[Northy]

Hello,
My family is considering a move to the south from Northen Nevada. We'd love to buy a farm with at least 30+ acres to mostly grow are food and have some chickens and cows for meat. We have young children so good schools (or affordable private schools) are important. Small town feel with friendly folks. 30-45 mins to a decent town for shopping and health care. Our budget is 350-450k. We'd love to pay cash for a place. Then live frugally and grow our food (better quality) Hubby would look for a part time job.

So far from our internet search Madison, Live Oak, Altha, Havana are on list. Or is there any small town that would fit our wish list?

Anybody live in these areas? Any ideas or advise?

Thank you!

[kyle19125]

I would recommend looking a good bit further south out of the freeze belt. Many don't realize North Florida can get quite cold in the Winter and has a shorter growing season which isn't optimal if that's your focus. Some areas to the south where you can also find desirable farmland, good schools and a friendlier vibe toward transplants (important consideration) are places like Lake and Sumter County (NW of Orlando), Indian River County near Vero Beach, Brevard County near Viera/Melbourne/West Melbourne or Hillsborough County east of Tampa in/around Plant City.

[gypsychic]

I would also add Brooksville, Dade City (and surrounding unincorporated areas like Trilby, Blanton) San Antonio, and others in that proximity. I don't think you can get 30 acreas for that price though unless you get further out, then you won't have good schools. So you will have to compromise.

[Rabflmom]

Check out this site for an idea on prices and what is available.
Florida Farms and Ranches for sale, Florida Acreage for Sale, Florida Lots for Sale at LandWatch.com

I would think buying land away from all the coastal counties would have better soil for growing things and probably more acreage for less money.

[thatguydownsouth]

Be aware that buying farmland in Florida is a bit competitive as most of the coastal areas are developed/suburban. 30+ acre lots are a premium even within an hours drive from a major metropolitan area. Additionally you will be competing with commercial agricultural companies for solid growing land. That's why there is so much land for sale in the Panhandle in a decent price range compared to central/south Florida. As mentioned earlier the panhandle gets COLD.

[Northy]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

I would recommend looking a good bit further south out of the freeze belt. Many don't realize North Florida can get quite cold in the Winter and has a shorter growing season which isn't optimal if that's your focus. Some areas to the south where you can also find desirable farmland, good schools and a friendlier vibe toward transplants (important consideration) are places like Lake and Sumter County (NW of Orlando), Indian River County near Vero Beach, Brevard County near Viera/Melbourne/West Melbourne or Hillsborough County east of Tampa in/around Plant City.

I'm sure the growing season must be longer than here. It can snow or freeze even in June. I'll check into those places. Although my husband doesn't want to go that far south.

Thanks kyle!

[Northy]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

I would also add Brooksville, Dade City (and surrounding unincorporated areas like Trilby, Blanton) San Antonio, and others in that proximity. I don't think you can get 30 acreas for that price though unless you get further out, then you won't have good schools. So you will have to compromise.

Thank you gypsychic!

[Northy]

Originally Posted by Rabflmom

Check out this site for an idea on prices and what is available.
Florida Farms and Ranches for sale, Florida Acreage for Sale, Florida Lots for Sale at LandWatch.com

I would think buying land away from all the coastal counties would have better soil for growing things and probably more acreage for less money.

Thank you! I'm going to check it out.

[Northy]

Originally Posted by thatguydownsouth

Be aware that buying farmland in Florida is a bit competitive as most of the coastal areas are developed/suburban. 30+ acre lots are a premium even within an hours drive from a major metropolitan area. Additionally you will be competing with commercial agricultural companies for solid growing land. That's why there is so much land for sale in the Panhandle in a decent price range compared to central/south Florida. As mentioned earlier the panhandle gets COLD.

That's definitely something to consider. Thanks!

[Restrain]

Watch the productivity of the land. Down here in SW Florida, the soils are essentially sterile towards the coast. I can dig a hole, absolutely no earthworms.

Don't mean to rain on your Florida dream, but have you considered deep East Texas? Good growing weather (few hard freezes) good soils, adequate rainfall and surface water.