How To Maximize the Benefits of Rural Living
How To Maximize the Benefits of Rural Living
Almost 50% of US adults surveyed revealed that they’d prefer to live in a rural than a city area. Country living is appealing because there is more space, cleaner air, and cheaper living costs.
Less traffic, stress, and crime are other compelling reasons for the renewed appeal of a rural lifestyle.
If you’re planning to move to the country, it’s also a good idea to make the most out of your acreage.
Swapping urban for rural life can bring you benefits, and you might just decide to stay longer, if not for good.
Manage Wildlife
Owning acreage has several advantages, such as plenty of space to build your dream ranch house or rural home.
You get privacy and freedom without close neighbors and many opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and walking.
You have the possibility to grow your own produce and the chance to raise livestock. But, unfortunately, owning big tracts of raw land also attracts high taxes.
For example, property tax rates in Texas are among the highest in America, often reaching up to 2% of market value.
To reduce this amount, you can apply for wildlife exemption, significantly decreasing property taxes.
Of course, this means that you’re going to delve into wildlife management and must make a plan for specific native species on your land.
In Texas, these animals are often turkeys, doves, songbirds, and white-tailed deer. You will be practicing habitat, erosion, and predator control.
In addition, you should also provide supplemental water and food, shelter, and perform census counts.
On top of preserving your state’s open space and enjoying the presence of animals, it is possible to own rural property without getting into financial trouble due to high property taxes.
Introduce Agriculture
If you own at least 10 acres of land, it’s also an option to classify your plot as agricultural and benefit from a special valuation. That means lower property taxes.
Of course, the main condition is that you must use your land to grow crops, raise livestock or keep bees.
For rural landowners who want to produce their own food and maybe have something left over to sell, going into agriculture makes sense to get the best out of your rural land.
Admittedly, not everyone might want to plant crops on a large scale, but there are other ways to do small-sized activities.
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Consider planting native species of plants for vegetation and as feed for livestock. If you’re not keen on the idea of working full time as a smallholder, you can lease your land to a farmer.
Be aware though that you must abide by the rules if your property has a different valuation.
If you’re selling your own produce, check the requirements set by your state. Note that if you reclassify your land, you’re going to need to pay back taxes on the previous years that you claimed exemptions.
Rural living has its own attractions. Managing wildlife and introducing agricultural activities are two easy ways to exploit the land and use the opportunities available when you live in the country.
Do you think you’d take advantages and benefits of rural living?
Let me know, til then—cheers m’deres!
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Nancy Polanco is a freelance journalist, lifestyle content creator, and editor of Whispered Inspirations. She is a proud Mom to Gabby and Michaela and partner and best friend to Darasak. Having worked as part of a health care team for almost a decade, Nancy is happy to be back to her passion. She is a contributor to the Huffington Post, TODAY’s Parents, and an Oprah Magazine Brand Ambassador.
