Book Review: Strategic Relocation by Joel M. Skousen — A Prepper’s Perspective
When you’re serious about preparedness, few books spark as much debate — and as much careful thought — as Joel M. Skousen’s Strategic Relocation: North American Guide to Safe Places. This isn’t your typical “grab your bug-out bag and head for the hills” manual — this is a 400+ page deep-dive into where to live, why it matters, and what threats you need to plan around if you want to stand a chance when the world goes sideways.
As a prepper and homesteader, I came to this book looking for practical, realistic guidance on where to plant roots, not just fantasy scenarios. I wanted real-world analysis, actionable advice, and ideally, some fresh perspectives I hadn’t considered yet. Skousen delivers plenty — but he also throws in ideas that stretch even the most flexible imagination.
What’s Realistic
1. Hard Data on States and Regions
Skousen’s state-by-state (and province-by-province) breakdown is the bread and butter of this book. He grades areas on factors like population density, gun laws, government reach, climate, natural disaster risk, and proximity to military targets. For example, he explains why the Intermountain West — think Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Utah — remains a top choice for serious retreat-minded preppers.
These risk maps and region summaries are worth their weight in gold if you’re looking to move or even just understand the big picture. He doesn’t sugarcoat — if your state is a lost cause, he’ll tell you outright.
2. Urban vs Rural Realities
One thing Skousen gets absolutely right: if you stay in or near major population centers, you’re gambling with your survival in any grid-down or conflict scenario. He reinforces the hard truth that the farther you are from desperate masses, the better your odds — provided you can still access food, water, and community.
3. Practical Threat Assessment
He covers more than just natural disasters. From EMP strikes and nuclear fallout to economic collapse and civil unrest, he gives realistic scenarios and how they shape your ideal relocation zone. Even if you don’t buy every single threat, it’s valuable mental exercise.
What’s Out-of-the-Box
1. The Bunker Culture
Skousen is known for championing high-end hardened shelters — hidden bunkers, blast doors, deep-earth shelters, the whole nine yards. For most preppers, building a full-scale underground fortress is a pipe dream. But he makes a good case that if you can afford it — or if you’re designing a new homestead — you should at least incorporate hardened features for fallout or intrusion scenarios.
It’s a push toward “old-school Civil Defense on steroids,” and while most of us won’t be pouring reinforced concrete anytime soon, it can inspire you to think beyond the basic root cellar and safe room.
2. Geo-Political Hotspot Analysis
He doesn’t just tell you where to go — he tells you how global politics might change the risk map. For example, he speculates about possible foreign invasions, nuclear targets, and government crackdowns. Some find it far-fetched; others see it as next-level foresight. Whether you agree or not, the point is to get you thinking wider than tornadoes and ice storms.
3. Community Over Isolation
One insight I appreciate: Skousen cautions that a lone bunker is not enough — community ties matter. He urges you to find or build like-minded communities in safe areas, with mutual aid and defense in mind. This is crucial advice that too many preppers overlook while stockpiling beans and bullets alone.
How Practical Is It — Really?
If you’re a suburban prepper who can’t just up and move to Idaho tomorrow, Strategic Relocation might feel overwhelming. But even if you never relocate, this book helps you see your current area through a new lens — where your weaknesses are, what exit routes you have, and how to plan a fallback retreat if you ever need to.
It’s not perfect — some maps are dated, the focus is mostly U.S./Canada-centric, and the bunker mindset can feel extreme — but for preppers who want to think strategically, not just tactically, this book is unmatched.
Final Verdict
Strategic Relocation is not a feel-good read — it’s a wake-up call and a blueprint.
It’s part practical guide, part cautionary tale, and part push to think beyond the mainstream prepper checklist. If you want to move from “two weeks of extra groceries” to “where will I rebuild my life when the grid goes down,” this book is for you.
Read it with an open mind, a highlighter, and your maps out. Take what’s realistic, adapt what you can, and leave what doesn’t fit your situation — but don’t ignore it altogether.
⭐️ Prepper’s Rating: 8.5/10
An indispensable resource for serious relocation planning, with enough practical info to be useful — and enough bold thinking to push you out of your comfort zone.
Strategic Relocation, North American Guide to Safe Places, Fourth Edition
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Disclosure: Preppers Voice is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
