Keys to Finding a Rural Area with City Amenities

Not everyone looking for a more secure home wants a proerpty that’s truly “in the middle of nowhere.” For many individuals We’ve identified these cities as likely targets for those that require access to many “big city” amenities, but are looking to relocate out of the major coastal metro areas. Many of these smaller cities still offer possibilities for:

• Work in tech, finance, health, and other industries
• Commercial air service
• Fully-equipped hospitals and specialty medical centers
• Colleges and universities
• Political and cultural connections

Despite these “big city comforts, many of these cities lie relatively close to extensive and lightly-populated rural areas. In contrast on cities in more built up regions, it doesn’t take much driving to get out of town, and into real rural areas.

You can find similar lists of cities in any state using City-Data.com’s Advanced City Search

Downsides

While a small city does not have the same level of fragility and instability of many major cities, it’s important to realize that they are equally vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, despite the bucolic surroundings. While they may be in close proximity to agriculturally productive areas, the transportation and processing infrastructure is not likely available to make any of these communities approach self-sufficiency.

Smaller cities also face a lack of political clout and limited resources. For example, in the wake of the January 2021 windstorm that affected the Inland Northwest, approximately 100k people were without power for several days in the Spokane region. The reality is that resources and manpower to repair the damage were very limited. On the positive side, this reality fosters a greater sense of self-reliance and distrust of state and federal government agendas.

While there are many economic and cultural advantages that come with larger population centers, there is an inherent tradeoff in decreased social cohesion. Witness the events of 2020, where violence was not confined to mid-size cities such as Kenosha, WI (pop 99,944).

Small and Midsize-Cities in the American Redoubt

As an example, we’ve put together a list of cities with population between 20,000 and 100,000 in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and eastern Washington and Oregon:

Note that there are only three cities larger than 100k population in the American Redoubt region: Spokane, WA, Boise, ID, and Billings, MT. (Also included, the Tri-Cities in eastern WA have a combined population over 200k.)

Finding a Rural Location

When it comes to finding a rural location outside a small city, your primary tradeoff will be ease of access versus property cost and level of privacy. Property with easy commuting access or in a desirable exurban neighborhood will easily cost 5-10x as much per acre as land in a less desirable location. If you are seeking privacy, and willing to make a longer drive (e.g. 30-60 minutes) on rural roads, the possibilities are significantly wider.

Starting with an overall view of the city and surrounding region, mark out areas of major suburban growth, “high end” or tourist-driven rural development, and major highways. Aim to find an overlooked area between or among these channels for traffic and growth. If you are looking for a small town atmosphere, take note of rural and agricultural communities nearby, as likely candidates.

In looking for a likely rural areas, take note of “two-lane” highways and other regional connectors with less traffic than the interstate. If all traffic is funneled through a major mountain valley, as in many western cities, look for a bypassed parallel valley or branch. (For example, compare northwest Montana’s Flathead and Swan Valleys, and the comparative traffic on state highways 93 and 83.)
As an example, consider the Anaconda area and the Jefferson River Valley, both within 1 hour of Butte, Montana:

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Whether considering a home in the Redoubt or elsewhere in the US, a similar analysis can provide a number of candidate locations for further exploration, through web-based research, an in-person visit, and local networking.