Free land (or nearly free) can still be found in the 21st century! With a dream, flexibility, a willingness to work and a little imagination these towns are ready to welcome you with open arms (and a plot of land).
If you studied American history then you may recall the Homestead Act of 1862 which free land to those willing to move west and farm the land for 5 years. More than 200 million acres of land was given away and the homesteader spirit was forever ingrained into the hearts of Americans!
The spirit lives on in many small and rural towns, where you can get a plot free land (or nearly free). Each one has its own requirements for the land and how it is to be used; so it will take a bit of time and research to make sure it will be a good fit for you. But I believe that effort could be well rewarded!
So just where is this free land to be had? Well, I’m glad you asked!
Free Land in the US
Marne, Iowa
Marne offers in-town lots that average about a 1/4 acre in size.
You must build a house with at least a partial basement, no less than 1200 square feet.
They do have restrictions on livestock so this town would be better for one who really just wants to have a large garden.
Flagler, Colorado
The town of Flagler wants you know that they have a beautiful, clean, town with good schools and a poplulation under 1000. They’ll give you free land if you plan to start a business on it. Check out the stipulations – your homestead business might just work!
Marquette, Kansas
Marquette is a picturesque small town. In addition they are just a short distance from a lake that offers camping, boating,
mountain biking, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and hunting.
Plots range in size up to just over a half acre of land.
Homes must have a roof pitch of at least 5 to 12. The home must be built to residential design standards and be a minimum of 1000 sq. feet and be on a basement or crawl space foundation
Lincoln, Kansas
The Lincoln website describes their town as, “a 720 square mile county with buffalo, farm animals and wildlife scattered across picturesque hillsides. Imagine that it has 3500 residents and no serious crime – but also local medical care, broadband internet and nine miles of Interstate 70“.
Lots vary in size up to nearly an acre.
New Richland, Minnesota
Check out these suburban 1/4 acre lots in southern Minnesota.
Nearly Free Land
The State of Michigan
While not completely free, the state of Michigan has a surplus of land that they will be auctioning off in 2017. You just might be able to get the deal of a lifetime! In addition they have parcels for sale that didn’t go in previous auctions. So if you can stand the cold, Michigan just might be worth a look.
The State of Alaska
The state of Alaska doesn’t give away their land but they do have some pretty awesome deals. Not to mention you can a stipend just for living in Alaska permanently.
Other Opportunities for Free Land
Whether the state offers free land or land at a huge discount – it is worth looking into for a debt free way of starting your homestead. If you are not in a position to build a home, even if the land is free, you should search for opportunities to care for homesteads in lieu of rent or a mortgage. Be a farm caretaker by Mother Earth News has some great advice.
And did you know that the USDA offers grants and loans to farmers and ranchers?
Remember when you’re looking for free land or to purchase, do your research. Don’t let your excitement overtake your good senses! Make sure the town or the land that is being offered is a good fit for you, your homesteading goals and has room to grow.
Looking for free land anywhere in Ontario to give away
I’m looking for just small piece of land 5 Acres or less a place where I can build a home and spend the rest of my days being happy homesteading the land have a garden simanimals
Me too. In the Wabigoon area or Dryden area.
Yes
Still looking
I would buy a few acres as long as I can live in a tent on my property.Retired Marine, combat service connected VA disabilities. Have dog, chickens, pet goat, will travel.
Greetings Steve. Any luck yet? I have found a good amount of acreage for some cheap prices and can show you some possibilities. I am looking to move off-grid myself and looking to partner with someone for long term commitments. Building, gardening, trapping, hunting, power and water resource. Just wanted to send you a reply and see what kind of feedback you can give me so maybe we can come up with a good plan. I have lived off-grid in the mountains in N.C. for almost 5 years before relocating back to the hustle and bustle of the city and Im already ready to go back to that rough lifestyle which I feel I can thrive into also. Look forward towards your response.
Hey Lenny..I live in NC and wonder if you still need a partner. I’d like to homestead…. name is Peggy…email me
Hey I would like to do the same maybe we can make own on community don’t have a whole lot of money but willing to work for it
Have you heard anything from anyone about this? I’m a 39 year old male with lots of construction experience and also I am a logger that has been wanting to build log cabin straight from the logs on the land. I personally own 40 or more chainsaws and would to get started on something like this asap,I live in Indiana and I wouldnt mind relocating if I cannot find something cheap here. Please email me if you have any leads on this or plans we can make happen.
Did you every find anything
Jammie,
I too would consider partnering with the right folks and have considerable skills and equipment used in my remodeling/construction business. Your thoughts on building cabins sounds great. Never built a log cabin but have cut too many firewood logs to count.
Walt Y.
Hey Jamie trotter my num is 3145267159 I am buying a lil pieace if land 2 acres I got in ind for a 1000 buck I want to pop at someone to built me a 20 by 20 simple cabin bathroom living rm and kitchen down stairs and a bathroom upstairs I since a guy that built one just like this for 7000 for him is using some repurposed wood ect I would move there and live in a tent not this summer but summer of 2020 and got a small tent u could stay in and would pay u goid to do it and feed u and there is a camp site we can go shower in for free was no reply on ur add thanks
would like to get some land – would like to do some growing on the and if a few of us that ike this life style put our skills – ideas -together we can something great- lets start a smal comunity anyone?
I would definitely be interested in starting something with you! I’m a single mom tired of living the city life!
My name is jamie i dont have money but i do have a lot of now how to do things andwork hard im 47 but aint over the hill would be interested
Thats my way of thinking every one knows somthing or is able to help do it with a small group we can move moutains but that take people willing to think of overs i’m not sure if it’s possible to find the people in todays way of life I’ve got myself my wife ,my son and wife and two young sons and my youngest son who is 14 and there two cousens in there early 20s i’m not got the money to build but i do have a strong back to build from nature and the. Know how with many more skills like i said we can move mountains if there is want to and a place to do it I’d sell my house to do it
I’m thinking along the same lines as y’all. I’m willing to learn more homesteading skills from those that have been there or have the desire to do this. I’m ready to retire from this ‘busyness’ and get back to basics. I’ve got chickens, gardening and the desire to use solar and wind power.
Please keep this thread open with new information. I see these plots in Kansas and Nebraska and Alaska, but I’m hoping for more rural acreage. Perhaps if someone comes up with a large parcel, we can each help to afford it…idk…open to ideas.
Gary, I disagree about being able to find people in today’s day and age. I think there are more people today that want to live off grid putting in the necessary work. My husband and I have been searching fie others to start a community from scratch. We envision a community with those who know building, plumbing, farming, medical, live stock, etc. We already have 6 of us willing and physically able. However due to life circumstances the funds to make the transition have been scarce.
Game on, Dawn. I have been wanting this for the last ten years. I am battling many illnesses, but I think the best thing for me to leave “modern life” and enjoying “mother nature” for a change. I have watched many videos of this topic. I’m so ready to heal myself, have a low impact/footprint on this earth and live my life with the best intentions. I really neeed to simplify my life. I have studied art, wookworking, metal working, and acquiring basic materials like fuel from sawdust, pine pitch, leaves, shredded paper, cardboard boxes and other free fuel. I have also researched many energy efficient stoves as well as free or nearly free insulation. I have cancer, copd, and a slew of other health issues. I firmly believe that leading a simple life where I can rid myself of extraneous “stuff” and spend my days making art, gardening, fishing, writing, and making new friends. Hit me up if that is something that you want as well. Whe I am engrossed in doing things like this, I feel an inner calm that is too complex as it is so simple, yet I cannot find the words to express this. Colder climates seem to be more benefitial to me. I have picked up many tips from my favorite YouTube channels and ready to finally do this…following my bliss…something that for whatever reason I have not allowed myself to do this. I would definitely need like-minded people, such as all of you. I’ll soon be down with radiation treatment in the nexts few months. If you are interested in joining me, we can make it a documentary of sorts. I am a director and can build rigs that will take cinematic-quality footage. it is worth showing this with others. That is how I came across this. Please email me if you want to take a leap of faith with me. My aim is multifold. Tha main things which I believe to be the best guidance is having good intentions for our planet, honoring Mother Natue, caring for animals, fishing, etc. It is up there with “laughter is the best medicine.” I crave a hands-on experience with the earth as well as the people–YOU. Thank you all in advance if you’d like to be in my film, share in doing, living in the present, doing what it takes to be as authentic and imaginative as much as possible in creating a community that helps one another, whether that entails putting up a roof, to sharing meals together, all of which ties so perfectly with the late Dan Eldon’s book, The journey is the Destination”.
Peace and love,
ces
I’d really like to join a small group and homestead. Been living off grid for several years now backpacking And stealth camping around the country but partners and companions would really be great. I have more skills than you can imagine, hard working and would really like to get involved. Someone please contact me.
I’m Billy let’s do this
I like your idea. I’m game. I was unaware that it is still possible to homestead until recently. Now the future looks brighter with more opportunities
Sounds like a great idea. I am in search of land where my youth program can be housed and present productions for the public. We also want to be able to grow fruit and vegetables to market to the public.
Looking for the same! Colorado Area possibly?? B4 20/20
I would love to do this. I’m recently divorced. My kids are all grown. I want a simple life and been researching off the grid living. This would be a great way to start a new life.
Hi Roberta, Looking for the right partner for simple but rewarding life without regulations.
I am like minded.. I think Nevada is perfect that way we can go off the grid and slip into Vegas when we feel froggy.. Lake Mead has cheap properties but disabled I have the credit but not the capital.. maybe you we can consider using me as the frontman and you guys prop Me Up so that I can provide for everybody only honest Marines could pull this off but I want to grow lots of weed and raise my son 2 years left of high school and then we can liquidate and go to the Virgin Islands I have other plans there. MPD designs. Look that up
We are interested in Nevada Hemp Growth also. 1200 acres currently. Reach out
I’m the same I’m Irish i can build anything 15 years building behind me i can weld also plumbing to i can fra m evening from countryside
We live in Nc and this idea everyone has of a community that helps each other sounds awesome. Let me know if it gets going I would love to bring my family too.
Laura, I know my reply is late, but please read my initial post. I think we should all band together. I am flexible with the locations…I would simply like to build, make art, write books, film the process and so much more. I think most of us on this thread believe in the some things. Aside from the people who have already chosen a location, I wonder if the rest of us can band together. I am willing to film/interview those who would like to be involved in that aspect…and if anyone objects to be filmed, I can simply shoot footage of your hands and handiwork without headshots. For those of you who are reading this, I am addressing all of you, even though this is a reply to Laura…she hits straight to the heart of the “WHY” factor which resonates with us all. Simple, Smart, Special, yet Significant.
Lenny, what’s the status of your return to the country. I would partner with the right individuals and have many valuable skills and equipment. Will be selling my house in a few months…?
Hello.
My name is Noel Calvert. I am curious how serious people are about living off grid ina self-sufficient community? I have a community concept which could serve for this, & bring us all together to make this successful.
Is there land available in a semi-tropical or longer growing season temperate zone for this?
If so, we can sustainably grow for the community, & produce much to sell to the outside world as well.
If you all are serious about this, reply, & we will figure out how to get this set up & functioning in the next couple of years.
I would like to get in on this idea .. I would be willing to relocate and live the rest if my days off grid
Semper Fi brother! I would like the same.
There is a place here in Oregon over 100 arces and surounded by BLM land. There is a creek but not sure about the water rights The listing price is just under $145,000. My husband and I both want to grow medical marijuana there but we do not have the money. It’s been on the market for some time now so if someone would come up with the money we could help run it. I am good with making something out of nothing. We could do like they have in the U.K called Lammas.
My husband and I are also wanting to do this
My buddy and I are working on getting a growing operation up and running off grid in central Oregon. Got hand in on good land. Need help with the other stuff….. Such as Power, water, structure….
There are places in Shannon County, Missouri that are pretty reasonable. Also in Washington County, Missouri, just avoid Monkey Mountain in Washington County, Missouri. They all appear to be straight off of Deliverance. LoL.
My Husband and I dream of this too.??
Maybe u can get a cheap or free rv to put the just trying to help look and search on face book a group called free and cheap rvs and mobile homes good luck and thanks for our freedom
Would like to have 20 to 40 acres of land. Heavy wooded to build a cabin or shealter.
Hello my name is dan. I have recently started to look for something like that. Still doing research tho. Any help would be appreciated
Yes I would I’m a woodsman and am looking to homestead property to own for my family future.
I have the land in the country on dirt roads. As of now it is used as a hay field, Since I am not able to work anymore . (Epilepsy) That is what I wold love to do. I live in Grand Ridge, FL and was just hit hard by Hurricane Michael; therefore ,it is possible that in NW Florida. Jackson County, Calhoun County, Gulf, and St. Joe Counties will have land rather cheap. Mexico Beach was a quaint vacation spot for families and has been wiped out along with other counties in this area. Our county seat is Jackson County dating back before the Civil War which looks like a war zone. This is in the Panhandle of FLorida on the Alabama -Ga border. Beautiful area and great for raising kids or retiring. Jusst check out where Hurricane Michael did the most damage and you will find our area. There is a lot of country living, lakes, rivers and springs to enjoy.
Hi guys I’m looking for land to to enjoy the outdoors door and farming
I’ll be putting up 27 acres w/ cabin in Texas for sale at the beginning of the year. worldtour95@gmail.com
Hi, I currently live in Texas and am looking for land with average to have a small cabin house, doesn’t have to be tiny but small is my interest. I am planning on gardening and living as self sufficient as I dare, lol! My long term goal is to open an animal boarding and daycare for partial income, along with thrifting, and maybe some other ways to make money from home. As opening a rescue and shelter for dogs, for either long term stay or foster till adopted. I want to get them out of kill shelters, away from abuse and give them a loving home something so many never get a chance to experience. This would also include a place for a pet food drive storage to have available food for low income families. A kind of food kitchen, if you will, in hopes of reducing abandoned or shelter drop offs for lack of funds for feeding. I started in 2014 on my mothers property while caring for her when she fell ill, had 36 dogs and cats. Unfortunately it was a little to much for my mom and would be better located on more land. Anyways , thanks for allowing me to share my thoughts , please let me know where, when, the details of your upcoming sale and your thoughts. Thank you,
Sincerely,
Susan
How much and are you willing to sale as rent to own?
Where in Texas? Husband & I are looking for land in Texas to retire on.
Hello. I’m looking for a small piece of land. My preference is hills and woods with water and electricity available. Retired. 2-5+ acres would be ideal. Currently live in Missouri but will relocate to accomplish my goal of getting back to my roots. Nature lover. Animals. Trees. Solitude. Thank you.
Sandy
CAN YOU PLEASE SEND ME INFORMATION ABOUT THE FREE LAND AND HOW TO GET THE FREE LAND..
Everything I have is in this article.
Looking for cheap land make a home in year round warm climate affordable animals allowed not too many laws and costs. Thanks so very much any
Help and Info
I am looking to get off the grid and will need land and other resources. I need some land where I can farm and garden and when given a chance I would like to start a home school and educate at home. I have a husband and 4 boys. They want the same life as I. I would love to start my wedding consultant business as well or accounting.
I really enjoy watching the programs on discovery channel about the people staying in Alaska. I would love to spend the rest of my life with my wife in Alaska. Going out looking for food and tending to our land, growing crops in summer and stocking up for winter, it is what I think the Almighty wanted us to live like. Take what is needed, don’t be greedy and put back where we can and keep the balance and live amongst good people who think and live like that. my dream of living there,,,, amen.
Looking for land in Ohio can someone help me
Try looking into Foreclosed/repo property, banks have MSL listings. I believe there is a website.
Here is one of the web sites I used as a reference when I was searching http://www.mls.com
We are looking for land to homestead on. We have animals now. Goats, chickens, rabbits,along with the norm on farms cats and dogs. We like to garden and putting our food up to get us through the winter. If anyone can help us we are still looking into what helps us the best
I would love to start some kind of homestead with a little bit of land enough for a garden. And to keep some animals on. I’m the mother of two boys I would love to raise to be some what self sufficient. I would love to know if any one had anything rent to own or even free land with a grant to build a house or something that would be awesome. Please if anyone knows of anything my email is tabatha.hatch.89@gmail.com
I want/would love to start some kind of homestead with a little bit of land enough for a garden. And to have animals on. I’m 34 yr old mother of mine kids and grandchildren I would love to raise my kids and grandchildren to be some what self sufficient. I would love to know if any one had anything rent to own or even free land with a grant to build a house or something that would be awesome. It will be great to live off the grid/off the lands it will be more peaceful for all of my family Please if anyone knows of anything my email is charmedmae04@gmail.com or Rtrader45@aol.com
their is free land : but you have to go north..the ice cap is melting. and moving south, that is why people down south are having all trouble . there below sea level.
I looking free land in Orange County N.Y for my family .I love farms helps us too the best thank.
Love these ideas. Growing fresh veggies enjoying the out doors, building a home. On free
I have 15 acres in Kendleton, Tx that I would like to subdivide or sale all. Small town population about 380 but 15 minutes from next town with many shopping centers and life of the big city.
Hi Toni!
Do you still have land for sale?
If so, how much are you selling it for?
Thanks
Hi my husband and and my daughter are looking for land in the woods not sure what state. We love Tennessee but any where’s off grid would be great. We love to hunt , garden , basically anything outdoors, he is a plumber. If anyone has any land for sale , rent to own or trade for work. We’re just tired of living in the city and want to live off grid as much as possible. I wish they had people that wanted to buy a large thing of land to start a small community but not sure if that could work. We do like our privacy
Hello I’m up for that too retired army living on fixed income have some mobilitissues need to use a cane left arm inoperative but looking to partner up with other vets use our va loans to get a place for us and maybe other vets Colorado he some already that have free land still checking on requirements any help would be greatly appreciated I’m in for that idea
I am look for about 10 to 5 Acres free land. we’re I can Homestead or I can have animals and a garden and I’ve been looking around.I been having trouble figuring out who to talk to about it.
Im looking for 20 acres. To restary the new life garden an raise food to help build a cas an teach the skills i have to others just bare land with well or pond for water. An im reise pastured poulrtry i enjoy this life an the joy it brings. I have most of what i need to start. So if u have a pice of land. Let me know otto coviello 918 470 9637
hi eeryone im looking for land in klamath falls oregon
It seems there is a lot of interesting people to live away from the city and back to basic nature life. It might be a good idea if you find away to connect to each other trying to find a land that all can live and work together.
Pushing 60 and would like to homestead the rest of my years.looking for a few acres in the southern tier of N.Y.near pa line
Concerning acreage or lot’s for sale in n.y. state .
In the town of Walton,New York (Colchester mountain) right on the edge of bear mountain national Forest,it’s a quaint farming community with Alot of acreage and lots for sale that can be used for homesteading, farming, I believe there are appr. Over 100 lots & acreage parcels for sale anywhere from 2 acres to 100, with cabins or homes and Alot with just land, some Forest, some mountain, some flat grasslands, extremely diverse, with many parcels having a water source on site, some you may have to drill a well,also more towards the Pennsylvania,new York border there are Alot of properties/ parcels in Hancock, New York, excellent properties on one side is New York then the Delaware river at the bottom of the valley and the other side is Pennsylvania!!! Beautiful land for off the grid but still near civilization if the situation dictates!! You might want to check into this. Good luck.
that sounds like a plan if you get a group together with enough skills and age range to help and rely on each other
A place with a lake and woods and open ground would be ideal 100 plus acres for 20 or 25 households set up campers to start build our own comunity
Maybe we can start a discussion board or open chat 4 this?? Anyone have any thoughts??
Looking to do this in South Carolina. Been living in a camper and been looking for a cheap piece of land. Looking for land owners willing to work with payments or barter for labor. Any info would be appreciated!
Looking to do this in South Carolina. Been living in a camper and been looking for a cheap piece of land. Looking for land owners willing to work with payments or barter for labor. Any info would appreciated!
Did anyone ever start a board about the community? I was reading all the past posts and it sounds like a great idea. Sounds like we need a leader. Anyone want to take charge and get this thing rolling?
Well seems like all want to get away from the pollution and world of non clean living, and get back to what we as a species should be living like. Hunters, gatherers, farmers, live the way we want to be, happy people. I think first we need a place to start. Anyone use Facebook? we don’t have to be on it for any other purpose but to find our promise land. and find out if this is something all can be a part of. There are pages of homesteading, and sustainability I request anyone in here, we make a new page. This doesn’t have to be the only community of us, some may want 4 seasons, some hot environment, some cold. Some want hemp, marijuana to be legal some states don’t allow collection of rainwater. So comes down to what we all want, where we can buy, or furthest some can travel. Not all of us have property to sell, but all of us agree we want a better life, and communities. New Hampshire, seems good live free or die. Maine was my plan. although for us all to survive in well being, a longer growing season is important. Green houses, farming, live stock, electricity, we need vets, and dr.s or the community will need. I’m sure we have workers food, animals, carpenters, mechanics, I’m sure a few more in there will be needed. Children, teens, young and old all will bring something. Also any skeletons, and drama we can’t have. This tears a community apart. Living in an area in close proximity everyday causes some, no over reactions. We are adults, expected to act like, and preform our duties to our families and community. Right to religion is in the constitution. and all believe what the want. These are some of the tough things to get over before we can even start. As there are a few more items to be addressed, but we all need to start somewhere, if we want this. Patients is hard to learn in a world that moves the speed of light, this is what we are trying to slow down and enjoy quality of life, before it over, and we hand it over to the next generation. Thoughts people?
Daniel, I feel the same way. I have been wanting to live this way for quite some time. I think a Facebook dedicated to helping like minded people connect sounds perfect. I’m going to get on that right away.
LOOKING 4 THE SAME>>>>>>>ANY LUCK?
people looking for free land but thing…. watch the news … look what is happening down south things that should not be happen. are now happening , north if you know any thing the ice cap melting where the water going south and moving in land.. I too looking to go off grid . but I am using past and moden togather. .. you have to get out of the rat race that others put us in.. time to be free…..been up 2 days need some sleep
I’ve found property in Arkansas dirt cheap $800-$900 I thought it would be hard to find it but it’s not you just have to dig through the garbage on the Internet or just ask people I mean if you guys want to build an off grid community I’m in
You all need a lawyer.
Single mother, looking for a free small house or land, In Hendricks country area, please need of your help
Avon, Plainfield,
Please contact me about homesteading/ off grid/ living very interested and willing to do ASAP…. a small group of people doesn’t sound like a bad idea….770-403-3885 if anyone is serious and can point me in the right direction
HELEN BREWIS….31Sst DECEMBER 2018……is there anyone getting any feedback on this topic?? there are very few comments coming back.
The whole point of this was about FREE LAND.. in order to build and live off grid ..not everyone has the money to buy land and then build and care for everyone because the sharing community wouldn’t be equal partners…
BIG log cabins and small huts come to mind, …Im very interested in what you are all talking about.
It would be wonderful up on a mountain with a small lake ….do people own mountains over there thats where id start ….im from the UK and we have to put a stake in the FREE LAND and maintain it for 5/8 yrs register it and build a fence right round it …This country is getting worse in every way so please get in touch 07527469807
Id still be interested in what you all decide! if anything. I have so many skills to help the right group of people…
I moved to the country 4 years ago to get away from the city and now the city is moving into the country and I can’t stand to see all the woods disappearing to million dollar homes and subsidised housing that are luxury homes for people that make less than I make and bringing crime with it.Too close to home.I’ve been turned down from renting one of these homes because I make too much although just keeping my head above water living in a 59 year old farm house that could fit into one of these homes.I grew up staying out of the house and into the woods and lakes I loved as a kid So ready to find serenity without society.
Hello I am new to this ideal and it would be a blessing to find property to homestead I am interested in farming microgreens and spices and garden space and farm animals to feed my partner and I, she ha MS and life is short we want to live and not pay our A** to big business survive happily for once please if you have property we could build on it would be amazing for us to start a new life and live a strong one ..contact me at swiftnsassy@live.com
thank you so much..FYI i will trade you full band PA system ?? 2 acres or more Thank you Debra lee