[fastpat]

I'd say look anywhere in NC along the I40-I85 corridors which runs from Charlotte, which is in central NC (not western NC), through Winston-Salem to Greensboro, and on east to Raleigh the state capital. There are expensive areas, but homes and land can be had for a good price if you shop wisely and stay away from new developments. I40 splits away from I85 in Greensboro and goes through Durham (not recommended), near Chapel Hill (home of UNC) and on down to Wilmington on the coast. I'd look that way too.

South Carolina is probably too southern for you now, but NC will be easier for you to adjust to.