Yeah. People understandably have a fear of pioneering.
I actually live in the same area code as you. 😄 Without putting too much about myself on the Internet: we have made a couple attempts to do this sort of thing in a slightly more urban area. What I've noticed is that many, many people like the idea and want to be involved. But, very few people have the drive to help build it.
That's why I'm working with the others to build SteemIt.City in Cambodia.