Want to buy Missouri acreage in the "boonies" (Kirksville: how much, cheap house)

[ksweetness]

Hi! My husband and I dream of moving out into the "middle of nowhere" on our own land and being more self-sufficient. We would love to raise our boys this way ~ hunting, gardening, fishing, etc. Maybe an orchard (although we really know little about agriculture -- willing to learn though!)?

We are looking for very rural land that is very affordable. We want it to be wooded with some body of water ~ preferably a spring, but pond is fine.

We are thinking maybe of putting a trailer on it temporarily to live in while we gradually build our own house (or something with an existing cheap house is fine).

We like Missouri ~ my husband has lived here all his life. We just don't want to be quite so close to the in-laws and definitely more rural. I don't even know where to begin looking. I'm thinking nearing a town with tiny population (1000?) or at least far away enough from cities to be somewhat isolated. We're not opposed to living in a little community of like-minded, simple people though. That would be ideal.

We are Independent Baptists, and we'd love to find an area with either that type of church; or we wouldn't be opposed to starting one. We both went to Bible college and are active in our local church's ministry.

That's about all the detail I can think of for now. Oh yeah, we have 4 kids under 7 and another on the way. I homeschool and home birth. So we don't mind being pretty primitive!

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by ksweetness

Hi! My husband and I dream of moving out into the "middle of nowhere" on our own land and being more self-sufficient. We would love to raise our boys this way ~ hunting, gardening, fishing, etc. Maybe an orchard (although we really know little about agriculture -- willing to learn though!)?

We are looking for very rural land that is very affordable. We want it to be wooded with some body of water ~ preferably a spring, but pond is fine.

We are thinking maybe of putting a trailer on it temporarily to live in while we gradually build our own house (or something with an existing cheap house is fine).

We like Missouri ~ my husband has lived here all his life. We just don't want to be quite so close to the in-laws and definitely more rural. I don't even know where to begin looking. I'm thinking nearing a town with tiny population (1000?) or at least far away enough from cities to be somewhat isolated. We're not opposed to living in a little community of like-minded, simple people though. That would be ideal.

We are Independent Baptists, and we'd love to find an area with either that type of church; or we wouldn't be opposed to starting one. We both went to Bible college and are active in our local church's ministry.

That's about all the detail I can think of for now. Oh yeah, we have 4 kids under 7 and another on the way. I homeschool and home birth. So we don't mind being pretty primitive!

I would say central Missouri or northern Missouri would have more affordable land that could be used for agricultural purposes. I would start with Chariton County or maybe Howard County. Another area could be northern MO south of Kirksville. The land is generally rolling and not entirely flat with farm ponds and reservoirs.

[8 SNAKE]

Originally Posted by ksweetness

We are looking for very rural land that is very affordable. We want it to be wooded with some body of water ~ preferably a spring, but pond is fine.

Define "very affordable" and also how much land you're looking for. That would be a pretty good place to start your quest.

[ksweetness]

Hmmm... very affordable: like less than $100K? Maybe even significantly less, if it's available? I don't have a certain amount in mind ~ not necessarily too huge. Enough for our family to live on, feel like we're "in the boonies," hunt, fish, garden, etc. If all we can afford is 10-20 acres, then that's better than nothing. I'm thinking in the neighborhood of 30-50 acres would be great.

[OA 5599]

You may want to look in the Ozarks. A lot of people have moved into the area of the years with similar ideals (even my parents did and thats how I grew up there!). Land can be had relatively cheap, but slightly more expensive in smaller quantities. I'd guess off the top of my head that you can probably still find land for $1000-1200 an acre, if you buy a fair amount. I've heard of people selling it on eBay for far more than it is worth, so I'd go with a local realtor. For $100k, you can probably find what you are looking for.

A lot of people also homeschool in the Ozarks, and many people are Baptist, I'd guess off the top of my head that it is the predominant religion. I'm not sure about Independent Baptist, but I'd imagine you could probably find something.

The big negative of the Ozarks is that the soil is pretty poor so gardening is hard. Its not impossible, we've had a successful garden for years where I grew up in the Ozarks, it just takes some work and the soil is pretty rocky.

You'll really feel like you are in the boonies in a lot of places in the Ozarks. If you want to be pretty isolated, I'd look in to Douglas, Ozark, Shannon, or Oregon counties. Texas, Dent, and Howell counties are a little more populated, but have some isolated places left.

[Inoxkeeper]

You might consider the highway 72 corridor in South East Missouri. It runs thru some of the prettiest parts of the state from F*edericktown to Ironton. Dive off 72 on some of the country roads and you will be very remote very quickly! You would have to home school but you would have tons of outdoor things to do.

[ksweetness]

Thanks so much, everyone. We live in West Plains now, by the way. I've been looking into the Eminence area, which we love; but it might still be a wee bit too close to the in-laws!!

[GraniteStater]

If you want great agricultural land I would look a little bit north of the Ozarks.

[LemonYellow]

Ironically we are looking to move to West Plains (Howell County) for EXACTLY what you want! Everything near you guys is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay less than 30% of what it costs here!


We have seen a TON of old farms with land for under $100,000 within 30 miles of there.



Do you hate the county or just want to be far away from the IL's?



We are homeschoolers too! Are you on MDC by chance?

[Nexxie]

Originally Posted by ksweetness

Thanks so much, everyone. We live in West Plains now, by the way. I've been looking into the Eminence area, which we love; but it might still be a wee bit too close to the in-laws!!

Hi,
We moved from Ft. Lauderdale Fl, to Hartville a few months ago. It's a nice small town (pop about 600) It is beautiful here, however I am homesick for convenience of malls and shopping. Don't know if we will stay. My son loves going to school here at Hartville preschool. The teachers are great, the people very friendly. No crime. It has been culture shock for me. We bought 120 acres on the gasconade river and are building and almost finished with our new home. If you are looking for this kind of land on the river and a new house (4 bedroom) let me know. I may have to sell and get out quick for my sanity. Good Luck to you