Why Modern Homesteads and Off-Grid Living Are on the Rise

Why Modern Homesteads and Off-Grid Living Are on the Rise

In recent years, the once-niche dream of off-grid living has moved into the mainstream. No longer limited to survivalists, modern homesteading has become an attractive lifestyle for a wide range of buyers, from young professionals working remotely to families craving a simpler, more self-sufficient way of life.

What Is Modern Homesteading?

At its core, modern homesteading is about self-reliance. Homeowners in rural settings are embracing:

• Producing at least some of their own food
• Generating renewable energy through solar, wind, or hydropower
• Reducing waste and prioritizing sustainability in daily living

It’s a lifestyle that blends old-fashioned self-sufficiency with modern conveniences like high-speed internet, making it possible to live rurally without sacrificing connection or opportunity.

The Pandemic Shift

The COVID-19 pandemic sparked a major reevaluation of where and how people live. With remote work becoming more common, many families and individuals left crowded cities in search of space, affordability, and a slower pace of life.

The Rural Mortgage Boom

The move toward rural living shows up in mortgage trends, too. A Fannie Mae report revealed that applications for rural mortgages have jumped 80% since the start of the pandemic. While not all city dwellers relocated, even a modest influx created a disproportionate demand in smaller rural communities.

Even as higher mortgage interest rates have cooled demand in metro areas, rural mortgage applications remain well above pre-pandemic levels.

Rising Prices, But Still Affordable

Demand has pushed rural housing prices higher, and faster, than their metro counterparts. Between 2019 and 2025, list prices in rural counties rose 64%, compared to 42% in metro counties. In just the last three years, rural prices surged 13%, while metro areas saw only 4% growth.

Still, rural homes remain more affordable overall. As of July 2025, the median rural home was listed at $299,950, compared with $348,200 in metro areas. That 14% discount has narrowed from 25% in 2019, but for budget-conscious buyers, rural living continues to offer relative savings.

What’s Driving the Trend?

Two key factors explain the rural boom:

1. Remote Work: Reliable high-speed internet now allows people to work from anywhere, eliminating the need to stay tethered to urban centers.
2. Affordability Pressures: With interest rates elevated, many buyers are choosing rural counties where their dollars stretch further.

Modern homesteading and off-grid living have transformed from fringe concepts into a sought-after lifestyle. With mortgage applications in rural areas soaring and demand driving up prices, more Americans are trading city streets for country roads. Whether it’s the dream of sustainability, the need for affordability, or the freedom of remote work, rural America is experiencing a renaissance that shows no sign of slowing.

And here in the Treasure Valley, we’re seeing more buyers looking for properties with acreage, places where they can garden, keep animals, or simply enjoy wide-open space while still being close to Boise’s conveniences. If you’ve been curious about exploring rural or acreage options in our area, reach out, I’d be happy to help you find the right fit for your lifestyle.

Information from Realtor.com