Finding good land
 

Question for you guys:

I expect to move to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in '07 or '08
Ideally, I'd like to either get cheap forest and/or farmland to build a house on.
My thoughts focus on WTSHTF scenarios, from the reasonable expectation of economic collapse, to the less reasonable fear of huge natural disasters some think could come in December 2012 (including biblical-level tidal waves)
If necessary, I'd like to be able to farm, hunt, gather firewood, have a shipping container in the yard if I so choose, and have neighbors that farm, hunt, etc - a community that can survive any coming disasters. My wife already has a very long commute into Lancaster and would prefer to be closer. I might consider a western area at higher altitude, but her job and relatives are in PA.

Any recommendations on finding a good deal on land? I might go for as little as 5-10 acres if I cant get a good deal, or maybe 30 or more if I can.
So far, my online searches have been pretty useless, and realtors haven't sent listings worth seeing so far. I'm hoping some of you have good suggestions.

Thanks you,

Davehorus

Re: Finding good land
 

Hi dave,

If you call the local paper, or the city dept, they might be able to let you know what is available for free rags advertising real estate. Matter of fact we have a couple of real good ones for a smallish town and area. Population less than 100K for the area.

For instance, there is one around here that comes out once a month, comprising most of the realtors listings, with pics for free. It is very well done, and I am just guessing, but it probably covers 75% or more of what is available in the market.

Then there is another one, that is a compiliation traders rag, that covers everything from soup to nuts of what is being sold by owners.

You can check some of the online local area sites also, and maybe that will help point you in the right direction.

I don't know if this helps, but FWIW

Re: Finding good land
 

Find the tiny bar with most pickups out front. Make friends. Be cool. Buy a few rounds. Those guys will know who is selling.

LG :cool1:

Re: Finding good land
 

Re: Finding good land
 

Thanks for the thoughts so far - although for the most part these are not specific to the area, they are all good ideas. But I'm still hoping someone with local knowledge can spoonfeed me even more specific direction/assistance, so I'll add that southern Berks or Lebanon County, or Eastern York County, or even western Chester County are also under consideration, as these areas border Lancaster County.

Re: Finding good land
 

Or they will think you are a nosey agent and... :musicus:

Try the Dewdrop Inn.

Re: Finding good land
 

What is "good land"?

Lancaster PA is just a suburb these days, a tourist and gift-shop mecca. What would be your reasons for buying land there, other than for an investment?

Are you looking for a "retreat"? A "homestead"? A vacationing spot? Are you going to cut your throat financially and become a farmer? Good land means different things to each person.

The property that most would judge to be "good" before a systemwide survival event manifests, would likely be too readily available to others to offer a safe harbor for your family.

Moving to a remotely situated homestead now could be a very wise thing. Not like you have to be 45 miles from Havre Mt, but a place that is "way back there" off some county road could prove to be superior to the one that is on the main highway between towns.

Nice, also to have some geographical boundaries that impede interlopers. Consider that while a river can be a barrier, it is also a means of transport. Never know what might come down the river looking for opportunity? If you are their opportunity, that's not good!

There are some great homesteading books that can help you understand what you want to look for. Five Acres And Independence is one your library might have. Finding Your Place In The Country also has some pointers.

If you are churchgoing folk, checkout the local church you would favor. Meet those people after service and ask around. But first, know what you need to achieve your goals. Likely, you want to buy after Spring thaw, unless you are the trusting type. Never know what kind of junk you'll have to clean up if you buy in Winter.

Re: Finding good land
 

A river can also be a source of energy. Just check what/who is upstream, first.

LG :smokin: