Cristi Moscoso

Steve Lansing wrote:Greetings from N. GA. Richard here, interested in learning what I need to learn concerning homesteading in North GA, Cherokee County area. If there is anyone around N. GA that is homesteading or can advise me of the ins and outs, that would be great. At the moment, looking at terrain and feasiblitiy. Would like to have crops for self and some sales. Goats for milk and meat, chickens for eggs and meat, rabbits for meat and to supply good manure for garden/ worms. Maybe a fish pond or even a natural pool to swim in. Blue berries, black berries, apples, peaches, veggies all are part of the plan. Love this site.

Hi Steve! Wondering if you have an update. Did you ever find some land in North GA? We are currently looking to make the move from Atlanta and mostly looking around Pickens County, but open to most of N. Georgia. Sounds like we have a lot of similar goals and I'm wondering where you are in your journey?

Anne Pratt wrote:I lived in nearby Massachusetts in a small city, and moved to rural Vermont.  I think the most important factors are (1) proximity to family/loved ones/support network, (2) cost of living (weighed alongside your ambitions toward frugality, intent to grow your own food, and such), (3) climate, soil, privacy, and some less tangibles like the political climate.

My state has a high cost of living, a brutal climate, rocky but otherwise pretty good soil, and great communities.  But, I have always loved Vermont.  We vacationed here when I was a child, and I brought mine to vacation here in more recent years.  It feels like home.

It sounds like you have children. Did you move with them? What did you do for schooling? We don't really want to homeschool, though we would be open to a homeschool co-op situation if we needed to. Wondering about this as well and wondering if you have any advice. Thanks!

John F Dean wrote:NW Georgia is an attractive area.  

In my first attempt, I went by price, water, access to larger communities, and privacy.  

In my second location I gave attention to privacy, employment, climate, neighbors, house, soil, hospitals, transportation, and all of the above.

You mention house - we're looking for land with an existing house on site. Is that what you mean? Also, how did you go about looking and purchasing the land? Did you use a realtor or websites?

Jack Edmondson wrote:I made my decision to move back to TX from the Pacific Northwest for three reasons that I think everyone should factor into a decision.  The first was the ability to grow fresh food for most of the year.  The second was a support network.  Finally, available affordable land.

Texas has a year round growing season across most of the state.  I can grow winter crops even in the coldest part of the year.  

I had family and friends still here; although I had been away for almost two decades.  People are important.  Survival without loved ones, is hardly survival at all.  Who is important in your life and where are they?

Finally, the West Coast has priced itself out of many peoples ability to purchase or finance (without a 'city' job.)  Much of the East Coast is the same.  

There are other factors, such as Medical facilities, job market, quality of life activities, etc...  I feel most of these are second tier factors that help hone in on an area rather than drive a search.

I'm curious. How close are you to your family? Like down the street? Or a couple of hours?

Hello Permies! My husband and I are in our early 30's, very stable jobs and finances, and have two daughters under the age 4. We have been living in Atlanta, GA for going on 7 years and have done very well here by all accounts. My husband who grew up in a way smaller town than me has always wanted to eventually move out on some land, his father was a carpenter and he grew up in the trade until eventually going to gradschool and switching to Historic Preservation. I am a city girl through and through and have a very cushy career in Software, but especially after Covid-19, I have finally fully bought into the idea of moving out of the city and leaving the rat-race before it gets even worse with the "new normal" they are pushing on us.  

My main question is for those of you that were in a similar position, but eventually made the move out - How did you decide WHERE to move?

We are open to leaving Georgia, but would prefer to stay closer to places that would make it easy to visit family which would mean the East Coast or Midwest.


Appreciate any advice you have based on how y'all decided! Thanks!