Tag: Homesteading

Several ‘floating’ criteria come into play around midnight when I’m trolling realtor.com.  Some of which are our current and future side gigs. Hubby is a woodworker so he needs an outbuilding or garage, and I need an office, of course.

I’ve being looking across four counties, hoping for enough indoor/outdoor yard space to dog sit & have gardens, and chickens. Within an hour’s commute & under our price limit. There’s nothing that isn’t ‘handyman special,’ too close to Indianapolis (YUK!)… or on back roads with no phone service, that won’t see a snowplow for days.

Alternate plans forward: We are thinking it’s not our time yet, for a county homestead. We have to live with this decision for the next decade. We’d rather wait than compromise; or go too far in debt. 6 months of not quite right. Yikes! 5 months left till our lease is up here, and we ain’t stayin’ — Time for a new strategy.

We’ve been revisiting the possibilities of  ‘small town life.’ Some pros… So many 2 story old Victorian style/Farm Houses listed as 4 bed/2 bath– just off the main street. Luscious dark woodwork within; begging to be loved up with Murphy’s oil soap. 😉 Cupboards and closets for miles. Neighborhoods with shade trees and bisecting sidewalks. I don’t dislike sidewalks.  Or neighbors for that matter. I could plant a both English and veggie gardens while he builds fences.

More than double the house in square foot, but smaller lot than we wanted {although bigger than we have now!}. Some traffic noise, but away from the city scurry. Closer to weekend attractions and small colleges. Solid and well built. City utilities & wifi/phone connectivity are a plus.

Alternate Side Gigs: Pet friendly air B&B? Maybe rent out an extra room & bath! A corner lot will be handy for hubby to display and sell his woodwork projects, too. Other ticks on the ‘plus’ side – Basement! Friendly community chatter page. Covered porches for rainy days, potted plants and corralling Border Collies. 😉 20-25 min to family and groceries & 40 min to work is reasonable. So are the house prices {even though a few updates are needed}. We’ll be viewing at least one mammoth place this Saturday. I’m excited for the possibilities!

I try not to complain in length or detail, but Friends and Confidantes, we are sick of this trailer park! There’s a racetrack across the street and moderate traffic from 7am till 7 pm in front of our place. There’s also two side roads that run within 6 feet on either side of the trailer into the park. I chose it because it had a covered porch and huge tree. It was meant to be temporary. –“3 years tops” is closing in fast – Gma Auburn {Jen}

#midwestliving #bordercollie #househunting #indianapolis #farwestside #hoosierstate #hiking #retirementplans