What are some of the best states for homesteading?

GDAWN · #1 07/27/12, 01:10 PM

I'm looking to buy 1-2 acres of cheap, undeveloped land and develop it on my own. I want to put myself somewhere that gets a decent amount of rain, isn't dry all year, and doesn't have a lot of restrictions. Any recommendations or experiences shared would be greatly appreciated.

Dusky Beauty · #2 07/27/12, 01:37 PM

I'd throw rural washington out there-- the seasons in the pac NW are very mild winters and summers, have a lot of rain and easily farmable. Douglas county in Oregon is the cheapest "good" land (surrounding Roseburg) but the rest of the green part of the state through Eugene to Portland and hours around it is quite spendy. The dry half of the state is probably too dry for you.

I hear Missouri is pretty free from restrictions, and is fairly green but subject to drought.

You wouldn't think it, but my little spot in Arizona may not get a lot of rain, but we have underground lakes and incredible farming if you can irrigate-- so keep in mind that there may be more than face value in many places you'll see.

Win07_351 · #3 07/27/12, 02:28 PM

I wish I could recommend Connecticut.

luvrulz · #4 07/27/12, 02:34 PM

check out kentucky! also, acreage real estate for sale: National listing service gives you the choice of looking at each state and comparing prices....

mnn2501 · #5 07/27/12, 02:44 PM

East Texas if you like heat - it does get rain there unlike the rest of the state.
very little restrictions outside of the cities.

kellyst · #6 07/27/12, 03:25 PM

If you're wanting to homestead, tax considerations are pretty big

Check out these two links

Local and State Tax Burden Maps | Newgeography.com

The Latest on Property Taxes | Tax Foundation

The first is for overall tax burden. The second is just for property taxes.

Molly Mckee · #7 07/27/12, 04:02 PM

Much of rural land in WA and OR is zoned for larger pieces and if it wasn't divided before the restrictions went into effect you cannot sell an acre or two. Most of the land here is now 20 acres or more. I think that is becoming more common in areas not served with utilities. Both eastern OR and WA are fairly dry as well.

VERN in IL · #8 07/27/12, 05:03 PM

In Southern Illinois it's easy to find undeveloped land in 1-2 acre parcels, you can divide the land all you want. We do NOT have homesteading exemptions, most is not under RETARDED zoning restrictions, we are NOT tax friendly, unless you are 65 or older....

(the circuit breaker program) or if you prefer: "The Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief and Pharmaceutical Assistance Act."

Illinois is one of the worst states to retire in because of taxes.

Daryll in NW FLA · #9 07/27/12, 05:40 PM

I'll put a word in for north west Florida-plenty of dirt road back country, rain and mild winters $25000 homestead exemption-just stay away from the cities. Lot of good ole country boys that mind their own business and are willing to help out in an emergency.

Alice In TX/MO · #10 07/27/12, 06:54 PM

Northern Arkansas.

peri_simmons · #11 07/27/12, 07:09 PM

Ohio plenty of rain in a good year, it is raining as I write this even in a drought year. Our taxes were $6 dollars in Mahoning County. We have seven acres, in the rural part of the county.

siberian · #12 07/27/12, 08:03 PM

Peri, not trying to jack the thread, but 6 bucks? Im in N.E Trumbull county and that is unreal. Property owners I know in Mah. would live that. Please share or PM me

gunnar wordon · #13 07/27/12, 08:16 PM

I would say New York-but its not. maybe the worst!

ET1 SS · #14 07/27/12, 08:50 PM

We chose Maine.

Drought free, cheap land, lots of rivers and lakes, very low taxes, and extremely minimal restrictions.

There is a growing community here of off-grid farmers.

blooba · #15 07/27/12, 10:02 PM

I would have to say, Maine,(parts of)Montana,Missouri, West Virginia, Tennessee but things are changing fast.

ET1 SS · #16 07/27/12, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blooba

I would have to say, Maine,(parts of)Montana,Missouri, West Virginia, Tennessee but things are changing fast.

Ever hear of 'drought'?

Raven12 · #17 07/27/12, 10:12 PM

Certain rural portions of the Eastern Great Lakes region. I don't think people realize how much rain the area gets. Through this drought, friends just North of me have been doing well. It is one of the places that I am considering moving to.

ET1 SS · #18 07/27/12, 10:39 PM

There are a few portions of the USA that are not drought-prone.

Both sets of my grandparents lost their farms in the Dust Bowl. I grew up farming and ever aware of drought. For years on 'homesteading' and survival forums I have advocated folks to be aware of drought and asking if they truly WANT to live in drought-prone regions. Yet I routinely see drought-prone regions touted as begin great places to homestead and farm.

Seek a place where you know for certain that you will shoot yourself in your foot. Farm without water. Good plan. Whats more, I have seen 'homesteading' land prices 2X, 3X, 4X per acre what I paid for land here with river frontage.

I don't get it.

Raven12 · #19 07/27/12, 10:50 PM

There is always a trade off. In most circumstances, the areas with higher precipitation aren't attractive to mainline society. A lot of people can't deal with the weather and it is an adjustment.

TedH71 · #20 07/27/12, 11:49 PM

I would recommend Kansas. However, I do want to visit Maine some day.