Are you looking for a new place to call home? Do you want to enjoy the benefits of living in a small town with a friendly community and a low cost of living? If so, you might be interested in some of the free land programs that are available in Minnesota.
Many rural towns and counties in Minnesota are facing population decline and are trying to attract new residents by offering free or discounted lots to people who are willing to build homes on them. In addition to the free land, some of these places also offer other incentives such as tax abatements, utility hookups, and local gift certificates.
In this article, we will introduce you to three cities in Minnesota that are offering free land to people: Richland, Claremont, and Halstad. We will also provide some information on the requirements and benefits of each program, as well as where to get more details.
Richland
Richland is a small city of approximately 1,200 people in Waseca County, Minnesota. It is located about 75 miles south of Minneapolis and offers a variety of amenities and services, such as a golf course, a library, a school, and a medical clinic.
Richland has a free land program where you can get an 86’ x 133’ lot on the northwest side of the city. The lots are ready for construction and have access to city water, sewer, and electric services.
Some of the requirements for the free land program include:
- Must pay some of the costs to develop the land (streets, curb, gutter, water and sewer). These development costs are approximately $25,000 but will be reduced to approximately $14,000, which is payable over a 15-year period
- Must build a home within 1 year of acquiring the land
- Must obtain a pre-approval letter from a lender
Claremont
The free land program in Claremont, Minnesota, differs from those in other parts of the country. Instead of trying to attract wealthy homeowners, their program is only open to working families who make less than $129,000 per year.
Claremont is a city of about 550 people in Dodge County, Minnesota. It is located about 60 miles south of Minneapolis and has a strong agricultural and industrial base. It also has a school, a library, a park, and a community center.
Families who apply for the free land program in Claremont will be given one of the available lots in the city. The lots are about 80’ x 120’ and have access to city water, sewer, and electric services.
Some of the benefits of the free land program include:
- Will be partnered with a counselor to help them apply for a USDA mortgage
- Will receive a $5,000 grant from the city to help with closing costs and down payment
- Will receive a 10-year tax abatement from the city
Halstad
Halstad is a small city of 579 residents in Norman County, Minnesota. It is located about 40 miles north of Fargo, North Dakota, and is situated along the Red River of the North. It has a historic downtown, a school, a library, a museum, and a recreation center.
Halstad has numerous free lots available for people who will build homes on them. The lots are about 100’ x 150’ and are located in a new subdivision on the east side of the city. The lots have access to city water, sewer, and electric services.
Some of the benefits of the free land program include:
- No connection fee for electric, water, or sewer service
- Reimbursement of costs for the first 75 feet of connecting these utilities
- Tax abatement for up to 5 years
Some of the requirements for the free land program include:
- Must submit an application to the city
- Must build a home with an assessed value of $175,000 or more
- Must occupy the home for at least 3 years after completing the build
Conclusion
If you are looking for a change of scenery and a chance to own your own home, you might want to consider moving to one of these three cities in Minnesota that are offering free land to people. You will not only save money on the land, but also enjoy the perks of living in a small town with a welcoming community and a high quality of life.
However, before you pack your bags and head to Minnesota, make sure you do your research and understand the terms and conditions of each program. You will also need to secure financing, plan your home design, and comply with the local building codes and regulations.
Free land programs are a great opportunity for people who are looking for a new adventure and a fresh start. If you are one of them, don’t miss this chance to make your dream come true.