Looking for land within 60 miles of Omaha?

[VixenKS]

Well, I'll you that sounds awesome and you could bet the house would get lots of TLC if we had it... if it were in Nebraska. We homeschool the kids, and Iowa's homeschool laws are quite intrusive-- it's the one and only reason we want to stay on the NE side. NE isn't as good as KS in that respect, but a ton better than IA. My youngest (11) is in 8th grade so it's not like there's anything to hide, here, and all the kids would pass tests with flying colors, but in my mind the state has no say in how parents should educate their children. Particularly when none of the taxes we pay go toward their educations.

If I could just put your house on wheels...

[dsievers]

Well, I wonder if we could put wheels on it? Hmmmm..... I'm a big fan of homeschooling, so I understand your concerns. I live on the east coast and a friend in Council Bluffs said he saw your post and knew we had the house for sale so I thought I'd let you know. The local school probably has 10 to 20 students in a class. It's really small as they have fought off consolidation. Walnut is designated the "antique city of Iowa" so it has a lot of antique stores in its one block main street. If you change your mind, or want to take a look, just contact the real estate agent listed on the realtor.com site for the house. Wishing you all the best.

[todd00]

Hey VivenKs, Have you been up to Omaha and looked around the area? How soon are you planning to relocate? Did you happen to see this one in Craig, Nebraska? Its a bank owned property, only 5.5 acres but also only 30k. Sometimes ya can buy adjoining land too, never know. It needs some TLC but doesn't look bad. If your you and hubby are handy, maybe it would work for you. It would be a bit farther drive, about 62 miles. In any case, dont forget to check the bank owned properties. 1180 CR 21, Craig, NE 68019 | Listing Information (http://www.cbshome.com/NE/Craig/68019/homes-for-sale/1180-CR-21-55511468 - broken link)

Here is an interesting table on state property taxes, look at the taxes as percent of home value column. Nebraska ranks 5th and shows 1.76 percent. Douglas County's rate is 1.87, and Sarpy is 1.99 percent. Kansas and Iowa's rate are both 1.29. I like facts and figures so thoughts I'd share. Best of luck to you.

The Tax Foundation - Property Taxes on Owner-Occupied Housing by State, 2004 - 2009
The Tax Foundation - Property Taxes on Owner-Occupied Housing, by County, 2005 - 2009, Ranked by Property Taxes Paid

[VixenKS]

dsievers -- I'll tell the man about your place when he gets home. At the very least it sounds like a great town to go visit. Love antiques and flea markets.

Even though I home educate, I am ALWAYS for the small, local schools to stay open. They have been consolidating here like crazy and the nice little farm communities are rapidly deteriorating... and the teens are out of control, with so many in one place. My husband's own school where he grew up (small town) closed this year; boy was he upset.

todd00 -- When my computer quits being so slow I will check your links, thank you! The only place I've been to in Nebraska is where Cabela's is (Sidney, I think?). I have driven through the western part of the state, but have never been on the Eastern side. Haven't seen the listing in Craig so I'll have a look. I'd have to be able to buy more acreage, since I have large horses and miniature horses both... they do like to eat... and eat...

I like facts and figures too -- keep 'em coming!

We'll go for farm houses, cabins, regular houses, etc. and will do updates and repairs (we can't finish building a partially-built home, though and we don't have time to fix really beaten down, neglected houses). Just nothing ostentatious. Don't want to spend all my time cleaning a McMansion, nor do we want to pay taxes on it. Plus I don't want all my relatives to think I'm running a perpetual B & B :-D

Thanks, everybody!

[VixenKS]

Oh, you asked when we were moving -- as soon as we sell this house here. Lots of people are interested, but the drug house next door is a major deterrent. Only one bad house in the whole neighborhood, and I get to be next to it. Windows out, run down, dog doo everywhere, cars and trucks coming and going all hours of the day and night. Cops here do not care. Wouldn't be surprised if they were the ring leaders. Wish the place would burn down... rest of the neighborhood is nice.

[WyoNewk]

I grew up near Walnut. It's really a nice, pretty farming area with a nice fishing lake (state park) nearby. But you could get much closer to Omaha. I'd give you suggestions for other places to look in eastern Iowa, but it doesn't sound like you want that state....

[VixenKS]

I just checked out Walnut online. Wow, looks like it came out of a story book. Oh but their choking laws... would spend more time trying to please their government with forms and papers and tests than actually teaching the kids. Definitely on my list of places to visit, what a cool place.