Crosscreek, I was so appreciative of your posts about dream farms. I wondered if you could speak alittle more about why you don’t enjoy where you are, and what other fantasizing horse-farmers-to-be should look out for. I’m thinking I will move out of New England for my dream farm, but I do worry about massive culture shock when moving to any area where I could actually afford a horse property. 
I am thinking I’ll look in Lexington, VA, or also in the Tryon/Landrum areas, but we’ll see what’s affordable by the time I’m in the position to buy. I do basic dressage and love trails, and would be looking for an established horse community. I don’t mind some cold and snow, just not quite at New England levels. In any case, it’s fun to hear that you’ve designed several places from the ground up and you still sound like you love it. Good luck with the return to the east coast, whenever it happens! Things will work out in the end.
I designed this farm to be our "LAST, “perfect retirement”, “sort of, but never going to happen place”…Husband’s diabetes is taking away his sight…still functional, but can’t drive. It is the perfect place for two people…but if he can’t help…65 acres and now down to 16 horses, moving hay and feed will be too much for just me to handle. The other thing I dislike is the black dirt…not muck, but messy when wet…ROCK HARD when dry…and wicked Texas taxes!! With all exemptions…we are 4x higher than Ok. for a lot less property and facilities…and they “can” and “DO” raise them EVERY year. A killer for seniors!! The farm, buildings, home, location are PERFECT otherwise. I was born/raised in Conn. but discovered NC…sandy ground…HORSE COMMUNITY…and "life after November when I was a single RN!! Tryon is horsey, but now VERY EXPENSIVE, colder climate, hilly and RED CLAY!! I don’t know much about Lexington’s horse community…but it is hilly and colder than the Carolina’s. We are aiming for Aiken, SC …as our LAST move!! Word of advice…visit, look carefully…and TALK to area residents with like horse interests!!
