Homesteading continues to draw interest as more people are thinking of adopting this sustainable lifestyle that values self-reliance and freedom. For some, homesteading can easily evolve into prepping since it allows people to be prepared for harder times ahead. In fact, a Business Insider report claims that the pandemic, the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, and rising food prices have made homesteading even more attractive for young Americans.
While some people believe that homesteading is more about lifestyle choices rather than where you live, it’s much easier to adopt this way of life. Especially when you’ve got the space to raise crops and livestock. For that, you’ll need to buy land. So if you’re thinking about becoming a homesteader, be on the lookout for these property features when buying land for homesteading.
Water Sources
Having several water sources is key to having a successful homestead. There are various ways that you can create a water source. These include digging a well or creating a catch basin system to collect rainwater. The water that you get from these man-made water sources can be treated so that it’s safe to drink.
However, you should also make sure that there’s a natural water source near the property that you plan to purchase. It’s essential for keeping your crops watered and your livestock properly hydrated. Ideally, there should be a river, lake, or spring near the property. Then you could get water and store them in tanks for later use.
You can get an updated map of the area to see if there are water sources around. Or better yet, you can hire an expert to do a topographical survey. If you’re wondering what is a topographical survey, it’s data gathering done by drones to learn more about the natural features of a particular area. This enables you to see boundaries, walls, and nearby water features. By getting it done, you decrease the risk of buying a property that’s unsuitable for homesteading. It saves you money in the long run.
The Right Acreage
Most people think that they need more than a hundred acres of land to have a homestead. However, in reality, 18 acres is enough if you’re a novice homesteader. For instance, if you’re starting with one horse and three cows, you’ll need one acre per animal, three acres for produce, and an acre for a greenhouse. Then the rest can be for your home, animal sheds, and other buildings. Always do your research before buying land for homesteading since you may buy more than you think you need. Also, try to find a property that has a mixture of open land for pasture and wooded land to give you shade and access to timber, wild game, and produce.
The Perfect Location for Your Family
Some homesteaders prefer to set up in a place that’s miles away from commercial areas. They seldom need to buy anything. Most of these homesteaders have also chosen to homeschool their kids. They don’t need to be near a place that has a good school.
Meanwhile, others want to have a homestead that’s at least 30 minutes away from stores, schools, restaurants, and places of interest. Be realistic and see if you can live far away from towns and other people. Make note of the fact that there will be times that you may need help during emergencies. Sometimes, you’ll have to go to town to buy supplies.
If you or your partner are working, you’ll also need to consider the length of your commute from your homestead to your workplace and back. Taking all of these into consideration ensures that you live happily and safely on your homestead.
Buying land for homesteading requires lots of research and preparation, so keep these tips in mind before acquiring property. You may also want to talk to homesteaders who have a successful setup if you need guidance on areas where you can buy the best property to grow food or raise livestock.