Note from JWR:

Today, I’m covering New Mexico, the 11th of 19 western states in my rankings of states by their retreat potential. Because we now have several advertisers, we have made the right-hand advertising bar automatically scroll up and down at intervals so that all of the ads come into view. If this scrolling distracts you, just leave your mouse pointer anywhere in the right-hand ad bar and it will cease auto-scrolling. Our advertising rates will increase on October 1st. If you know of any potential advertisers, please let them know that they have the opportunity to lock in the current low …




State By State – New Mexico

New Mexico: Population: 1.8 million. Population Density: 14.8 per square mile (Rank 15 of JWR’s top 19 states). Area: 121,593 square miles (rank 5 of 50). Average car insurance cost: $828/yr. (rank 14 of 50). Average home insurance cost: $450/yr. (rank 27 of 50). Crime Safety Ranking: 44 of 50. Per capita income: $21,931 (rank 48 of 50). Boston T. Party’s State Firearms Laws Ranking: 87%. ACT & SAT Scores Ranking: 30 of 50. Plusses: Low population density. Minimal gun laws. People in New Mexico’s rural areas are already highly self-sufficient, out of economic necessity. Minuses: Proximity to Mexican border. …




From David in Israel Re: Traveling Cross-Country Undetected

After our recent Gush Katif removal of Jews because of their religion I have seen firsthand people who had to do a grid up bugout. I suggest having all 110/220 VAC gadgets in your pack at a minimum immersion boiler and battery charger these will take up a few grams and make your life easier by not wasting cooking fuel and lantern fuel, a lightweight extension cord may not be a bad idea either if room/weight permits. Sneaking into Gaza to protest (it felt freaky sneaking through Arab villages) reminded me of several important things which I hope to write …




Letter Re: Advice on West Virginia’s Retreat Potential?

Mr. Rawles, I’m a huge fan of your work, and was pleasantly surprised to come across Survivalblog during the course of my cyber-travels. It has become my new source for survival info. I particularly enjoy your state-by-state retreat potential evaluations. As a lifelong resident of the east coast, and an eight year resident of Virginia, I’m kind of geographically anchored to this section of the country. My family’s here, too. Consequently, I’m rather limited in terms of my choice of retreat locations. I will be graduating from law school (God willing) in May 2006, and hope to do real estate …