Moving from Florida where to now?
Contributors to this thread:General Topic
From: Venom16730
04-Aug-23
I was born and raised in Pa, lived there till 5 years ago and moved to Florida in 2018. I have decided to put my house up for sale at the end of the year. My move is somewhat based on hunting, I love hunting whitetails.. I'm not looking to dump a lot of money into a lot of land, mainly land prices are crazy all through the Midwest. Looking for a little land smaller house, place I can enjoy shooting my bow, and maybe hunting out the back door. Any suggestions ??
From: WI Shedhead
04-Aug-23
Find a place in se Iowa with like minded neighbors. If your a landowner you can buy 3 buck tags per year And your close enough to border hop into Illinois and Missouri for over the counter tags. You should get all the hunting you can handle in that area
From: midwest
04-Aug-23
Best place in the US...Iowa.
From: Scrappy
04-Aug-23
Iowa would be a horrible mistake. You really would hate it. The people are terrible and the hunting sucks. I know I lived there for 14 years. Oh ya and the state is all full, not accepting new residents at this time. All closed go away. :):):)
You really should look into Wisconsin..
From: Venom16730
04-Aug-23
^ Always one guy in the group .
From: Franzen
04-Aug-23
How old are you? If of working age, it might be wise to move somewhere you can make money. If retired, well I guess the Midwest is your oyster. You could pick big woods areas like northern WI/MN/MI where land is likely affordable (maybe have to deal with wolves too). There are also more sporadic big woods in So. IL/IN/OH & KY, but you'll likely pay a little more for land. Then you have the areas in between that have some of the best hunting, but also highest land price because they lean heavily toward ag with woods mixed in: OH/IN/IL/IA/KS/No. MO. If you don't care about mega trophies and hunting in the "traditional" hardwood timber, then I'd probably look outside those areas: SD/NE/OK/E. WY. I don't think TX is the setup for what you want. There are likely pockets elsewhere, but I don't think anyone moves there to hunt deer.
You'd be winner of the thin-skinned award for the day if you took offense to Scrappy's post...
From: milnrick
04-Aug-23
I'd look toward Middle TN. The taxes are low, no state income tax, and it has a long and very liberal deer season. Our game management zone allows 2 bucks per season and 3 does per day.
Land is reasonably priced and the job market (if you plan to work) is hot. Lady Bowhunter and I moved here from S TX 9 years ago and love it.
From: t-roy
04-Aug-23
Venom……scrappy moved out, so we have an opening. Space IS limited, though!
From: 70lbDraw
04-Aug-23
I just moved from Idaho to Florida. My house is still for sale. Maybe we can work something out!
From: TGbow
04-Aug-23
If I didn't have kin folks where I live now I think I would look at Maine, Tennessee is a good state to consider. I'd just like to get away from the humidity..it's brutal on the Gulf Coast.
From: 4nolz@work
04-Aug-23
Kentucky is a real sleeper esp land between the lakes area,also NW Missouri
From: fdp
04-Aug-23
Western Kentucky is gorgeous.
From: DanaC
04-Aug-23
Depends on how much you like winter weather. Any medical conditions that require you to be close to good doctors/hospitals?
From: KY EyeBow
04-Aug-23
No deer in KY! Really though, Land Between the Lakes has taken a nosedive over the last 15 years. Beautiful place but very tough hunting. If you don't believe me, go check out their regs and see how they've changed bag limits, etc. I also hunt IN every year now also. Some quality bucks up there too.
From: pav
04-Aug-23
For whitetail hunting - IOWA...drop the mic...
From: Scrappy
04-Aug-23
No way t-roy, I'm just away for work. My spot ain't available:))
From: Chuckster
04-Aug-23
4nolz, my grandparents used to live on land between the lakes. I loved visiting there and always saw deer. Beautiful area.
From: Cheesehead Mike
04-Aug-23
If hunting is your reason I would avoid northern Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan. The are hundreds of thousands of acres of public land to hunt but the wolves have completely decimated the deer population. With the current liberal policies and plans there's no hope of it ever improving. I've experienced it firsthand in northern Wisconsin. I own property there and had great hunting years ago but now it's a waste of time. If I was going to move based on hunting and resident benefits I would choose Iowa or Wyoming.
From: ahunter76
04-Aug-23
I've lived in Ill. (my home state), Iowa now, Wisconsin, California, North Carolina, Colorado. I've bowhunted an additional 9other states. I love N. Wisconsin but Wolves r making a difference. Illinois sucks due to politics & Chicago. I would do the S. Central part of Iowa near Mo. border (option to hunt Mo & Il. without much traveling). Or in Iowa very far N. east near Wisconsin border. Then it's Wisconsin (Good bowhunting in S.& mid Wis. where Wolves haven't moved into yet) & Ill. easy travel for Deer. It all depends on "work available" if your a normal person. Chiggers, Ticks, Snakes keep me away from Southern states. Midwest you will have "four" seasons & yes, at times, winters r tuff.
From: Groundhunter
04-Aug-23
Western Iowa. I could have retired there. But I can not be without.my lakes and trout streams.
From: standswittaknife
04-Aug-23
Oklahoma.. sleeper whitetail place with somewhat affordable land..
From: bghunter
04-Aug-23
I would agree with everyone about northern WI. Lived here my whole life and deer herds are not what they used to be up north. Taxes are not cheap in some areas of the state and either are land prices.
There is still some great deer hunting in some areas. Heck some of the best is near populated suburban areas.
I can't wait to get away from here as after 51 years I never want to see snow again and sick of being stuck in the house with crappy weather 7 months out of the year. Granted if you like winter sports its great, but after all these years i will admit i am a fair weather hunter and no desire to ice fish or snowmobile. I
We were supposed to move to FL last year, but the crazy house prices and interest rates will keep us here until house is paid off then hopefully be snow birds.
Good luck and follow your dreams
From: Bake
04-Aug-23
I am rooted too deeply to ever move, but if I ever did. It would be to south central Iowa on the I-35 corridor, or western Kansas, SE or even western South Dakota, or Buffalo, Wyoming (even Casper or Laramie maybe, I love the plains as much as the mountains). All areas I've been to multiple times that I love. I've never been to Montana, but I imagine eastern or central Montana would fit me like a glove as well.
I would want deer, upland, with elk/mulie/antelope within a decent drive
From: Mint
04-Aug-23
Following this thread closely. Can't wait to get of NY when I retire in a few years. Looking at Kentucky and Tennessee for tax savings. figure the money I save on taxes I could get on a nice lease.
From: lamb
04-Aug-23
bake have you looked at the prices in buffalo. they had a mobile home on the other 270,000 love wyoming but your gonna need some dough to be a home with land
From: Bake
04-Aug-23
Hell it ain’t any better here. I know of a modular and 100 acres that appraised with good comps for 600k
From: Bigdog 21
04-Aug-23
Southern IL below Carbondale. Lots of public hunting not pressured to much. lotta great fishing lots good lakes fantastic waterfowl hunting all over the area. Big city not to far away St.louis. Mississippi River in half hower drive. Lots deer at night do not drive fast way to many in 3 mile you can count 20 something. Along roads
From: Groundhunter
04-Aug-23
I love the UP. It's not for many, but that's why I love it. I am a trout bum, who can fish where I want, and not worry about access. I love all the lakes. Come winter easy to leave and explore the country.
I won't live anywhere, I can not step out and take a pee.....
I won't live anywhere I look out my window and see another house.
That would drive me crazy. Florida has great fishing, but too many people for me. Nice to visit, but nice to leave.
From: Dale06
21-Nov-23
Minnesota, stupid high taxes, cold as hell, and deer herd, especially the north 1/3 of state is not in good shape. South Dakota would be on my short list, if I were looking.
From: t-roy
21-Nov-23
The OP must be busy packing…….
From: 4nolz@work
21-Nov-23
You'll miss no State Income Tax
From: drycreek
21-Nov-23
Don’t move close to t-roy, ain’t no big deer there……….
From: Glunt@work
21-Nov-23
He posted in August-probably already moved in to his new place.
After watching Colorado change, my priorities are:
Red state
Whitetails
Turkeys
Decent public land
Not too far from elk country
From: fuzzy
22-Nov-23
Virginia is full
From: Venom16730
22-Nov-23
Well after a ton of thought and talking to many people and doing a bunch of research looks like the SE part of Iowa will be my new home. Going to do a rental in some town South of Des Moines till I find what I want .
From: t-roy
22-Nov-23
Thank you for coming back on here and updating us on your decision, venom. We get a lot of one time drive-by posters that never return after asking for feedback on a subject.
IMO, you made a great choice. Your decision checked off all of Glunt’s listed criteria, except maybe the elk country. From your first post, I’m assuming you’re retired, beings you didn’t mention anything about job opportunities.?
From: PECO2
22-Nov-23
I'm also thinking about leaving Colorado. My list is similar to Glunt except I would replace elk hunting with fishing and I'm not sure I want to give up ice fishing. I would be fine not to elk hunt if I had more deer hunting opportunity.
From: TMac
22-Nov-23
Thanks for the update and best of luck with your move and new location.
From: Jaquomo
22-Nov-23
Glad you found a place that satisfies your wants! Thanks for updating us too. I know a number of people from Iowa and some of them are good guys. ;-)
Good luck!
From: Venom16730
22-Nov-23
t-roy, yes Im retired but I am going to try and get a job with a farmer , get lucky with a outfitter . Want a little extra money
From: midwest
22-Nov-23
I'm so happy I live in a flyover state with no November rifle season and tightly controlled NR hunting.
From: deerhunter72
22-Nov-23
I think you're going to the right spot! It'll never happen, but SE Iowa is one place I'd consider leaving S. Illinois for. Hate the politics and high taxes here. And now we are supposed to be registering certain guns that IL state police can't even define. It's a joke. Shouldn't be too much trouble to find work with a farmer. Good luck with your move!
From: SteveB
22-Nov-23
Oklahoma/Nebraska for best value
From: Rut Nut
22-Nov-23
Iowa sounds nice, but I’m a big Penn State wrestling fan so it is out of the question! I’m not gonna be another Spencer Lee! (Or Michael Kemmerer ;-)
From: APauls
29-Nov-23
If I ever uproot I'd be looking at Alberta and not sure there would be a close 2nd. World class whitetails, mulies, pronghorn, elk, moose, sheep, prairies and mountains available for playgrounds. It's like having Alaska and the midwest rolled into one spot.
From: Live2Hunt
29-Nov-23
Years ago I would have said Wisconsin as it was a great state for hunting/fishing/life. Now, I would not recommend it at all. Unless you can pay the expensive leasing that is happening now or buy land in the Southern part, it sucks. Any large forest area is now diseased with wolves and the deer herds will not grow and actually decrease. Sounds like you have a good plan with Iowa.
From: Mint
30-Nov-23
Iowa repealed it's state income tax on retirement income and I think for 2024 or 2025 got rid of it altogether.
From: Altitude Sickness
01-Apr-24
Congrats! Any of the fly over states would be a good decision
From: Dale06
01-Apr-24
I’d avoid Minnesota, terrible weather and they will tax your ass into poverty.
From: PECO2
01-Apr-24
After applying for tags recently here in Colorado.. We are also thinking about getting out of here to a state where you just go buy a few tags and hunt every fall.
From: Mike B
01-Apr-24
Some beautiful spots in the midwest, but it's not a place I could ever live. Lived around big mountains my whole life; can't handle that flat country.
From: Tradmike
03-Apr-24
SE Iowa has had lots of deer die from EHD. Some areas as much as 80%.. Lands prices are increasing which will result in smaller parcels being sold. This will increase the # of hunters and lower the trophy deer population. Pick your poison, deer populations, and government regulations are constantly changing.
From: Two Feathers
03-Apr-24
In Wisconsin you can bow hunt whitetails from the middle of September to the end of January. That's a plus.
From: Lucas
04-Apr-24
I love where we are now, but if I was after whitetail I would take a hard look at oklahoma. Land is still reasonable, it doesn't have terrible winters (but it does get hot in the summer) and there are good bucks taken every year.
Oh, and California is not moving there yet.
From: Stix
04-Apr-24
Missouri
From: jjs
04-Apr-24
I lived in Iowa, Alaska,Ok, Az., Wi. and Mn., may move back to Ia. but one state that has took flop is Wi., public hunting is gone and land prices is rich. Mn just went inclusive with the x-gun and the gun season starts in the rut, northern Mn the wolves are tough on the deer, S.E. Mn still carries some nice bucks but again getting access is very hard unless you know someone or if you are Amish. Ok. carries some good bucks but again the lease factor is major and the Corp land can be tough. A gent I knew from Ia. always said if he moved out he would go to western Ky, but it has been 10 yrs since he passed. There isn't any paradise out there, everything has change not for the better but look at the total picture before moving. Myself I live on the Mississippi River and it is hard to think of moving out of the River bluffs even with the crazy Progressives Twin Cities up the road.
From: Buskill
09-Apr-24
I think the area around Staunton in the western part of Va is nice. You’d be very much out in the country with lots of public land handy , two interstates cross there so you can get to a bigger population center pretty quickly if needed. Everything you could possibly need day-to-day would be very close at hand in Staunton.
From: Tradmike
10-Jun-24
I would seriously look at South Dakota. Very few bowhunters lots of open space. Good whitetails and mule deer. No state income tax mostly conservative. Did I mention great pheasant hunting too.
From: WV Mountaineer
10-Jun-24
Congrats on your decision!!!
FWIW, if I was making that choice for me, it’d been Alaska or where I live.
From: Dale06
10-Jun-24
Tradmike, you are spot on, except pheasant hunting “for wild birds” has declined. Lots of places to hunt pen raised birds that have been released, and some places to hunt pen raised birds that are said to be wild, or not pen raised. But very good deer, and turkey hunting. Also some antelope in the far NW corner of sodak. And total taxation is favorable.
From: Papadeerhtr
11-Jun-24
West Virginia be my pick, land reasonable, not lot of people, lots of public land. Whitetails turkeys black bear and awesome trout rivers.
From: TEmbry
11-Jun-24
From: 70lbDraw
11-Jun-24
Good move. I couldn’t wait to get out of Florida. What a mistake that was!
From: Whocares
11-Jun-24
How bout Minn boys? :) I won't list everything.
From: Norseman
11-Jun-24
ND, SD, WY, With the money you save on Income taxes/State taxes you could spend Jan and Feb down south.
My draw drops when my ND and SD friends send me pics each fall of the public land bucks they kill.
