Clarification: Hunting land is basically just relatively untamed land that whoever owns it can allow other people to hunt on it, or hunt on it themselves. It's just private property where you hunt. It's really common out here in Western KY... I never really considered that other places in the world don't have this; I've never really left my hometown for a prolonged amount of time. The good thing about having private hunting land to build on is that I can barter rights to hunt on it to friends in return for their help in building! I already proposed this deal to one such friend and he said it sounded like a fair deal.
I would, ideally, just be buying
enough land for me, a garden, and enough land to eventually accommodate a few animals (a couple mini jersey cows, some
chickens). Less than an acre of residential land can run 10 grand, whereas the aforementioned hunting land (which is usually sold by the owner rather than through realtors, I'd guess that's the difference) can run about half that for 10 acres. I can't imagine needing too much land, at least not starting out. I honestly have no frame of reference how much land I really need for what I'm wanting, but that's another reason for posting here I suppose.
The biggest drawback of hunting land is if I absolutely NEED electricity or any utilities, I'll possibly have trouble with zoning and such. I might not be able to get those at all. Almost certainly unable to get signal or internet, too. I'm okay with this, really, I intended to go fully off-grid anyway. But if anyone else is looking to come here and take advantage of prices and such, that is something to consider here.
As I am in Western KY, there are quite a few tornadoes per year, but they've only hit the area where I've lived specifically twice in my life. Part of the appeal of building a home and
greenhouse into the earth itself is that it will be a bit safer. When I was young, my mother and I would retreat to her parents' house when there was a tornado watch, since the first floor of the house was
underground.
For employment, I'm hoping to turn homesteading into a career, so I can eventually quit my factory job. I
project that I'll have to keep my job for about a year, maybe two. It will allow me to see if I can really handle the lifestyle before I make any drastic decisions; as much as I love the idea of natural living, I don't know what circumstances might arise. I'm hoping to
sell extra food from my garden, hatching eggs from the
chickens, and
honey once I establish a hive (can also use the beeswax to make candles and soaps). I have many avenues through which to succeed, I just have trouble focusing on getting started.
How will I know if water is contaminated?
When I start looking at properties (hoping to do the shopping this next spring; will give me time to save up for it and do the proper amount of research and preparations), I'll be sure to post some pictures. That way, if anyone in a similar situation down the line needs to see what to look for, my journey can be a good example. Thank you to everyone so far! I feel a little less overwhelmed, maybe even a bit excited!