Not really a tractor question but seeking opinions

[WW2017]

I wasn't really sure where to put this so please tell me if I need to move it. I haven't started many threads here but I read this forum several times a day and am always impressed with the knowledge and advice given, so I am seeking that by posting this question.

My wife and I currently have about 22 acres, (about 6 in woods) just minutes from two towns, population 18K-40K. We both work full time, one of us in each town. I can retire in less than 5 years with a pension and my wife can do the same in less than that. We are both 50 and thanks to wife's deceased parents, two pensions, and a frugal lifestyle, financially stable.

We have found a large amount of land about an hour away from our current location that is mostly mature hardwood and pines. In other words, if we purchased this land, we could begin harvesting some of the timber. Additionally, the land has all of the "dream fulfillers) we both long for (2 ponds, beautiful spring fed creek, all utilities, beautiful views, trail network, lots of wildlife, hunting cabin, equipment shed). Our plans would be to eventually build a small house (youngest son is 2 yrs from HS graduation), sell this place (which is very desirable due to location) and move to the "middle of nowhere."

It seems this place could serve several purposes: the land has more to offer than we could have ever imagined, it would produce both immediate and long term income (timber, renting for hay, hunting, etc, if we chose to do so, any supplemental farming we could do), be a "legacy" place our two kids could build there if they chose to, an investment and tax write off (create LLC to run through existing trust), etc. In other words, this place "checks all of the boxes" except for not having a house, and finally, with the risk of becoming too political, sustain us if the economy collapses. Also, we can afford it now and will be able to even more when we sell this place and move there full time.

My questions are this: How many of you have moved to a place where you are, if you choose to do so, completely isolated from other people? We are not very social people other than family, church and work but this would be a whole different experience from what we have known. Secondly, for those with experience, is timber harvesting as profitable and sustainable as I have been told and read about? Third, realizing you have very little information to make this decision, if you had an opportunity like this, would you do it?

This is not a "tractor" post but I have spent countless hours on this forum and even though I don't personally know any of you, I probably value the opinions and advice from here more than people I know (no hidden agendas!!). T

Thank you in advance.

 

[mcfarmall]

Believe me, I would if I could. What are you waiting for?

 

[WW2017]

LOL MC, meeting the agent in 2 hrs!

 

[BRMyers]

When the timing is right, that is what the wife and I hoping to do. We would like to move away and be more isolated, but currently with daughter in college and where we are at with our careers, we have a few years before we can do that.

Yet, if the timing is right for you, then go for it.

 

[old and tired]

Our retirement plan was to sell our house in Raleigh, NC and move to the farm.... a couple of years ago, we stayed at the farm during the winter and decided that was not going to work for us. Even though we've been coming to this area since late 80's... we were always outsiders. We know lots of people but are really not close friends with anyone up here.

We plan to keep the house in the city where we have 35 years of friends and history at. And just use our "farm" as a get-a-way spot. Can you afford both places? We had paid off the Raleigh house and just used it to get cash to buy the farm....

 

[WW2017]

Old and tired, that is one of our concerns as well. However, when we do go to social events, we feel like "outsiders" and continually ask each other if we're ready to go!!

 

[nhbubba]

Have you accounted for access to quality medical care? This is something I had never really considered myself. My in-laws are currently going through this themselves and point out that this is a growing issue for them as they age.

The home I live in now is on the very edge of my town of about 12k people. However in typical New England fashion ya cahn't ghit theya frum heah; you must go through a neighboring town to get to our own town center. It is relatively remote. We are 30-40 min from regional medical centers in 20-30k person cities. Major medical centers in 0.5M+ cities are less than 2 hours away.

My home was bought from the estate of a gentleman who passed away in the kitchen. Not long after I bought the house I was having a conversation with our local fire chief. He was urging me to support his pet project for a mutual aid support agreement with some of the neighboring towns. He pointed out that the previous owner of my home "might have made it" had that agreement been in place. "You never know."
He got my support!

Anyhow. A thought in passing from a random stranger on the internet. Best of luck with your decision.

 

[WW2017]

NH, that is almost exactly the kind of place this is in regards the medical care. 15 minutes from a "clinic," 45 from two very capable hospitals, and 90-120 minutes from top tier places. Had not given much thought to that so greatly appreciate your input.

 

[BigBlue1]

I moved from a suburban area to a rural 10-acre property in 2016. The benefits of being away from the hustle & bustle and density areas outweigh the inconveniences. It just takes a little longer to go shopping now and to go visit friends. But being out where it is quiet, low crime, enough space to shoot guns, dark skies, etc. are well worth it. Not to mention space to garden and do other types of outdoor activities.

Now, with MN turning into ever more of a political environment that is disagreeable to us and taxes continually going up we're thinking about finding another state further west that takes us even further from the zoo.

Obviously it all depends on you and your wife's likes and dislikes whether the seclusion and space is the right choice. Rural properties are more work, but can be more fun. If someone likes big city stuff (entertainment, eating out, shopping) then it may be less beneficial to be away. Or if you have lots of friends and relatives you get together with frequently.

I'll say that about the only thing I really miss is having a wider selection of good restaurants around. But that has led me to being a better cook.

Oh, and to tie this back to tractors... Bigger property and more rural implies the need for bigger tractors! Win, win!

Rob

 

[WW2017]

BigBlue, your situation and motives sounds similar to ours. We are currently only 10 minutes from my sister and my elderly parents. Other than church and the occasional social gathering, we usually are more than content to spend our free time enjoying our current setup, which doesn't have near the beauty or recreation opportunities this place has. Even now, on just 22 acres, I have more than enough to do with my two tractors. And totally agree with you statement about bigger tractors. In fact, when we were looking at the pics of this place, my wife told me I was gonna need a bigger tractor!! She's a keeper fer sure!

30 minutes until agent arrives to show us the place. I'll post back afterwards and maybe post some pics. Thanks to all of you. Getting some very good input here as I knew I would.