Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
The $8,000 lot was within city limits of one of the nearby small towns. The $900 lot was way out
in the middle of nowhere with no electricity, no real road, no clearing, no water, no fences. The
clue came in the description of a “remote and secluded woodland retreat.” Whereas the other was
listed as “ready to build.” And if you think there isn't much of a difference, think again.
We looked at Wilderness Hill—a gorgeous 40 acres of completely private land—and started mak-
ing a list of what needed to be done before we could even build:
1. Survey the land. The county wouldn't open up the county line until we'd surveyed the land.
Cost? $1,500.
2. Have the county open up the county line road. This isn't anything fancy and nothing more
than a dirt road along the county line. The fencing and driveways would be our responsibil-
ity. Cost? At least $2,000 in top-fill and gravel.
3. Run in electricity. Our electric company would only go the first 1,000 feet without charging
us. After that it was $1,200 per post (every 100 feet). Total cost to the projected homesite?
$12,000. (Note that solar power systems for an average family home are available for less
than $20,000.)
4. Fence in the entire property. Two of the four sides were totally unfenced and the third side
only half fenced. Cost? More than $1,500 in wire, posts, and staples.
5. Prepare the homesite. Backhoe, bulldozer, etc. If you're less handy than my husband, you'll
need to hire someone to clear the area as well. Cost? $250 to $1,000 per day.
At this point we thought it might be a lot easier to find a piece of land already settled and ready
to go. We hadn't even started on the cost of building the actual house yet. Sure it would cost us
more at the beginning to purchase already developed land, but would perhaps save us quite a bit of
money as well as time when it is all said and done.
Buying land that is already positioned relatively close to electricity, city or rural water, and other
amenities will be less trouble but will also be a lot more money. As much as ten times the price.
Sometimes this cost difference will be prohibitive and you'll want to begin examining what it's
worth to you to become more self-sufficient.
Living in a more rural location will bring a greater diversity in wildlife. It will usually mean
much more affordable land and housing prices, and often a greater cooperative atmosphere with
your neighbors. Instead of being the only one in the area with a backyard flock, you'll have more
experienced poultry keepers around you who can help get you started or give you a pointer or
two. On the other hand, being in a more urban location usually means access to a wider choice of
schools, jobs, stores, and other amenities. You'll want to accurately assess your family's needs before
uprooting them to an area that doesn't have what you need. Relocating your family is a big decision
that shouldn't be taken lightly.
