The Homesteading Trend: Why Southwest VA and Northeast TN Are Perfect for It

Have you ever dreamt of a simpler life? Maybe one where you grow your own food, raise animals, and live a self-sustaining lifestyle? Well, you're not alone. More and more people are turning to homesteading—not necessarily as full-time farmers, but as individuals who want to take control of their food, their land, and ultimately, their lives. And guess what? If you’ve been thinking about starting this journey, Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee are ideal places to do it.

Hi, I’m Brittany, a native of Bristol, TN, and a local real estate agent. Today, I’m diving into the growing trend of homesteading, why so many are choosing it, and why our Appalachian region is perfect for your homesteading dreams. Whether you're already planning your move or just starting to research, this post will help you understand what homesteading is, why people are making the switch, and how to get started.

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Why Are So Many People Turning to Homesteading?

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As a millennial myself, I get it. Growing up, we were taught that the "American Dream" was all about career success, buying things, and living in a world of consumer convenience. But today, especially in our current economic and environmental climate, many people—especially my generation and younger—are feeling the pressure. The pace of life, the constant noise, and the stress of making ends meet have led many to seek a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle.

For me, and for many others, homesteading offers an escape from the chaos. My grandparents, who grew up in the Appalachian Mountains, were part of a generation where farming and self-sufficiency were a way of life. But after WWII, the world shifted. My parents and older generations, like Baby Boomers and Gen X, chased the American Dream with careers, bigger homes, and things. But today’s world feels a bit different.

Consumerism, fast food, and unhealthy eating have taken a toll on people’s health. More and more of us are waking up to the reality that the food we eat is full of preservatives, chemicals, and synthetic ingredients. We want to eat healthier, live simpler, and have more control over our lives. For many, homesteading is a way to make that happen.

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What Is Homesteading (and How Is It Different from Farming)?

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Before we dive into how to get started, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page about what homesteading actually is. There’s often confusion between homesteading, farming, and even "farmsteading," so let’s break it down.

• Farming is all about producing crops and raising animals for profit. It's typically done on larger pieces of land, usually 100+ acres or more. Farmers sell their products to make a living.
• Homesteading is different. It’s about becoming self-sufficient on a smaller scale, often on a few acres or less. Homesteaders grow food to feed themselves, and they often raise a few animals like chickens for eggs, goats for milk, or maybe a couple of pigs. The key here is self-sufficiency, not making money. It’s about having the freedom to live off the land and know exactly where your food comes from. Some homesteaders even go fully off-grid, relying on solar panels, well water, and other sustainable methods to live.
• Farmsteading is a hybrid of the two. It’s bigger than a traditional homestead but not quite as large as a full-scale farm. A farmstead might have barns, animals, and more land than a homestead. The food grown is still for personal use, but some people may trade or barter excess crops or goods.

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Why Southwest VA and Northeast TN Are Great for Homesteading

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Now that we’ve covered what homesteading is, let’s talk about why Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee are perfect for it. One of the biggest perks of our region is the abundance of land—ranging from just a few acres to hundreds of acres—available at relatively affordable prices.

If you’ve ever opened Zillow or another real estate site and looked at rural properties, you know the sheer variety of choices available. From raw land to ready-to-move-in homes with acreage, you can find something that fits your homesteading vision here.

Let’s take a look at a few examples of properties that could be the perfect fit for your homesteading dream:

Example 1: Wyndale Rd Lot 2, Abingdon, VA

• 17 acres of unrestricted land in Abingdon, VA
• Ideal for building a custom home and creating your own homestead
• Plenty of cleared space for gardens, chickens, or a few animals
• Wooded areas offer privacy and seclusion, while being only about 20 minutes from Bristol for shopping and dining

Example 2: 23182 Mabe Hill Rd, Bristol, VA

• 9 acres of green land surrounded by mountains, with a log cabin-style home
• Move-in ready with water, septic, and electric already installed
• Perfect for those who want to live a self-sustaining life, while still being close to town
• A great spot for a garden, chickens, and maybe even some hunting with nearby wildlife

Example 3: 8645 Wagner Rd, Bristol, VA

• 26 acres of prime farmland, with a 3000 sqft house and barns for animals
• This one’s a true farmstead—perfect for those who want to raise livestock like goats, pigs, and cows
• A turn-key farmstead that’s ready to sustain a family, yet still close to town

Example 4: 7456 AP Carter Hwy, Hiltons, VA

• 415 acres of land with a luxury cabin, ATV trails, ponds, and even facilities for cows
• This property offers both farm potential and a luxurious lifestyle
• Perfect for those who want to live the farm life but enjoy the finer things

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How to Buy Land for Your Homestead

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Buying land for a homestead is an exciting, but sometimes daunting process. Many people are intimidated by the idea of purchasing raw land, but don’t let that stop you. There are ways to make it happen.

Here are a few financing options for buying land:

1. Lot Loans: Many smaller, local banks offer lot loans, which are loans specifically for purchasing land. If you’re buying raw land, this is a great option.
2. Construction Loans: If you plan to build a home right away, you might consider a construction loan. These loans can be used to finance both the land and the construction of a house.
3. Seller Financing: This is a powerful tool when used correctly. Seller financing means the current owner finances the purchase instead of a bank, which can be an easier option if you don’t have traditional financing available.
4. Agricultural Loans: If you’re buying a farmstead, agricultural loans can also be an option. These loans are specifically for land that will be used for farming purposes.

I also recommend working with a real estate agent who understands the ins and outs of buying rural land and has experience with the local regulations, zoning, and financing options.

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Conclusion: Your Homesteading Journey Starts Here

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Whether you’re dreaming of a small, self-sustaining homestead or a large farmstead with room for livestock, Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee offer a wealth of opportunities. From raw land to move-in ready farmsteads, there’s something here for everyone. The beauty of the region, combined with the affordability of land, makes it the perfect place to start your homesteading journey.

As a local real estate agent with a passion for land, I’m here to help you find the perfect property and guide you through the process—from finding the right land to securing financing and making your dream homestead a reality. I’ve been through the process myself and am passionate about helping others make their homesteading dreams come true.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward living a more self-sustaining lifestyle, contact me today. Let’s find the land that’s right for you!

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