• 00:13 The west coast of the United States is heavily populated from San Diego to Seattle, but there is a large area in the middle that is almost entirely empty.
• 01:07 The region in question is the northern portion of California and the southern part of Oregon, known as the State of Jefferson.
• 02:03 The region is characterized by rugged beauty, vast forests, and mountain ranges, including Mount Shasta and Crater Lake.
• 03:14 The unique geography of the area has historically made it difficult to establish large population centers, leading to slow growth compared to its northern and southern neighbors.
• 05:06 The expansion to the West was driven by factors like the Louisiana Purchase, the Oregon Trail, and the California Gold Rush.
• 07:40 The natural geography of the region, with mountainous terrain and limited flatlands, makes it challenging to build infrastructure and establish large cities.
• 09:46 Some residents in the region have advocated for the creation of a new state called Jefferson, but forming a new state is a difficult process that requires approval from state legislatures and the U.S. Congress.
• 11:25 Despite its low population and unique challenges, the empty West has its own unique identity and continues to be attractive to those who live there.

But, Fresno can be a tough sell: It’s hot, flat and among the most polluted metro areas in the U.S. Average rents and home prices are relatively low in a town where a quarter of the population is poor, but the starting teacher salaries are on the low side, as well: about $45,000 a year. Essentially a family-oriented agricultural town, Fresno lacks some of the cultural amenities and nightlife that people in their 20s might want in a city.