So, my story is in a post-nuclear Earth, and is based in the 'last' town in the world. It's surrounded by a force field preventing everyone from leaving. It is founded by a bunch of rich people who wanted to save humanity (and themselves) and begin a new world, which is why I named the town Novem, Which is Latin for new. I wanted it to be based somewhere landlocked in America, preferably a rich town with space between all the houses and a lot of huge suburban mansions. Does anyone know somewhere in America that is like that? Maybe in Upstate New York? Also, I am willing to take more suggestions on a town name.
You can place that basically anywhere with a large suburban area. Google gives me: List of United States cities by population: New York, NY; Las Angeles, CA; Pheoniz, AZ… Lots more! I'd go by population density however if you're looking for space between houses.
If you're looking at towns in NNY, there's Alexandria Bay (which has a castle and a tonne of upscale tourist areas), Binghamton, Ithica, Poughkeepsie, Syracuse, North Syracuse/Cicero, Mexico, etc.
I will say a good part of upstate New York is dairy farms and small towns. The richest city in New York state is NYC, though obviously it's pretty crowded and the houses are close together so it doesn't really meet your criteria. So New York state in general probably isn't where you want to base your story. Maybe Vegas? I know some rich people and celebrities have houses down there which are bound to be big. Or maybe somewhere like Nashville? It doesn't completely fit your criteria as of course it has the poor sections with run down neighborhoods, but the different richer parts of town tend to have large homes and mansions with plenty of space. A lot of music celebrities with big houses live there too. Or maybe somewhere in Arizona like Pheonix? Just throwing out a few suggestions here.
The Midwest would offer a large area of open space and economically-it is actually a relatively cheap area :) example is that rent can range from ~$500 (single bed apt.) to the $1000's (multiple bedroom apartments). many Suburbs offer space between houses-having their own yards, decks, porches, etc. I live more specifically in the Northern Midwest (Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin) Iowa has a lot of open space as well. I hope this helps!! let me know if you'd end up wanting descriptions of areas :)
As Jordan said, the Midwest would definitely be a good area. Along with what they said, there are also a lot of natural resources there.
Washington DC i assume has rich people, not including the president
