Homestead forum diaspora

55 years of age and beginning to look at retirement in the not-so-distant future.  Spent all my adult life working for engineering companies as a piping designer/draftsman in the petro-chemical field.  Deeply concerned about where this country is headed.  I wish to purchase a small piece of land in the country, away from refineries and the hustle-and-bustle, build a small off-the-grid home, grow what I can, and live my remaining years in peace.