Jim,
I wanted to comment on the retreat areas in Nevada. I’m a native rural Nevadan. I fully agree with your last reader on the [Big] Smoky Valley. I have lived and worked in that area in past years. He was dead on about Tonopah. I want to share a little about Ely and Elko.
Ely has one of four maximum security prisons. Ely also has two medium security prisons–also called “Honor Camps”. Ely the town has been under the direction of the State. They are bankrupt. Also, there is a fair amount of mining going on in the area. A a few years ago, Las Vegas people came in and bought up all the houses that were for sale. It is [now] a summer retreat for Las Vegas. Since [this trend started], prices have skyrocketed. Again, you have to travel to to Elko to shop. I have seen temperatures in Ely winters travel well below zero with highs in the 15-20 degrees above.
Elko area is the best choice. Temperatures and snow are also an issue here. I have a friend that has 20 acres for sale about 60 miles west of Elko, 20 miles off Interstate 80. Prices are very high here for Nevada because of all the mining. [JWR Adds: House prices are soaring anywhere within commute distance to the Carlin Trend mines.] It is hard to find places to live. Apartments rent for around $900-$1200/month. RV Spaces go from $280-$650/mo. There are plentiful jobs. Elko has a Wal-Mart, Home Depot, all you need for shopping. The hospital here is more a first aid station. Any major problems and they’ll fly you to Salt Lake City. Thank You, – Alive in Elko
JWR Replies: I had only mentioned the Big Smoky Valley because it was in relatively close striking distance to the gent from the central California coast who had made the inquiry. In general, I recommend finding places in Nevada that 1.) have plentiful water, 2.) are away from the I-80 corridor, 3.) are away from the major mining operations, 4.) are away from prisons, and 5.) that have plentiful wild game. This criteria leads you to places like Jarbidge (near the Idaho state line) and the back side of the Ruby Mountains. BTW, I have some pretty deep roots in Northern Nevada–at least on one side of my family, dating back to the 1870s.