If you are looking to move to a rural area, should you buy rural land for sale to live there? What are the disadvantages and advantages of doing so?
Or are you better off purchasing a rural area home that is situated on land already?
This blog post will give you both sides of buying rural land.
The Advantages To Buying Land In Rural Areas
More Affordable
One of the most obvious advantages of buying rural land for sale is that it’s typically much cheaper than purchasing property in an urban area.
If you’re looking for a more affordable cost of living, rural land is definitely worth considering. However, if you are looking at rural areas that are in a resort community the prices may be higher.
Disconnect From All
Additionally, if you’re someone who enjoys peace and quiet, you’ll find that living in a rural area provides plenty of opportunities to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Living in a rural area can provide a sense of tranquility and solitude. However, for those who desire to disconnect from others, there are a few strategies that can be implemented.
Spending time outdoors and engaging in activities such as hiking or gardening can create a physical and mental distance from social interactions.
Lastly, developing a routine that involves solitary activities like reading or writing can further foster a sense of disconnection. By implementing these strategies, individuals living in rural areas can effectively disconnect from others and embrace a more secluded lifestyle.
Large Lots To Build On Rural Land
If you have your heart set on owning a large piece of property, buying rural land is also a great option since plots of land tend to be larger in size in less populated areas.
Some rural areas have ordinances where you must have at least 5 or 10 acres before building a new home. Other areas may include more acreage for building.
Build Your Own Style of Home
By having your own land to build a house on, you can build any style. From a log home to a modern Contemporary home, that choice is yours. (Unless you buy where there is a homeowners association, if so beware!)
Of course, there are also some disadvantages to take into consideration before making your final decision to buy rural land.
Larger Area For Animals
If you love animals like horses, cows, or chickens, having a large parcel of rural land could accommodate that. Of course, you may want to check with your local town by-laws on having them.
Some areas may be stricter than others on how many animals you may own per acre. You may not be able to have say more than 2 dogs, etc.
Buy Rural Land For Hunting
If you or your family love to hunt purchasing a big rural land could be a great place for hunting season. However, if you don’t want anyone else to hunt on your property be sure to place signs at entry points.
Again, check with your local authorities or realtor if you want to buy rural land for hunting purposes.
The Disadvantages To Buy Rural Land for Sale
Far From Amenities
The potential downside to buying rural land for sale is that it can be more difficult to access amenities that are taken for granted in urban areas – like grocery stores, hospitals, and schools.
This is especially true if you’re planning on living in a very remote location. Not only that but in extreme weather it may be harder to get around and out of the area during winter or mud seasons.
Fewer Jobs Available
Another potential drawback is that it may be more challenging to find gainful employment in a rural area since there tend to be fewer job opportunities available. However, today that is not as true as we see help-wanted signs everywhere in our rural town.
Oftentimes, stores or restaurants have to close early due to having no help to run them, sadly. If we have to drive any distance to a store or restaurant, I always call first.
Internet Challenges Working From Home
Depending on which areas you go you may find it challenging to access internet service. Many people in the early 2020s wanted to move away from cities but found in rural areas they could not always log on to their computers to work.
However, in 2024 that has been changing in many rural communities across the country. We just got FIOS a few months ago and it’s been a tremendous asset to have in our home for our business.
But I just read in some areas Starlink is increasing rates in some rural areas.
Seriously @elonmusk how is far Northern Maine considered "Limited Capacity"? @Starlink pic.twitter.com/UrGyHAKV0i
— James Sinko (@JamesSinko) May 11, 2024
Finding Builders To Build Your Home
Finding builders to construct homes in rural areas often takes longer compared to urban areas. The primary reason for this delay is the limited availability of skilled builders in these remote regions.
Due to the lower population density, there are fewer construction professionals who specialize in rural building projects. As a result, the pool of qualified builders is smaller, making it more challenging to find suitable contractors for home construction.
Additionally, the distance between rural areas and urban centers often deters builders from taking on projects in remote locations. The logistics and transportation costs involved in operating in rural areas can be higher, making it less attractive for builders to invest their time and resources.
Consequently, the combination of a smaller talent pool and logistical considerations contributes to the longer search for builders in rural areas when you want to buy rural land.
More Expensive To Build When You Buy Rural Land
Since materials have to be trucked further away from your location, the price of building a new home on purchased rural land may cost more.
Not only that but to view windows, doors, etc. you may have to drive far unless you can do it online and feel comfortable with your purchases.
However, learn how much is an acre in the area you are looking at as it can bring down your total cost of the property once built.
What States Can You Purchase Rural Land In?
Some of these states may surprise you as when you think of rural land you may think of the mid-west only.
Here are some states where you can find rural area land for sale:
- Alaska
- Virginia
- Maine
- Vermont
- West Virginia
- Tennessee
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Arkansas
- South Dakota
- Kentucky
- Alabama
- Pennsylvania
Conclusion To Buy Rural Land or Not
So, should you buy rural land for sale? Ultimately, the decision comes down to what’s most important to you and your family.
If you’re looking for a more affordable cost of living and the opportunity to own a large piece of land or property, buying rural land is definitely worth considering. It may cost less for an acre of land in rural areas.
You can also learn more about USDA loans to save you money when you are ready to buy land in rural areas.
However, if you’re someone who prefers convenient access to amenities and job opportunities, an urban area may be a better fit for you. We hope this blog post has helped give you some food for thought as you make your decision!
Have you ever purchased rural land? I’d love to know more about it in the comments below.
Very helpful considerations, Lisa! I’m on the hunt for priory, although not ready to buy yet, but am looking at rural West Virginia areas. Having internet access and medical available are keys for me. I do want to be remote, isolation, but don’t want to drive 2 hours to the nearest hospital.
I did not know about the USDA loans. Appreciate you sharing that. It’s that so.ething you would consider in purchasing land?
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Bren. Oh yes, we looked in West Virginia and there was no phone service or GPS, good thing we found someone outdoors when we needed directions to get back to main road after looking at a property up in the mountains there. Very beautiful though. We have had to drive an hour to our hospital but our new land is only 20 minutes away from one. No, they need so much paperwork and personal info and it is hard to qualify unless you are in or near poverty level. Thanks for coming Bren and have a great day.