Elle Francis Gee:
I would like to go on a retreat or venture off to a location that is more Buddhist friendly, but am financially unable to do so.
Goenka offers meditation retreats in many areas, all of which are free. (I assume you live in the US.) http://www.dhamma.org/en/bycountry/na/
If you're looking to be surrounded by people who are more serious about practice, and you have no ties to anything at all, you could always volunteer to help run the courses ("serve"). I've heard that many people do this, alternating between periods of attending the courses and serving. You get free room and board and the company of others who serve, in exchange for the work you do.
Good luck!