Come build here . . . for free! From the Midwest to the mountains, U.S. housing costs are rising. To attract residents and boost local economies, some small towns offer free land. But these deals often come at a price.
In 1862, the U.S. government passed the Homestead Act. It granted free land—up to 160 acres!—to settlers of the American West. But there was a catch: Grantees had to live on and work the land for at least five years.
Today, the federal government isn’t doling out land parcels. However, some small towns and cities are still offering acreage as a way to increase their shrinking populations. The states dangle the lure of free land if you meet certain standards and are willing to go rural. The factors can include income minimums, clean criminal records, and residency requirements. Some demand building certain house sizes or creating jobs in the area as “payback.”
Small communities in rural Minnesota work to entice new residents with land. Argyle City, population 579, promotes lots for just $1. The small print requires homebuilders to cover legal fees for transferring ownership. Plus, home construction must begin within the first year after purchase with completion at year two.
A few places in Iowa, another largely rural state, also have land on offer. Tiny Marne, population 120, gives lots to anyone willing to build a new home and stay in the community. Citizens constructing houses of 1,200 square feet or more can receive an 80-by-120-foot lot for free. The giveaway comes after a focused effort to remove old and dilapidated houses in the area.
Nebraska’s official website notes two places where folks can acquire free land. One is Curtis, population 805. The city provides some free lots for homebuilding and settling down there. Curtis will even pay individuals to attend the area’s Medicine Valley School District.
Colorado has some sparsely populated, highly rural sites ideal for development and settling. Located only 110 miles east of Denver, Flagler is best known for farming and ranching. According to Flagler’s website, there’s free land in the 650-person community for any business venture willing to put down roots.
Small town life isn’t for everyone. Shopping, entertainment, and medical and educational opportunities are sometimes lacking. But for fans of rural life, free land off the beaten path may be the right approach to homeownership.
Here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. — Hebrews 13:14
Why? Hard work, lots of money, pulling up roots, or leaving conveniences behind—sacrifice has always been part of becoming a landowner. That’s true today, even if the sacrifices look different on their surface.
