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

Eight states that offer free land might surprise you, considering almost everything is not available. This article will help you see that free land is still possible. 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 have estimated that an acre of land costs approximately $12,000 in 48 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 remember the Homestead Act of 1862 from your history classes, you will know that there was a time to get hold of free land if they were willing to move West. Under the Homestead Act, more than 200 million acres of US land have been granted. In Alaska, 1988 was the last time that a claim had been approved by the government. It’s not that long ago.

The Homestead Act has been repealed. Requirements are different, but still, obey the general spirit of homesteading. You get free land, after all.

How To Get Free Land?

These are the steps that will get you free land.

1. Find a state with free land

How do I locate homestead land?

First, you need to find a state offering free land. These eight states no longer allow homesteading but still offer free land each and every year.

You may not be pleased if you expect to live in a large city or densely populated area. States often offer land for free, but it is more common to find in the rural countryside. We may not get the modern conveniences we are used to in cities when we say “rural”. For example, there is a distinct possibility you may need to install your own plumbing on the free land.

Keep your attention on the “free” part. Claim the land, if you love being in remote locations. This place could be an inspiration spot for artists. You can still own the land for investment purposes if that isn’t your thing. The risk of investing in land can be dangerous because you never know when and if it will be developed in a worthwhile way.

2. Make a Deposit on the Property

Cities often require a minimum deposit.

The property will appear as free land, but you’ll probably be asked to make small deposits. The price is unlikely to be significant, but it will make the sale official.

For example, in Lincoln, Kansas, free land requires a deposit of the equivalent price of $0.08/square foot. One acre is 43,560ft. A deposit for one acre in Lincoln, Nebraska, would cost $3,384.80.

Each area has its own selling process. The deposit is usually refundable. The land is truly yours in the end. Refunds are given once the property or business that you promised has been completed.

3. Check out the Fine Print

These days, free is not always free. This is true for land grants in the United States. You enter into a contract when the city or municipality grants you the free land. There will be requirements and will vary by location.

For example, the agreement may require you to add housing and or a business to the area. You are expected to attract more people to your town by setting up a business. The land was given to you for free in order to increase the town’s population and commercial activity.

Respect your agreement. Ask for an extension if you end up struggling to meet the requirements to complete your obligations. Only if you are able to show that you have made an honest effort to meet the terms will you be granted an extension.

Some places require you to have land to get free land? It is important to know this information before you start. You don’t want to waste your time applying for such a piece if you are just starting.

4. Understand Your Obligation

You will be responsible for paying any unanticipated costs and you will have to pay the land owner.

If you have been granted land in rural regions, you must develop the area. To build your home, start a business and create jobs for the locals, you must make the most of the land. It takes a lot of responsibility to commit to that!

These are obligations that may seem unachievable at the moment. After all, you are on the hunt for free land because of the difficulty of buying property. If you have savings, however, it may not work out. The good news? You can use the land for your home or business. With hard work, you can achieve it all.

Preparation for costs such as electricity deposits, water, sewage, or a combination of these expenses is important. Conduct some research on the area. Some areas have utilities already installed. However, you’ll still have expenses.

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

What Are The Benefits of a Homestead?

The following are the main reasons why a homestead is beneficial:

• You get a property tax break for your primary residence
• Protection from foreclosure or forced sale when you can no longer pay

It’s also free! The lot is, at the very least. The cost of building a home you can live in is about half that. This will vary depending on what type of home you want to build.

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Now that you’ve learned the pros and disadvantages of free land, it is likely you are wondering where to find such an offer. If you’re willing to search, there are many free states in the United States.

The Midwest tends not to be the most popular place for homesteading. These nineteen towns are creating their own homesteading acts.

Here are the best spots to live off the ground (pun intended):

Colorado

1. Flagler

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

If you are interested in ranching and farming, you may think of setting up a related business here. You will receive no-cost land to cultivate. This offer is for those who are able to contribute to the development of the town’s economy and industry.

Flagler is home to an excellent education system. The town also has all the essential services, including restaurants, grocery stores, a library, speedy Wi-fi, and more.

Learn more about Flagler, Colorado’s land incentive program.

2. Agate

Agate, Colorado, is giving away free land of up to 60 acres in its communal co-op. The land being given away is expected to be developed for agriculture. You must pay a small percentage to the co-op every month if you are given some land.

To get free land for your farm in Agate Colorado, call Mary Choate (720-295-5275)

Free Land Iowa

3. Manilla (Iowa)

Manilla, Iowa offers lots of free land for families. The lots are situated in a pleasant area with paved streets. There is also green grass and mature trees. Because utilities are already in place, you don’t need worry about setting them all up. Omaha is just 57 mi away.

Also, you get a 5-year 100% tax reduction. The lots are available to eligible first-time home buyers. The lot is only available to first-time home buyers who meet the requirements of the covenants and build a single-family residence.

Despite its small size, Manilla boasts a vibrant business environment. It is possible to make money from the land in Manilla, Iowa.

4. Marne, Iowa

Marne, Iowa is one place where you could live off the land without paying any . It is a clean community with low crime. There are lots measuring approximately 80 x 120 feet. Marne is just 35 minutes east Omaha, and around an hour west Des Moines.

Marne is home to essential services and recreation facilities like a basketball court, baseball diamond, high-speed internet and cable tv and a state-of the-art local phone provider. This affordable homestead land is low in tax.

Free Land Kansas

You can obtain free land by visiting six Kansas rural towns.

5. Lincoln, Kanas

Lincoln, Kansas is a city of 720 square miles located in the northern-central region of Kansas. It is ideal for agriculture and ranching. Lincoln has a low crime rate, and it offers essential services, such as an industrial parks and a hospital complex.

Find out more about Lincoln’s home site program, and how to become one of the 3500+ residents.

6. Marquette (Kansas)

Marquette, Kansas is home to 680 people. It is only 30 minutes away from the nearest Walmart and 65 miles from Wichita.

Today, homesteading means acquiring lots measuring between 11,000 and 25,000 square feet. The land must be built within 180 days of receiving it. It must also be completed within one year.

Visit the Marquette, Kansas website to learn more about how to get free land.

7. Mankato Kansas

Mankato in Kansas is similar to Marquette. The town’s population is just slightly higher at just under 900. The lots are close to a hospital. It’s only 108 miles from Lincoln, Nebraska.

The lot size is approximately 18,000 square footage. The minimum square footage for a new home or modular construction is 1200 square inches, which includes the garage and basement. Construction must begin within six months of acquiring the lot and completed within two years. You have several festivals to look forward to.

The Chamber of Commerce website explains how to obtain free land in Mankato (Kansas).

8. Osborne, Kansas

Osborne in Kansas is home to 1300 people. The nearest Walmart is 75 minutes away. The lots are much larger, at average 23,100 feet. The construction of your house must be finished within one year. If you love to go outdoors, this is an ideal place.

9. Plainville, Kansas

Plainville, Kansas, located in north-central Kansas, has just over 2,000 residents. Local industries include oil production, truck trailer manufacturing, furniture design, healthcare, and agriculture. It’s situated seven miles north Rooks Regional Airport, and 150 miles northwest Wichita.

Plainville, Kansas lots have a total of 93 feet depth and 155 foot width. All new construction must be on a foundation. Stick-built homes or modular homes are acceptable, but single wide mobile homes are not allowed. The new owner must bring utilities to the home.

Plainville, Kansas asks for a $500 deposit which is then paid to the city. Rooks County reimburses half of the property tax savings for a period of ten years, through its Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. The property tax rebate will allow you to make money with your land for more than ten year, while being close to major industries. You could even rent out a bedroom or the entire house.

10. Washington, Kansas

Washington, Kansas is a small rural community of around 1200 people. It does not offer just one type or land, but also offers residential, business, and industrial lots. For more information about how to apply for open land, please contact us.

Learn more about these requirements. For example, a residential lot must be developed with a three-bedroom and two-car garage minimum. Every family that applies for the position will be interviewed and approved by the town council.

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

Free Land Michigan

11. Muskegon, Michigan

Muskegon in Michigan began offering land at no cost to help businesses create new jobs because of high unemployment. They’re offering five acres for 25 new jobs or 30 acres for 100 jobs. All utilities are available and there is access to a deep water port, railroads, highways and the Muskegon County Airport.

Muskegon lies only 85 miles away from Milwaukee and 117 miles from Chicago.

Free Land Minnesota

12. Claremont, Minnesota

Claremont may be the right place for you if you are looking to homestead in Minnesota. To qualify for one its single-family lots or residence development, you need to make a certain level of income. Example: A household with three or more people must have a gross annual income of less than $105,770. One lot can be purchased by each family for $1,000. Lot costs range between $20,000-$30,000,000.

Claremont lies only 62 mi from Saint Paul and 66 mi from Minneapolis.

13. New Richland, Minnesota

New Richland in Minnesota is offering land for free on the northwest corner of town. The town is 60 miles west Rochester and 75 miles from Twin Cities.

A 86 by133 foot lot has a one-year deadline for building a new home. According to the town, it costs approximately $25,000 per lot. However, tax increment financing is available to reduce the cost of development to approximately $14,000 over 15 years.

Free Land Nebraska

14. Beatrice, Nebraska

The rules of Beatrice, Nebraska, are a little more lenient. They created their version of the Homestead Act and call it the Homestead Act of 2010. They will give you land free of charge if it is built within two years and lived in. To increase the tax base and population, Beatrice is giving city-owned land away.

Beatrice is Nebraska’s southernmost city, located 40 miles from Lincoln and just 81 miles away from Omaha. It’s surrounded by agriculture and has over12,000 residents.

15. Curtis, Nebraska

Curtis, Nebraska is looking for people to move in. The city is quaint and has five lakes nearby for fishing or hunting. In 2014, Curtis tap water was rated the best tasting water from the National Rural Water Rally in DC.

It offers cash incentives for students and their families. One example is a family that has three or more children. The incentive will be $1000.

The town provides single-family home lots free of charge, provided you complete the construction within a time limit. All lots include utilities and paved concrete streets. Curtis also offers free industrial and commercial land to developers.

16. Elwood, Nebraska

Elwood, Nebraska, offers land free of charge as part its homeownership program. The residential lots measure 100 feet by 115 feet. Limitation must be initiated within one year of purchase and occupied by the buyer within two years. The lots require a $500 deposit but is refunded upon completion of the home.

Elwood is home of approximately 1000 people. It is located at Nebraska’s southern end. It is located 168 miles away from Lincoln, and 211 miles away from Omaha.

17. Loup City, Nebraska

Loup City is a small, rural town in Nebraska. It has approximately 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 always seeking new members and offering homesteading to beginners.

Reserve your desired spot and pick from a list for $1000.

Free Land New York

18. Buffalo, New York

What are you aware of? Even in urban settings, such as Buffalo New York, you can apply for a homestead grant. These requirements are specific and a little different from other programs.

For example, an applicant must live in and own a primary residence located next to a city-owned vacant lot. He must produce proof of his residency, such as bank and credit card details or driver’s license. The applicant must show evidence of current income and no outstanding obligations. He must also not have violated any property laws.

If the prospective owner is granted free land in Buffalo, New York, they will need to build the structure within twelve months and then occupy the property for at least 36 consecutive 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 funding, an acceptable floorplan, and 1,200 square footage.

La Villa’s program had been in place since the early 2000s. But, the program had to be stopped because of problems with the infrastructure for water and sewer. The town was unable to handle the increased population. It took four decades to build the infrastructure necessary to support more residents.

La Villa, Texas can be found 109 miles from Corpus Christi or 129 miles from Laredo.

Government Grants for Real Estate

20. Government grants for buying a house

We are not able to help you if there is no place you love in the list. People who are in need of assistance to build a house can also receive grants from the government.

Housing Industry Foundation offers a relocation award of up to 2500 dollars. This money can be used to make security deposits, rent payments, and utilities for low-income individuals.

Citizens who are likely to be displaced from homes by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development may also receive assistance. Subsidy assistance may be available for as long as 42 months to applicants who are looking for similar housing in their area.

Top Places To Build a Homestead by 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.

Findlaw.com allows you to alphabetically list the homestead laws by state. Here is a list of what states you can homestead in:

Arkansas

Arkansas homestead exemption is a maximum of $2,500 of one’s equity and up to one acre for urban properties. Rural properties may not exceed 160 acres.

Alaska

Alaska federal agencies and the state of Alaska do not provide free land. Alaska may occasionally offer land that is available for private sale.

Arizona

Homestead laws in Arizona allow homeowners to declare a partial portion of their property as a homestead. Arizona’s homestead exemption protects equity for homes worth $150,000 or more.

California

California’s homestead exemption allows property holders to declare at minimum $75,000 to be protected from bankruptcy or related creditor actions.

Florida

Florida homestead allows residences to be built on a maximum of half an acre. There are no restrictions as to the amount of square footage. If your lot extends to half-acre or more, your homestead protection will not be pro-rated.

Hawaii

Native Hawaiians are eligible to apply for the Hawaiian Home Lands Homestead Program. A native Hawaiian must apply and be at least 18 years old. See the state’s website to learn more about the Hawaii homestead requirements.

Idaho

Idaho homestead exemption allows property owners to deduct 50% of the value or up to $100,000 (including land, improvements, mobile homes, and so on). Once you qualify for the exemption, it can be claimed on your taxes. It will substantially lower your property taxes.

Illinois

Illinois’ homestead law gives property owners the right to claim up $15,000 and $30,000, if they are jointly owned.

Maine

The Main homestead exemption permits permanent residents to have their home valued at up to $200,000 less. Maine homestead exemptions can only be claimed by permanent residents who have lived in the house for at least twelve consecutive months.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts homestead provides limited protection for up to $500,000 of your home value against unsecured creditors’ claims.

Missouri

Missouri homestead exception allows for up to $15,000 in home, land, or building costs.

Montana

Montana homestead can protect your home for as much as $250,000.

Nevada

The Nevada homestead protects homeowners equity from claims for general credit up to $550,000. These types of claims include bankruptcy and unpaid medical bills.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire offers up to $100,000 protection for homestead exemptions in the case of bankruptcy. For married couples, the exemption could double.

New Mexico HTML3_

New Mexico’s homestead exemption law provides for property values of up to $30,000

North Carolina

North Carolina exemption permits you to have a maximum value of $1000 for your property. The law does not specify an acreage limit.

Ohio

Ohio homestead exemption allows up to $25,000 worth of the property from property taxes. Ohio’s homestead law provides protection for seniors over 65, their surviving spouses and disabled people.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma homestead exemption provides protection for farmers with a maximum of 1 acre or 160 acres in urban areas.

Oregon

Oregon homestead exemption allows a property of up to $40,000 to be exempt from tax, whether it is floating, mobile, or manufactured. Married couples may be exempt up to $50,000 Rural homestead laws cover 160 acres.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s homestead exclusion law allows property owners to receive a very low $400.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island homeowners have the right to claim upto $500,000 worth property from their homestead in case of bankruptcy.

South Carolina

South Carolina homestead exemption allows for the first $50,000 of the primary homeowner’s fair market value as property taxes.

South Dakota

South Dakota homestead law exempts up to one acre in an urban area and 160 acres in rural areas.

Utah

Utah homestead exemption permits primary homeowners to claim up to $30,000 per individual. The law allows a non-primary homeowner to claim up to $5,000.

Vermont

Vermont homestead exemption allows up to $125,000 of the property or home.

Washington

Washington state homestead exemption law permits up to $125,000 without a maximum acreage.

West Virginia

West Virginia homestead exemption is limited to $1,000 of personal possessions or $5,000 of real estate.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin homestead allows no less than a quarter-acre and no more than 40 acres. Homestead laws apply to urban and rural properties.

Wyoming

Wyoming homestead exemptions are limited to $20,000 of 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 and other land programs. Many people would like to live on this land and build a home. Some people are seeking land for agriculture, where they can keep their farm animals and have natural resources. Others are looking for land to build a home on.

There are usually strict requirements regarding income and residency for those who receive public lands. There are grants that may help you pay for the cost of purchasing land parcels.

Cities offer one type of land opportunity that encourages people to move there. This is because people who move into new cities can create economic activity. Remote work has led to a rise in cash payouts, attractive incentives, and other new trends.

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 to show you what’s on the market in various American cities.

Newton, Iowa

Newton offers up $10,000 in cash for people who buy homes. You also get an additional $3,000. Although it is not the same as buying a piece of land, the city offers up to $10,000 in cash to people who buy new homes there. In addition, you get a welcome package worth $3,000.

Lincoln Kansas

Lincoln, Kansas is offering free land to people who want to settle there and build new homes. The land grants cover land parcels from 12,000 to 35,000 ft. While you must follow the guidelines and time restrictions to build, this could be your chance to create the home of your dreams.

Topeka Kansas HTML3_

People who relocate to Topeka, Kansas can get paid towards the cost of buying a home (up to $10,000) or can even get paid towards renting for the first year. The Choose Topeka application process has some restrictions. One requirement is that your employer must be located outside of Shawnee County. Remote workers will find this program especially useful.

The Shoals, Alabama

Remote workers who are employed remotely and self-employed in other areas of Colbert or Lauderdale Counties may be eligible for the Remote Shoals program. In your first year of living in The Shoals, you will receive $10,000 to help you buy a home, or to purchase a piece of land. This program has a minimum annual income requirement. You must earn at least $52,000 per year.

Tulsa. Arizona

Tulsa Remote in Arizona offers a remote incentive program. This includes a relocation package worth $10,000 for those who use it to pay a mortgage in the area.

USA with Free Land Summary

Real estate seems to be out of reach for many Americans, especially millennials who have to pay student loan debts and credit cards.

Taking advantage of a homesteading program in your nearest state or county has its cons, as well. It’s possible that you will be cut off from family members and friends. It could mean letting go of the amenities and services you’ve been accustomed to in a city or urban area.

However, it may be the difference between living in squalor, possible homelessness, or not saving money? It’s important to grab every opportunity in times like these. Homesteading in states with free land is a terrific way to drastically cut expenses.

A move to a smaller town is more affordable than to live in the big city. Finding a place to get a haircut at a reasonable price will not be difficult. It will be easier to find discounted meat at your local supermarket. A cheaper gym membership will be available. The cost of living will drop.

You don’t get everything if you have free land. You must build your own home and pay for it within a set period. Some cities require that you contribute to the creation of jobs in the business community.

It’s a win for both sides. It’s a win-win situation for both parties. You can come and transform it into something useful. The community and town receive taxes on the property. Businesses perform better because there are more people who spend money on food, services, and housing.

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