An amateur radio handi-talkie with a decent antenna will get out a lot
farther than 5 miles, especially using a repeater. The most powerful handies
put out 7 watts of power. In order to get an amateur radio license, you'll
need to buy a study guide and take a written exam-- it's not difficult, but
it will take some time to study for it. It doesn't cost much for the
license, but there will be a materials fee to the volunteer examiner who
administers the FCC exam, about $20. And a good handi-talkie will cost more
than $150.

Jackie