What is Homesteading?
- Craig Kaiser
- May 7
- 5 min read
Homesteading is more than just a lifestyle—it's a return to simpler, self-sufficient living that resonates with people seeking a deeper connection to the land and their own resources. Whether you're curious about growing your own food, raising animals, or learning traditional skills, homesteading offers endless opportunities to create a sustainable and fulfilling way of life. In this guide, we'll explore the heart of homesteading and offer guidance on how you can start your own homesteading journey!
What is Homesteading?
Homesteading is a lifestyle focused on self-sufficiency and sustainability, often involving practices like growing your own food, raising livestock, and making products by hand. It typically emphasizes living closer to the land and reducing reliance on modern conveniences or mass-produced goods. People who engage in homesteading often pursue skills such as gardening, canning, sewing, or woodworking to support their way of life. While traditional homesteading is associated with rural settings, modern interpretations of homesteading, known as urban homesteading, adapt these principles to city or suburban environments. Ultimately, homesteading is about creating a more independent and connected way of living.
How to Find Land to Build a Homestead
Finding the right piece of land is one of the most crucial steps in starting your homesteading journey. The land you choose will serve as the foundation for your sustainable lifestyle, so it’s important to carefully consider factors like location, size, soil quality, and local regulations. By taking the time to evaluate your priorities and doing thorough research, you can identify the perfect spot to build your homestead and create a space that aligns with your goals.
1) Determine Your Budget
Understanding your budget is the crucial first step in finding land for your homestead. Begin by assessing your current financial situation, including your savings, income, and any debts or liabilities. Consider how much you can realistically afford to spend on land without overstretching your finances. It's also important to account for additional costs such as property taxes, legal fees, and any improvements the land might require, like clearing, fencing, or setting up utilities. By defining a clear budget, you can narrow your search to properties that fit within your financial boundaries, ensuring that you make a practical and sustainable investment.
2) Pick a Location & Research the Area
When picking a location for homesteading, there are several critical factors to consider that will directly impact the success and sustainability of your lifestyle. First, evaluate the climate of the area and whether it suits your intended crops, livestock, or lifestyle preferences. Access to water is another crucial consideration- whether through a nearby well, river, or reliable rainfall- to ensure you can adequately support your household and agricultural needs. Additionally, consider the quality of the soil for farming and gardening, as fertile land will be essential for growing your own food.
Proximity to essential services such as medical care, schools, or markets is also worth factoring in, especially if you're not planning to live entirely off-grid. Zoning laws and local community regulations should be reviewed to confirm that homesteading activities like raising animals or building structures align with legal requirements. Finally, think about the physical accessibility of the land, such as road conditions and connections to nearby towns, to ensure easy transport of supplies or emergency access when needed. Carefully weighing these factors will help you choose a location that meets both your immediate and long-term homesteading goals.
3) Find Land for Homesteading
Once you have identified the essential traits you need in your homestead, it's time to start searching for the right piece of land. Here are a few ways to find land for homesteading:
Auctions: Auctions can be an excellent way to secure quality land, but it's essential to approach them with caution. Ensure you thoroughly understand what you’re bidding on before committing to a land contract.
Foreclosures: Foreclosed properties can offer incredible value if you’re prepared to put in some effort. Conduct thorough research to ensure the property is in manageable condition and that the price aligns with its potential. With the right approach, these opportunities can turn into great investments.
Real Estate Agents: Consider connecting with a local real estate agent who is familiar with rural properties and homesteading requirements. Additionally, real estate agents frequently have access to land listings that haven't yet hit the market. Partnering with an experienced real estate agent is one of the most effective ways to discover homestead land, particularly in more remote areas.
Online Marketplaces: Explore online real estate listings on platforms like LandApp. LandApp's marketplace provides detailed information about available properties, including size, location, zoning, and price. Additionally, each listing is enhanced with comprehensive property data and analytics (soil types, sales history, potential risks, and more) to help you conduct due diligence at a glance.
Visiting potential properties in person is also crucial, as it allows you to evaluate the land’s condition, soil quality, and access to natural resources like water. Additionally, check if there are any existing features, such as fencing, barns, or irrigation systems, which could save you time and money. Don’t rush the process- finding the right land for homesteading is a significant step that will greatly impact the success and sustainability of your lifestyle.
What is the Best Place to Buy Land for Homesteading?
Choosing the right location for your homestead is crucial for many reasons. Beyond navigating the bureaucratic aspects of selecting a state, you’ll also need to consider factors like climate, seasonal changes, and overall costs. States like Tennessee, Oregon, and Idaho are often highlighted as some of the best places to buy land for homesteading.
Rural Tennessee is a top choice for sustainable living enthusiasts, offering a 9-month harvesting season, low property taxes, and favorable homesteading laws. With excellent farmland, rainwater collection allowances, and other freedoms, it’s an ideal homesteading location. Homesteading laws protect families from losing their property to creditors, with an exemption of up to $5,000, making it competitive with other states.
Oregon is another favorite among homesteaders and has been since the original homesteading days. It offers strong water rights, a vibrant homesteading community, great farmer markets, and diverse climates. However, zoning restrictions in some areas may limit homesteading options. Oregon provides exemptions of up to $50,000 for married homesteaders and $40,000 for singles. Land protection extends up to 160 acres outside city limits, or one city block within.
Idaho stands out for its exceptional soil, rolling green hills, and mountains—perfect for homesteading. Homesteaders can choose community living or complete isolation, with balanced laws and low property taxes. Idaho offers creditor protection up to $100,000 for property owners and has a lower crime rate. With lush cropland and outdoor activities like kayaking, rafting, and fishing, Idaho is a great option for homesteaders.
Interested in buying Land to build a homestead? Check out LandApp's marketplace! Filter Land for sale by location, price, size, and more to find your perfect plot of land for homesteading. Additionally, each listing on LandApp's marketplace is enhanced with comprehensive property data (soil types, water availability, potential risks, and more), allowing you to conduct initial due diligence at a glance.
