When I first got the idea of homesteading, I thought it was just about planting a few tomatoes, maybe some chickens scratching around. Easy, right? Well, not so much. Once you get serious about it growing your own food, raising animals, maybe trying to go a little off grid you start realizing where you live makes a huge difference.
I’ve lived this life for over 10 years now, moved between a couple states, and visited friends’ farms in others. And lemme tell you there ain’t no perfect state. Every place has trade-offs. Some are great for growing, but land costs too much. Some are cheap, but you’ll freeze your tail off in January. So today I wanna walk you through what I’ve learned about the best homesteading states, from real experience, mistakes, and the stuff I wish somebody told me before I packed a moving truck.
The First Time I Picked the Wrong Place
When I first jumped into homesteading, I thought, “cheap land, that’s all I need.” Found a little property in the Midwest price was right, soil looked decent, house needed work but hey, I’m handy. What I didn’t think about was water rights, harsh winters, and how far I’d be from any family or community.
I still remember standing out there in February, trying to thaw out the chicken water with a hair dryer plugged into an extension cord. It hit me: cheap land doesn’t mean good land. Lesson learned the hard way.
What Makes a State Good for Homesteading?
Before I list off states, lemme just say there’s no “best” state for everyone. Depends on your goals. Do you want off grid? Big livestock? Just a backyard garden? For me, here’s what I always look at now:
- Land price vs. quality Cheap is good, but not if it’s swamp or desert.
- Growing season You want enough frost-free days to get real food grown.
- Water access This one’s huge. Well rights, rainfall, even just reliable sources.
- Community & laws Some states love homesteaders. Others will hassle you for a clothesline.
- Weather Can you handle hurricanes, tornadoes, or shoveling 4 feet of snow?
Alright, now let’s get into the states I’ve seen work well for homesteading folks like us.
Missouri: My Sleeper Favorite
I gotta start here, because Missouri doesn’t always show up on people’s lists, but I think it’s one of the best homesteading states. Land is affordable, especially in the southern Ozarks. The soil ain’t perfect everywhere, but with compost and some chickens working it, you can make it grow.
One thing I love: the laws are pretty relaxed. Folks don’t bother you much. Rainfall’s decent, and you can grow almost anything with a good garden plan. Downsides? Summers get hot and humid, and ticks are no joke. One summer I pulled more ticks than tomatoes. But still Missouri’s a solid choice.
Tennessee: Friendly People, Good Growing
I’ve got a buddy near Knoxville who raises goats and grows the most amazing sweet potatoes I’ve ever eaten. Tennessee is homesteader friendly. Land prices are still reasonable if you look outside the city areas.
The climate’s nice you get four seasons but not brutal winters like up north. And the community? Super supportive. When my truck broke down hauling hay there, three neighbors I didn’t even know stopped to help.
Only downside: property taxes can be weird, and depending where you are, humidity can be rough. Oh, and copperhead snakes watch your step.
Kentucky: Where My Garden Took Off
I spent two years renting a little place in Kentucky. First thing I noticed the soil. Black, rich, and it just wanted to grow stuff. I planted tomatoes and thought I overdid it, but they thrived like crazy.
Kentucky land prices aren’t bad either, and water’s usually not an issue. You can raise chickens, cows, goats no problem. The downside? Tornado season will scare you, and some areas flood. Plus, certain counties can be picky about building codes. But overall, I’d go back in a heartbeat.
Idaho: Great but Changing Fast
Now, if you’re more into the off-grid mountain vibe, Idaho’s on a lot of people’s lists. Cheap land used to be everywhere, though prices shot up lately ‘cause folks are moving in. The good: you’ve got space, low population, and a culture that kinda lets you do your thing.
The bad? Winters are tough. I visited a friend in northern Idaho, and his outdoor compost pile froze solid till April. Also, if you’re new to homesteading, starting in that climate can be rough. But for hardy folks, Idaho’s still one of the best states for homesteading if you want independence.
Texas: Big Opportunities, Big Challenges
Texas is funny. It’s huge, so saying “Texas for homesteading” is like saying “America’s good for fishing.” Depends where you are. East Texas? Great rainfall, long growing season, lots of small homesteaders. West Texas? Dry as a bone, unless you like cactus salad.
I tried growing lettuce one spring near Dallas, and it bolted in about three minutes. But with shade cloth and irrigation, folks make it work. Land can be pricey near cities but dirt cheap in rural counties. Just watch water rights they can be tricky.
Maine: For the Tough and Self Sufficient
If you want rugged, Maine’s worth a look. The land is beautiful, lots of forest, and folks are independent-minded. You can find cheap property if you don’t mind fixing up an old cabin.
The growing season’s short, but I know a guy who grows huge root crops and cans enough to last through long winters. Heating costs are high, and snow is serious business. I tried to visit once in February couldn’t even find his driveway under the drifts. But if you want space and don’t mind the cold, Maine gives it.
Florida: Not for Everyone But Hear Me Out
People laugh when I say Florida, but some homesteaders love it. You can grow year-round, which is wild. Citrus, greens, even bananas if you’re south enough.
Downsides are obvious hurricanes, bugs, and the heat will knock you down. I stayed with a cousin there one summer, and I thought the mosquitoes were gonna carry me off. But if you like tropical crops and don’t mind prepping for storms, Florida has potential.
A Quick Story About Chickens and States
When I moved from Kentucky to Missouri, I brought my chickens along in the back of the truck. Different state, same birds, but man, they reacted different. In Kentucky, they’d free-range all day. In Missouri, with more hawks around, they stuck close to the coop. It hit me every state has its own rhythm, its own challenges. Chickens don’t care about state lines, but the land sure changes things.
Other States Folks Talk About
I can’t go deep on all of them, but I’ve heard good things about:
- Arkansas Similar to Missouri, affordable, long growing season.
- Montana Wide open, but harsh winters.
- Oregon Great soil, but land costs are climbing.
- Alaska If you’re hardcore and love long daylight summers.
Each has pros and cons, just like everywhere else.
My Honest Advice on Picking a Homesteading State
Here’s the thing. You can chase “best states” lists all day, but what matters most is YOU. Can you handle the weather? Do you want neighbors nearby or miles of silence? Is the land cheap but the laws a nightmare?
If I had to pick right now for balance of cost, climate, and freedom, my top three would be: Missouri, Tennessee, and Kentucky. They just check the boxes for most folks starting out.
But if your dream’s off-grid in the mountains, maybe Idaho or Montana’s your jam. If you love year-round growing, maybe Florida.
Mini FAQ
Q: Do I need tons of land to homestead?
A: Nope. I started with less than half an acre and grew plenty of food. Chickens don’t need much.
Q: What about urban homesteading?
A: Totally possible. I grew tomatoes and peppers on a fire escape in the city once. Even canned salsa from it.
Q: Is it better to buy land cheap or closer to town?
A: Depends. Cheap land is nice, but if you gotta drive an hour for feed or a doctor, it gets old fast. Balance matters.
Wrapping It Up (Without Sounding Fancy)
So yeah, there’s no magic answer to “the best homesteading states.” Each one’s got its charm and its challenges. I’ve made mistakes chasing cheap land, and I’ve had victories pulling in harvests that shocked me.
If I can leave you with one thing, it’s this: don’t wait for perfect. Pick a place that fits your budget, your family, and your patience. Then start small. Plant a bed, get a couple chickens, see how it feels.
You’ll figure it out along the way, same as I did through mud, sweat, busted tools, and those little moments when you sit on the porch with a plate of homegrown food and think, “Dang, this is worth it.”
Got a weird question? Drop it below, I actually answer. And if you find the magic state I missed, lemme know. I might just pack the truck again.