I have no need or really any desire to be near a military base, spent too many years on and around them. So that is not a part of my criteria for relocation.
I am not worried about the snakes, NY is full of them...they are called politicians up here though
I just want a quiet area, mountains are a plus, where I can just relax and enjoy life. I have no aspirations to move to a town and try to change it. It got by fine before I ever showed up, so politics are not something I want to do.
IROC, tell me about Ellijay and why you like it so much. It may be right for me...who knows. Cooler summers and mild winters would be great.