Expert: Dick Dennis - 1/27/2009

Question
Hi i am looking to relocate from england i would like to move somewhere that is quite and sort of gothic looking somewhere with mountains, forests etc, like norway or transilvania, i was wondering if you could tell me a good place like these, where i can buy a nice livible home for under £10,000 thanks.

Answer
Assuming you meant to buy something in the U.S. with those specifications, Ben, because I am not aware of anything in my area that would fill your bill. If you want forests, mountains with gothic construction, I would recommend looking in Norway or Transilvania as you mentioned. Ben, the U.S. is a la-a-a-arge country, as you no doubt realize. Because it is such a large country, there are different areas that have different conditions based on the climate in those areas.

The northern part of the state of California, (I am located in the southern part), probably fills your requirements most, although I am not aware of any gothic construction around unless rich family specifically had their home built with those qualities. Gothic is not too common here. In the northern part of California is probably the most picturesque (and green and lush with forests with the oldest, tallest trees in the world) part of the U.S.

But forests and mountains? We have them "up the kazoo" (meaning all over the place) especially California and Colorado. Colorado is the center of the Rocky Mountains that go from just below that state all the way into Canada (look at your nearest map). Quite often those areas do have forests.

There are forests in lower lands, but I don't think that is what you want. But one thing I should address is that prices here are way above your parameters. £10,000 translates to about $14,000 here and the only place you might find a house with that price might be in the states of Michigan or Ohio or maybe Indiana. They are not known for having any mountains. But you should be aware that those areas are the virtual pits, real-estate-wise, in the U.S. In Michigan, you might find a small house for that price with a tree or two on the property, but you may not care for the neighborhood. The economy is pretty bad in those areas, generally.

I recommend you find yourself a book or publication or travelogue that tells you about this country and the areas that you might find appealing. You will have to come to live here for a while and become familiar with the different parts before you finally decide to buy a spot.

I believe I have addressed your question. I do wish you well in your pursuits.