A version of this article was originally published on Cityhousecountryhouse.com on 7/8/2018
Acreage, Homestead, Hobby Farm? What does it all mean?
You have made the decision to live in a more rural area, but what comes next?
There are so many choices and finding the right fit can be difficult because there are no set definitions for what you are looking for. One person’s garden may be another person’s hobby farm. Think about your choices and decide what fits your vision and then get ready to start house hunting for country homes!
Acreage vs. Open Space
Want to look out your window and see nature instead of your neighbors house? Open space may be all you need. Just some land between you and others to give you a feeling of privacy. Depending on the layout, you might not even need an acre. To give you a visual, think of an acre as just shy of a football field.
If you are thinking of a horse property, the rule of thumb is about 2 acres per horse. Local municipality websites will list what is allowed. For example some areas allow horses, but not livestock. Always do your research and contact the municipality directly to verify information.
Homestead
Do you want to make the most out of your land? Have a garden and some animals? Try to be more self-sufficient? A property to Homestead on may be on your Priority List. Anywhere from a quarter acre to several acres will be needed, depending on your ambition. Any house can be turned into a Homestead with the right motivation. A Homestead is a way of life versus a way to make some side income.
Hobby Farm/Mini Farm
There is no set definition for a hobby farm. In the government’s eyes, it may be a profitable farm, but not the owner’s main source of income. Typically they are less than an acre up to five acres. You can urban hobby farm in a city, but there are probably more restrictions on livestock. Assuming that the goal is to farm, think about the types of crops or livestock….the requirements for bees may be different than chickens or goats. If you are considering dog kennels, check with the local municipality because zoning varies. If the area is unincorporated, check with the county. Click here for info on Lake County, IL zoning.
Farmette
Sometimes referred to as a Gentleman’s farm (the Gentleman farmed, but it wasn’t his main source of income), a farmette is usually five acres up to around 50 acres. It can function as a real farm with crops and/or livestock and often has outbuildings. It is basically a larger scale Hobby Farm. Again, take your ambitions into consideration. Do you want land that has been farmed before, wooded land to clear cut or unused open acreage?
Farm
According to the USDA, the average US farm in 2018 was 443 acres. These farms are run by full time farmers, often with many employees. Keep in mind financing….the requirements for getting a mortgage for a farm are not the same as for a house. There are also alternatives like renting, contract for deed or governmental programs.
Ready to go House Hunting?
Remember, what you want now may not be what you want or need in five years. Start with what you can afford and what you can manage. Make a plan for a country home that will bring you peace and happiness. You may be surprised what fits.
Drop me an email and we can discuss your dreams!