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Partial list, name a state and I'll post it.
California
Skousen's rating: 1 out of 5 stars.
Every climate can be found in California. There is an oceanic climate in the north with temperate weather and heavier moisture, there is a mediterranian climate south of San Francisco. The inland valleys are warm and humid. The eastern part of the state is arid and dry. California averages 5 tornadoes per year. Average rainfall is 33 inches int he north, but only 13 inches in the south. There is good soil in the Central Valley but stay away from depleted soils on the big farms.
The cost of living is very high, land availability is fair with 42% of land government owned, including most of the best forests. Water quality is fair to poor in the largest cities and from wells in the Central Valley. Only 27% of municipal water systems fluoridate due to, ironically, "not enough funding". This is ironic considering that CA has some of the highest taxes in the nation (ranked 6th highest) and they are only assumed to get higher. Corruption is very high, crime is also high (mostly violent crime, the property crime seems about average).
The gun liberty is terrible. It is a "may issue" state that is basically "no issue" depending on the sheriff's office. There is no permit to purchase firearms but many types of weapons are banned, including any rifle with a magazine. (Its an "assault weapon" you know).
On the upside, you shouldn't have any problem getting a naturopath. They are licensed in CA and are (surprise!) highly regulated. Direct entry midwives are legal and licensed.
One of the downsides of CA is there are a lot of military bases there, and as dozens of movies have already eluded, California is and will always be a very popular target for attack or falling into the sea from an earthquake or whatever. But the icing on the cake just has to be that the LA Basin has a population density of 7,000 people per square mile. The Bay Area weighs in at a not too shabby 1000 people per square mile. (And here I was feeling all depressed that Ohio had 280 people per square mile!). With all of the weapons restrictions, it will be difficult to defend yourself. And ever since their Supreme Court overturned the citizen initiative to cut off welfare to illiegals, there has been a huge neon sign over the state that says "Illegals Come Here!". Not only is there gang problems here but they have also formed political organizations such as Aztlan, La Raza and Mecha intent on turning CA into another beautiful Mexico, because hey, it was so great, they left(!).
But wait, there's more! Let's say you don't care about future threats and you just want to live somewhere where its beautiful, nice weather most of the year. CA is still insanely expensive, even though housing prices have fallen one third from boom highs. CA is so overly regulated, that (in Skousen's words) its a costly nightmare to navigate for businesses and individuals. There is a regulatory agency for everything. I can say from experience in the automotive coatings industry that we have to deal with at least three different air quality agencies to make sure our products are legal for sale in CA (and what ingredients are legal to use can vary from city to city, sheesh!).
With all that, Skousen still considers the landscape to be some of the most beautiful in the nation and the Central Valley some of the most productive land in the nation.
Obviously, he considers the high population densities (and their high welfare component) to make California unsafe as a retreat location but he still recommends some areas as retreat locations. He recommends the counties of Humbolt and Trinity. The Clear Lake area (and north of it) he also recommends. From Ukiah on north there is good retreat potential as long as you stay east of Hwy 101 to avoid Fort Bragg. He also recommends the Scotts Valley area near the town of Etna. He also recommends Quincy, and east of Oroville and Paradise. Lastly, he recommends east of Placerville, West Point and East Sonora.
Florida
Skousen's rating: 0
"Hawaii and Florida are the only two states that rate a zero rating. They are very vulnerable to almost any threat. Florida is totally unsafe, even in the short term. It is subject to tornadoes, thunderstorms and hurricanes. Corruption is strong, crime is very high and there is a high density population that is totally unprepared for any significant crisis.
The best exit routes involve a large, fast boat. There is no high ground. Even if you wanted to build a safe room and disappear there are few places high enough to get out of the shallow water table. When electricity is gone, the heat and bugs of this climate will be very uncomfortable to live in.
There is no terrain cover. This means you and everyone else will be waiting for your crops to ripen."
Water is polluted above the national average. 68% of the water is fluoridated. 80 midwives are licensed to practice in the state.
On a plus side, the taxes are low.
There is no permit to purchase firearms. "Shall issue" state for concealed firearm licenses. No open carry allowed.
As for Jacksonville, DFR was wise to rule out that area. Skousen states, "This is one of the most dangerous cities in Florida. There are multiple military targets and high crime potential. The only safe strategy is to locate outside the 295 Beltway corridor to the west, preferably north of I-10. But there aren't many rural roads leading north to Georgia. Best exit strategies, hwy 2/94 or 23/1.
Best retreat areas: There is farm and ranch country in central Florida and the panhandle, but even these do not offer much privacy unless surrounded by tall, dense overgrowth.
He reminds us that if you are building a retreat from scratch in a hurricane prone area you will have to use reinforced concrete. By my thinking, if you have the money, it might not be a bad idea to apply that advice anywhere.
Virginia
Skousen's rating: 2 out of 5 stars.
Virginia has 3 different climates. Most add up to hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It will get warmer and more humid the farther south and east you go. There will still be some snow. The Chesapeake Bay area is vulnerable to hurricanes. It averages 7 tornados and 43 inches of rain per year. The hill country is harder to grow crops than the flatlands (due to acidic soil). 94% of the drinking water is fluoridated.
The population density is 200 people per square mile.
Cost of living is below average, taxes are average, corruption is lower than average (not counting DC, see the "no-go" note above), crime is average (again, not for DC, do not go there!).
No permit is required to purchase firearms. "Shall issue" state for concealed weapons permits. Open carry is permitted, even in a car. A permit, issued by a circuit court, is required to carry a concealed handgun. Forget about carrying a gun in DC.
Alternative medicine is discouraged by medical practice laws but usually not prosecuted. Licensing is available for midwives, again, forget about DC.
Home schooling is moderately regulated.
Skousen states: The Blue Ridge Mountains are part of the Appalachian chain and filled with state parks and public scenic areas. The Ridge and Valley region is just west of these mountains and includes the Great Appalachian Valley. The Cumberland Plateau and the Cumberland Mountains are in the SW corner. There are also more than 4000 caves in the hills and mountains in Virginia, with 10 open for tourism. These last three regions form the best areas for retreats in VA, excluding the northern mountainous area east of DC where the govt has several bunkers which are all primary targets.
Basically there are two Virginias. Northern VA which is dominated by govt agencies. And Southern VA, which still maintains some of its southern manners.
Police in Virginia have a good reputation for fairness, except in and around Arlington where judicial corruption also takes place.
Retreat areas:
Skousen doesn't recommend any of the rural or mountainous areas north of a line from Fredricksburg to Front Royal in the western foothills. All of these areas will quickly flood with refugees fleeing the DC metro area someday. The best retreat areas are west of a line from Culpeper, Charlottesville and Lynchburg heading south along the Blue Ridge Mts. Security increases with each successive ridge you put between yourself and the flatland. You can even get into the Cumberland Plateau while still in VA. Unfortunately, the best and safest areas of the state taper off to nothing at the western end, but it is not heavily populated, so there is some safety there. Because all of VA is susceptible to having to cope with refugees from the major population centers, be sure and follow the recommendations about building your retreat behind plenty of tree cover and away from major roads.
Idaho
Skousen's rating: 5 of 5 stars.
Climate: High desert in southern Idaho and central mountains. Pacific maritime climate north of Lewiston. Population density is low, cost of living is below average, but private land availability is poor, 66% of land is owned by government, including most of the best forests and mountain land.
Food production is good only with irrigation. There are highly productive farms in the Snake River Valley from Payette to Burley. Average rainfall is 18in/yr in north and only 12 in/yr in the south. Water quality is good where fed by mountain springs. Half the state's water is fluoridated.
Has 13th highest taxes in nation. Crime rate is low. Corruption is low. Personal liberty is high. Gun liberty is excellent. Open carry without a permit, including cars.
Very good availability of naturopaths. Midwives are licensed by the state.
Skousen has a whole page devoted to possible retreat areas in Idaho. That means a lot. He says the best are north of Coeur D'Alene, although the influx of Californians has driven up land prices.
He also recommends Long Valley, Sun Valley, Swan Valley, Teton Valley, Bonner County (Sandpoint), Boundary county and Idaho County. He recommends you do not buy anything on Indian lands.
Pennsylvania
Skousen's rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars.
It averages about 10 tornadoes per year and 42 inches of rain. Climate is hot and humid with cold winters.
Cost of living is average, land availability and food production are good (except in mountains where sunlight may be blocked). Skousen states that taxes are high, being 11th highest in nation, with sales tax being 6%, but I thought there was no sales tax in PA. (can someone verify this who lives there?)
54% of water is fluoridated.
Corruption and crime are high, particularly in Philadelphia (ironically, the city of brotherly love).
No permit to purchase firearms is required. "Shall issue" state for concealed carry permits. Open carry permitted except in Philly. Weapons sales must be through a gun dealer and transactions are recorded by the state.
Natural health practitioners are free to practice. Lay midwifery is prohibited. Home schooling is highly regulated.
Pennsylvania has numerous river and mountainous obstacles that will tend to funnel refugees into the main corridors. The high traffic portion of PA (I-80 and below) can expect overwhelming numbers of people fleeing the east coast someday. When refugee travel is halted, the communities nearest to these corridors will suffer the most. Because of this, Skousen contends that the northern parts of PA will survive better, in what he calls the medium term.
He considers north central PA to offer the best retreat areas in the state, particularly the area north of I-80, in between Hwy 220 and Oil City/Titusville. Private land backing up to a state forest is ideal (for PA). He recommends you stay at least 5 miles north of I-80 and 10 miles from any exit.
Kentucky
Skousen's rating: 3 of 5 stars.
Kentucky averages 9 tornados a year. Cost of living is very low, ranked second least expensive state. It has good land availability, only 3.5% of land is state of federally owned. The growing season is 150-210 days, a little less in the mountains. It receives about 48 inches per year of rainfall. 99% of all water is fluoridated. The taxes are average (ranked 25th highest). Crime is below average. Gun liberty is good, no permit for purchase, "shall issue" state for concealed permits, open carry state including in cars. Natural health practioners are free to practice but lay midwifery is prohibited.
Skousen states that Kentucky is a state with good retreat geography and terrain (like Tennessee) but with none of the benefits of low taxes. It is also is too close to Eastern population centers. Corruption is very high but crime is low. Coal production is mostly concentrated in all the eastern mountain counties, but there are some counties on the west side that also have large coal deposits. Land in these counties is cheap because all the mineral rights have been sold off, which could mean significant disruption to your land if you settle there.
The best retreat sites are in the eastern Kentucky mountains. It is all coal country and has been severely depressed financially since coal has been strangled by environmental regulations. There is lots of private land available here with water courses and forestation is heavy, but you will have to watch for pollution from mining as well as the uncertainty of not owning the mineral rights to your property.
In the western half of the states it is possible to find some farm land backed up to forested areas (use google maps to help guide you) as long as you make sure you are not near or within sight of a major refugee path (secondary roads).
Montana
Skousen's rating: 4.5 out of 5.
The climate is dry east of the Rockies. The northwest corner gets the most precipitation. Food production is poor, due to dryness. Dry land farms and ranches are more common. The population density is very low. Taxes are low. There is no sales tax. Water quality is excellent where fed from mountain springs, only fair where fed from wells. Gun liberty is excellent. No permit to purchase, "shall issue" state for concealed firearm permits. Open carry is allowed in the state, including cars. There is very good availability of alternative medicine. Much of the best land in the forests and mountains is federally owned.
Western Montana is where the best retreat sites are located, but there is a significant tension between the liberal, anti-religious segment of the population and the arch-conservative Christians who are drawn to Montana for liberty, especially the Whitefish area. The Democrats and liberals have had their way here for so long that they often react with hostility toward the conservative-Christian resurgence. Skousen states that Montana would rate 5 stars except for the wide area around Great Falls that houses the largest base of nuclear missiles in the nation. This puts a large portion of the state at risk for massive fallout. The only safe bet is to be west of this threat.
The best retreat areas include the Flathead Lake region, as this is one of the best areas for rural and farm location. He recommends Whitefish and Columbia Falls over Kalispell. The Bitterroot Valley region is also recommended, with the exception of the town of Hamilton which has a Level 4 biohazard laboratory. The Clark Fork Valley Region is also recommended, but might be considered too isolated for those who must travel often.
Skousen cautions us that the biggest threat in Montana will come from "point threats", small groups of locals with pickup trucks and weapons who think they can take what they want.
What I would like to know is what types of trees grow in the forests? Is it all pines or evergreens? These do not burn well in a woodstove. Hardwoods burn best and put out the most BTU's (heat). When one considers relocating to a forested region, it is very important one considers what types of trees grow there and what can they be used for.
Texas
Skousen's rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Texas enjoys multiple climate zones from hot and dry in the west to humid and subtropical near the Gulf coast. If you like a cold winter then the panhandle is for you. Texas averages 139 tornadoes per year (wow!) and the coast gets hit with hurricanes. Rainfall varies from 55 inches per year in the east to only 10 inches per year in the west. Dallas gets a moderate 37 inches, but only the coastal plain gets enough rainfall to raise crops without irrigation or well pumping (at least by Skousen's reckoning. I wonder if anyone has experience enough to comment on this?). 66% of drinking water is fluoridated. There is good solar potential everywhere.
There are 95 people per square mile. Since this is the state average, I would imagine it to be much lower in rural areas and much higher in the cities.
Cost of living is low (6th lowest in the nation), taxes are below average, violent crime is very high, property crime is high as well, corruption is very high at the state level, also beware police and judges in the larger cities.
No permit is required to purchase firearms, "shall issue" state for concealed weapons permits. Banned weapons include machine guns and sawed-off rifles and shotguns. Open carry is permitted in the state.
There is very good access to alternative medicine, direct entry midwifery is legal with some requirements.
Home schooling is unregulated.
Skousen states: Texas is great because of what remains of the spirit underlying is unofficial motto, "Don't Mess with Texas". Texas has a long history of independence and resistance to tyranny and being controlled by the eastern establishment. This is still true of the good, humble people of rural Texas but not so much in its big cities. Along with the Texas oil boom came tremendous wealth and fat cat living which has corrupted much of the fighting spirit of the state. What's left of Texas bigness is just the show, not the strength of will.
Texas politicians are especially adept at playing the role of tough Texan but most sell out to financial interests. Even the big mega-churches have become soft and worldly with money and fame.
Texas has several major advantages over other states as a relocation destination, including the low cost of living, no income tax, wide open spaces, available land and a fairly strong "don't mess with Texas" attitude outside of the big cities. On the other hand, Skousen sees several negatives about Texas such as the deep roots of corruption, lack of principled toughness in politics, and the steady encroachment of illegal aliens (who drive up support for democratic socialism and benefits). There are also several major threats to Texas in a war. There are many military installations and these bases put civilians at risk during a war.
Because of the sheer size of the state you can find medium term safety in rural areas and enjoy a low cost lifestyle, but don't be fooled by politicians who talk and walk like traditional Texans but are in league with powerful and corrupt national forces which intend to subvert traditional values in this once great state.
Because of persistent threats of tornadoes and thunderstorms, Skousen recommends below ground shelters. He warns you to watch out for rock like soils like Caliche or the Versitol types. Versitols are expansive clay soils that cause buildings to heave upward in the rainy season and sink during dry spells, both make building basements an expensive and costly project. Indeed, just building a slab on Versitol I would consider risky business. My parents bought a house in San Antonio that was built on a slab. The house only cost them $100,000, but when they sold, it failed inspection because the sewer pipe was cracked from this heaving. It cost $20,000 to replace it, this eliminated any profit they would have made from the sale and a good deal more. What was low cost in the beginning wasn't cheap in the end. Be careful, do your homework on any property you might consider buying in Texas.
Retreat areas:
Skousen recommends the area around the Angelina National Forest and the area above I-30 which approaches the Oklahoma Ozarks. Farm retreats outside of Clarksville and Paris are very rural and provide good safety.
He also recommends the Texas Hill Country in southwest Texas, and the rugged country north of Amarillo and between Lubbock and Amarillo (if you have water) keep in mind you want to be far away from the city.
North Carolina
Skousen's rating: 2 stars out of 5
Most of North Carolina is very hot and humid in the summer. The mountains aren't so bad. It averages 13 tornadoes per year and 50 inches of rain. The part in the Smokey Mountains gets more. Food production is good in the central and eastern parts of the state, but not quite so good in the mountainous region. 84% of the water is fluoridated. Many EPA Superfund sites are between Charlotte and Greenville.
Population density is over 190 people per square mile. Cost of living is below average, taxes are average, corruption is high in the state government, crime is high.
A permit is required to purchase a handgun, including stating the purpose for it. This permit is valid for 5 years. "Shall issue" state for concealed firearm permits. A person who wishes to possess a machine gun is required to obtain a permit for it from the County Sheriff and the ATF. Open carry is allowed, even in a car.
Alternative medicine is discouraged by medical practice laws, lay midwifery is effectively prohibited.
Home schooling is moderately regulated.
Skousen states, that new industry has made North Carolina one of America's leading growth states. The population grew 45% from 1980 to 2005 bringing wealth, pollution, corruption and (gasp!) liberal people. The state's Hispanic population is the fastest growing in the U.S. Unfortunately, all these new people don't share the state's traditional family values, nor their voting preferences. Since 2000, democrats have tended to win state contests.
There are lots of military targets in the state, particularly in the coastal plains.
Retreat areas:
Skousen recommends you locate west of the Charlotte-Greenville line to start. He prefers the Cumberland plateau of Tennessee as safer than the Smokey mountains of N.C., because he feels this area in N.C. will be the first to get hit by flocks of people from the east. Keep in mind there's going to be lots of old timers in the woods who may not appreciate flat landers moving in. Get to know your neighbors. If you must locate in N.C. he prefers the area around Andrews.
New Mexico
Skousen's rating: 2 out of 5 stars.
New Mexico has hot summers and cold, dry winters. It averages 9 tornadoes per year and only 14 inches of rain per year. 76% of water supplies are fluoridated.
It has excellent solar potential.
40% of the land is federally owned, including the best parts. Population density is low, only 16 people per square mile.
Taxes are below average, corruption is very high, cost of living is below average, crime is high (with violent crime being super high, double most of the "average" numbers I've seen). Crime is especially high in that town where Bugs Bunny keeps taking a wrong turn (Albuquerque).
There is no permit to purchase firearms, "shall issue" state for concealed firearms, open carry permitted in the state, including cars.
Access to alternative medicine is very good. Midwifery is legal and licensed in the state.
Home schooling is regulated.
There is a lot of crime and poverty in N.M. associated with illegal immigration. Skousen would have rated the state higher but didn't because of the high levels of corruption. There are also numerous nuclear threats; Los Alamos, Sandia Labs, White Sands Missile Facility, Cannon AFB, and Holoman AFB. In order to find safe places in N.M. one has to carefully locate around the population centers, the nuclear targets, and the hostile zone with Mexico. That leaves the far northern area and the mountains bordering Arizona.
Retreat areas:
Skousen recommends the Kirtland/Farmington/Bloomfield/Aztec areas. Three rivers flow through the Farmington area, accounting for 2/3 of the surface water in N.M. But do not locate in the flood plain of the San Juan River basin.
He also recommends the Espanola/Santa Cruz area and the Taos area.
Ohio
Skousen's rating: 2 out of 5 stars.
Ohio's climate is cold in the winter and hot/humid in the summer. Depending on where you are in relation to Lake Erie, you may get a lot of snow, or very little. The land is good and rich, with lots of hardwood forests. There is an abundance of deer and turkey. The deer especially like to hide out in metro areas where they know they can't be hunted. The state averages 16 tornados and about 39 inches of rain per year. This has been a record-breaking year for rain, and since the winter has been so warm, we are probably looking at a record-breaking 2012 for lake-effect spring snows. 90% of the drinking water is fluoridated.
There are 284 people per square mile, not good odds if you want to remain unseen.
Cost of living is below average, taxes are high (7th highest), corruption is high, crime is above average but centered in the larger cities. In the country, it seems the most you have to worry about it crazy, half-naked, drunk drivers, livestock that gets loose and keeping a sharp lookout for buggies. With the downturn in the economy, there is more vandalism everywhere. Keep your doors locked, and if you own vacant property, keep a watch on your copper pipes.
There is no permit to purchase firearms. "Shall issue" state for concealed firearm permits. No gun registry. Open carry or in a vehicle only with a permit. (I've never heard of that from any gun owners that I know).
Naturopaths are free to practice. Lay midwifery is not prohibited.
Homeschooling is moderately regulated, parents must send notification, test scores and/or professional evaluation of student's progress.
Hopefully, it will be obvious to anyone reading this, that the worn-out rust-belt towns and larger urban centers are not where you want to settle. Plan on avoiding Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton, Toledo, Akron, Canton, Youngstown and Columbus. Sure you can work there, but don't live there or anywhere near. That's where living in Ohio gets difficult. Its hard to avoid these towns without stepping into the backyard of another.
Ohio is also a major transportation corridor, the gateway to the Midwest. It has the fifth highest volume of truck traffic and the second highest number of hazardous materials spills nationwide. With all the highways that crisscross the state, it is hard to avoid these major freeways and the unwanted visitors they may bring.
Ohio is also vulnerable to government power. Only Maryland and Virginia have higher percentages of government workers. This is the redundancy I was talking about. My favorite example, back in "horribly corrupt" Illinois, when you renewed your driver's license, the clerk at the BMV would ask to see your insurance card to verify proof of insurance. They don't do that here in Ohio. Too easy! Too logical! Here, they have a whole separate department in Columbus that verifies your proof of insurance by mail. (Are you kidding me!?!) Gee, I think I know how I could save a few taxpayer dollars...!
There are some Radon concerns here. You will want to do some research on that, if you plan on relocating here.
Ohio has relatively few nuclear military targets and is considered a "Safe" destination for the wealthy and well-connected within government, many of whom have large mansions with large bunker systems east of Columbus.
Retreat areas:
Northeastern Ohio is considered the only semi-safe rural area within the Cleveland-Columbus-Pittsburgh triangle. Skousen describes it as hilly and forested with lots of family farms. The area he recommends is in between New Philadelphia, Millersburg, Mt. Vernon, Newark, Wheeling, Steubenville and East Liverpool. This area is actually south of where I live. My area is very similar, but smaller in terms of square miles, and north of I-80.
He also recommends southeastern Ohio and southern Ohio, as long as you avoid interstates and the bigger cities. I like the Hocking Hills area a lot, its not near anything. Lots of forest and hills.
Overall I like Ohio because it has good land, good trees and good people. I don't like Ohio because of the bureaucracy, waste of taxpayer funds, high population density and difficulty to find a good retreat spot (all those cities and freeways).
Oregon
Skousen's rating: 3 out of 5 stars.
The climate in Oregon is wet and cloudy with mild temperatures, steady breezes and few major storms. The east is semi-arid, with dry, sunny weather. The west gets 80 inches of rain per year, but the east only 10. 19% of the drinking water is fluoridated (mostly the Portland area). Irrigation is required in the east. The fishing and hunting are excellent.
The population density averages 39 people per square mile. The Portland area averages 3500. The east of the Cascades there's only 20 people per square mile.
Cost of living is above average, taxes area average, corruption is average (mostly in Portland), crime is average.
No permit is required to purchase firearms. "Shall issue" state for concealed weapons permits, but no reciprocity for other state's permits. Open carry is permitted except where restricted by city ordinance.
There is good access to alternative medicine and midwifery is legal and unregulated.
Homeschooling is moderately regulated.
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