I think every situation, and every person is unique. What works for one may not ever work for another person, given the same set of circumstances. For me, the challenge, at least from what I have seen in the lower 48 would be to find some place far enough away where you wouldn't have to contend with conflict from those around you, wanting to tear you and your lifestyle down for your unplugging from the merry go round of 21st century America. There are places I suspect in the "states" but more opportunity I think exists in Alaska which has by far the least population density of any state in the union. That would be around 1 person per sq mile, however considering that half the state lives in Anchorage, or 50 miles from there, makes some areas quite remote and sparsely populated. There are lots of people doing it up here as they always have. I heard of people making small scale farming, Alaska style work for them with a little help from their own ingenuity. Then there is the sea. Where I now live on the inside passage there is plentiful seafood, as well as hunting and gardening for those who want to put in the effort. There are places where there is no local government, and thus zero property taxes where you could find land. Land tends to be expensive but once you have it, its yours. Again, obviously it aint for everybody, the winters can be challenging, but it isn't out of the question, even in this screwed up century we find ourselves in! People have always pushed further out and now there isn't any more room laterally, some have got past the notion of cold weather and pushed north. It all depends on how bad you want to get away.
