[JChulkus]

@adamz- I haven't been able to visit yet. I hope to in August. I have investigated some individual properties from Realtor.com using Google satellite images. To be honest, I absolutely did not want to leave the OH/western PA area but things being as they are, well- one does what one must. But looking into Connecticut, its apparent rural qualities are a huge consolation, even if we end up with less property than we would out here. There's an ever-encroaching sprawl in both my hometown and my spouse's, and it led to a mentality in us of "if you don't own it, don't expect it to stay green for long." But if this isn't as big a problem in the area, I think we'll gladly deal with less.

I'll try out Zillow, by the way; I wasn't aware of it, only Realtor.com. Thanks!

[Uconn97]

JChulkus - you might be fine on just a couple of acres too. Property is more expensive here, but in our search we have quite often found houses that are on an acre, but border state forest or town owned space so often times you will still have the privacy you want without having the actual land as part of your home.

just an example, our current home is only on a half acre, but we border wetlands (some woods and a stream) so we still have a bit of privacy behind out house even though we don't own that land so you may be lucky and find something like that. Just keep looking....

[adamz]

To echo what UConn97 said, my house is on just about an acre, but there's 60 acres of undeveloped land behind it. Could it be developed some day? Yes, but it seems unlikely. I bet you can find a property that will give you the privacy you're looking for.

[nep321]

In addition to the towns mentioned above, I would also look into Suffield. It's a large town with plenty of land, somewhat reasonable prices, and is adjacent to Enfield which has plenty of shopping plazas and a mall. I would think there is a decent public library, too. And you have grocery options all over the place in surrounding towns. It's only about 20-25 min from East Hartford, too. Property taxes aren't that bad either. It's also an airport town, so if you travel often, it's very convenient for catching a flight.

[JChulkus]

Continued thanks.

I will look into Suffield. Hopefully a drive up to Connecticut will help too.
From maps, it sure does look like a good portion of the area southeast of East Hartford is protected land, which is encouraging.

[nep321]

Originally Posted by JChulkus

Continued thanks.

I will look into Suffield. Hopefully a drive up to Connecticut will help too.
From maps, it sure does look like a good portion of the area southeast of East Hartford is protected land, which is encouraging.

If you use Google Maps and use the Street View feature (by dragging the little yellow person icon onto the streets), it is a great way to get an idea for how certain areas and neighborhoods look. Of course, actually driving through there in real life is better.

[JViello]

Columbia, Lebanon, Willington, Mansfield and Woodstock would fit the bill nicely.

You can find 5+ acres for that $, it won't be easy but it's there. However, if you are just buying land for privacy sake, you may be wasting your money.

I'm on 2 acres, backed up to miles of woods that are watershed and pipeline never to be developed. I can walk out of my back door and keep going for hours. Just something to think about. Best of luck.

[JChulkus]

nep321; it hadn't occurred to me to try Street View here since not too long ago here only pretty built up areas had been covered. It's spread like a disease... fascinating and creepy all at once. But useful for this purpose, thanks. I'll "drive" around for a bit.

JViello; that sounds fantastic. In general, are people permitted on the state lands that border their properties? If so, then sign me up, fears assuaged.

We would like enough land for purposes of planting, having a small stand of woods to 'harvest' a bit, and potentially a head or two of livestock. I imagine we'll be surprised at how little one can manage that on though.

[adamz]

Most of the "residential" zoning around here (Mansfield/ Willington) is actually zoned for mixed residential/ agricultural use, so a lot of people have goats or chickens or alpacas.

[JChulkus]

I am very glad to hear about the animal-friendly zoning. It was another concern of ours.