But you said you're a newbie and I can sense the excitement in your post but there's a lot to consider beyond enthusiasm to accomplish what you want to do.With that said I'm going to give you a ray of hope- A few years ago, I believe after Hurrican Katrina, there was a small town that became a food desert.

When doing your market research, check on how the local economy did during Iraq 2003, Afghanistan 2001, and Desert Storm 1991.

And all because a few starry-eyed dreamers stirred the local government officials up and filled their heads with a lot of poorly thought out ideas.I think they should offer these homeless Ex-Cons Mass Public housing like Nickerson Gardens in LA.I seems to me like much better solution--somewhere out in the high desert near a military base where they can recidivide to their hearts content.Just my 2 cents.

You should find some crown molding, desert landscape wallpaper, wildlife pictures, bedding, rugs, and picture frames.  

You probably know how Gary turned into a ghost town or how some of the northern towns are deserted today because the automotive industry moved away.

I once took a new build in the middle of the desert, a 2 hour drive each way for me.

Hi,I couldn't find another discussion on the topic, but if one exists please let me know.I live in Ogden, UT which should be mostly desert landscaping, but because many people get their water cheaply from a reservoir they water their lawns.  

That being said, there is meth being made everywhere now, so rural areas and small desert town aren't what they used to be.

There are panels in the desert 60 years ago that are still producing power.

Worked across the street in the area where Tempe Marketplace is now and can remember when it was literally hundreds of acres of empty desert, now it's one of the main entertainment areas of the entire city.I'd focus on staying close to ASU if you can.