In the United States, buying land has always been seen as a smart long-term investment but in 2025, it’s become more than just smart, it’s practical. With recent market data showing steady land appreciation in rural counties and a shift in buyer priorities, the value of land ownership is now backed by both lifestyle and financial logic.
As housing prices continue to climb and remote work has become the new normal, more people are rethinking what “home” looks like. There’s a growing shift toward wide-open spaces, self-sufficiency, and simplicity. Whether it’s for building a dream home, setting up a weekend retreat, or preparing for the future, buyers are increasingly drawn to rural areas, off grid solutions, and more affordable acreage that offers flexibility, freedom, and long-term value.
But choosing the best states to buy land isn’t just about price. Savvy buyers also evaluate long-term growth potential, zoning flexibility, and future resale opportunities before making a purchase.
That said, here are some information about each of the states that might be helpful as you consider your options this year, based on affordability, location benefits, economic trends, and future growth.
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Oregon is renowned for its diverse landscape, encompassing coastal areas, mountains, forests, and fertile farmlands. The state boasts a robust and varied economy, with a blend of agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries. Although the cost of living in Oregon is higher than the national average, it is still lower than in some other parts of the country and is considered as the best place to buy land.
The real estate market here continues to attract people seeking privacy, nature, and independence. Local land agents report increased demand in areas like Grants Pass, Medford, and Klamath Falls due to lifestyle appeal and relative affordability.
Land for sale in Oregon ranges from agricultural farmland to metropolitan areas with easily accessible conveniences and necessities.
Best places to buy land: Klamath County (nature & recreation), Lake County (off-grid retreats), and Coos County (coastal living).
Average cost: $6,503 per acre
Great for buyers looking for a balance of scenic beauty, privacy, and profitable resale potential.
Arizona is a sunny state with dry air and lots of open rural and raw land. What makes it special is that many areas have very open zoning laws. This means buyers often have a lot of choices for how they use their land. Land prices here are among the most affordable, particularly in the southeast and north parts of the state.
In recent years, regions like Cochise, Apache, and Mohave County have become hotspots for buyers looking to buy cheap lots and owner financed land options.
These areas are also gaining attention from off-grid living enthusiasts and renewable energy developers due to favourable climate, open desert, mountain views, or a quiet place to build.
Best places to buy land: Apache County (off-grid living), Mohave County (affordable desert land), and Navajo County (quiet rural retreats).
Average Land Cost: $4,328 per acre.
Strong option for those wanting flexible land use, affordability, and future appreciation.
Florida may not seem affordable at first glance, but don’t let the real estate headlines fool you. While Miami and Orlando remain expensive, there are still plenty of counties with valuable and reasonably priced land for sale, especially in the northern and inland parts of the state.
Industry reports show consistent year-over-year appreciation in rural counties such as Ocala, Lake City, and Levy, making them attractive to both residential and agricultural buyers.
With its growing population, there is always a strong need for rental homes, vacation spots, and farmland. Counties like Ocala, Lake City, and Levy show steady price increases. Some areas like Walton are good for horse farms, Highlands for lakeside land, and Putnam for land to build or flip.
Best places to buy land: Walton County (horse farms), Highlands County (lakeside lots), and Putnam County (development-ready plots).
Average cost: $28,961 per acre
Ideal for vacation homes, rural development, or future resale.
Utah has a mix of mountains, forests, and wide dry lands. In recent years, people have chosen to leave main cities and move to buy land in rural counties because of cheaper land and more privacy. Salt Lake City keeps growing, but many are now heading to places like Duchesne, Sanpete, and Emery for lower-cost land.
The state’s economy is strong. There are many outdoor activities, and it’s great for families, remote workers, or businesses. Rural plots are especially attractive for building cabins, renting to tourists, or just enjoying nature.
Best places to buy land: San Juan County (tourism), Carbon County (raw land), and Duchesne County (off-grid living).
Average cost: $4,664 per acre
A smart location for buyers who value nature, independence, and investment growth.
Texas continues to be one of the best states to buy land in the US thanks to its size, affordability, and pro-business mindset. Whether you’re after ranch land, farmland, or suburban plots, there’s no shortage of land for sale.
It does not have a state income tax and has reasonable property taxes, a major draw for both investors and retirees. With metro areas like Austin and Dallas expanding, buyers are going to counties such as Bastrop, Eastland, and Hudspeth for rural deals.
Best places to buy land: Bastrop County (near Austin), Eastland County (affordable farmland), and Hudspeth County (off-grid acreage)
Average cost: $7,542 per acre
Great for residential development, agriculture, or holding long-term as a land banking investment.
For buyers looking for inexpensive acreage and freedom from strict regulations, Nevada is a goldmine. It’s known for wide open spaces, very low property taxes, and easy rules about using your land. The most affordable land is away from Las Vegas, in counties like Elko, Nye, Humboldt, and Lyon.
This state is popular for people who want to live simply, try off-grid living, or even build solar farms. Developers and people building desert projects see Nevada as a good long-term choice.
Best places to buy land: Elko County (rural investment), Humboldt County (farm and ranch land) and Nye County (affordable acreage).
Average cost: $2,116 per acre
Strong candidate for buying cheap land and long-term development.
Whether you’re interested in buying land, building a cabin, or simply holding it, Idaho makes sense in 2025.
Idaho used to be a secret but not anymore. Now, it’s getting noticed because it is clean environment, strong community values, and beautiful scenery now one of the best places to buy land in the US for those who want a peaceful lifestyle or profitable rural investment.
Boise (the biggest city) is getting more expensive, but in northern and eastern Idaho, you can still find good land at fair prices.
Counties like Bonner, Nez Perce, and Gooding each offer something different. There is land for farming, building a cabin, or just waiting for values to go up over time.
Best places to buy land: Bonner County (lakeside retreats), Nez Perce County (agriculture), and Gooding County (residential lots)
Average cost: $3,435 per acre
Well-suited for self-sufficiency, homesteading, and land ownership without high costs.
Wisconsin offers a unique blend of affordability, friendly communities and lots of green space. The state is great for people who want to farm, camp, or find a place for a cabin. Owner financing is common, making it easier to buy land even if you’re on a budget.
The state has everything from rolling farmland to forested lake regions like Adams, Burnett, and Sawyer drawing in new landowners. Wisconsin’s strong dairy and crop production ensures agricultural land remains a stable investment.
Best places to buy land: Adams County (recreational and agricultural land), Burnett County (wooded acreage and lakeside property), and Sawyer County (forest and cabin land).
Average cost: Around $6,363 per acre statewide (2025 average); Burnett County around $3,258 per acre; Sawyer County around $15,854 per acre.
Perfect for those building homes, cabins, or agricultural businesses.
New Mexico is growing in popularity for buyers who want a simpler way of living. Art communities, creative businesses, and renewable energy projects all thrive here. The state is very sunny with a mild climate, making off-grid and solar power easy.
With over 48% of land for sale in new maxico federally owned, private land is easy to find and often very cheap.
Counties like Torrance, Valencia, and Rio Arriba are particularly popular for off grid solution buyers. Whether you’re interested in sustainable living, building an artist studio, or investing in remote land for future appreciation, New Mexico offers serious bang for your buck.
Missouri is gaining popularity thanks to its central location, rich farmland, and balanced climate. It’s a solid choice for people who want to settle down, start a homestead, or invest in land for sale Missouri for commercial use.
Popular places to look for land include Benton (lakes), Callaway (quiet countryside), and Franklin (growing towns with good resale value). Land can be used for houses, farming, business, or vacation homes.
There are a few other factors also to consider when looking to best places to buy investment property in USA, including location, price, and potential for development or resale.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you consider buying land in the USA:
Location: Look for land in an area that is likely to increase in value over time. This might include areas close to major cities, growing population, strong job market, or desirable amenities.
Price: Consider the price of the land concerning comparable properties in the area. Don’t overpay for land, especially if it does not have any immediate development potential.
Potential for development or resale: Look for land that has the potential to be developed or resold in the future. This might include land that is zoned for residential or commercial use or land that is located near a major city or transportation hub.
Whether you’re looking to buy land to build your dream home, diversify your investment portfolio, or plan for retirement, the key is research. Understand zoning laws and regulations, evaluate development potential, and consider both short-term usability and long-term appreciation.
Use a reliable land buying guide, and don’t hesitate to ask the right questions about utilities, road access, soil quality, and owner financing option availability. Some of the best deals come from overlooked counties in already popular states.
At APXN Property, we simplify this process by offering curated listings, detailed property reports, and transparent pricing so you can make confident decisions. Our team research zoning, access, and local market conditions in advance, helping you find the best deals.
