1.7 million, is that after taxes? If your smart you will make sure that you first put aside enough money so you can pay all of your mandatory bills with the interest. Once that done your will know what your land budget is.
Many people that win lotteries or get inheritances, end up worse off because, they don't take into account all taxes needed to be paid, and the maintenance of the things they purchase.
I wish you luck and hope this money brings you happiness, money can bring happiness, if managed properly.
I am sorry, I did not answer your question, I hate when people do that.
Arkansas , had land that is not expensive when compared to most of the US. One of Arkansas biggest benefit to land owners is low taxes, which means, long term lower financial mainentance on the property you buy. However, utilities and some of the other cost of living expenses, seem to be a little higher than surrounding states.