When we escaped Long Island, NY's ridiculous real estate taxes, because our oldest was starting college, (we have 4 to send), we moved 2 hours upstate NY, following east of the Hudson River to halfway between 2 of the racetracks DH worked at. He was a professional athlete at the time, and we knew his career only had 3/4 more years left. We sold the 100 year old colonial that I had painstakingly restored to the last minute detail and bought this property with cash from the sale. NO mortgage! Woo Hoo! We had hoped for 10 acres, but a property deal on the sellers end fell apart,, It was my dream house and property, we had to rent for a year. WE looked, and looked, and could find nothing in our price range. Just when I was thinking we would be renting forever, this property opened up. Half the size house we are used to, really, a prefab box, BUT it had a beautiful barn, paddocks, and indoor riding arena! It was only 6 acres, but it's a dream come true! Right after we bought, DH had a career ending injury, became permanently disabled to go back to do his job,(he is walking thank GOD), but our plans changed of saving all his earning for the last 3/4 years with no mortgage to pay. So plan B, and we adjusted, and I am so very thankful he wasn't paralyzed for as serious as he broke his neck,(for the second time I may add!). I am actively looking for a second shed, or used coop to start a second flock, as with the 9 girls, I just don't seem to have enough eggs for our family, and to gift/sell. So, chicken math will indeed take over here, and I am constantly on the Internet dreaming of my second flock...the breeds change constantly!
MB
We house hunted for a year... I was not sure that we would find what we wanted in this area. But I did not want to go too far ... That would take my mom away from her remaining sisters. I found this place on-line and we had to really wait... it went off the market... then back on. But to find a house with at least an acre.. (I had wanted 5 acres) and a house with one floor .. mom may not always have good mobility. That is not easy in California. The horse communities are normally very expensive. We found this house in an area that has its issues... but the house is a 7 yr old on an 1.5 acres. I am 20 mins from most of the colleges that I worked at. Close to freeways if I get other work... The house is on one floor. We are at the end of a dead-end street. People just don't see us here, so we are safe and I am close to open area to go ridding. We are very lucky. We have plenty of room if I do meet someone and/or have kids. I have a little time left... so there is still hope
