I live in Northwestern Lehigh county and work in Southeastern Schuylkill. I think either location, or possibly extreme Northeaster Berks would suit your needs quite nicely. They are all predominantly rural with some small towns mixed in. The Blue Mountain,KitanninyRidge,which basically splits the three counties actually has several state gamelands which cover most of the top and part of the sides of it. I have seen a few properties close to it or bordering it up for salein recent months. If I noticed any in the next few days I would be more than happy to pm you the realtor and number.

As for which to choose, I guess that depends on how much money you have to spend and/or what type of house you want to live in. Some of the newer two story homes on 1/2 acre plots in Lehigh and Berks counties are selling for between $350,000 and $450,000. The nicer ranch style homes are going for between $250,000 and $300,000. Older homes or different styles may be a bit less. Over the mountain in Schuylkill the prices drop a bit since they are a bit further removed from any of the larger metroplitan areas such as Allentown, Reading, Hazleton, etc...

Hope this proves helpful.