I have read your list of recommended retreat areas and agree for the most part. My wife and child and I are leaving Texas in March and heading north. Idaho and Alaska are the only places we are considering because they are the only two western states that have 100% parental autonomy on homeschooling.
As for Alaska not being recommended, I would have to disagree somewhat. Yes, it is not for everybody. Some people don’t like cold and that’s fine by me. However, the issues of supplies and resource shipment I think may become moot. When TSHTF the shipment of goods will be disrupted everywhere, and in the lower 48 there will be more people fighting for what is left. For those of us looking to get off the Made-in-China Wal-Mart matrix, these are changes we are preparing for and will welcome.
In Alaska there will be an advantage not found anywhere else. First, it’s cold climate and geographic separation from the lower 48 will keep it very well protected against the roving bands of thugs and immigrants already overpopulating the lower 48. People simply won’t be able to get there, and borders will likely close to all such traffic. Second, Alaska has a long and well-ingrained tradition of self-sufficiency and the character of the people there will be more immune to the shock of having to get back to basics. Additionally it is the most likely candidate to be the first state to secede. The crime rate statistics are misleading as well, due to the low population and the fact many “crimes” are not crimes at all, or they represent alcohol-related petty crimes, eskimo tribal feuds, bar brawls, etc. All in all, I believe the spirit of Alaska will prevail and people will get along better than the lower 48 on many levels, regardless of whether or not there is a Wal-Mart. On another note, [Governor] Sarah Palin has also proposed the creation of a new natural gas line just for the state residents. – Brad in Texas