Ask HN: What's the best place in the U.S. to live and work cheaply?

Where would people choose to live cheaply and work on their own projects inside the country?

For example, I noticed someone here promoting an incubator in Myrtle Beach recently, and it appears that one could rent a townhouse there for From my own perspective the usual problem with this is the lack of other interests, amenities, and a dating pool. (Admittedly those things can be distractions, but those are distractions I'd like to have, from a QoL perspective.)

Recently started up a non-standard publishing company there, and the culture is stellar, it's a college town (full of culture and young people doing fun stuff), very low cost of living (rented a massive house with a bar/cafe in the basement for about $1400/month), and zero sales tax.

Quality of life is best I've found anywhere in the US (and I've been to all contiguous 48 states several times, looking for places to set up offices and live when I'm not overseas). It's incredibly walkable, has a nice downtown, very active, athletics residents, and folks care about their health (which is manifested in both their activities and the local produce/restaurant/food culture).

Happy to answer any other questions anyone might have about the area, and to introduce you around if you end up moving thereabouts :)

Closest airport that I would consider 'major' is Seattle, which is a solid day's drive (about 7 hours). You can get anywhere from Missoula's airport, but you'll have to stop through Minnesota, Seattle, Denver, or some other major hub. Adds a little cost, which is a bummer, but still possible, and even for someone who travels all the time like I do, it's not a deal-breaker-level inconvenience.

Amazon-wise, it's just as fast as anywhere else I've ever lived. I have a Prime account, and often receive my packages the next day.

I'll also add that the internet is some of the fastest and cheapest I've found outside of areas that already have gigabit up and running.

I get up there once a year to visit my grandpa. It's an awesome, beautiful place. I would definitely live up there if there were more programming opportunities and more people I knew.

Best of luck to you!