OP, what you are talking about is basically being Amish. Except for the religion part, unless you want to incorporate that too (they don't have churches, just meet at each other's houses). Study some Amish communities in America.

If you can find it, watch the documentary "The Amish", new this year I believe. It was on PBS. Real eye opener.

[link to www.northcountrypublicradio.org]