Future for homesteading?

[DJ in WA]

I see threads where people ask where they can move to. Now, why would someone want to recommend they come move next to them? Land is getting more scarce and crowded and expensive. I am watching our local city creep closer to me every year. Would be nice to pass on the homestead you’ve developed to generations coming, but likely this place will end up a parking lot.

I guess you can enjoy things while they last. But I don’t see many more generations enjoying things as they are. The thousand acres I grew up on is now 5 to 10 acre plots.

If one is actually promoting homesteading, there are a couple factors against it. One is population growth, resulting in less land per person. Second, the major push in our world is to make things easier, while homesteading is inherently more work (intentional inefficiency). Most kids choose the easy road, with gadgets and machines to do everything for them.

Those who homestead should be grateful that more people aren’t interested in it. Just think if more city people wanted to head to the country.

Yes, enjoy it while you can. And it’ll last longer the less we promote it.

[Jen H]

Originally Posted by DJ in WA

I see threads where people ask where they can move to. Now, why would someone want to recommend they come move next to them?

Because I, for one, would rather see another small farm move in next to me than a trophy house with a manicured lawn and a person who'll push for city water, sewer, and street lights.

[willow_girl]

My thoughts exactly, Jen.

And ... DJ, you're a real neighborly sort, aren't you?

I mean, I posted a thread yesterday looking for suggestions on places I could move to ... but I am hardly a "city person"! Nope, I'm looking for a place where I can take my cows, goats, sheep and horses ...

Heaven forbid I should land next to you, though, eh?

[jnap31]

Willow gal maybe he thinks your a pagan.LOL

[Gideon]

If you love something then it is natural to want to share it with others-if you are the right kind of person. Homesteading is the American way of doing things-self sufficent-independant-patriotic. Why would I not want a neighbor like that-and if a Christian even more so. We just had a couple move in across from us. They fenced in the entire place(@20+ acres) for horses. Nice folks. It could have been divided into twenty lots for track housing-ugh. We may partially move to the farm next year if we get a great offer here. Will be tough to leave the orchard/vinyard/cultured garden site/ponds/etc. and start totally fresh, especially at retirement age. Think I just talked myself out of it-LOL. As long as we do not get chicken houses/hog farms/etc on our back door then we like it here-getting a bit crowded but so goes civilization. Sitting here listening to the roosters crow in the new day. They get excited when I cut a light on. I love the stereo crowing but my wife would love to have chicken for lunch. She has OK'ed getting some more guinna fowl so she is not all city slickered.

[gilberte]

I'm with DJ. I know it may not be a popular view, but it just makes sense to me that if I've got a good thing, why advertise it on the internet? The crowd is coming fast enough without my help.

If someone here is looking for a place and you feel the need to help them out, why not send them a pm?

[Mike in Ohio]

I agree with Jen H as well. BTW DJ in WA, if you grew up on "1,000s of acres that are now 5 and 10 acre plots, then it would appear your family is part of the problem you are complaining about. Either that or you were taking advantage of your neighbors good will in allowing you to use their property as your own.

As usual, just my 2 cents.

Mike

[Jan Doling]

If I were "real neighborly", I wouldn't crave homesteading so much! My idea of good neighbors are people you never see....or hear!

[Aintlifegrand]

Not all areas feel the overcrowding. I love my home and homesteading so it is natural for me to tell people how wonderful it is. If they move next to my 88 acres, then I will welcome them wholeheartedly. I would rather like minded people close to me rather than others who do not like or understand this lifestyle.

[FourDeuce]

I don't mind being neighbors with people who reciprocate it. Of course, to me that is inherent in the definition of being neighborly, having the freedom to do what I want on my property as long as it doesn't interfere with the neighbor's freedom to do the same on his property(within reason).

[LisaInN.Idaho]

Originally Posted by Jen H

Because I, for one, would rather see another small farm move in next to me than a trophy house with a manicured lawn and a person who'll push for city water, sewer, and street lights.

Exactly! Or another city person building a weekend getaway. I'd love to have more like-minded neighbors.