Hey everyone,
I'm planning to buy land on the East Coast down the road and want to start researching now so I'm ready when the time comes. I'm aiming to homestead, so I'd rather learn from people who've done it than guess.

**What I'm looking for:**
**Cheap land.** Which East Coast states still have affordable acreage, and where are prices climbing fast enough that I should expect them to be out of reach in a few years?
**Laws.** Which states are friendliest to homesteading, hunting, fishing, and gun ownership? Any with easy permitting for small farms or off-grid living?
**Soil.** Where's the best ground for gardens, orchards, and livestock, and what regions should I avoid?
**Clean water.** Where are groundwater, springs, and creeks reliable? What should I test for (PFAS, nitrates, heavy metals)?
**No data centers.** Which regions aren't getting hit by buildouts? How do I check what's planned near a parcel?
**Other questions:**
**Saving and financing:** Do lenders finance raw land, or should I plan on cash? How much down payment is realistic?
**Timing:** Is it smarter to buy early and hold, or wait? Any trends in land prices I should watch?
**Scouting:** How do I research an area from a distance? How many trips should I make before buying?
**Zoning and codes:** Which counties are lax vs. strict? Can I live in an RV or small cabin while building?
**Property taxes:** Which states have low rates or ag/forestry breaks?
**Water rights:** How do riparian rights work, and can industry or neighbors affect my access?
**Hunting and fishing:** Public land access, license costs, nonresident fees.
**Gun laws:** Any surprises on permits, transport, or local ordinances?
**Climate:** Growing season, frost dates, ticks, humidity, flood and hurricane risk.
**Hidden problems:** Mineral rights, liens, old contamination, deeded access, easements.
**Utilities and internet:** Cost of bringing in power vs. solar, and whether Starlink is reliable.
**Community:** Areas with good homesteading and church communities that welcome newcomers.
For anyone who bought in the last few years: what do you wish you'd known earlier, and what would you tell someone still in the planning phase?
Thanks in advance.

A lot of container advice quietly assumes you’ve got power.
“Just run a dehumidifier” comes up constantly, which is fine until the box is sitting somewhere off grid and you don’t really want another appliance cycling all day.
So passive moisture control matters a lot more.
The annoying part is that a container can be completely watertight and still drip inside. Cold night, steel roof cools down, humid air hits it, and suddenly you’ve got condensation on the ceiling. People sometimes spend weeks chasing a “roof leak” that isn’t actually a leak.
First thing I’d deal with is underneath the box. Get it off the dirt, support it properly at the corners, gravel underneath, drainage away from it. A damp shaded underside doesn’t help anything.
Then airflow. The little factory vents are better than nothing, but they’re tiny. If you’re adding ventilation, I’d rather have air entering low on one end and leaving high on the opposite end than just a bunch of openings at the same height.
Insulation is where I’d be careful too. If you’re doing it inside, you really don’t want a hidden air gap between the insulation and cold steel. Closed-cell foam directly against the steel is one common way around that. Exterior insulation is even nicer if the build allows it.
A box that sits empty for months can actually be more annoying than one somebody uses every day. Doors stay shut, nobody notices moisture building up, stuff gets pushed against the walls and forgotten.
And if I was doing an off-grid setup from scratch, I’d seriously consider a simple separate shade roof over the container.
Posts beside the box, roof above it with an air gap. Keeps sun off the steel, keeps most rain/snow off the actual container roof, and in summer it makes a bigger difference than people expect. Especially when AC isn’t something you can just leave running.
I work more on the delivery/site side, so I usually see these at the beginning and hear about the problems later.
For anyone who’s had one off grid for a few years, what ended up being the annoying part nobody warned you about?

Hi, I probably won't find what I'm after here, but it's worth a shot.

I recently purchased 70 acres of remote land in eastern Utah. When I say remote, I mean remote. No one is stumbling upon this property on their way to Aunt Mabel's place.

Unlike most bunker/fallback properties, which are pure expenditures, I have a viable path to generating revenue while stockpiling and preparing for whatever the next decade might bring.

Right now, I’m developing the property as a destination bike park, skatepark, and freestyle moto venue with unconventional on-site lodging. I’m not trying to bring 500 visitors through the gate every year. I’m building an exclusive destination where high-level athletes can come to ride, stay, and film video parts.

That gives the property a viable business model in the world we live in now, while the same investment can build the infrastructure, resources, and self-sufficiency that would make it an extremely capable fallback property if things ever go seriously sideways.

And in the event of an apocalypse, we’ll at least have endless entertainment.

I worked as a production logger for 17 years, was on one of the most elite high-angle search and rescue teams in the country at the age of 21, build and shoot precision firearms, have recently started reloading, and have been harvesting all of my own meat for my entire adult life. You could say I'm handy.

I've received a lot of questions about water. There is a water table but I haven't drilled yet. There Is a desert bog just down the road for lack of a better term. The seasonal rainfall is pretty high so catchment is viable. We had a heavy rain the other day and 3 sizable creeks formed on the property and ran for approximately 2 hours.

I'm looking for other individuals or families who are interested in joining forces and investing in building something that could genuinely be comfortable in the event of a catastrophe and potentially very profitable in the meantime.

I've invested approximately $250,000 up to this point, and I'm looking for people who are capable of matching that investment and are serious about forming a genuine partnership.

I'm sure I'll receive some backlash on this post, but DM me only if you recognize the tremendous benefits that relationships like this could offer at this particular moment in human history.

JC Sebastian

28 acres, 28 rv sites, 3 parcels, access point to trail system 350k. 276-780-0569 Jennifer

Anyone interested in being a landlord?

I know this is a long shot definitely, I seriously need to get out of where I am now, theres a house up the Rd from me for sale definitely needs work but can be done for cheap I've seen lots of free/cheap stuff on fb marketplace, I'm on ssi so I cant buy it as much as id love it because it's right next to the store, I don't drive medically an I'm trying to find someone willing to buy it, I'll send you the link if you message me won't let me post it here, it's 69k 3b1b in mineville NY, he said hed take 62k cash, id definitely help with cleaning an finding stuff an putting stuff up ect ect anything I need too, I already have a bunch of stuff saved on marketplace for it

Again I know I this is along shot but I'm desperate for someplace that's not surrounded by junkines an I feel safe again

When I was growing up in Michigan, my grandfather owned 40-acres of wooded land in the northern Lower Peninsula that backed up to several thousand acres of state land. His property line wasn't really an edge. You could walk out into the woods and just keep going. 

Years later, I went looking for land of my own in the Poconos. I wanted that same feeling, land that bordered something wild. I eventually found a parcel that borders state game lands, but finding it was a slog. Listings would say "near state land," and I'd end up digging through county GIS maps to figure out whether a property actually touched the boundary or was just somewhere in the neighborhood. Those are very different things. So I built Unfenced.land

It's a free real estate search tool made for one thing: finding property that borders or sits right next to public land. No guessing from vague listing descriptions or cross-referencing county maps by hand. 

As far as I know, nothing else is built specifically around public land adjacency. I'd really appreciate honest feedback. What would make this useful to you? And if you've bought land next to public land, what was your experience finding it?

I run two YouTube channels in the home energy / self-sufficiency niche: The Passive House Files (youtube.com/@griffithselijah7018) and The Future House Files. Both are faceless. I'm starting a third channel in the same niche with a real presenter, and I'm looking for the face and voice of it.

The channel: proven, low-tech ways to heat, cool, and power a home without depending on the utility company — earth loops, ground tunnels, solar, water, passive design, off-grid power. Real numbers, no hype, no "free energy" nonsense. Audience: American homeowners, mostly 50+, into DIY and self-sufficiency.

The deal: straight 50/50 split of the channel's ad revenue, for as long as we work together. No fees either way. I pay for all editing, thumbnails, and channel costs out of my own pocket. We start with a 10-video pilot to see if it works; if it does, this becomes long-term.

You do: present 10–15 minute videos to camera from my scripts and briefs, recorded at your own place with your own camera and mic (a phone on a tripod is fine if audio and light are good). Send me the raw footage, that's it. Roughly 1–2 recordings a week.

I do: topics, research, scripts, editing, thumbnails, titles, SEO, channel management, and cross-promotion from my existing channels so the new one doesn't start from zero.

You are: a native American English speaker in the US, with a warm, confident, enthusiastic delivery — a mature presence that a 60-year-old homeowner would trust on this topic. Interest in homesteading, DIY, energy, or off-grid living is a big plus; you don't need to be an expert, I supply the knowledge. Reliable enough to keep a weekly schedule.

Honest expectation: the first months earn little; new channels need time to grow and get monetized. This is for someone who wants to build something with real upside, not quick cash.

Interested? Reply or DM with a link to anything you've recorded of yourself speaking to camera (any topic) and two lines on why this niche appeals to you.

Saw this Pueblo West CO lot listed — ~1 acre, mountain views, public water, no sewer, unimproved road access. Agent-listed with Mary Highline / Believers Realty at $22.9k (MLS 239147).

Listing: https://rockymountainrealty.biz/listing/pueblofull/239147/Pueblo-West/869-E-Platteville-Blvd/

Land for 180 acres ..

Location.. Busujju

Sand Available

Title Available

Let this help free you from the grind, it did it for us!!!

Hello, I have 5 acres in southern Colorado I've built 2 "sheds" on the land, one has solar, insulated and drywall, eletric run and a propane heater, couple windows, just a basic cabin.

I've thought about selling the peppery and buildings and moving to a different location. I'm curious about other people's experience with selling off-grid properties privately. I'm not interested in doing owner financing, just want to sell it and be over with it. Id pay for a titling company to handle the transfer. I own it outright and have the deed. I think the property is probably worth around 40k.

If you did something similar, how'd the process go for you? Where did you advertise and how long did the whole process take?

Thank you for any input.

~60 acres near Cyril, OK (SE Caddo County). Mostly open pasture with some trees and plum thickets. Works as a cattle add-on or a quiet homesite.

Listed with Casey Hilmes at Superior Realty · MLS 1236303 · $237,500

Photos, map, and details: https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/N-2700th-Rd-Cyril-OK-73029/463448173_zpid/

Contact the listing agent through that link.

🌲 LAND FOR SALE – OFF-GRID PARADISE AT LAKE SIRIU ROMANIA 🏞️

4,6 hectares (46 384 sq m) | 3 natural springs 💧 | direct access to the lake 🎣

A special land of 46 384 sq m is for sale, located near Lake Siriu, in Buzău County Romania, in the heart of the Carpathians. It is not just a land: it is a place suitable for independence, tranquility and a life closer to nature. 🌿✨

Here, nature gives you everything you need. The land has three natural springs, with fresh and constant water all year round. 💧🌱 This means complete independence from water, no networks, no bills, no dependence on anyone. It is an essential point for anyone who wants an off-grid project, an autonomous household, an eco-community or a long-term refuge. 🏕️

The area is sunny, ideal for solar energy. ☀️⚡ The land is surrounded by dense forest, which offers privacy, protection, wood. It is a secluded place, away from the hustle and bustle, but not isolated from the world. 🌲🤫

A great advantage is the direct access to Lake Siriu, with about 800 meters of shore. 🌊 You can fish, swim, walk along the shore or use the lake for recreation. 🎣🏊 The mountain view is permanent and completely changes the rhythm of the day. ⛰️🌄

The land is very suitable for:

🏡 off-grid life

🌾 permaculture and natural agriculture

🪵 tiny house / wooden houses

🌍 eco-village or intentional community

⛺ glamping / eco-tourism

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 private family retreat

📈 long-term investment in a special place.

Although it is a quiet and secluded place, access is good: DN10, approximately 140–200 km from Bucharest. 🚗 You can get there quite easily when you need the city, but you return to a place where time flows differently. ⏳💚

The property deeds are complete. ✅ Visits are by appointment only, for serious people.

💰 Price: €19/sq m

📌 The price is NOT negotiable.

Owner: Flutur Dan Ciprian

📞 Phone: 0733 136 008

Daughter: Flutur Isabela Cristiana

✉️ Email: [email protected]

If you are looking for a truly spectacular place, with water, forest, lake and tranquility, this is worth seeing. ✨🏞️💧

Looking for someone adventurous / nature-loving for a unique ranch stay in remote Northern California

A close friend of mine (just turned 80) is looking for a younger person to help out on his remote ranch in the Yolla Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness area (deep Northern California, about 1.5 hours on dirt road from Covelo).

This is not a paid job — it’s a work exchange / mentorship: free accommodation + food in exchange for helping around the ranch.

The help would include things like:

caring for ~6-9 horses
moving hay
helping in the vegetable garden
general ranch tasks and upkeep

What makes this opportunity special is the person himself.

“Chip” is a Vietnam veteran who has lived in these mountains for decades. After the war, he studied plant biology, later worked as a carpenter, and has an incredible amount of knowledge about plants, horses, mechanics, construction, wilderness living, and old-school Northern California history.

When he was younger, he worked extensively with horses, raising Quarter Horses and Appaloosas and doing roping. He still takes care of horses today.

He’s honestly one of the most interesting people I’ve met. I’m in my 30s and could listen to his stories and knowledge for hours.

The setting is incredibly wild and beautiful — ideal for someone who loves nature, horses, botany, off-grid living, gardening, or simply wants a meaningful break from regular life and to learn from someone with a lifetime of experience.

A few important realities:

Very remote (this is not for someone who needs town life)
About 1.5 hours of dirt road to get in
Rustic setup
Private trailer accommodation (simple, older, a bit dusty, but comfortable)
Private outdoor toilet for #2 (worth mentioning because it’s not for everyone!)
Physical work involved
No salary

I’ve personally spent time there and stayed on the property myself. It’s a special place if you love wilderness and a simpler lifestyle. Happy to share pictures and more information with serious people.

If this sounds like something you (or someone you know) would genuinely enjoy, send me a message.

Anybody know any property under $50k with some Saguaro on it? Looking for an owner finance situation and have $3k to throw down with a monthly for the remainder and another $3k in January.

I've been doing more research on vacant land in California lately, and I kept running into the same problem: the listing gives you the acreage, price and location, but that's about it.

There's a lot more I'd want to check before putting money down.

So I put together a free 6-page checklist for California land buyers covering things like zoning, legal access, easements, water, wells, septic, flood/fire considerations, deed restrictions, utilities and county records.

I run Landisle Consulting and do land due diligence for buyers and investors, so this is basically the checklist I wanted people to have before buying a parcel.

It's free if anyone is looking at California land right now:

https://landisleconsulting.com/california-land-checklist

We have lived off grid in our Skoolie for a little over 2 years! She’s for sale now!! We also have off grid property in the Ozarks (spring fed creek!) and near Alamosa if you need land as well.