Homesteading Today
is Still Possible

Homesteading today is still possible, and you can earn your land free from the government, but don't expect a 40-acre lot or even a home in a popular location. Small towns that are struggling to grow will sometimes give away lots in the hope that you will move there and build a home there.

better garden view

Usually when I talk about homesteading, I am talking about a way of life rather than a way to earn land. It's living simply, paying off debt, and yes, obtaining land by saving enough for a good-sized down payment and then paying off that mortgage bit by bit. 

But it is possible to earn your land simply by building it. But just like the late 1800s, when you had to live on land most people wouldn't, youwill have to be willing to live in places such as New Richland, Minnesota, or Osborne, Kansas, places many people have not even heard of. 

Several small towns - most of them located in the rural Midwest - are looking for residents and are willing to give you a free parcel of land if you are willing to move there.

Homesteading today, meaning getting free land if you are willing to build on it, is still possible in remote areas.

What's the Catch With Homesteading Today?

To pursue your goal of homesteading, you won't be living on an acreage, but rather in a small town. The lots are usually part of a subdivision being built in a particular community.

Most require you to build a house - no mobile homes allowed - within one year of receiving the free land. You must provide proof that you will have the funds to build a home (usually a lender's pre-approval letter) and a floor plan or design of your proposed home to pursue your dream of homesteading today. You must also have title insurance. 

Some communities will assess you for part of the cost to develop your property with streets, curb and gutter, as well as water and sewer. Usually, you are allowed to pay this out over ten to fifteen years. 

All of these communities have small populations and are in rural areas. After all, if people were moving there in droves, they wouldn't have to offer free land.

These towns need people to move in, start businesses, buy from other local businesses in the town, and help the town to grow. That's why they're willing to offer you free land. If you're not interested in becoming part of a small community, you might consider saving up and buying land in the country instead.

If you do decide to try this, I would highly recommend finding a small, local church, joining it, and then being as active in it as you possibly can.  Whatever small community you decide to join, make an effort to contribute to that community.  That way you can get to know people, and they can get to know you. 

Be aware that living in a small town can be like living in a fish bowl.  You can't hide in a small town the way you can hide in the big city or even on an acreage.  If you don't mind that, this could be a great opportunity for you to start homesteading today. Here are some places where free land is available:

Kansas

Kansas has gotten a bad rap over the years, probably because so many have only seen this sunny state from the window of their cars while speeding through on their way to Colorado or California.

To lure people to their state, Kansas became the forerunner in offering free land and homesteading today, giving you the chance to pursue your dream of self-sufficient living and building your own home. 

As of this writing, the towns of Mankato and Marquette, Kansas, are offering free land if you're willing to move to their small town. 

Mankato, Kansas, is located in the far northern part of the state near the Nebraska border. You can learn more about their free land program here. 

Marquette, Kansas, is located in central Kansas. You can learn more about their housing incentive here.

Minnesota

Tyler, Minnesota, is located in southern Minnesota, close to the South Dakota border. You can learn more about it here.

Nebraska

Check the requirements carefully, as some of these communities require a home with a minimum of $100,000 taxable value, or a home with a required minimum square footage or that the homes be stick-built.  You can find links here.

Learn More About Self-Reliant Living

Return from Homesteading Today to Home

About the Author

My name is Sue Merriam, and I began the journey of self-reliant living more than three decades ago, which enabled me to stay home with my children. Fifteen years ago, I founded Joyful Homesteading to help others save money and face the future without fear. My goal is to give you practical, honest advice so you can save money and experience the joy of simple living. I hope you join me.

Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.