Owning a horse property is a dream for many, but the costs associated with purchasing land, building facilities, and maintaining the property can quickly become a barrier for aspiring equestrians. However, there are certain regions across the United States that offer much more affordable options for those looking to make their equine dreams a reality.
In the first part of this blog post, we’ll explore the 10 most budget-friendly locations to buy land for your horses. From the wide open spaces of the Midwest to the rolling hills of Appalachia. We’ll highlight the areas with the lowest land prices, most reasonable home construction costs, and overall lower costs of living.
The second part of this blog will talk about the most popular regions of the country. Based on horse activity, horse shows and competition facilities, professional trainers, farriers and equine specialist as well as an ideal climate.
Whether your priorities lie in finding year-round riding weather, accessing world-class equestrian facilities, or securing the most affordable option, this guide will equip you with the insights you need to identify the ideal city for your horse ownership goals.
The 10 Most Affordable Places to Buy Land for Horses
Dreaming of owning your own little slice of countryside to house your beloved horses? If so, you’ll want to consider purchasing land in one of these 10 surprisingly affordable regions across the United States.
1 – Oklahoma
With its vast rural landscapes, Oklahoma tops the list as one of the cheapest places to buy land for horses. You can find decent-sized acreage for as little as $2,000 per acre. The average cost to build a 2,000 sq ft home is around $250,000, and the overall cost of living is 11% below the national average. Oklahoma has a continental climate with hot summers and mild winters.
2 – Arkansas
Similar to Oklahoma, Arkansas offers ample affordable land, especially in the Ozark and Ouachita mountain regions. Expect to pay around $2,500 per acre on the low end. Building costs average $200,000 for a 2,000 sq ft home, and the cost of living is 13% below the U.S. average. Arkansas has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild to cool winters.
3 – Missouri
The “Show Me” state is another Midwest location with very reasonably priced land, often running $3,000 to $5,000 per acre for good horse property. Home construction costs $250,000 on average, and the cost of living is 10% lower than the national norm. Missouri has a humid continental climate with hot, humid summers and cold winters.
4 – Kansas
Vast open prairies and farmland make Kansas a prime spot for inexpensive horse land, with prices typically ranging from $2,500 to $4,000 per acre. Building a 2,000 sq ft home averages $275,000, and the overall cost of living is 8% below the U.S. average. Kansas has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold, dry winters.
5 – Nebraska
Like its neighbors, Nebraska provides sprawling rural areas perfect for horse owners on a budget. Land costs average $3,000 to $5,000 per acre. Home construction is around $250,000, and the cost of living is 10% lower than the national level. Nebraska has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold, dry winters.
6 – South Dakota
From the Black Hills to the Great Plains, South Dakota offers picturesque landscapes and affordable real estate, with land prices around $3,500 to $6,000 per acre. The average cost to build a 2,000 sq ft home is $300,000, and the overall cost of living is 6% below average. South Dakota has a continental climate with cold, dry winters and hot, humid summers.
7 – Iowa
Iowa’s agricultural heritage means ample land options for horse enthusiasts, with prices in the $3,000 to $6,000 per acre range. Home construction costs $275,000 on average, and the cost of living is 8% lower than the national norm. Iowa has a humid continental climate with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.
8 – Montana
Big sky country might be famous for its grand vistas, but it’s also known for its very reasonably priced land, often listing for $4,000 to $8,000 per acre. Building a 2,000 sq ft home averages $325,000, and the overall cost of living is 5% below the U.S. average. Montana has a continental climate with cold, dry winters and hot, dry summers.
9 – Idaho
As a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, Idaho has become an appealing option for horse owners thanks to its stunning scenery and affordable land, typically running $5,000 to $10,000 per acre. Home construction costs around $300,000, and the cost of living is 4% lower than the national level. Idaho has a continental climate with cold, snowy winters and hot, dry summers.
10 – Wyoming
Rounding out the list is Wyoming, where the vast open spaces translate to inexpensive land, often priced between $5,000 to $10,000 per acre. The average cost to build a 2,000 sq ft home is $325,000, and the overall cost of living is 3% below the U.S. average. Wyoming has a continental climate with cold, dry winters and hot, dry summers.
Of course, the cost of the land is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to setting up your equestrian property. You’ll also need to factor in the expenses of fencing, buildings, equipment, and ongoing maintenance. But by choosing one of these more affordable regions, you can significantly reduce the upfront investment required to make your horse ownership dreams a reality.
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Top 10 Most Popular Regions for Horse Property
When it comes to purchasing horse property, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Each of these 10 cities has its own unique advantages and drawbacks.
1 – Ocala, Florida
Climate: Subtropical with hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters – ideal for year-round riding.
Horse Shows/Activities: Home to the HITS Ocala and World Equestrian Center, plus numerous other high-profile competitions.
Land Prices: $10,000 – $50,000 per acre
Cost of Living: 3% below national average
2 – Lexington, Kentucky
Climate: Continental with four distinct seasons, including hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.
Horse Shows/Activities: Known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” hosting the Kentucky Horse Park, Keeneland, and other major events.
Land Prices: $8,000 – $40,000 per acre
Cost of Living: 8% below national average
3 – Tryon, North Carolina
Climate: Humid subtropical with mild, pleasant temperatures year-round.
Horse Shows/Activities: Site of the 2018 World Equestrian Games and home to the Tryon International Equestrian Center.
Land Prices: $15,000 – $60,000 per acre
Cost of Living: 5% below national average
4 – Scottsdale, Arizona
Climate: Desert with extremely hot, dry summers and mild, sunny winters.
Horse Shows/Activities: Host to the prestigious Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show and other high-level competitions.
Land Prices: $20,000 – $80,000 per acre
Cost of Living: 5% above national average
5 – Wellington, Florida
Climate: Subtropical with hot, humid summers and warm, dry winters.
Horse Shows/Activities: Epicenter of the winter equestrian season, home to the Winter Equestrian Festival.
Land Prices: $50,000 – $150,000 per acre
Cost of Living: 30% above national average
6 – Aiken, South Carolina
Climate: Humid subtropical with hot, muggy summers and mild, wet winters.
Horse Shows/Activities: Known for its vibrant polo scene and annual Triple Crown of Polo tournament.
Land Prices: $10,000 – $40,000 per acre
Cost of Living: 6% below national average
7 – Thermal, California
Climate: Desert with very hot, dry summers and mild, pleasant winters.
Horse Shows/Activities: Home to the prestigious HITS Coachella desert circuit.
Land Prices: $30,000 – $100,000 per acre
Cost of Living: 15% above national average
8 – Middleburg, Virginia
Climate: Humid continental with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.
Horse Shows/Activities: Equestrian capital of the East Coast, hosting the prestigious Upperville Colt & Horse Show.
Land Prices: $20,000 – $80,000 per acre
Cost of Living: 25% above national average
9 – Sheridan, Wyoming
Climate: Continental with cold, dry winters and hot, dry summers.
Horse Shows/Activities: Offers a variety of rodeos, ranch riding competitions, and other Western-style events.
Land Prices: $8,000 – $30,000 per acre
Cost of Living: 4% below national average
10 – Somis, California
Climate: Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.
Horse Shows/Activities: Close proximity to the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park and other top-tier competition venues.
Land Prices: $25,000 – $75,000 per acre
Cost of Living: 10% above national average
When it comes to purchasing horse property, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Each of these 10 cities has its own unique advantages and drawbacks.
For example, Ocala and Lexington offer year-round riding in a horse-centric environment, but at a higher cost of living. Scottsdale and Thermal provide ideal desert climates, but with land prices on the pricier side. And while Sheridan and Aiken offer more affordable options, they may not have the same level of equestrian infrastructure and activities.
Carefully consider your priorities – whether that’s access to top-tier shows, a mild climate, or a lower cost of living. Then do your due diligence to find the perfect property in the right location to suit your equestrian lifestyle and budget.
With the right research and planning, you can find your equine oasis and make your horse ownership dreams a reality.
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