We moved to Coldwater, MI, that winter, chosen because there were big homes we could afford (which we needed to hold the studio, darkroom, framing area), it was within a few miles of the Indiana Toll Road (good for east-west travel), on a north-south Interstate and we could reach Cleveland, Indianapolis and Chicago within three hours, as well as our regular Michigan shows. Plus, it was so safe that some of our neighbors didn't even have keys to their houses, they left them unlocked. If your property got broken into the police would immediately catch the culprit because someone would know someone who knew who did it. It has been perfect for us.
Where to live is a continuous thread of conversation at the shows. Here is a terrific article by Susan Hegger from the St. Louis Beacon about Hannibal, MO, a haven for artists Joachim Knill, Janice Ho, Matthew Naftzger and others. They have bought houses, apartment buildings, old community centers, the old jail and are transforming the town.
Do read the article. It is full of information about artist's lives, earning a living and gives hope. Then tell us more about your life style choices.
