I would look seriously at becoming a licensed HAM operator. Technician license gives operating frequencies that can give you decent range depending on your terrain and local conditions.
If you live in an area that has HAM VHF or UHF repeaters you can achieve ranges up to 100 miles, again depending on a number of factors. Radio to radio contacts on some HAM bands can give up to 30+ miles depending on terrain.
I would check out my community HAM groups, check out licensing with them and see what sort of operations currently are available to you.
This link to the ARRL will give you local clubs etc. Test takes some study but there are resources for this too.
Finding clubs in your state
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/club/clubsearch.phtmlFinding exams
http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/examsearch.phtmlLocal groups can help with necessary equipment to achieve your goals.
Good luck and welcome to ETS.
There are several licensed HAM members here which may have some more advice, but local conditions play a big role in what will work, so your community HAMs are a great resource.