Top 10 Homesteading-friendly States to Ponder Over for Novices
In the realm of homesteading and gardening, the search for the perfect location is a significant endeavour. A recent report, released by First Saturday Lime, a company born on ABC's Shark Tank in late 2024, sheds light on the states that stand out as ideal for homesteaders.
The report meticulously considered factors such as farmland costs, community interests, and climate to rank the states in descending order. Let's delve into the top contenders.
Texas, with its vast size, abundant sunlight hours, and a multitude of ranches and farms on the market, claims the top spot. Homesteaders drawn to this Lone Star State can expect a favourable climate and a thriving market for land.
Close on Texas' heels is Oregon, which secures the second position. Known for its diverse climate, the Beaver State offers a wealth of opportunities for homesteading. Its strong community force and the availability of land make it an attractive destination.
Montana, the Treasure State, ranks high on search lists for homesteaders. Its low acreage cost, second-best farmland cost per acre, and numerous acres for sale make it a compelling choice. For those who appreciate breathtaking landscapes, Montana's beauty, as showcased in the hit show Yellowstone, is an added bonus.
Colorado, the Centennial State, has charmed many homesteaders with its price-per-acre of farmland and total acreage for sale. Its unique blend of sunshine and precipitation, thanks to its half-mountainous and half-Great Plains topography, creates an ideal environment for farming.
Washington, renowned for its outdoorsy reputation and high number of sun days per year, ranks third. The Evergreen State offers a favourable climate for homesteaders, making it a popular choice.
Hawaii, the Aloha State, offers a tropical paradise for gardeners. With its lush landscapes and year-round warmth, it provides a unique USDA hardiness zone: Zone 11, allowing for a wide range of species to be grown. However, it's important to note that pest activity, soil consistency, and exposure to the Central Pacific Ocean's salty air are factors to consider.
Vermont, known for its agrarian past and high internet search interest per capita for homesteading, as well as a high number of gardens listed on Yelp, ranks fourth.
Delaware, despite having expensive farmland, manages to secure the fifth position due to its high number of gardens listed on Yelp and a climate that pushes it into 13th overall in the country.
Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Jersey come last in the report, indicating they are not ideal for homesteading due to various reasons.
Arizona, known for its sunny climate and expansive desert landscapes, did not make it to the top states for homesteading in the report. However, its unique environment offers opportunities for those willing to brave the heat.
Lastly, Wyoming, with its flat, wild, windswept expanse, is suitable for large areas of flat ground or greenhouses for gardening.
While the report does not specify which state was ranked as the best overall for homesteading and gardening in late 2024, these findings provide valuable insights for those considering a move into rural living. Each state offers its unique advantages and challenges, and careful consideration is essential when making this life-changing decision.
- Homesteaders drawn to Montana can expect a compelling choice for their projects, with its low acreage cost, second-best farmland cost per acre, and numerous acres for sale.
- Hawaii provides a unique USDA hardiness zone (Zone 11) for gardeners, allowing for a wide range of species to be grown in its lush landscapes and year-round warmth.
- Vermont, with its agrarian past and high internet search interest per capita for homesteading, along with a high number of gardens listed on Yelp, ranks fourth in the report.
- Delaware, despite having expensive farmland, manages to secure the fifth position due to a high number of gardens listed on Yelp and a climate that pushes it into 13th overall in the country.
