Location suggestions

[jhaggar]

I am a young landscape architect looking to use my degree as a ticket to a new life. I grew up in the Pocono Mountains in northeast PA and spent four years in Morgantown, West Virginia where I developed an interest in stream restoration ecology. I have a deep passion for the Appalachian Mountains and culture and would like to move somewhere where I can purchase a few acres. Any suggestions for a culturally rich region where I can continue my career, manage my own property, hunt, fish, and farm? Open to all suggestions

[montysky]

Ashville North Carolina area could fit the bill. I have never lived outside of Montana so take that into account too, Good luck and welcome to the group.

[Tango]

This is a great question and you are smart for asking for advice to help you assess the areas. I don't have a specific area in mind but have a few tips:
1) Your passion will likely be helpful in areas near larger cities. Very rural areas where land is inexpensive may not be supportive - as in hiring you. These areas are very much do it yourselfers.
2) The suggestion for NC, may or may not be helpful. NC is very high in toxic waste due in part to the onslaught of Smithfield Hog factories. This may mean good business for you or not, dunno.
3) The western U.S. with its water scarcity rising may be a good place- even though its on the other side. Areas in California, Oregon and Washington are very open to ecological concerns. Colorado is looking into removing its [ridiculous] ban on rainwater catchment. People in these areas might need your skills. I wouldn't ordinarily recommend anyone move west - due to the water scarcity concerns - but those who are interested in earth stewardship may be the ones to help save the growing urban sprawl.
Best wishes on your search.

[ronbre]

my cousin and his wife made a living doing landscaping here in n central lower penn of Michigan..until she died in a car accident and he became disabled..lots of call for landscaping here

[RonM]

Stay right in West Virginia, inexpensive land, low taxes, good people.......

[Darren]

Originally Posted by jhaggar

I am a young landscape architect looking to use my degree as a ticket to a new life. I grew up in the Pocono Mountains in northeast PA and spent four years in Morgantown, West Virginia where I developed an interest in stream restoration ecology. I have a deep passion for the Appalachian Mountains and culture and would like to move somewhere where I can purchase a few acres. Any suggestions for a culturally rich region where I can continue my career, manage my own property, hunt, fish, and farm? Open to all suggestions

Have you tried contacting the architects in WV? I doubt many employ landscape architects but a few of the engineering companies offer that service. They might be worth a shot. There's a company based out of Morgantown that does that in North Central WV. The Clarksburg/Fairmont area would be a good area to check due to the influx of federal employees (money). The current gas boom will also provide surplus money.

[geo in mi]

My son and daughter-in-law live near Chambersburg, Pa. She teaches at Shippensburg University. This area is right on US 30, fifteen miles from Gettysburg, and about 30(?) minutes from Hagerstown, MD. Applachian Trail is five minutes east of them. Look at North and South Mountain, valley land might be available. I liked it--if you don't mind growing one leg longer than the other one.

geo

[TnAndy]

Originally Posted by Tango

T
2) The suggestion for NC, may or may not be helpful. NC is very high in toxic waste due in part to the onslaught of Smithfield Hog factories.

I've been all over western NC and never seen a hog factory. Where is the nearest one to Asheville ?