Tell me about your state.

[Kenneth S]

Texas!

 

[LonesomeSTX]

Well, that sums that up.

 

[woodyedmiston]

Texas

http://www.mindspring.com/~hacklerl/TripP3.html

I found this site that speaks of Texas’ Big Bend Country. It appears from the side bar they have been to several states – so, perhaps there is some more intel for you.

http://www.rockcrawler.com/trailreports/bigbend4x4bash98/index.htm

This is an event in Terilinqua – the Hot Chili capitol of Texas

http://4wheeldrive.about.com/od/tex...g_Trails_and_Maps_For_4x4_Trucks_4WD_SUVs.htm

Another List.

You also have two great states for mudding or back roads east and west of you. N.M. & La.

A great jump off place to live to get to all of these would be San Antonio area It's a beautiful city with a lot of jobs. It is circled with several smaller towns within driving distance to good jobs that would fit your needs.

 

[LonesomeSTX]

Those are great links, thanks.

What type of requirements do thes Texas towns look for when hiring cops? I know they are all different, but I am wondering what they may have in common.

 

[thomas15]

One good thing about NE Pennsylvania: It's not NY, NJ, CT, MD or MA.

 

[Jimmeh]

DO NOT move to Montana if you have no experience in trade work.

Property is kinda cheap, however, wages suck, and everything else is high. If you are any good at plumbing or electrical, then you'll be able to afford to live around here.

There are a lot of government jobs that pay well, however, you have to know somebody, as they are all pieces of shit that only hire their friends, or people within.

As far as the outdoors, well, we got everything. Hiking, Mountain biking, Climbing, Skiing, Water sports, wheeling, anything. Around here, we've got Glacier National Park to visit, and with a year pass ($35) you can go up as often as you like and hike around. You might even get to meet my old man if you take one of the transit buses up there in the summertime.

We have liberals, we have conservatives. Every place does. It's mostly conservative around here, and a ton of church goers, as well as frowners of those of us that choose not to be in a sect of organized religion.

Now, I am going to pic whore:

Ok, I am done.

 

[LonesomeSTX]

I would think Law enfocement would be a good trade to be in.

Those photographs make me want to say to hell with the list we are moving to Montana.

 

[Jimmeh]

We are seeking new law enforcement officials in all branches, so your chances are good. There aren't a whole lot of politics unless you start getting into the higher up ranks in the sheriffs department.

My mom works for the department too, so if you are interested, let me know, and I can probably get more info for ya.

 

[LonesomeSTX]

I am very interested. I would like to know what some one with my back ground would make out there.

 

[86_cookiemonster]

DO NOT move to Montana if you have no experience in trade work.

Property is kinda cheap, however, wages suck, and everything else is high. If you are any good at plumbing or electrical, then you'll be able to afford to live around here.

There are a lot of government jobs that pay well, however, you have to know somebody, as they are all pieces of shit that only hire their friends, or people within.

As far as the outdoors, well, we got everything. Hiking, Mountain biking, Climbing, Skiing, Water sports, wheeling, anything. Around here, we've got Glacier National Park to visit, and with a year pass ($35) you can go up as often as you like and hike around. You might even get to meet my old man if you take one of the transit buses up there in the summertime.

We have liberals, we have conservatives. Every place does. It's mostly conservative around here, and a ton of church goers, as well as frowners of those of us that choose not to be in a sect of organized religion.

Now, I am going to pic whore:

Ok, I am done.

Sweat i am in. I am pretty good at electrical work. Montana looks amazing. A place where a man can really streach out and unwind.

Too many people in ohio lol.

 

[LonesomeSTX]

Hey hey! Don't you go and think you can take my spot. Let me get there before you move in and make the cost of property go up.

 

[woodyedmiston]

Texas Law Enforcement

The best and easiest way to become a police officer in Texas is to find an agency that has an academy. To be a police officer in Texas you have to be "certified" and pass a State test. Those academy classes prepare you for the test well and you take it as part of your other academy tests. No sweat. For smaller departments, many guys get certified, some at their own expense in Regional Academies; not the way to go for someone with Military training, physical fitness and understanding of military style standards . . .

If you love the outdoors, but don't particularly like snow and real cold weather, I think one of the best jobs in Texas is that of Game Warden. All the arrest powers of any State police officer and a job that is basically hanging out in the woods with a lot of hi-tech state equipment.

Based on the Montana pictures - I'd say that a cold weather guy (not me) would be in "job heaven" as a peace officer in that country.

The best paying jobs are in City police departments like, San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, Houston, etc. and San Antonio in particular has a great entry package for ex-military and great benefits/retirement. (It would be best if you were bi-lingual) They all have academy training to get you started.

With a clean background and military training you should have no trouble getting hired unless you tell them you murder small animals or like to dance naked with your blow up doll.

 

[firefighter525]

These are the sates that seem to be standing out right now. This is not in order of preference. These are the ones that I think I have narrowed it down to. One question that I have that may end up being a deal breaker has to do with the trail systems. I want to live in a state that has a real nice back country trial system. I want to be able to spend several days or a week exploring them and not pass through the same area twice. I would like to be able to do this on an ATV, in a truck, and on horse back. So, here is the first list draft.

1. Oregon
2. Washington
3. Idaho
4. Utah
5. South Dakota
6. North Dakota
7. Montana
8. Oklahoma
9. Kentucky
10. Texas
11. Colorado
12. Kansas
13. Alaska is honorable mention because I am still trying to talk my wife into it.


Now, I know you all have provided great information. But now I ask to get more detailed as we are trying to narrow down out options. The trail system, cost of land, and employment are going to be deterring factors.

West Virginia!!! Wasn't on your list, but was mentioned earlier in this thread. I thought I'd try to provide a little more info on WV for you.

Hows this for a trail system? http://www.trailsheaven.com/ I know its for ATVs but I have heard rumors of it expanding to allow use of trucks as well.

Links to our 2 biggest offroad clubs. http://www.jeepinwv.com/forum/portal.php

http://www.mountaineeroffroad.com/

State Police website where you'll find info on recruiting and also concealed weapon permits. http://www.wvstatepolice.com/

Land Prices will vary depending on the area of interest. The rural areas will be cheaper unless its around a popular vacation area. The only suggestion I have there is to find an area of interest and search with some of the realtors to get an idea of land prices. The southern part of the state seems to have the best outdoor recreation.

 

[Shran]

These are the sates that seem to be standing out right now. This is not in order of preference. These are the ones that I think I have narrowed it down to. One question that I have that may end up being a deal breaker has to do with the trail systems. I want to live in a state that has a real nice back country trial system. I want to be able to spend several days or a week exploring them and not pass through the same area twice. I would like to be able to do this on an ATV, in a truck, and on horse back. So, here is the first list draft.

1. Oregon
2. Washington
3. Idaho
4. Utah
5. South Dakota
6. North Dakota
7. Montana
8. Oklahoma
9. Kentucky
10. Texas
11. Colorado
12. Kansas
13. Alaska is honorable mention because I am still trying to talk my wife into it.


Now, I know you all have provided great information. But now I ask to get more detailed as we are trying to narrow down out options. The trail system, cost of land, and employment are going to be deterring factors.

Like I said, very hard to find decent jobs anywhere in SD. I don't care that we only have the lowest unemployment in the US, it's due to the fact that we're 2 years behind everyone else. Good luck finding anything that pays more than $10 an hour.

Land is outrageous, something like $2500 average an acre out in the middle of nowhere. It's all flat, the wind blows all the time, and it's either friggin cold or way too hot. The trail system in the Black Hills is alright, but parts of it are disappearing. The rest of the state doesn't really have a whole lot of good trails.

 

[LonesomeSTX]

What does my blow up doll have to do with me being a good cop? I see your point though. Is there a shorter cross oer acedemy if I am already certified in another state?

Wow. It looks like WV has better trails then Texas. I will give it another look.

Some one esle was telling me about SD. I am still on the fence on whether or not it stays on my list. It has good and bad points.