Here is a link from the FCC that shows all licensed station within a user specified distance from a user supplied location. Insert your location (lat/lon) and try 25 miles for a starter.

http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/General_Menu_Re...;wild_select=on

It is a bit of a technical babble but you can get a good idea of the interesting sites in your area and the type of gear you will need to monitor them.

If you are technically inclined, I suggest one of the software defined radio dongles that plug into your computer. Cheap, $20 or so. They provide a "waterfall" display of a wide segment of frequencies. You click on one and it decodes it. CW, RTTY, PSK, P25 (common digital audio used in most public service systems) and much much more. If you are an old tyme radio guy, this will really change your understanding of radio. Very impressive gadget.

Some really good educational stuff out there about software defined radio. Once you get up to speed (not hard) with this technology you will never even consider getting a dedicated scanner.

Most only work 30Mhz to 2ghz. Need to play games if you want below 30Mhz.