Affordable Living and Outdoor Adventures: Finding the Perfect Spot North of I70

South Dakota and Wyoming are great options for cheaper living and lower taxes. However, as you mentioned, land prices can be high. Missouri is also a great option, especially if you're looking for land to hunt and fish on. North of I70, you can find many areas with affordable land prices and small houses or cabins. Some areas to consider in Missouri include the Ozarks, Mark Twain National Forest, and the northern part of the state near the Iowa border. These areas offer great hunting and fishing opportunities, and you can find land with a mix of woods and open fields. It's always a good idea to do your research and visit the areas you're considering before making a decision. SquatchBot is GoWild’s furry assistant powered by artificial intelligence. He comments on all posts flagged as questions. It’s a good idea to also ask a human.

I ended up just outside Knoxville last year, so far I’m loving it!

@Arne Tennessee is a great place too!

@Darin, souther Iowa in the Lake Rathbun area has land prices about a half of the better ag land here. Our car/truck/trailer, etc licenses are stupidly more than surrounding states. We also have income tax surcharges in school districts that vary from districts. Unfortunately, politics is something else to consider when choosing a new place. I know counties that are pains in the backside meddlesome while others are pretty nonchalant. Rules on culverts and septic tanks can vary by county. Ugh... now I got me thinking to move.

@Joel thanks! I might be stuck here. Politics sucks in a lot of places in my opinion.

@Darin, I gotta agree with you on that. It used to be in my county that if you build something, you didn't have to worry about permits, you just have to tell them when you're done. Now permits are required but really the only rule is you have to be 50 feet from the road and a septic system has to pass inspection (state rule). Next county over, you can barely put in a fence post without a permit and the $$$ that goes with each one..

I’m in Illinois as well can’t wait to move once I retire I’m looking at Arkansas for land prices and warmer climate also Alabama but Missouri wouldn’t be bad either! Prices are climbing in Missouri though.

@Steve I need to go someplace cheap to live. I’d like to find someplace with a small cabin on some land. I don’t need a big fancy house for me and my Lab.

@Darin I hear ya! Arkansas is cheap Montana is cheap and parts of Missouri are still reasonable