What kinds of experiments? Depending on that answer you may want to investigate States, Counties, and Cities by their regulatory regimes vis a vis what you want to do. Make a short list of likely places and go visit them. Get a feel for these places. Does the altitude suit you? Humidity or lack thereof cause you any issues? What is the fire danger, or risk of other natural disasters? Are there sufficient ways close by to supply your lifestyle? What are the school choices if you have kids? Are there enough pursuits in the area to sufficiently entertain you? Can you adequately practice your religion in these places or withstand those that do? Are there good places to make friends? Finally, how easy will it be to recover from a mistake moving there? Answer these kinds of questions and you’ll know better what you’re getting into and you’ll know whether you really want what you think you want and you’ll know where to go.
What most find is ideally and if you can afford it is two homes. A secluded home and a city home (or beach, etc... whatever you like)
I agree with your general advice. Also just think about what you're looking for. E.g. there are tradeoffs between more resort-y areas and places more off the beaten track.
I think a good bet is to find an heirloom house and property and bid on it.
Gets crowded on weekends and holidays. There's definitely some antagonism towards the "flatlanders" - e.g. the people who don't live in the mountains, haha.