Back in 1976 the federal government stopped giving away free land with the repeal of the Homestead Act. While there is no longer a federal government program that gives away free land, it's still possible to get it. A number of rural communities that are trying to reverse decades of population decline have gathered donated land to give away for free to the right people.
Ellsworth, Kansas is one of those communities. With a current population of 2,900, they are trying to lure people to a simpler way of life by not only offering free land, but also down payment assistance, tax rebates, breaks for small businesses as well as other fringe benefits.
To qualify for the free land in Ellsworth County, the person must sign with a contractor to build the house within 6 months, break ground on the house within 1 year and complete the residence within 2 years. The house must also be at least 1,000 square feet.
To help with the financing of the home, the county has arranged with local bankers to have the value of the free lot received to go towards the down payment on the home.
The bankers will also waive the fees normally charged with financing the construction of a new home.
To get more information on the free land that is available, you can visit
KansasFreeLand.com which offers links to the communities of Atwood, Plainville, Lincoln, Minneapolis, Ellsworth county and Marquette in Kansas that are all offering free land and other incentives.
You can also visit
Prairie Opportunity which is a website set up by six counties in Northwestern North Dakota. They are seeking out 5,000 people that "have the right stuff to be a 21st century pioneer."
The site states, "Odds are, you are not a candidate for NW North Dakota. You have succumbed to the cities. All of your pleasures must be provided and you gladly stand in long lines to receive them. But if you are one of those who is wondering what they are doing in that line, continue on. This may be the journey you have been waiting for, but had no idea where the line was to get tickets."
Free Land - Kansas and North Dakota
