Nine Accessible States for New Homesteaders to Contemplate and Dream Of
In a recent report by researchers at First Saturday Lime, the best states for homesteading and gardening in 2024 were revealed. The report, originating from a company that gained notoriety on ABC's Shark Tank, considered factors such as farmland costs, community interests, and climate to rank the states.
Texas claimed the top spot due to its vast size, abundant sunlight, and the numerous ranches and farms available. Arizona, although not in the top five, boasts a favourable climate with over 300 sunny days per year, making it an attractive destination for homesteaders.
Delaware might come as a surprise, ranking fifth despite high farmland costs. The high number of gardens listed on Yelp in the state contributes to its appeal for homesteaders. Vermont, on the other hand, comes fourth in the report due to its high search interest for gardens and its agrarian past.
Vermont's history is deeply rooted in farming, with over 150 years of towns taking responsibility for impoverished residents via "poor farms". The state's Tri-Cities region also offers a favourable climate for homesteading.
Wyoming, with its large areas of flat ground suitable for gardening, ranks high on the list. Lindsey Chastain, a seasoned homesteader, recommends considering space and shelters for animals when considering Wyoming for homesteading.
Colorado, with its unique blend of sunshine and precipitation due to its half-mountainous and half-Great Plains topography, ranks well in the report. The state also offers a Beginner Farmer Loan Program, making it easier for new homesteaders to settle.
Oregon comes in second place due to its diverse climate, availability of land for off-grid living, and strong community force. Historic Oregon City reports that there was a time when homesteaders could get a portion of land for free in Oregon.
Montana, with its 3,000,000 wilderness acres, ranks high on search lists and attracts homesteaders for its low acreage cost and number of acres for sale. Washington ranks third in the report due to its outdoors-friendly nature and favourable climate, especially in the Tri-Cities region.
Lastly, Hawaii offers a unique opportunity for gardeners with its lush landscapes and year-round warmth. The state has a unique USDA hardiness zone: Zone 11.
While the report does not explicitly mention the top state overall for homesteading and gardening in 2024, these states provide a solid foundation for those considering a move towards a more self-sufficient lifestyle.
- Many homesteading projects in Delaware include planting and tending to gardens, as evidenced by the high number of gardens listed on Yelp in the state.
- For those interested in gardening, Ohio might be an ideal location, considering its unique USDA hardiness zone of Zone 11, offering a year-round warmth for lush landscapes.
- A notable homesteader, Lindsey Chastain, recommends considering space and shelters for animals when considering Wyoming for homesteading, due to its large areas of flat ground suitable for gardening.
- Although Arizona did not make the top five, it is still an appealing destination for homesteaders as it boasts a favourable climate with over 300 sunny days per year.
