If looking for a bee yard location in a far away place what are good indicators?

[Smertrios]

Looking to move someplace where I can try bee keeping and have a few dozen strong hives (I am noob beekeeper and have zero bees just so you know). A place I have been considering is in Arkansas as I like the low taxes and low cost of the "good" but also gutted house that has 7+ acres of sloping ground! Thing is all I know about the surrounding area is what I can see on google maps. If the 3 mile radius area around it were looked at then about 90 degrees is heavy trees or forest and the other 270 degrees around that location is either pasture or grass fields that are being cut and baled.

Any indicators that can bee seen with google maps that would tell me if the location is good or not?

[mikecva]

try getting the zip code and look up the topographical maps. many give you the water sheds, flood areas and  sometimes even the general climate. -Mike

[Hops Brewster]

Pick upi the phone.  The county extension office there will likely be able to tell you not only what ag crops are there, but also a general idea of wild flora.  The local bee inspector will also be able to give you a good idea of honey bee forage and conditions.

[Smertrios]

Ok did that and was told there is about an inch of soil if lucky plus its hot and humid! The bees have viral diseases and fungal diseases, hive beetles and mites so its no surprise that the bee keepers are few with no large apiary in the county.

[Eric Bosworth]

I think I would be looking at another location in that case.

[10framer]

in georgia and alabama most of the honey produced comes from trees.  if there are rivers, swamps or creek bottoms nearby you may have a good spot for bees.  ask the extension agent about tulip poplars, sourwood, chinese tallow, privet and sumac.  if those hayfields have clover or alfalfa you may have a potential flow.  southern beekeeping is not very reliant on ag crops.  there are mites and beetles anywhere you go.