East/upper Cumberland TN: Need land advise

Hello beautiful people

We are looking into getting 5-12ish acres of land in TN for homesteading, chickens, goats. Community outreach, CSA. We have visited some areas and have heard good things about the upper cumberlands and areas of east TN but have yet visit there. I am looking for any advise on areas to search, good communities for homesteading, less restricted counties etc.

Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks for your time!
Heather

So what sort of restrictions are you hoping to avoid?

Regarding restrictions, I am not a complete stickler about as much as some. I think requirement of septic for example is not necessarily a bad thing. Deal breakers would be: restrictions on animal husbandry (types, numbers of animals), stringent restrictions on building on the property, HOA of any kind. I am just beginning to research what to look for when buying a place; trying to educate myself on things to watch out for etc

Though I have no knowledge of Tennessee building codes, most of the things you have mentioned are usually in the deed, called deed restrictions.

When looking at a property be sure to ask what the deed restrictions are.  Most likely, to me, a realtor will not mention that upfront.

That area is really a beautiful part of Tennessee.

Middle Tennessee resident of 14 years chiming in here!

The Upper Cumberland area of Tennessee is still very rural compared to many areas of MidTn--lots of Mennonites and Amish community in the area. I recommend investigating the areas northeast of Cookeville such as Fentress and Overton Counties.  South of Cookeville (Putnam Co.), land prices have been rising like crazy in the last five years, so you'll have to look farther and farther out from the Tennessee cities to find what you want!

Everyone seems to be relocating to Middle and East Tennessee right now--that creates opportunities as well as driving up land prices. Best of luck with your hunting!

Hi Rachel thanks so much for the insight. We have been looking in the area for a few weeks now and I’m beginning to find it overwhelming haha. Either the land is completely raw and we would have to build. (In these odd times I am nervous about that) or it’s so expensive when it has a decent home on it already. I’m not against building it ourselves ina non conventional way but i don’t even know anyone who could help with that either. Yikes!

Anyway I think I’m done with my venting now haha! I appreciate you taking time