I'm about 35 mins from there as the crow flies.
Cost of living is much cheaper than all of the other states I've lived in: WI, CA,TX,CO, MI & TN.
Food is fairly cheap but like everywhere is going up.
The only thing that's much higher than other places is automobile insurance-it is just about the same amount as what we paid in CA and that's with good driver, homeowner and over 45 discounts. :no:
Property taxes are really low- about $400/yr in Metcalfe county for a place valued at $90,000;of course each county will be slightly different so it could be $500 in Hart county.
As far as I know the rural areas of most of the south central counties have the least restrictions & zoning and the only ones we have in Metcalfe are for septic service and that's only if you want electricity. The electric companies won't hook in electric without an approved septic or sewer system anywhere in KY from what I've been told. You might be able to get some sort of variance if you wanted to use a composting toilet but I can't tell you for sure how that would go.
In our county you can put the septic tank & lines in yourself and have the health inspector do the checking before covering the tank & lines.
The people down here are nice, a bit wary of newcomers but not unfriendly. After 5 yrs here, I'm still considered an outsider but folks treat me ok-and what more can you ask for.
There's a big interest at the farmers markets for naturally grown produce with no pesticides or herbicides. The closest moneymaking farmers market to Hart county would probably be Bowling Green. I have a friend who sells 'naturally grown' vegetables there and he makes pretty good money. Herbs & flowers also sell pretty good, especially if you offer suggestions for usage and recipes.
I can only speak for my area but the soil is pretty much clay with rocks. I raise everything in raised beds. I broke a shovel last month trying to dig a hole to plant grapevines!

Now, some folks down the road actually have dirt- so maybe there's pockets of good dirt among the rocks! :haha:
If there's anything else I can help with just give me a holler.
Good Luck,
Kathy