As A Leatherworker - Where In The US Would You Choose To Live?

[RawhideLeather]

OK, I'm looking for realistic answers here, not something from a nice dream - though if it's good for a laugh then that's fine too. I am thinking hard about relocating and as a semi-retired leatherworker I can pretty much live anywhere I choose as long as the real estate is in the average price range. I'm leaning towards the Sheridan, Wy. area for obvious reasons. Purely out of curiosity, assuming you were in my shoes and as free as a bird, where would you choose and why?

Richard

[AlcoveShop]

OK, I'm looking for realistic answers here, not something from a nice dream - though if it's good for a laugh then that's fine too. I am thinking hard about relocating and as a semi-retired leatherworker I can pretty much live anywhere I choose as long as the real estate is in the average price range. I'm leaning towards the Sheridan, Wy. area for obvious reasons. Purely out of curiosity, assuming you were in my shoes and as free as a bird, where would you choose and why?

Richard

Funny enough, I'm perfectly content where Im at in NW Michigan; the people/friends/customers (all one in the same actually) have been the reason Ive staying in the industry so long. If I had a pipe dream to follow though, I'd travel everywhere and stay for a few weeks to meet everyone!

[Bob]

CANADA.....!!!!!! OH CANADA.....!!!!!!

It's really funny, some Americans, God bless em all. Actually think the world ends at the US border.... hehehhahehehaheheheh

[ETW Grumpy]

Rawhide, I would think that anywhere that has a lot of horse businesses would be a good place. One thing to consider would be are you just going to be another leatherworker in a sea if the same? Good luck on your decision.

Bob, you mean it doesn't?

[Randy Cornelius]

Sheridan, Wy.

That way I would not have to drive so far to go to the show. But there are so many leather workers in the area you cannot throw a rock without hitting one. But I love the area.

But I am content with where I am for now, just wish we did not have so much humidity in Kansas!

Randy

[bcurrier]

Where the shipping is free, the leather is all premium quality, hardware is stainless and sterling, dyes don't run or fade, King and Beard stamps are $5 each, Ron and Jeremiah give their tools away, and the equipment is self-maintaining.

Wait ... you have to die for that. You were talking about retirement!

Bill

[Art]

Hi Bob,

A lot of us (US) really consider Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Texas honorary states, hope the feeling is mutual. All built on the rebel/outcast/fugitive/colonial mentality and similar culture.

As far as a place to go to pursue a leatherworking career, a touristy area with an artist community and with a emphasis on the particular specialty of the artist. These areas are usually on the outskirts of the tourist areas where location costs are not prohibitive and cost of living is not burdensome.

Art

CANADA.....!!!!!! OH CANADA.....!!!!!!

It's really funny, some Americans, God bless em all. Actually think the world ends at the US border.... hehehhahehehaheheheh

[Regis]

If you are looking for lots of business, then near a large city. If you are looking for the friendship and appreciation of leather then your Sheridan idea is probably good.

Best of luck and great question.

[Rawhide]

I live in Fort Worth, TX and there's Hidecrafter's and several Tandy retail/warehouse stores.The LW community is fair, not huge, but fair. There are good opportunities I would think for holster and sheath makers, as well as saddlemakers.

Plus there are no state income taxes. Real estate takes can get expensive if you don't choose carefully though.

Marlon

[tazzmann]

I live in Vancouver, WA and I am not sure exactly what the LW population is here, but I would choose to live no-where else. Some say that it rains too much here, but I say good! That way I can stay indoors and work on leather more and not have to worry about mowing the grass or fixing the fence, or one of a million of other "honey do's"! :D