WV farm land (Spencer area) (Charleston, Clarksburg: house, organic, live)
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My wife and I have been looking for a few years for a small hobby farm where we can have a few horses, cows, chicken and maybe an organic farm. Land seems to be expensive all around but we noticed that 20+ acres with a house can be had in the Spencer WV area for $120K+. Do people farm (grow vegetables and fruits) in this area? Is this horse country? There seems to be a lot of forest around but is it allowed/accessible on horse back?
Naturally we plan on visiting but before we spend the time/money it would be nice to have some info...
My mom was born there many years ago and I've only passed through on the random occasion but it's a pretty quiet out of the way place IMO.
I've got to think that there is plenty of places that would be O.K. for what you want. I can't tell you that I've hit a chicken or two on RT 47.
To be fair though, there is a bit more in the area the last 10 years than there was. You are right near RT 79 which will get you to Charleston or Clarksburg in not too long.
My mom was born there many years ago and I've only passed through on the random occasion but it's a pretty quiet out of the way place IMO.
I've got to think that there is plenty of places that would be O.K. for what you want. I can't tell you that I've hit a chicken or two on RT 47.
To be fair though, there is a bit more in the area the last 10 years than there was. You are right near RT 79 which will get you to Charleston or Clarksburg in not too long.
What about the weather - what can I expect for winter, summer temperature and precipitation-wise? How well are county roads maintained?
Spencer itself isn't "country". The entire area around it is though. The best I can state the weather in WV is "average". We don't get nearly the snow as just a couple hours north and it's not as hot as a few hours south. Rain is pretty average I guess.
I can't say how well the outlying roads are. If it's like most everywhere else, a 4WD is needed for winter driving.
There are horses in Central West Virginia, and I see them as pets, but in my opinion, it's mule country and you'll find them abundant on the back roads because they're better suited for the terrain, sure-footed, and have a natural sense of self-preservation. In my grandfather's day, they used mules in the mines, so this probably carries over into the small farmer. Not to mention, they require less, they're hardier creatures, and tend to outlive horses.
Of course you can grow stuff.
I like Spencer, but it reminds me of Radiator Springs in the animated film Cars, a crossroads town cut-off from traffic by the interstate systems. Beautiful area, no jobs. 40% of Roane County goes outside of Roane County to work. And as some of the other posters in this forum have warned tire kickers, you might think about your power being off a few weeks in winter before you get too rural in West Virginia.
Spencer Population 1895 : 431
Spencer Population 2000 : 2,352
There are horses in Central West Virginia, and I see them as pets, but in my opinion, it's mule country and you'll find them abundant on the back roads because they're better suited for the terrain, sure-footed, and have a natural sense of self-preservation. In my grandfather's day, they used mules in the mines, so this probably carries over into the small farmer. Not to mention, they require less, they're hardier creatures, and tend to outlive horses.
Of course you can grow stuff.
I like Spencer, but it reminds me of Radiator Springs in the animated film Cars, a crossroads town cut-off from traffic by the interstate systems. Beautiful area, no jobs. 40% of Roane County goes outside of Roane County to work. And as some of the other posters in this forum have warned tire kickers, you might think about your power being off a few weeks in winter before you get too rural in West Virginia.
Spencer Population 1895 : 431
Spencer Population 2000 : 2,352
Thank you, some real information you provided. I am aware of mules, I have an old QH/draft mix who was used in WY in the rough mountain country so I think I am alright.
If job were not an issue, Spencer area is nice, no?
Really? I've never heard of an asylum in Spencer. Was it also called the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum?
(after doing some Googling...) How about that? A sister institution to the one in Weston. Wonder why there was such a need for two state lunatic asylums in the 1800s?
Really? I've never heard of an asylum in Spencer. Was it also called the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum?
(after doing some Googling...) How about that? A sister institution to the one in Weston. Wonder why there was such a need for two state lunatic asylums in the 1800s?
I don't know, but they could sure use a couple now!
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LOL
