Preparedness
Find Your Perfect Survival Retreat: Isolation or Community?
When it comes to selecting a survival retreat, the choice is as much about location as it is about lifestyle. The key is to find a balance between isolation and accessibility, while ensuring that the site is defensible and sustainable. The three primary categories for such retreats are “in-town,” “rural,” and “isolated.” Each offers distinct advantages and challenges that must be considered carefully.
An “in-town” retreat is typically located in a small community with a population of around 3,000 or less. This setting offers the advantage of being part of a community, which can provide security arrangements and opportunities for barter. Access to community clinics and local resources can also be beneficial if medical personnel reside in the area.
However, living in a small town comes with its downsides. Privacy can be limited, and in a grid-down situation, sanitation issues may arise. There’s also a heightened risk of communicable diseases and the potential for supplies to be confiscated. Additionally, keeping livestock could be restricted to smaller animals like chickens or rabbits.
Rural retreats, where neighbors are visible but not too close, offer a different set of benefits. The proximity of friendly and cooperative neighbors can provide a sense of community and shared resources. This setup often includes established livestock, gardens, and orchards. Moreover, having people nearby can be invaluable for major tasks such as planting and harvesting.
Despite these advantages, rural living shares some challenges with in-town retreats. Privacy might be compromised, and there remains the risk of supplies being confiscated or feeling pressured to share them.
For those seeking complete privacy, an isolated retreat might be the ideal choice. These locations are generally remote, with no visible neighbors, offering lower land and housing costs. The seclusion allows for stockpiling supplies and building fortifications without prying eyes. Additionally, the risk of communicable diseases is significantly reduced.
However, isolation comes with its own set of challenges. It can be difficult for a small family to maintain and defend such a retreat. Access to medical, fire, and police assistance is limited, even in normal times. Furthermore, the lack of nearby community means isolation from barter opportunities and a longer commute to jobs and essential services.
When choosing a retreat location, consider the terrain. “A retreat situated in a hilly or mountainous region is preferable to one on the plains in the event of a worst-case scenario.” The natural barriers of such terrains can make them easier to defend, as opposed to the multiple access points found in plains areas.
The ideal home for a retreat should be robust and practical. Look for a masonry house with a fireproof roof, or a wood-frame construction in earthquake-prone areas. An oversized lot provides room for expansion and storage. A house with at least one more bedroom than needed allows for additional storage and the potential to accommodate friends or family in need.
Ultimately, your choice of a retreat location should align with your ability to maintain it and your readiness to adapt to its challenges. Whether you choose an in-town, rural, or isolated setting, the goal is to create a sustainable and defensible haven that meets your survival needs.
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