tryphena rose

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I'm not sure if this is the right forum, but I'd try my hand at asking here anyway. My husband and I are currently in the state of California and long story short, we want out. California is going downhill fast and we're aware of similar situations occurring in the state of Oregon and Washington, so those are off our list of potential areas to move. We really liked the idea of Idaho, but with the mass exodus that's taking place in California, we see many Californians are moving to Idaho. Places like Boise are starting to see a rise in crime and traffic, based off of the research we've done at least. We also looked into Texas, but liberal politics seem to be causing problems there as well.

We're recently married and are concerned for the future of our unborn children and the type of future we'd like to build; that being more centered around God with less distractions, homeschooling our children and starting a homestead so we can be less dependent and know how to do more for ourselves. So we'd like to find a place that is in it's majority is more Christian or conservative in it's values, as well as holds the things mentioned above. My husband and I are also of "mixed race" so we'd like to also find a place that is conservative, but welcoming to black and white couples. I'm personally not too worried about this as I don't see America as this big racist place it's deemed to be, but you could never be too careful. If you have any recommendations, we'd really appreciate the help!
 

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This Bama report on church attendance may be a good place to start. The coasts are experiencing the sharpest declines. I’d look at Tennessee. It’s growing and young couples have been moving there for several years.

~Bella
 
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Hello @tryphena rose, I agree with @LaBèlla as I was thinking of mentioning the State of Tennessee to you (if you guys are willing to come that far east). The last time I vacationed there was in the Smoky Mountains, and I was told that the towns in that area, Gatlingburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville typically experience 100% employment, so that area of Tennessee would certainly be a great place to look for work if you need it (and the State of Tennessee is in the "Bible Belt").

Nashville is a GREAT town too. I've never been to Memphis, but I hear great things about that it as well.

If you want Christian, smaller and more relaxed and quiet, there are the Amish areas to consider, like Berlin, Ohio and the surrounding towns there (the largest Amish settlement in the world), or Sarasota, Florida, or, of course, the famous one in Pennsylvania (Sarasota is not as quiet of a place as the other two areas are, then again, Ohio & Pennsylvania don't have palm trees nor are they on the Gulf of Mexico :)).

Praying that the Lord would guide you.

--David
 
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chevyontheriver

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I'm not sure if this is the right forum, but I'd try my hand at asking here anyway. My husband and I are currently in the state of California and long story short, we want out. California is going downhill fast and we're aware of similar situations occurring in the state of Oregon and Washington, so those are off our list of potential areas to move. We really liked the idea of Idaho, but with the mass exodus that's taking place in California, we see many Californians are moving to Idaho. Places like Boise are starting to see a rise in crime and traffic, based off of the research we've done at least. We also looked into Texas, but liberal politics seem to be causing problems there as well.

We're recently married and are concerned for the future of our unborn children and the type of future we'd like to build; that being more centered around God with less distractions, homeschooling our children and starting a homestead so we can be less dependent and know how to do more for ourselves. So we'd like to find a place that is in it's majority is more Christian or conservative in it's values, as well as holds the things mentioned above. My husband and I are also of "mixed race" so we'd like to also find a place that is conservative, but welcoming to black and white couples. I'm personally not too worried about this as I don't see America as this big racist place it's deemed to be, but you could never be too careful. If you have any recommendations, we'd really appreciate the help!
You could sort of shelter in place, but only if the corner of California you are in has a powerful Christian community that can stand against the slide going on in the rest of the state. I say this because what happens in California has not stayed in California but is in every other state as well, in lots of cities and even in some small towns.

Church Attendance Trends Around the Country - Barna Group

I looked at the Barna survey noted in a post above and it might be an indicator of a better state or some better cities. I'd look for a smaller state in flyoverland and a not so huge city in one of those states. But I'd still look for a place where there is a powerful intentional Christian community present. That would be more important than picking a particular state.

I'm Catholic. When I look at this I think of places like the diocese of Lincoln NE, or the Ozarks, or actually my own little town with a vibrant parish and parish school. I think of the little Chesterton Academies popping up in places which already have vibrant parishes to support them. There are good 'Benedict Option' communities out there actually all over the place. The call them 'Benedict Option' because of what St. Benedict of Nursia did starting 1500 years ago to form monasteries where western civilization survived the fall of the empire.

I do think we need to educate our children in intentional Christian schools. We did that, and things are sliding to being worse now. For me that is more important than picking a state to live in. Find a school first for your children where they will be educated in the faith. If that's in California stay in California. If it's in Rural Nebraska outside of Lincoln, then move. If you can't find such a place, start one.
 
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tturt

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I don't have a state recommendation but wanted to say how great it is that you plan to homeschool. There is so much information online which might need to be a consideration in which state you select. There are places that still use party line phone service. In another situation, know someone who cant get internet service even though their nearest neighbor has it.

As far as homesteading, you might want to check out "The Encyclopedia of Country Living" by Carla Emery.
 
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tryphena rose

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This Bama report on church attendance may be a good place to start. The coasts are experiencing the sharpest declines. I’d look at Tennessee. It’s growing and young couples have been moving there for several years.

~Bella
I had no idea about barna! This will be a very helpful tool in our search. Thank you Bella! Yes, it's very disheartening to see what's happening on the coasts, especially considering my husband is born and raised in Californian, while I'm native to New Jersey. It's horrible what's going on in New York, which is very close to home for me.
Hello @tryphena rose, I agree with @LaBèlla as I was thinking of mentioning the State of Tennessee to you (if you guys are willing to come that far east). The last time I vacationed there was in the Smoky Mountains, and I was told that the towns in that area, Gatlingburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville typically experience 100% employment, so that area of Tennessee would certainly be a great place to look for work if you need it (and the State of Tennessee is in the "Bible Belt").

Nashville is a GREAT town too. I've never been to Memphis, but I hear great things about that it as well.

If you want Christian, smaller and more relaxed and quiet, there are the Amish areas to consider, like Berlin, Ohio and the surrounding towns there (the largest Amish settlement in the world), or Sarasota, Florida, or, of course, the famous one in Pennsylvania (Sarasota is not as quiet of a place as the other two areas are, then again, Ohio & Pennsylvania don't have palm trees nor are they on the Gulf of Mexico :)).

Praying that the Lord would guide you.

--David
Tennessee is definitely a state we'll be looking more into! Thank you David for the wonderful recommendations!
You could sort of shelter in place, but only if the corner of California you are in has a powerful Christian community that can stand against the slide going on in the rest of the state. I say this because what happens in California has not stayed in California but is in every other state as well, in lots of cities and even in some small towns.

Church Attendance Trends Around the Country - Barna Group

I looked at the Barna survey noted in a post above and it might be an indicator of a better state or some better cities. I'd look for a smaller state in flyoverland and a not so huge city in one of those states. But I'd still look for a place where there is a powerful intentional Christian community present. That would be more important than picking a particular state.

I'm Catholic. When I look at this I think of places like the diocese of Lincoln NE, or the Ozarks, or actually my own little town with a vibrant parish and parish school. I think of the little Chesterton Academies popping up in places which already have vibrant parishes to support them. There are good 'Benedict Option' communities out there actually all over the place. The call them 'Benedict Option' because of what St. Benedict of Nursia did starting 1500 years ago to form monasteries where western civilization survived the fall of the empire.

I do think we need to educate our children in intentional Christian schools. We did that, and things are sliding to being worse now. For me that is more important than picking a state to live in. Find a school first for your children where they will be educated in the faith. If that's in California stay in California. If it's in Rural Nebraska outside of Lincoln, then move. If you can't find such a place, start one.
Yes, my husband informed me of this and our fear is eventually this madness will begin to meet in the middle of the country as the west and east coast are being hit pretty hard with these agendas. Especially the things they are teaching the children....I graduated not that long ago from High School, and I didn't even see or hear of these things while I was attending school.

California is just so expensive, it's incredibly unlivable. We live with my husband's mom currently and we know God wants us to move on from here now that we're married. We live in the bay area and being so close to San Fran, the majority is surely against Christianity. Thankfully we've been blessed with a wonderful church family here.

Sorry for the slight rant, lol. But thanks a lot for all your lovely recommendations!
I don't have a state recommendation but wanted to say how great it is that you plan to homeschool. There is so much information online which might need to be a consideration in which state you select. There are places that still use party line phone service. In another situation, know someone who cant get internet service even though their nearest neighbor has it.

As far as homesteading, you might want to check out "The Encyclopedia of Country Living" by Carla Emery.
We have no idea when we'll be blessed with little ones but we think it would be a crime with the current indoctrination of the youth to send our children to public school. Of course, if one has no other options, then I would not judge them for that but I definitely think home school is best. You're right about that. There's so much information, even some conflicting, that it can be overwhelming. But we're praying the Lord will lead us to where He desires us to be!

Thank you for the book recommendation! Luckily it's at our public library so we'll be checking it out real soon! God bless.
 
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bèlla

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You’re welcome. I’m happy to help. :)

While it’s disheartening, the Lord hasn’t forgotten them. I’m relocating to the east coast in one of the places mentioned on the list. It’s beautiful and I’ve been several times.

My calling places me in secular circles. I can’t minister to the lost in a vacuum. They need to see the light and my lifestyle. I can thrive in that environment. But I don’t have children and my daughter isn’t married. She plans to homeschool and work from home. She’s preparing now.

It depends on many factors. Be mindful of the progression of time and the changes that follow. A place may be fine today and sliding ten years later. I’d seek the answer through prayer and fasting.

For me, I’d need to know my gifts, talents and purpose. Parenting is a sliver of your adult life. It goes faster than you realize. And people are living longer. I’d look for the place where the Lord is planting me. And have clarity about the work He wants me to do.

He’s sending me overseas for school. In two different countries. Plus study abroad in two more. Then I come home and head east. You can’t foresee what He has in mind.

Many people are moving out of California. My friends have gone to Texas. Portland and Denver are popular but the influx of new people has changed the demographic. But if you know the place you’re heading is God’s will. You’ll rest easy and won’t worry you need to move again. Good luck.

~Bella
 
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chevyontheriver

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I'm not sure if this is the right forum, but I'd try my hand at asking here anyway. My husband and I are currently in the state of California and long story short, we want out. California is going downhill fast and we're aware of similar situations occurring in the state of Oregon and Washington, so those are off our list of potential areas to move. We really liked the idea of Idaho, but with the mass exodus that's taking place in California, we see many Californians are moving to Idaho. Places like Boise are starting to see a rise in crime and traffic, based off of the research we've done at least. We also looked into Texas, but liberal politics seem to be causing problems there as well.

We're recently married and are concerned for the future of our unborn children and the type of future we'd like to build; that being more centered around God with less distractions, homeschooling our children and starting a homestead so we can be less dependent and know how to do more for ourselves. So we'd like to find a place that is in it's majority is more Christian or conservative in it's values, as well as holds the things mentioned above. My husband and I are also of "mixed race" so we'd like to also find a place that is conservative, but welcoming to black and white couples. I'm personally not too worried about this as I don't see America as this big racist place it's deemed to be, but you could never be too careful. If you have any recommendations, we'd really appreciate the help!
Sorry I missed the part about homeschooling. I think that is admirable. We even have homeschool cooperatives around here, which you could maybe find or start. The idea being you can pool resources to get a language teacher or something. I have been blessed by the presence of an astounding Catholic high school in a nearby city we could commute our children into along with some other families we could carpool with. Had that not been possible I think we would have homeschooled. Now, with the dominant culture much worse we definitely would not have gone the public school course. But now we have a Chesterton Academy starting up two miles away.

Consider how friendly or not a state is towards homeschooling. Some raise roadblocks. Others are more supportive. That should be a criterion for you.
 
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tturt

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IAlso, there are about 9 states without state income tax plus 2 that don't tax wages. There are some places that their population has dropped so much that they guarantee free housing if u live there for a certain period of time. Living on the grid is cheaper than off in most places imo

Interested in non-traditional housing? - There's never been more options than now. Rammed earth, straw bale housing, yurts, converted airplanes and train cars etc. State regulations of course would play a part in that.
 
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Hi, t. r.

Yes, moving would be wise. However, it isn't the best idea to move to another state which is likely to follow California's lead in the near future. Washington, for example. And then there are states that are traditionally conservative but which are getting so many liberals fleeing what liberalism has done to California that they are in danger of being converted into liberal states themselves. Texas comes to mind. Even Idaho, since it is -- as you said -- a leading choice for such people who relocate--or Montana. Wyoming would be better.

The middle of the country or the South would seem to offer the best picking. Tennessee, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma. But as others have said to you already, if you are going to move, you would do well also to check local and state taxes, the educational systems, and a host of other variables that pertain to your own family, like recreation, weather, and so on.
 
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tryphena rose

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You’re welcome. I’m happy to help. :)

While it’s disheartening, the Lord hasn’t forgotten them. I’m relocating to the east coast in one of the places mentioned on the list. It’s beautiful and I’ve been several times.

My calling places me in secular circles. I can’t minister to the lost in a vacuum. They need to see the light and my lifestyle. I can thrive in that environment. But I don’t have children and my daughter isn’t married. She plans to homeschool and work from home. She’s preparing now.

It depends on many factors. Be mindful of the progression of time and the changes that follow. A place may be fine today and sliding ten years later. I’d seek the answer through prayer and fasting.

For me, I’d need to know my gifts, talents and purpose. Parenting is a sliver of your adult life. It goes faster than you realize. And people are living longer. I’d look for the place where the Lord is planting me. And have clarity about the work He wants me to do.

He’s sending me overseas for school. In two different countries. Plus study abroad in two more. Then I come home and head east. You can’t foresee what He has in mind.

Many people are moving out of California. My friends have gone to Texas. Portland and Denver are popular but the influx of new people has changed the demographic. But if you know the place you’re heading is God’s will. You’ll rest easy and won’t worry you need to move again. Good luck.

~Bella
Thank you Bella for these wonderful words of wisdom. Yes, I have to agree. While we wish to homestead and home school our children, I still want to have healthy amounts of exposure to the world because of course we are called to be in the world but not apart of it. I hope we find a church similar to what we have now, where we do go out and spread the gospel to the lost on the weekends. Though it'd be nice to do this even more often.

Keeping the progression of time is a definite factor in wherever we decide on going. That's why Texas has been ruled out a bit for us because we hear it's losing more of it's conservative values now. How long until it looks like California? We don't know these things of course and can only pray and trust God. I know He'll lead us in due time.

While I cannot wait to be a mother someday, I also keep that in mind. I can't imagine how quickly my own children will grow before my very eyes...

I pray you'll have a safe trip overseas when the time arrives for you to go study, and I pray you can be the salt and the light God calls you to be in these foreign lands. God bless you Bella. :blush:
Sorry I missed the part about homeschooling. I think that is admirable. We even have homeschool cooperatives around here, which you could maybe find or start. The idea being you can pool resources to get a language teacher or something. I have been blessed by the presence of an astounding Catholic high school in a nearby city we could commute our children into along with some other families we could carpool with. Had that not been possible I think we would have homeschooled. Now, with the dominant culture much worse we definitely would not have gone the public school course. But now we have a Chesterton Academy starting up two miles away.

Consider how friendly or not a state is towards homeschooling. Some raise roadblocks. Others are more supportive. That should be a criterion for you.
Thank you for the tips! I will certainly look into home school cooperatives for the state of our choosing. That's wonderful to hear how you've been blessed, regardless of you not home schooling. Honestly, I don't know who could have saw all of this craziness coming. It defies logic I find. But now that we're here, I don't see things getting better anytime soon. I only pray if it gets worse that the Lord comes quick!

Yes! I'm doing lots of research now and am acquainting myself with different state's home schooling laws. The least regulations, the best IMO but with our other factors playing in, we're really going to have to be wise in our final decision.
IAlso, there are about 9 states without state income tax plus 2 that don't tax wages. There are some places that their population has dropped so much that they guarantee free housing if u live there for a certain period of time. Living on the grid is cheaper than off in most places imo

Interested in non-traditional housing? - There's never been more options than now. Rammed earth, straw bale housing, yurts, converted airplanes and train cars etc. State regulations of course would play a part in that.
Wow! I had no idea of that! Thank you! We've been juggling if we want off grid or on. We'd ideally like to have some distance between us and our neighbors, but we also don't want to be in the middle of nowhere. Preferably, we desire a healthy balance of the two.

I know! It's really amazing when you think of it...there isn't really a shortage of options. All it takes is the drive, resources and discipline for someone to lead this lifestyle. My husband wants to build a house for us so I'm sure with all the options available, he'll go crazy with his creativity. Though hopefully not too crazy as I'm a little more traditional when it comes to style of homes lol.
Hi, t. r.

Yes, moving would be wise. However, it isn't the best idea to move to another state which is likely to follow California's lead in the near future. Washington, for example. And then there are states that are traditionally conservative but which are getting so many liberals fleeing what liberalism has done to California that they are in danger of being converted into liberal states themselves. Texas comes to mind. Even Idaho, since it is -- as you said -- a leading choice for such people who relocate--or Montana. Wyoming would be better.

The middle of the country or the South would seem to offer the best picking. Tennessee, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma. But as others have said to you already, if you are going to move, you would do well also to check local and state taxes, the educational systems, and a host of other variables that pertain to your own family, like recreation, weather, and so on.
We couldn't agree more. I've driven through Wyoming once before but if I'm recalling correctly, isn't it mostly desert? We definitely want more a lush green place that's good for growing food. Thank you so much for the recommendation though!

That is wonderful advice and I will be sure to keep it in mind. The states you mentioned too are states I've been eyeing for a while and should be researching soon. Thank you for all your help. Many blessings to you! :relieved:
I'm sorry, I'm not sure what you mean by "delete"?
 
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We couldn't agree more. I've driven through Wyoming once before but if I'm recalling correctly, isn't it mostly desert? We definitely want more a lush green place that's good for growing food. Thank you so much for the recommendation though!
My recollection is of open spaces, but not desert. However, the population is low. On the other hand, there ae a few major cities, so it comes down to me not knowing what additional factors would be important to your family--rural or urban, warm weather, mountains or prairies, etc.

So I was just throwing out a grab-bag of states I thought were among the most promising. The fact that my list was basically in accord with your own thinking was good to know, though. I hope this all works out well for you. I admire you for having the drive and wisdom to make such a move.

That is wonderful advice and I will be sure to keep it in mind. The states you mentioned too are states I've been eyeing for a while and should be researching soon. Thank you for all your help. Many blessings to you! :relieved:
 
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bèlla

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Thank you Bella for these wonderful words of wisdom. Yes, I have to agree. While we wish to homestead and home school our children, I still want to have healthy amounts of exposure to the world because of course we are called to be in the world but not apart of it.

Thank you for your kind words. :)

I contemplated homesteading and spent a season on an organic production farm to try it out. It was wonderful but there are aches I experienced I’ve never had again! :D

I recommend a similar experiment or enrolling in a program which covers the basics and provides hands-on experience if you desire to go that route. In my opinion, The Farm School is the best. It’s worth the investment. The landscape is shifting on off-grid dwellings and some states are passing laws that require you to be plugged in. Do your homework.

I hope we find a church similar to what we have now, where we do go out and spread the gospel to the lost on the weekends. Though it'd be nice to do this even more often.

You’ll reach the greatest numbers through love and the way you live. My neighbor figured out I was a believer. But I’d never told her and we didn’t cross paths much. She observed my behavior. One day I shared a brochure for vacation bible school. She often had her nieces over. That’s when she told me. She said I reminded her of Tebow. I didn’t know who he was.

I went home and looked him up. He wasn’t ashamed of the gospel. He was convinced and all-in. She articulated the essence of my faith. And didn’t know me. It was a lesson I never forgot.

We don't know these things of course and can only pray and trust God. I know He'll lead us in due time.

Wherever He sends you. You’ll be fine. We never know the depth of our mettle until its tried. When you speak of spreading the gospel. I don’t think of a Christian setting. The light is needed where there’s none. This is a lot like praying for patience. Whoa nelly! :p

While I cannot wait to be a mother someday, I also keep that in mind. I can't imagine how quickly my own children will grow before my very eyes...

I homeschooled for a time. Susan Wise Bauer has a great book on the subject. Her forum is filled with helpful resources and advice from parents doing the same. Motherhood is a joy. Milk every moment while you can.

I pray you'll have a safe trip overseas when the time arrives for you to go study, and I pray you can be the salt and the light God calls you to be in these foreign lands. God bless you Bella. :blush:

Thank you tryphena rose. :yellowheart:

The time is nearing and there’s a lot to settle. It’s hard to believe He’s brought me this far. And I know He’ll abide with you through all of this. Trust Him and marvel at everything He’ll accomplish through you for the kingdom.

~Bella
 
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West Virginia is arguably the "reddest" state in the east. Easiest gun laws, conservative people, very low taxes, and not so muggy as the deep south. Although it has weaker job opportunities outside of the medical field and natural gas field workers. Go further north and you end up in way less conservative states and lots more snow. I love West Virginia.
 
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