In a society that is becoming governed by our reliance on technology, many people are yearning for a lifestyle that embraces the simpler things from our past. Self-sufficiency, minimalism and eco-consciousness are at the forefront of the current Homestead movement. Over 180,000 families are already living on their own independent homesteads in the U.S. from Salem, NY to Sherman, Texas with those numbers growing by 50,000 every year.
So, what’s behind the trend to get back to the basics and embrace the old ways of life? There are many factors that have contributed to the move away from an urban lifestyle. As the world tries to navigate the new reality of the Coronavirus pandemic, the urge to become more self-sufficient has become stronger. Our reliance on the grid and the delicate food supply chain has quickly become a stark concern for many people around the world.
One of the strongest draws toward homesteading is the desire to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Whether you homestead completely or partially off the grid, becoming more energy independent and conservative is an attractive reality.
Homesteaders will often power their land by using only natural resources like hydroelectricity, wind, solar and geothermal power. This can dramatically reduce the size of a family’s carbon footprint, allowing them to responsibly contribute to environmental changes in the world around them.
Not since the great expansion into the west in the late 1800s has there been such interest in the homesteading lifestyle. Families are looking for Affordable homes for sale in Sherman, TX and across the country where they can set up a rewarding and traditional life. Let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons that homesteading has become such a popular lifestyle.
Independence
Millions of people around the world live productive and happy lives without the same level of dependence on electricity and technology as we are used to in the U.S. In fact, the younger generations are the most likely to maintain that life isn’t worth living unless you are connected to technology or the larger grid. Over time, as we have created a life full of conveniences we have lost many of the basic skills on which our survival depends.
There is a valid fear throughout the population that many people would be entirely lost if the power grid was to suffer a catastrophic failure. A desire to reeducate themselves, learn lost skills and develop a life that is reliant on the use of the natural world has drawn many citizens into the homesteading lifestyle.
Less Stress
In an urban setting, you are constantly exposed to noise and activity outside of your already busy schedule. These factors can contribute to heightened stress levels. Although homesteading is not without its stresses, the nature of the intrusion is very different.
Problem-solving and hard work that can cause stress on the homestead doesn’t seem to have the same effects as urban stresses. Many people are simply looking for a quieter and slower lifestyle when they embark on homesteading.
Food Connection
In recent times, nothing has shown the general public the importance and delicacy of the food supply system than the ongoing pandemic. Panic buying and the shortage of fresh foods and meats has made it all too clear to many people that they are dangerously reliant on a system that could break down at any point.
Homesteaders are focused on creating their own food supplies through farming, raising livestock, and preservation. Homesteaders often prefer to grow their food using organic methods, giving them a purer resource with less impact on the environment.
Natural World Connection
There seems to be a distinct disconnect between humans and the natural world around them. The sheltered urban lifestyle may be convenient and sterile on the outside but it often causes a sense of deeper disconnection. The lack of presence and activity in the open air and wilderness has drawn many people away from the essential things that help them to recenter and connect with their inner selves.
Homesteaders spend countless hours working and living in the outdoors maintaining a direct relationship to the earth and its cycles. Many people that are looking for ways to renew their connection to the natural world are choosing to homestead where they are relying solely on the bounty of the world to help them to survive.
There are many reasons behind the recent popularity of the homesteading lifestyle. From a need to feel a peaceful quiet that has been drowned out in an urban setting, to growing and cultivating your own food, most homesteaders claim that they have not had more satisfaction at any other time in their lives.
