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That list pretty much matches what I retired to in northern Idaho nine years ago, so I do have some hard-learned input. The only thing that does not match is that I'm on-grid (most of the time, like when it isn't down due to a storm) and that makes all the difference in the world for a solitary, aging man. I can and do go off-grid at need but it's at a cost in comfort, the principal one being with grid I get a well pump. Yes, you can run one on a generator too.

Access is an issue if you settle in a place that gets snow much of the year. Sure you can ride most things out but appendicitis or a broken bone when there's three feet of snow on that private road that nobody but you plows can be a real problem.

One psychological issue that can grow on you is how you deal with solitude. You won't really know how you do deal with that without trying it, but be aware that you may need human contact of some sort more than you think. A working cell phone helps. Internet connectivity via Starlink has proven to be a sanity-saver for me. The mini dish works very well on battery.

This life is not for everybody, and I'm aware that moving back into town is probably on the menu when I become less physically capable of managing the property, the house, and myself. But I awakened to eagles overhead and deer on the lawn this morning.

Thank you. I know I need to be careful about access. There are lots of lots for sale but there’s often no clear direct access to them. So I need land that is right off a public road. Idaho is a state I’m considering. I do like it there but I’m worried about becoming a purple state in the near future. Lots of people from California have been moving in.