Hi Diane!
As a guy who has lived in New England most of his life I am going bananas trying to find my way to a simpler self sustaining lifestyle. I've been considering NC, KY and TN mostly but very open to colder climates. I'm not a mooch at all and have been in manufacturing for 30 years but my time as a corporate slave is almost over.
Anyway, I found your post intriguing and thought I'd reach out. Hope you are well and Merry Christmas!!!