Ever wanted to live in a small town? Has owning homestead land been a dream of yours like so many pioneers of yesteryear who set out across the vast plains of the United States to Iowa, Alaska, Michigan, Maine, Wyoming, Arkansas, New York, and everywhere in between? Does getting some free land to make that happen sound enticing? Well then, future homesteaders, you're in luck. A whole bunch of small towns throughout the country are giving away free land to help grow their populations. That's right...totally free. You just have to pay to build your house.
Here are a few of those towns where you can claim your free lots of land today and start your new life in the country. You'll definitely be paying less than you would in a big city with a much lower cost of living.
1. Mankato, Kansas
We all know Kansas is a flat, sparsely populated state. It's no surprise that many a small town in the Sunflower State wants more people to live there. The town of Mankato has a population of roughly 900, and the good people there have free lots to offer. There are a couple of stipulations, including that the home you build on your free real estate has to be at least 1200 square feet. Click here for more information.
2. Marquette, Kansas
Marquette started giving away lots in 2003 on 50 acres of former farmland. Apparently, the town is pretty charming because 21 of those lots were claimed within the first year. Just note that the home you build has to be at least a thousand square feet. The town first decided to join in the trend of free land to help boost its population, which around the time they started was roughly 300. This program has helped provide some necessary boosts and hopefully continues to grow their population more over time.
3. Lincoln, Kansas
Lincoln County has a population of 1,200 as of 2020 and plenty to do aside from building your new home on a free lot. The town has a golf course, a history museum, an art center, and a movie theater. According to its website, the town has buffalo and farm animals roaming its picturesque hillsides. Their free land is located in a brand new subdivision near a baseball field and the city park.
4. Curtis, Nebraska
There is currently a free land program available in Curtis, Nebraska, which has a population of just shy of 900 as of 2020. Known as "Easter City" because of their famous Palm Sunday pageant, Curtis is also home to the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, a movie theater, and a 9-hole golf course. It's located on the opposite side of the state from Omaha. Apparently, if you're a family with kids attending the local schools, you'll even get a cash incentive for relocating. Check here for more information.
5. Claremont, Minnesota
Claremont has an income-based lot arrangement. If you qualify based on your income level, the lot is free, but if not, the lots are $9,500. Either way, you're getting some cheap land in a charming little northern town. Click here for more information.
6. Flagler, Colorado
Flagler is offering land primarily to businesses willing to locate there. The City is 110 miles east of Denver and has a population of less than 600 as of 2020. They've also got 480 acres of land available to businesses that are looking for cheap land and a town's economy to boost. Visit the town's website to fill out an application.
7. New Richland, Minnesota
This town of about 1,000 residents has a K-12 school district, a lake, and a golf course to offer those willing to relocate. New Richland offers 86-foot by 133-foot free lots, but you must start building a home within a year of the city deeding the property to you. Their estimated cost for development per lot is $25,000.
8. Marne, Iowa
There are only 131 people in Marne as of 2020, but you could make number 132 because they've got a free lot waiting for anyone willing to build a home there. Your home must be 1,200 square feet and must be constructed within 18 months of receiving the deed.
9. Elwood, Nebraska
You have to build a 1,400-square-foot house in Elwood with just a $500 down payment that you get back once your home is completed. As an incentive, the town is willing to pay 10% of the construction cost up to $25,000 to help attract new residents.
10. Plainville, Kansas
If you move onto one of Plainville's 155-foot by 93-foot lots, you have to start building within a year and enter into an agreement with a building contractor after six months. One of the bigger towns on this list, as of 2020, Plainville's population was roughly 1,700. Check here for more information on available home sites.
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