The genuine nature and innocence of the Midwest people is jarring! I'm fascinated by what that really says about us.

Ok, so I've got some unique experiences I can share here. I grew up in the area, (admittedly the eastside of Seattle not south) and then I moved to Wisconsin. I lived near Madison for 10 years and loved every minute of it. The people in the Midwest are SO welcoming and caring. Neighbors look out for each other and family/community is a real thing.

Please understand, you are moving to one of the most socially hostile areas. There are nice people everywhere, please don't misunderstand me. However, you will definitely experience some culture shock.

The woods are amazing! It is not terribly practical to live in them. I cannot speak specifically to the areas you mentioned, so I will leave the details to others.

However, 40k is going to be tight. It's difficult to find a rental for less than $1000 a month out here. Gas is $4 a gallon. Eggs are $6. A beer at a pub is $7. I just want to warn you ahead of time about the financial strain, the emotional island most of us live on, and the weather. You know how sometimes it's -20 degrees outside, but at least it's sunny out back there? We will regularly go 2 WEEKS without seeing the sun. Yes we own fewer long johns, but do you have 6 raincoats and waterproof lightweight boots? You'll live in them 9 months a year.

Good luck, whatever you do!

Sounds like maybe a hidden speed trap clocked you independently of this cop?

They have $300 versions at Costco

They have $300 versions of these at Costco in the PNW USA right now. May have to invest for Christmas