as inexpensive as francopoli points out and probably has a better economic safety net, Detroit being a depressing statistical outlier. That book is going on the list though. It's a good thing summer is coming around, I'll be able to spend plenty of time outside catching up on everything you're recommending me.

I don't know what the rest of the economy looks like out in the Great Plains. Regionally though, it's appealed to me a ton, if only because it has such a beautiful landscape. I half think francopoli should take some of his equipment out there for a vacation sometime for star gazing. The lack of light pollution from the cities coupled with a clear night would make for some great shots.

An honest part of my unhappiness comes from city living and while I'd love to get away from it, I wonder if some place like rural Wyoming might be a bit extreme. On the other hand though, if I could find myself a decent paying job out there, it might be worth it.