I know there have been several threads in the past on similar topics (I know how to use the search function... go me!), but thought I would get some newer opinions. My wife and I are looking to relocate from South Carolina to a more western state. As a shooting enthusiast, I would love to find somewhere to get a fair bit of land and be able to shoot on it. So far we are looking at Colorado, Wyoming, Alaska, Idaho. Any thoughts/opinions as to these states? Sorry for such a vague question, but we have only recently started our search.
Where to move?
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Carne Frio
Member
Are you retired ? If not, what do you do for a living? Those four choices are all good.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
I probably would look at Wyoming, Montana, Idaho and Alaska; if I were to
relocate to one of "the western states". Most likely North Dakota could be
added too this list also~! I would want a homestead on a piece of property
that wouldn't have a neighbor within 26 miles of my place~!
relocate to one of "the western states". Most likely North Dakota could be
added too this list also~! I would want a homestead on a piece of property
that wouldn't have a neighbor within 26 miles of my place~!
Mt Shooter
Member
Just a sales tax instead.
North Dakota is too cold!
Wyoming has NO State Income Tax, low taxes in general, 2nd only in population density to Alaska. VERY gun freindly as well as FREEDOM friendly in general. The weather can be a bit rough, but hey, that keeps the "other kind" of folks away.
We fought the BATF in Federal Court over background checks for CCW Permit Holder exemptions, and won. That should say a lot in and of itself.
Land is relatively available, although some of the "good stuff" can be remote, if that's an issue.
Check out www.city-data.com, they have an enormous amount of information so you can compare individual cities/towns as well as a 50-State chat forum so you can focus on each State individually.
We fought the BATF in Federal Court over background checks for CCW Permit Holder exemptions, and won. That should say a lot in and of itself.
Land is relatively available, although some of the "good stuff" can be remote, if that's an issue.
Check out www.city-data.com, they have an enormous amount of information so you can compare individual cities/towns as well as a 50-State chat forum so you can focus on each State individually.
22-rimfire
Member
I choose first based on geography and climate. Then I look at outdoor opportunities (hunting & fishing), freedom (guns), job opportunities, taxes, cost of living, schools, and other variables. I love to visit Wyoming, but I am not a huge fan of the sage brush covered basins. The mountains are great, but you generally are not living in the mountains as you're too far from where you might work. Idaho and Western Montana would be the two states that I would look hard at. Alaska... maybe; it would depend on my wife and what she wants too. It is generally too cold. Colorado would only be an option because of job opportunities in my field. It is a beatiful state overall. North Dakata and South Dakata are kind of boring geographically unless you live in Rapid City.
You can get used to anywhere you are after a period of time. You adjust and find a new niche. I did in Texas and really started to like the entire state with its varied geography. You might consider Texas as one of your options due to job opportunities. In the end, I wanted to move East to a place that had more deciduous trees and mountains that were tree covered with a moderate climate. Tennessee was my choice.
You can get used to anywhere you are after a period of time. You adjust and find a new niche. I did in Texas and really started to like the entire state with its varied geography. You might consider Texas as one of your options due to job opportunities. In the end, I wanted to move East to a place that had more deciduous trees and mountains that were tree covered with a moderate climate. Tennessee was my choice.
Thanks for the quick feedback. Not retired. My wife and I are in our late 20s, so looong way.off for that. As far as remote land goes, its not too much of an issue so long as there is a walmart, etc around an hour away. Any areas to stay away from in Wyoming?
sansone
Member
I'm tired of the eastern seaboard and recently bought 10 acres in southern NM.. need a warm place, I'm spoiled (FL).. Got a good deal because of the recent stories of border unrest. Will retire there in a few years
Jon Coppenbarger
Member
I bought property in colorado back in like 93 and moved to the state due to my job in 98. living in California before that.
I am going to move withing the next 3 or 4 years and I have given much thought to the same thing you are. I believe I will move to wyoming as being near there and having many friends close is reason enough for.
I am going to move withing the next 3 or 4 years and I have given much thought to the same thing you are. I believe I will move to wyoming as being near there and having many friends close is reason enough for.
mljdeckard
Member
Utah is the only state to ever get an "F" from the Brady Foundation. We have tabled the legislation to drop the requirement for carry permits. We have open carry, bar carry, school and university carry, and parking lots in your workplace are allowed too. Ski terrain, desert terrain, several national parks. (Where, incidentally, we may also carry.
For being wide open, It's not as good as Idaho or Wyoming. To be perfectly honest, me and my dad are seriously considering shifting moving a lot of our hunting to Wyoming. It is surprisingly difficult to find someplace to shoot. The places I shot when I was a kid are now covered with condos. We usually head way out in the desert where we can do what we want without bothering anyone.
For being wide open, It's not as good as Idaho or Wyoming. To be perfectly honest, me and my dad are seriously considering shifting moving a lot of our hunting to Wyoming. It is surprisingly difficult to find someplace to shoot. The places I shot when I was a kid are now covered with condos. We usually head way out in the desert where we can do what we want without bothering anyone.
oneounceload
member
NV has no income tax; Utah is another great state, as is Montana
When I lived in NV, I could drive less than 5 minutes and shoot in any BLM canyon I came across
When I lived in NV, I could drive less than 5 minutes and shoot in any BLM canyon I came across
danez71
Member
What about AZ?
About as gun friendly as they come. Depending on area, you have mountain forests or desert cacti.... some areas have both.
About as gun friendly as they come. Depending on area, you have mountain forests or desert cacti.... some areas have both.
22-rimfire
Member
Overall, TN is very gun friendly. In years past, there was a waiting period for handgun purchases, but now with the NICS check, you can pretty much buy, have the check run, and walk out the door with your new purchase from a FFL dealer. It was handled a little differently at gunshows prior to NICS where the Sheriff's Department would call in your information at the show for $10 and get you cleared quickly, so you could in fact walk out the door with your purchase.
TN is nothing special in this regard, most of the southern and western states are like this now except FL where I believe there remains a waiting period.
TN is nothing special in this regard, most of the southern and western states are like this now except FL where I believe there remains a waiting period.
oneounceload
member
Only for handguns if you do not have a CCW
I can only speak for Wyoming, but it depends on what and WHY you would consider something important to avoid. For me, there is no way in hell that I would live in Rawlins unless it was the absolutely ONLY way I could stay in Wyoming. However, I know many folks that live there and you couldn't pry them with out with a truckload of TNT. Sooo, it depends on WHAT is important for YOU to avoid.
The Rock Springs/Green River gets a bad rap. We lived there for 2 years and although it wasn't ideal for US, I would move back if I had too. Casper and Cheyenne are the 2 biggest cities, without about 58,000-ish population each. They have all the necessities you need. There are a few 30K-45K population towns, a few 20K-30K towns, a few 10K-20K towns, and a LOT of 1K-10K towns. Just remember this rule-of-thumb, most towns larger than a few thousand people tend to be "about" 100 miles apart due to being founded and built as the railroad moved west, in 100 mile sections. YES, that is real, and it is true. The Old West heritage is part of our life, and we tend to cling to it and protect it fiercely. Happy hunting.
The Rock Springs/Green River gets a bad rap. We lived there for 2 years and although it wasn't ideal for US, I would move back if I had too. Casper and Cheyenne are the 2 biggest cities, without about 58,000-ish population each. They have all the necessities you need. There are a few 30K-45K population towns, a few 20K-30K towns, a few 10K-20K towns, and a LOT of 1K-10K towns. Just remember this rule-of-thumb, most towns larger than a few thousand people tend to be "about" 100 miles apart due to being founded and built as the railroad moved west, in 100 mile sections. YES, that is real, and it is true. The Old West heritage is part of our life, and we tend to cling to it and protect it fiercely. Happy hunting.
MarkDozier
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I know this much, TX has 2 seasons hot and cold
Lead Farmer
Member
I took 18 months away from my life in Miami to clear my head after a tramatic family issue. I drove a 18 wheeler across this great country of ours and was lucky enough to been to all 48 and Alaska. After coming back to Florida I thought about moving after the elders have passed and I retire and I wouldnt hesitate to move to Wyoming or Alaska. If I had to make a final decision based on all factors it would be Wyoming...close to Colorado in case medical situations, the need for big city for whatever reason and you can get to Montana or Idaho within a reasonable amount of time.
There is something about Alaska, cant explain it but its amazing. Good luck in your quest...
There is something about Alaska, cant explain it but its amazing. Good luck in your quest...
Frozen North
Member
MN? We got it all. The northern half is very sparsely populated and the entire state is a sportsman's dream. We are gun friendly to the point that folks open carry outside of the very liberal metro area with little to reaction. If you can learn to love ice fishing and snowmobiling, the winters can be survivable.
I will be honest though, we got some taxes here and -30 degrees is not that uncommon!
I will be honest though, we got some taxes here and -30 degrees is not that uncommon!
bonza
Member
Also consider the eastern half of Washington state. Relatively cheap land in the more rural/small-medium size town areas, close to great medical services in Spokane, & a short drive to the Idaho panhandle & western Montana. We are a shall-issue state for concealed carry, open carry is legal, & there is no state income tax. I've spent time in Wyoming, & apart from the NW corner it's pretty sparse desolate looking country.....at least to me eyes.
CH47gunner
Member
Montana - I know people there, have family there, & I grew up there.
I'm unclear of the current laws pertaining to legal open carry or concealed. Does one require a concealed licence in Montana and is it legal for open carry?
Thanks,
Bruce
I'm unclear of the current laws pertaining to legal open carry or concealed. Does one require a concealed licence in Montana and is it legal for open carry?
Thanks,
Bruce
elcaminoariba
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Yes, the gun laws in Utah are ok (nobody dares open carry though, despite it being legal), but the taxes are too high (especially vehicle taxes) and the weather SUUUUUCKS unless you're in southern utah. Not enough places to shoot anymore. Go for AZ, avoid the cold and keep the good gun laws.
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sourdough44
Member
SD between Rapid City & the WY border. You heard it here 1st. I've done my research.
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