A Guide for Families Ready to Build a Legacy
If you’re dreaming of homesteading, chances are you’re craving space, quiet, and a slower pace of life. Maybe you want a place where your children—and someday your grandchildren—can grow up close to the land. You’re not alone. Many families are stepping away from the rush of city living to create a life that’s simpler, more sustainable, and deeply connected to their values.
So as you take these first steps toward finding the right property, what should you look for?
Local Regulations
The first thing to consider is local regulations. Ideally, you’ll want land outside of city limits, where there’s more freedom and less red tape. You’ll avoid costly permitting and those frustrating homeowner associations (you probably know by now that HOAs and homesteads don’t mix).
You’ll still need a few basic permits—like for a septic system—but in the country, you’ll have far fewer rules dictating how you live on your own land.
worth checking whether the property could be annexed by a nearby city
It’s also worth checking whether the property could be annexed by a nearby city in the future. Cities often post these plans online, and a little research now can save you from future surprises.
Balancing Work with Country Life
For many of us, income is still part of the equation, even when moving to the country. I know some Instagram worthy stories of folks who have gone so off grid they dont really worry about income, but that may be for another post.
Some families can work remotely, but others will still need to commute. If your job requires office time, test your commute multiple times. We did this ourselves before buying our property, making sure the drive was manageable day in and day out. It gave us a better idea of what we would have to do to move here.
Even if commuting is part of life for now, it’s worth exploring local business opportunities that fit your skill set. Rural communities often value skilled trades and small businesses—especially those that reflect independence and craftsmanship. Many families even find new ways to earn income by blending their homestead life with side businesses, like local markets or small-scale production.
a place that would be independent of trends or policies we couldn’t control
Understanding the Local Economy
Before committing to an area, take time to learn what drives its economy. We personally avoided towns that relied too heavily on government jobs or college campuses. Our goal was to invest long-term in a place that would be independent of trends or policies we couldn’t control.
Look for communities built on agriculture, small business, and family values. These areas are often more resilient, and you’ll find neighbors who understand and respect the self-reliant way of life you want to build.
Access to Resources Without Sacrificing Freedom
We all want to be close to the things we enjoy—whether that’s a local farmer’s market, a good fishing spot, or an occasional trip into town. We’ve found that proximity doesn’t require compromise.
Properties tied to HOAs or certain developments might look appealing with their amenities, but they often come with rules that limit your freedom to build, garden, or raise animals. For us, the freedom to design our land and our home as we saw fit was worth far more than a golf course or neighborhood pool.
Whenever possible, choose land outside city limits. Lower property taxes are a nice bonus, and you’ll enjoy far more flexibility with your homesteading property and lifestyle.
Finding a Like-Minded Community
This is one of the most important steps. Moving to the country is not just about the land—it’s also about the people you’ll call neighbors.
Some of our greatest blessings since moving have come from meeting like-minded families who share our values of faith, hard work, and community. We trade garden produce, help with projects, and look out for each other’s kids. We’ve even connected with a local homeschool group, which has been a huge source of support.
Be humble, ask questions and be willing to learn.
If you’re scouting an area, take the time to walk the farmer’s markets, visit local shops, and strike up conversations. You’d be amazed how much you can learn about a place just by talking with the people who live there.
As a side note, I noticed it is truly a blessing to talk with the seniors in my area. Most of them love to talk and share stories, share their wisdom of the way things are out here. Be humble, ask questions and be willing to learn.
Seek With Intention
Relocating to the country is a big decision. It requires courage and clarity. For us, the move came from a desire to protect our family, simplify life, and live in a way that lets us focus on our faith and less about the hurries of the world. Leaving our home in the suburbs wasn’t easy. I can still remember the bittersweet moments—watching my neighbor’s tree bloom one last time and knowing we were closing a chapter.
But we made the move because we knew what we wanted for the long term: freedom, peace, and the chance to build something lasting for our family.
If you’re on this journey, take time to reflect on what matters most. Choosing a homestead is not just about finding land—it’s about choosing the life you want to live.
Next Step:
If you’re already exploring properties, I’d love to share my Texas Homestead Property Checklist—the same guide I use to help families like yours make wise choices from the start
You’re not just building a house. You’re shaping a legacy. Let’s talk about your forever homestead.
My goal at Alt-Ark is to Make Homes For Homesteading, to help you design that family legacy home for your homestead.
Alt-Ark 