My husband and our two children (soon to be three) reside on a five-acre homestead in Southern Illinois. We are considering selling out and relocating and are looking for info on some other areas from other likeminded people. The areas we're looking at: southwestern Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky or possibly even Missouri. We have a house and two acres in southwestern Pennsylvania (East Millsboro) that belonged to my husband's grandparents (if we want it - we're just not sure if that's where we want to move to). We would appreciate any and all info about homesteading in these area - and we would especially be interested in info about inexpensive homestead sites that are available. We're interested in info about cost of living, churches, availability of livestock, etc. etc. etc.

-- Tammy Waters (tamleewat@hotmail.com), May 27, 2001

Answers

We live in Western PA, north of Pittsburgh. We have 6 acres. The problem here is suburban sprawl. We are just east of Cranberry Twp. one of the fastest growing areas in the nation. The farm behind us is up for sale 47 acres for $500,000. Check out the property values and growth rates. 5 years ago this was still a fairly rural area, now developments are popping up everywhere. There isn't much homesteading going on around here, even the "regular" farms are disappearing. That is probably a good sign of the area. When the farms go, the farm/feed supply stores go and the zoning takes over to protect the new developments. I didn't check where Millsboro is, but they are working on a new highway along the Mon river valley toward WVA and there is lots of talk how that will open up the area South of Pittsburgh for more housing. If you are far enough away from the cities and major highways it may not change, but it seems anywhere along the highways (even 50 miles from the city) or close to the city is just being built up.

-- Mike Pasterik (mike@pasterik.com), May 27, 2001.

Hello Tammy, Check out my website for information about Southern Missouri. We live in the Ozarks and are building a homestead. We have pictures and information that may be helpful. Sincerely, Ernest

-- http://communities.msn.com/livingoffthelandintheozarks (espresso42@hotmail.com), May 27, 2001.

If you want, I'll pass your info to a couple I know (Barb and Harvey French) in MO. They are North of the Ozarks, in Mark Twain Nat. Forest... in Beulah - not sure if its even on the map... But its between Rolla and Licking.

They've been down there way more than 20 years... The land is still incredibly cheap in their area. About three years ago, it was still well under $500 per acre. If there is anything between Columbia, Rolla and Springfield, they will know.

-- Sue Diederich (willow666@rocketmail.com), May 30, 2001.