Location, Location, Location

[remington]

In a couple years, if all goes well, I hope to be on my own bit of land. I am considering either NC or NE Kansas or NW Arkansas. Land prices are slightly less in Arkansas and there are some nice mountains but the land in Kansas is better for grazing and growing. Does anybody here live in either Kansas or Arkansas that can give me an idea of homesteading there?

[HockeyFan]

Consider winters as well. Also consider annual rainfall.

[remington]

I love winter so Kansas has an advantage there.

[RobertRogers]

There are a variety of considerations right down to the local level. Best to have a good look-see of any property first.

[Terri]

We live in Central Kansas, close to the Kansas-Missouri area. My MIL lives in NW Arkansas.

I think the biggest differfence is in culture, and it is a fairly large difference. That area of Arkansas in defia=nately South, while my area of Kansas is definately North. To be specific, Midwestern with it's emphasis on self-reliance. It is also a consevative state.

Honestly, this is something that you will have to visit! You will either "click" with an area or you will not!

I never DID click with the Midwest, but in time I became comfortable and now I really like it here. My MIL sees that I am at home here, but she REALLY! prefers the Southern atmosphere of NW Arkansas!

[cubcadet]

remington,
If I were you, I`d do what I should have done first before moving here to NE PA. Try to get a farmer or rancher to hire you for your upkeep for 6 months or rent a place. See for yourself then if the area looks good for you and your family. In that time go around looking for places that have a good barn or 2. A sound house is a plus. A nice barn is worth more than a spacious log mansion. Make sure the sill is sound. Roofs can be fixed pretty cheap, not sill plates. You can get very nice pre fabricated homes now, that`re alot cheaper than stick built ones. Live in a mobile home at first if you have to.

[remington]

Really like the Southern atmosphere. Gun racks in the pickup, and dog in the back. But I don't like the population density.

[walls0stone]

sounds like north central Pa