The Whole World in One Country

The U.S. offers diverse landscapes, from fertile plains to rugged mountains, each with unique opportunities for farming, community building, and family life. Let’s explore the geography of the U.S. to guide your journey as an Amerikaner.

Key Geographical Features

The U.S. spans 3.8 million square miles, making it the fourth-largest country by land area, with varied terrain that shapes where Amerikaners can thrive.

Regions and Landscapes

The U.S. is divided into regions: the Northeast (dense forests, cities like New York), the Midwest (flat plains, ideal for farming in states like Iowa), the South (warm, fertile lands in Texas and Georgia), the West (mountains and deserts in Colorado and Arizona), and the Pacific Northwest (lush forests in Washington). Amerikaners often gravitate to the Midwest and South, where wide-open spaces resemble the Free State, perfect for restarting dairy or crop farms.

Major Rivers and Lakes

The Mississippi River, stretching 2,340 miles, runs through the Midwest, providing water for irrigation—crucial for farmers in Minnesota. The Great Lakes in the Midwest hold 21% of the world’s freshwater, supporting fishing and shipping industries in Michigan, where Amerikaners might find jobs. In 2025, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers increased funding by 10% to maintain these waterways, ensuring reliable resources for rural communities.

Mountain Ranges

The Rocky Mountains in the West, spanning states like Montana, offer stunning views but rugged terrain—better for ranching than crop farming. The Appalachian Mountains in the East, through states like North Carolina, are gentler, with valleys suited for small farms. Amerikaners in these areas have found success with cattle ranching, leveraging the terrain much like the Drakensberg back home.

Coastal Areas

The U.S. has two major coastlines—the Atlantic (East Coast) and Pacific (West Coast). The Atlantic Coast, from Florida to Maine, has bustling ports and beaches, while the Pacific Coast, in California and Oregon, offers milder climates. Amerikaners in coastal Georgia have tapped into the shrimp industry, a growing sector in 2025, with prices at $6 per pound, providing a new livelihood option.

Choosing a Region for Resettlement

Geography impacts where you might settle, balancing familiarity with opportunity, especially for Amerikaners looking to farm or build community.

Midwest for Farming

States like Iowa and Nebraska have flat, fertile land, with 90% of Iowa’s land used for agriculture—think corn and soybeans, similar to South Africa’s maize fields. Land costs $8,000 per acre in 2025, but government grants for new farmers, up 15% this year, help Amerikaners start small operations, often with 50 acres for a dairy farm.

South for Warmth and Community

Texas and Georgia offer warm climates (average 75°F year-round) and strong community vibes, reminiscent of South Africa’s social gatherings. Texas farmland at $3,500 per acre is more affordable, and Amerikaner communities in Dallas have grown, hosting braais that attract hundreds in 2025, making it easier to find a familiar social network.

West for Space and Solitude

Montana and Wyoming provide vast spaces—Montana’s 147,000 square miles are sparsely populated, with land at $2,000 per acre. It’s ideal for Amerikaners seeking solitude, much like rural South Africa, though harsh winters (down to -10°F) require preparation, like insulated barns for livestock.

Avoiding Urban Challenges

Cities like New York or Los Angeles, while vibrant, have dense populations and high costs—$3,500 monthly for a small apartment. Amerikaners often prefer rural or suburban areas for affordability and space, though proximity to cities like Atlanta offers access to jobs while maintaining a quieter life.

Practical Tips for Navigating Geography

These steps help Amerikaners use geography to their advantage, ensuring a smooth transition to their new region.

Research Your Area

Use tools like Google Earth to explore terrain—check if a plot in Kansas has access to water for irrigation, much like assessing a farm near Bloemfontein. In 2025, the USDA launched a “New Farmer Map” tool, showing soil types and water sources, helping Amerikaners choose fertile land.

Prepare for Distances

The U.S. is vast—driving from Texas to Montana (1,500 miles) takes 24 hours, unlike South Africa’s shorter distances. Plan trips with stops, and budget $150 for gas at $3.50 per gallon in 2025. Apps like Roadtrippers, updated this year, suggest scenic routes, making travel a chance to explore your new home.

Leverage Natural Resources

Settle near rivers or lakes for water access—Amerikaners in Minnesota use the Mississippi for irrigation, boosting crop yields by 20%. In 2025, states like Nebraska offered free water testing for new farmers, ensuring safety for both crops and livestock.

Connect with Locals

Ask neighbors about the land—those in Georgia can share tips on hurricane preparedness, much like South Africans share drought strategies. In 2025, rural community forums on platforms like Nextdoor grew, helping Amerikaners in places like Idaho learn from locals about managing rocky soil.

Finding Your Place in the Landscape

The U.S.’s geography offers a new canvas for Amerikaners to paint their Amerikaner story, with regions that echo the best of South Africa while opening doors to fresh opportunities.

Choose a region that fits your goals—Midwest for farming, South for community, or West for space—and use the landscape to build a life that feels both familiar and new. With every field you plant or mountain you see, you’re creating a home where your family can grow, rooted in the vast beauty of the U.S.