8 States with Free Land (19 Cities) + Government Grants

When almost nothing is available for free, eight states with free land may come as a surprise. However, this article will show you that it is still possible to get ahold of free land. You just need to know where to go and what rules to follow to make it happen for you.

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, they estimate an acre costs an estimated $12,000 across 48 contiguous states. Free land is certainly something to be happy about when it is next to impossible to buy land, much less a house.

How Does the Homestead Act Work?

If you have ever studied the Homestead Act of1862 in history class, then you will remember that free land was available to those who were willing to move West. The US government has granted over 200 million acres of land under the Homestead Act. The last claim approved by the government was actually in 1988 in Alaska. It was not so long ago.

Today, the Homestead Act no longer exists. Although the requirements are slightly different, they still conform to the spirit of homesteading. You get free land, after all.

How to Get Free Land

Follow the four steps below to obtain your free land.

1. Find a state that has free land

How do you find land to build a homestead?

You first need to find a state that offers free land. These eight states do not practice homesteading anymore, but they offer free land each year.

Expect to be living in a busy city or densely populated place. States often offer land free of charge that can be found in the countryside. Rural may not have the same amenities as the cities. There is also the possibility that you will need to install your plumbing on the land.

Focus on the word “free” and claim the land if your passion is to be in remote areas. It may be a source of inspiration for artists. You can still claim the land as an investment property if you’re not interested in that type of thing. It is risky because you never know when or if your investment will pay off.

2. Make a deposit for the property

Many cities require a minimum amount of deposit.

While the property will be advertised as free land, you’ll likely be asked to make a small deposit. Although the deposit is not required, the price of the property will likely be negligible.

For example, Lincoln, Kansas has free land that requires a deposit at $0.08/square feet. One acre contains 43,560 feet. A deposit of $3,384.80 would be required for one acre in Lincoln Nebraska.

Each location has its own process for selling land. However, the deposit can usually be refunded. The land is free at the end. Refunds are given once the property or business that you promised has been completed.

3. Take a look at the Fine Print

Free will always have a catch. The United States offers no free land. The city or town that grants the land to you for free is entering into a contractual relationship. There will be conditions and they will vary depending upon where you are located.

The agreement could require you to create housing or a new business. The business you set up is meant to attract more people to the town. Free land has been offered to you in the main purpose of expanding the economy and population.

Make sure you fulfill your side of the agreement. Ask for an extension if you end up struggling to meet the requirements to complete your obligations. If you can prove that you’ve tried your best to comply with the terms, you will be granted an extension.

Certain places may require that you have land to be granted free land. It is important to know this information before you start. You may waste time trying to apply for such a piece of land if you are just starting from scratch.

4. Understanding Your Obligation

Land comes with certain obligations and unexpected costs.

When you have been granted land in a rural area, you are expected to develop your neighborhood. You have to make the most out of the land in order to build your house, establish a business, or provide employment for residents and newly-moved persons. You have to take a lot responsibility for this!

These are obligations you might not anticipate at the moment. After all, you are on the hunt for free land because of the difficulty of buying property. But it might work out if your savings are sufficient. The good news about the land is that it is completely free and you can concentrate on building your home or your business. You can have it all in the end, with some hard work.

Be prepared for unexpected expenses, such as water, electricity, and sewage. Do some research about the area. Luckily, some of these areas already have these utilities set up. You will still need to pay some money.

At least, you don’t have to worry about the land it will be constructed on.

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These are just a few of the reasons why a homestead can still be beneficial.

• A property tax deduction on your primary residence
• Protection against foreclosure or forcible sale if you cannot pay

It’s free, too! The lot is free at least. You can build a home that you will be able to live in for half the price. The type of home that you build will also affect the price.

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You probably want to know where you can get such an offer. It may surprise you to learn that there are many states in the United States with free land.

The Midwest is the best place to homestead. These nineteen towns are creating their own homesteading acts.

These are the best places in to live off the land. Pun intended

Colorado

1. Flagler

Flagler, Colorado, is located 110 miles east of Denver. The current population is approximately 650.

You might consider setting up a business related to ranching or farming if you are interested. You will receive free land to grow. This offer is for those who are able to contribute to the development of the town’s economy and industry.

Flagler’s education system is excellent. All the essential services are available in the town, including fast Wi-Fi, grocery stores and libraries.

Learn more about Flagler’s free incentive program for land in Colorado.

2. Agate

Colorado’s Agate offers free land totaling 60 acres to its communal co-op. It is expected that the land will be used for agriculture. A small percentage of your profits and crops must be donated to the cooperative each month when you receive land.

For free land to farm in Agate, Colorado, contact Mary Choate or Aaron Brachfeld by calling 720-295-5275

Free Land Iowa

3. Manilla, Iowa

Manilla, Iowa offers lots of free land for families. The lots are located near paved roads, mature trees, and green lawns. There are already utilities in place so you don’t have to worry about setting them up. Omaha is just 57 miles away.

The tax abatement lasts for five years. For first-time home buyers, the lots are open to them. You must construct a single-family home on the lot, and you must comply with all covenants and project requirements.

Manilla has a vibrant business atmosphere, despite it being a small town. It is possible to find ways to make money off the land in Manilla, Iowa.

4. Marne, Iowa

One of the places to live off the land for free is in Marne, Iowa. It is a safe, clean community with low criminality. The city offers lots of approximately 80 feet x 120 feet each. Marne is just 35 minutes from Omaha, and around an hour from Des Moines.

Marne offers essential services and recreational amenities such as a baseball court, basketball field, high-speed Internet, cable TV, and a state of the-art local telephone company. This inexpensive homestead land has low taxes.

Free Land Kansas

You can find free land within six Kansas rural communities.

5. Lincoln, Kanas

Lincoln, Kansas, is a 720 square mile city located in the north-central part of the state. It’s ideal for farming and ranching. Lincoln is home to a low rate of crime and has essential services such as an industrial park and a medical center.

Learn more about Lincoln’s program for free home sites and how to become a resident.

6. Marquette, Kansas

Marquette in Kansas has 680 residents. It is only 30 miles from the closest Walmart and 65 from Wichita.

Today, homesteading means acquiring lots measuring between 11,000 and 25,000 square feet. You must build within 180 days of receiving the land.

For more information on how to obtain free land in Marquette, Kansas, please visit the Marquette website.

7. Mankato (Kansas)

Mankato (Kansas) isn’t much different than Marquette. With just over 900 people, it is slightly smaller than Marquette. You can find lots near a hospital. A high school, motel. Steakhouse, shopping centre, and Walmart. It’s just 108 miles from Lincoln in Nebraska.

On average, the lots measure 18,000 square feet. The new home or modular construction must be at least 1200 square feet. This excludes the basement and garage. Construction must begin within six month of acquiring the lot. The project must be completed in two years. There are several festivals that you can look forward too.

Learn how to get free land in Mankato, Kansas, at the Chamber of Commerce website.

8. Osborne Kansas

Osborne, Kansas has a population estimated at 1300. It is located 75 minutes from the nearest Walmart. The average lot size is 23,100 square footage. Your house construction must be completed within one year. Additionally, you will find it a great spot if your interests include outdoor activities.

9. Plainville, Kansas

Plainville in Kansas, north-central Kansas has just more than 2,000 inhabitants. Local industries include oil production, truck trailer manufacturing, furniture design, healthcare, and agriculture. It’s situated approximately 150 miles northwest from Wichita and seven miles northeast of Rooks county Regional Airport.

The free land in Plainville, Kansas, lots are approximately 93 feet deep and 155 feet wide. All new construction must adhere to a full foundation. Homes can be either stick-built or modular, but they cannot be single-wide mobile homes. The new owner is responsible for bringing utilities to the house.

Plainville in Kansas requires a $500 down payment to receive the free land. It will then be refunded at closing. Rooks County will rebate 50% of the property tax savings it achieves over ten years through its Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. The property tax reduction can allow you to make money over ten-years on land that is located close to major industry. Perhaps you could rent out the house or a room?

10. Washington, Kansas

Washington, Kansas is home to approximately 1200 people. It does not offer just one type or land, but also offers residential, business, and industrial lots. You can ask about the requirements for availing of the open land.

Find out more about the requirements. To be eligible for a residential lot, you must develop it with at least three bedrooms and two car garages. Each family who wants to apply will be interviewed by the town council.

Washington, Kansas, is just 71 miles from Lincoln, and 116 to Omaha.

Free Land Michigan

11. Muskegon, Michigan

Due to high unemployment, Muskegon, Michigan, started offering free land for businesses to create new industrial jobs. They offer five acres to create 25 new jobs and 30 acres to create 100. They have full utilities, access to a deepwater port, railroads and highways.

Muskegon is located only 85 miles from Milwaukee, Illinois and only 117 miles away from Chicago, Illinois.

Free Land Minnesota

12. Claremont, Minnesota

Claremont might be your next destination if you’re looking for land to homestead in Minnesota. For you to qualify for one of its single-family lots and residence development, you must have a certain gross income. For example, households of 3 or more people should have a gross income of $105,770 or less. One lot can be purchased by each family for $1,000. Lots typically cost between $20,000 to $30,000.

Claremont is just 62 miles from Saint Paul.

13. New Richland, Minnesota

New Richland (Minnesota) is offering free land to the northwest side. The town is located about 60 miles to the west of Rochester and just 75 miles from Twin Cities.

You have one year to build a new home on a 86 by 133 feet lot. The town estimates the cost per lot for development is approximately $25,000. Though, they have tax increment financing to reduce the cost to around $14,000 and payable over 15 years.

Free Land Nebraska

14. Beatrice, Nebraska

The rules of Beatrice, Nebraska, are a little more lenient. They call their version of Homestead Act “The Homestead Act of 2010”. They will offer free land if you build it in two years and live there. Beatrice will give away city-owned land in order to increase the tax base as well as the population.

Beatrice, Nebraska lies just 40 minutes south of Lincoln, and 81 miles north of Omaha. It is surrounded with agriculture and home to more than 12,000 residents.

15. Curtis, Nebraska

Curtis, Nebraska, is on the lookout for more people to live in town. It is a charming city that has five nearby lakes for fishing and hunting. The National Rural Water Rally of DC rated Curtis tap water as the best tasting in 2014.

Students and families who are planning to move to the area will be offered cash incentives. One example of this incentive is for a family with more than three children. It can be as high as $1000.

If you build your home within a given time, the town will give you a single-family lot for free. All lots come with utilities as well as paved concrete streets. Curtis is also willing to offer industrial land and commercial land at no cost to developers.

16. Elwood, Nebraska

Elwood, Nebraska, offers free land as part its homeownership program. The residential lots are 100 feet x 115 feet. You must start the restriction within 1 year. The property must be occupied within 2 years. The $500 deposit will be returned upon completion of your home.

Elwood, Nebraska’s southernmost town, has more than 1,000 residents. It’s 168 miles from Lincoln and 211 miles from Omaha.

17. Loup City, Nebraska

Loup City, Nebraska, is a small town in centra, Nebraska, with around 1,000 residents. This does not mean the place isn’t thriving. It has Sharman Dam, Jenners Park and Loup City Golf Course. It is looking to expand its community by offering homesteading options for newcomers.

You can pick and reserve your desired spot for a refundable $1000.

Free Land New York

18. Buffalo, New York

What do YOU know? Even urban settings like Buffalo, New York has a homestead program. Its requirements are just a little bit different and detailed.

For example, an applicant must live in and own a primary residence located next to a city-owned vacant lot. He must also provide proof of residence through his bank details, credit card details, driver’s permit, and/or any other financial bills. The applicant must be free from any outstanding debts and show proof of his current income source. He must not also have violated any property code.

If the prospective owner does get free land from Buffalo, New York, they must build the structure within the first twelve months and occupy it for at least 36 months.

Free Land Texas

19. La Villa, Texas

La Villa, Texas, has a limited program offering free land for new homes. Residents must meet minimum criteria, such as pre-approved financing and an acceptable floor plan.

La Villa’s program had been in place since the early 2000s. But, the program had to be stopped because of problems with its water- and sewer infrastructure. The town couldn’t handle the increase in population. It took four decades to build the infrastructure necessary to support more residents.

La Villa, Texas is located 109 miles from Corpus Christi, and 129 from Laredo.

Government Grants for Real Estate

20. Government grants for the purchase of a home

If you have gone through our list of states and towns and do not see any location that interests you, it may not be the end of your dream. Grants are also available from the government to help people build homes.

Housing Industry Foundation offers relocation grants up to $2500. The funds can be used for security deposits, rent payments, or utilities for eligible low-income participants.

Citizens who have been displaced from homes by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development may be eligible for assistance. Subsidy assistance can be provided for up to 42 month for comparable housing within your locality.

Top Places To Build a Homestead in Your State

In select states, homeowners can declare a portion of their property “homestead” to protect them from creditors in the case of financial hardship or bankruptcy.

The homestead laws are listed alphabetically by state with the help of Findlaw.com. This is a list listing the states where you can homestead:

Arkansas

Arkansas homestead exemption provides a maximum $2,500 of equity and an additional one-acre for urban properties. Rural properties cannot exceed 160 acres.

Alaska

Alaska state and federal agencies cannot offer free land. Alaska might occasionally offer land for sale to the private sector.

Arizona

Arizona homestead laws allow homeowners the ability to declare a small portion of their property as a “homestead”. Arizona’s homestead exemption protects equity for homes worth $150,000 or more.

California

California homestead exemption allows property owners the ability to declare at most $75,000 for protection in bankruptcy or related creditor actions.

Florida

Florida homestead permits residences up to half an acre in any municipality. There are no restrictions on the square footage. If your lot exceeds half an acre, you will get pro-rated homestead protection.

Hawaii

Native Hawaiians are eligible to apply for the Hawaiian Home Lands Homestead Program. An applicant must not be younger than 18 years and must be a native Hawaiian. To learn more about Hawaii’s requirements for homesteads, please visit the state’s website.

Idaho

Idaho homestead exemption permits owners to allocate 50% to up to $100,000 of their property, including all land, improvements and mobile homes. You can claim it on your taxes once you’ve qualified for the exemption. It will significantly reduce your property taxes.

Illinois

The Illinois homestead law allows property owners to claim up to $15,000 and $30,000 if jointly owned.

Maine

Permanent residents can get a $200,000 reduction in the home’s value through the Main homestead exemption. Maine homestead exemption is only available to those who have owned the home for at most twelve months.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts homestead protects you against claims from unsecured creditors for up to $500,000

Missouri

Missouri homestead exception allows $15,000 for related home, building, or land.

Montana

Montana homestead can protect your home up to $250,000.

Nevada

The Nevada homestead protects homeowners equity from claims for general credit up to $550,000. Unpaid medical bills, bankruptcy, credit card debt, personal loans and business loans, as well as accidents are all possible claims.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s homestead exemption offers protection up to $100,000 in the event that a person files for bankruptcy. The exemption may double for married couples.

New Mexico

The New Mexico homestead exemption law allows up to $30,000 of the property value.

North Carolina

North Carolina exemption allows property up to $1000 in value. The law doesn’t specify a limit on the acreage.

Ohio

Ohio homestead exemption is available for property worth up to $25,000 and exempts it from property taxes. Ohio homestead law extends protection for senior citizens over 65, survivors spouses, and disabled.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s homestead exemption permits up to one acre in urban areas and 160 acres in rural areas to protect farmers.

Oregon

Oregon homestead exemption is available for properties up to $40,000, no matter if they are mobile, floating, or manufactured. A marital exemption is allowed up to $50,000 for married couples. Rural homestead laws can protect up to 160 acres.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania homestead exemption law allows property owners to receive a very low $400.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island homesteads allow homeowners to claim upto $500,000 worth property in the case of bankruptcy.

South Carolina

South Carolina’s homestead exemption gives homeowners the right to exclude $50,000 from their fair market value when they file property taxes.

South Dakota

South Dakota homestead law provides exemptions for up to one acre in urban areas, and 160 acres for rural areas.

Utah

Utah homestead exemption allows the primary owner to claim $30,000 per person. A non-primary homeowner can claim up to $5,000 under the law.

Vermont

Vermont homestead exemption allows you to keep up to $125,000 on your property or home

Washington

Washington state homestead exemption laws allow for $125,000 in maximum acreage.

West Virginia

West Virginia’s exemption from homestead is $1,000 for personal possessions and $5,000 for real property.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin homestead permits no less than a quarter-acre nor more than 40 acres. The homestead law applies to both rural and urban properties.

Wyoming

Wyoming homestead exemptions are restricted to $20,000 for a home, and doubles for married couples.

States offering government grants to help you buy land or homes

The USA has a lot land that is free through land grants or programs. Many people are looking to buy land and build homes. Some are looking for land to grow crops and access to natural resources. Others are looking for land to build a home on.

The income requirements and residency requirements for public lands that are offered to the public usually require strict compliance. You might be interested in land parcels that have been given away for commercial purposes or for homesteading. However, grants may also be available that will help to pay for the cost.

Cities are offering land opportunities that will encourage people to move to their cities. It’s because those who move to new places can contribute to the economic growth of the city. The increase in remote work has led to a rise in cash payouts, attractive incentives, and other incentives.

You can get financial incentives to encourage people to relocate by offering cash lump sums or monthly payments towards housing costs.

Below are some examples of what’s on offer in different cities across America:

Newton, Iowa

Newton offers up to $10,000 cash to those who buy new homes. You also get an additional $3,000. It’s not as easy as purchasing a plot of land but it can help you build your dream house.

Lincoln Kansas

Lincoln, Kansas offers free land for people who wish to build their new homes. The plots of land as part of these land grants range from 12,000 to 35,000 square feet. While you must follow the guidelines for building, this could be your chance to build the home of your dreams.

Topeka, Kansas

Kansas residents who are moving to Topeka may qualify for a partial payment towards the purchase or rental of a home. There are some requirements for the Choose Topeka program. You can also apply. Your employer must not be located in Shawnee County. That’s why this program is specifically suited to people who are remote workers.

The Shoals in Alabama

Remote Shoals is available to remote workers who work remotely or are self-employed beyond Lauderdale and Colbert Counties. The Shoals can provide $10,000 in the first year for those who move there to purchase a home and/or plot of land. You will need to earn at minimum $52,000 annually in order to qualify for this program.

Tulsa. Arizona

Tulsa, Arizona has an incentive program for remote workers called Tulsa Remote. It offers a $10,000 relocation package if you use it in order to make a down payment on a house.

USA with Free Land Summary

Many Americans are struggling to buy real estate, especially those who have student loans and credit cards.

However, there are some cons to taking advantage of a program for homesteading in your closest state or county. You could end up living apart from your loved ones. It may mean that you are unable to access the amenities or services you used to enjoy in a particular city or area.

It might be the difference of living in poverty, being homeless, or saving enough money. It’s important to grab every opportunity in times like these. You can drastically reduce your expenses by homesteading on land that is available in certain states.

It is cheaper to live in a small place than in a larger city. Finding a place to get a haircut at a reasonable price will not be difficult. Your local grocery store will have cheaper prices for discount meat. A cheaper gym membership will be available. Living costs will be lower.

The fact that you get free land doesn’t mean you will receive everything. You will need to build your home and pay it off within a certain time period. Some cities require that you contribute to the creation of jobs in the business community.

Both parties win. These towns offer land for free that no one is using. You come along and turn it into something useful. The town and community receive taxes on the property, and the businesses do better since when there are more residents spending money on food and services.

Homesteading can be a great way to make money from the land, for the town as well as the landowner.