Why Buy Land Now?

While there are excellent land values all across the country, here are a few places that are worth taking special note of because of the magnificent values that can be at each.

1. Flagler County, Fla.
Where: Between Daytona Beach and St. Augustine
Why it’s hot: Beaches to the east, lakes to the west
Where to buy: Five acres of farmland west of U.S. Highway 1 (only 20 minutes from the beach) sells for $100,000.

2. White County, Ga.
Where: An hour N.E. of Atlanta
Why it’s hot: Blue Ridge Mountains, Chattahoochee River, and temperate climate
Where to buy: Sites start at $35,000, but check the county’s development restrictions first

3. Burnet County, Texas
Where: An hour N.W. of Austin
Why it’s hot: Hills and valleys, woods and water. Property tax breaks for agricultural uses.
Where to buy: Three- to four acre “view” lots near the town of Burnet start at $100,000; head east to Bertram or Oatmeal, and they’re $25,000.

4. Taney County, Mo.
Where: South of Springfield
Why it’s hot: The Ozarks, plus Branson, Mo.’s music scene
Where to buy: Most anywhere: $10,000 gets you two acres on a lake; $2,000 puts you on a ridge with a view. But rocky terrain adds to building costs.

5. San Juan County, Wash.
Where: Off state’s N.W. coast
Why it’s hot: Unspoiled coastline, unlimited boating
Where to buy: Just five of its 172 islands get public ferries, and space is scarce there. Land for less than $100,000 is a deal; anything by the water is at least $250,000