Well, I think you need to provide some more information as to what you would ideally look for. Such as how rural you are looking for. The distance you are willing to be from buying at least groceries, and that kind of thing. What kind of climate would you prefer. Some like colder weather, some like warmer weather. Price wise you are typically going to dare better in southern states, and less populated states in the heartland states.
I guess I'm hoping that there is a website or chat board that offers leads on rural places to retire to.
This sounds like fairly good advice. Living in the “flyover” country is likely to be less expensive, although it is still probably no bargain.