Time to buy the farm, but where? PA/NJ/NY/DE/MD

[BeardedLadyFarm]

After more than 15 years away from the country, I'm planning to buy a farm in the next couple of years. I'm just trying to figure out where to start looking.

I do love the city, and would like to stay within a few hours of Philadelphia and/or New York, but that leaves a pretty big area. The following are my criteria...

-Affordable farm land not on the verge of being taken over by Walmart and other suburban sprawl
-50+ acres
-Farm friendly government and taxes
-Open minded residents (or at least non-aggressive closed minded ones)

It will probably start as a bit of a hobby farm, ultimately becoming my homestead or residence.

Any suggestions or opinions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[NYchickies]

I live in NY State, so, I'd probably look in PA if I were you! Or, at least wait until we get a new governor. As for other states, NJ etc., I'm not at all familiar with their taxes etc. I'm on the PA border, so I can compare NY and PA.

 

[NYchickies]

Oh, and affordable within a couple of hours of either city is probably going to be tough unless your idea of affordable is different than mine!

 

[BeardedLadyFarm]

Quote:
That seems to be the advise I've gotten from NJ folks too! I think it might be time for a long drive to explore my state a little more. I don't know much beyond my little corner of PA...

 

[emys]

Employ a very good Buyers Agent (Realtor) tell them exactly what you are looking for and ask LOTS of questions about local laws/taxes/regulations. If they are any good, they will make their fee worthwhile. Unless you have tons and tons of time, that is just too much ground to cover on your own.

Look northwest of Philadelphia in PA - I used to live in that direction and you can still find land cheaper there - and no one cares how many animals you keep. Boyertown, Kutztown areas are getting all built up, so you will have to head west a little more in the state

 

[BeardedLadyFarm]

Quote:
Agreed. That's why I said "few" over "couple." 2 hours seem to be the magical border for some people. I'm willing to go 4-5 hours or so if it makes a big difference. Or even further with good reason, but I would like to keep within a days drive of my friends if possible.

 

[BeardedLadyFarm]

Quote:
Thanks! That's great advise. I guess I'm still trying to educate myself on what types of questions I need to be asking. I figured with the thousands of people on BYC, this would be a great place to start my investigation!

 

[emys]

I think you are correct and there is a lot of helpful folks on BYC who can give you lots of useful tips.

Here is one more from me. Make sure you know where your ACTUAL property lines are before purchase. Fences aren't always accurate! Also be aware of right of ways before purchase.

Happy farm hunting!

 

[BeardedLadyFarm]

Quote:
I had a property line dispute on my tiny rectangular lot in the city. I mean, you can measure it out with a tape measure. I had to pay $700 to a city surveyor to come out and measure it for me to appease the lady behind me! I then put up a fence in front of her windows. Oops.

 

[emys]

I had a property line dispute on my tiny rectangular lot in the city. I mean, you can measure it out with a tape measure. I had to pay $700 to a city surveyor to come out and measure it for me to appease the lady behind me! I then put up a fence in front of her windows. Oops.

Oh My!! Only funny in retrospect. I once had a guy buy a property behind mine. I met him while he was trying to clear my trees. He was sure his property went behind his fence by at least a few feet. I promptly showed him the property markers and told him he'd better do his research before he buys next time! We never did speak much after that, but he stayed off my side of the fence.​